MYSTERY

The Silent Dead

Minotaur: St. Martin's. May 2016. 304p. tr. from Japanese by Giles Murray. ISBN 9781250061591. $25.99; ebk. ISBN 9781466867314. M
COPY ISBN
OrangeReviewStarReiko Himekawa, a 29-year-old police lieutenant in the Tokyo Metro Police Homicide Unit, takes on a strange case when a body, carefully wrapped in plastic, is discovered near a local park pond. The victim was tortured before he was brutally murdered. Gathering clues, Reiko concludes that the killer has embarked on a crime spree. The discovery of more corpses expands her investigation. Inspired to become a police officer after she was attacked as a teenager in the park, Reiko has vowed to prove her worth and her skills to her peers. As she pursues the case relentlessly, exploring a cult Internet phenomenon called Strawberry Night, it soon becomes clear that she is being hunted.
VERDICT Making its U.S. debut, this Japanese best seller is finely tuned, with extreme twists and surprises. Honda has created a powerful protagonist in Lt. Himekawa, who will leave readers wanting more. This fun summer escapade will be savored by mystery and suspense readers.
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?