Here are some Japanese mystery novels that are worth recommending: 1. " The 13th Step of the Lost ": This book revolved around the death penalty system in Japan. Through the process of case reasoning, it constantly explored legal principles and human feelings. It was considered more than just a mystery novel. 2. After School, Malice, The Dedication of Suspect X, The New Actor, Murder's Door, White Night Walk, and The Threads of Hope were all suspense novels by Keigo Higashino, and they were all worth recommending. 3. " The Murder Case in Dizaka,"" Two Coins of Copper," and " Human Chairs " were Edogawa Rampo's suspense novels, and they were also one of the recommended works. 4. 'Prison Gate Island' was a mystery novel written by Masashi Henggou and was considered the pyramid of Japanese mystery novels. 5. Other recommended Japanese suspense novels included The Crafty Heart, The Murder Scene, The Tilted House, and so on. These were all popular Japanese mystery novels that were worth reading.
Japanese mystery novels often have complex plots. They like to play with the psychological aspects of the characters. For example, in many novels, the motivation behind the crime is deeply rooted in the character's past traumas or desires.
The plots are usually very intricate. There are multiple layers of mystery and often unexpected twists and turns. Like in 'The Devotion of Suspect X', just when you think you've figured it out, there's another big revelation.
One of the best is 'The Devotion of Suspect X' by Keigo Higashino. It has a brilliant plot with a mathematician using his skills to create an alibi for a neighbor suspected of murder. Another great one is 'Out' by Natsuo Kirino, which delves into the lives of four women working the night shift at a factory and the dark secrets they hold. Also, 'Ring' by Koji Suzuki is well - known for its terrifying and mysterious story about a cursed videotape.
Japanese horror mystery novels often have a strong sense of atmosphere. They use settings like isolated places (such as old houses, small islands) to create a feeling of unease. For example, in 'The Ring', the desolate cabin where the cursed videotape was found adds to the horror. Another characteristic is the exploration of deep - seated fears, like the fear of the unknown or the fear of death. In 'Uzumaki', the obsession with spirals represents something that is both strange and terrifying, yet hard to define precisely.
Good Japanese mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, in many Keigo Higashino's works, the characters are multi - faceted, with their own motives and secrets that are not easily discernible at first. This adds depth to the mystery.
One characteristic is the complex and often convoluted plots. They love to have many twists and turns, like in 'Zaregoto' series. Another is the unique settings. For example, some are set in a strange, alternate version of Japan like in 'Kagerou Daze'.
Japanese murder mystery novels often have intricate plots. For example, they might involve complex webs of relationships and motives that are slowly revealed.
They often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in an old Japanese village or a historical city like Kyoto. This setting is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the mystery.
The settings are also very important. In Japanese anime mystery novels, you can find settings ranging from high - tech futuristic cities to traditional Japanese villages. This contrast in settings adds to the mystery. For instance, in a traditional village - set mystery, there could be old superstitions and secrets that are part of the mystery. Also, the art of misdirection is often used. Just when you think you've figured out the culprit, there's a plot twist that throws you off.
Often, they have complex characters. For example, in many Keigo Higashino's novels, the characters are not simply good or bad, but have multi - faceted personalities which add to the mystery.