Dear Reader,
A strange reading bug has enveloped me.
I am in the mood for reading thrillers. Yup, book love is forever.
I can’t remember the last time I wanted to read a murder mystery - so yes, it is a bizarre reading bug indeed - do you go through similar phases?
Described as ‘The Japanese Stieg Larsson’ by The Times, Keigo Higashino spins a compelling murder mystery in “Newcomer”. While she is a highly acclaimed author, this happens to be the first time I am reading her work. While travelling from Kochi to Delhi, I had picked up this book at one of the bookshops at the Kochi airport.
As mentioned earlier, ‘Newcomer’ is an unconventional murder mystery. A woman was found dead in her apartment. The police are investigating every clue.
What makes ‘Newcomer’ different from most mysteries is that we are taken through the lives of a series of narrators who are unknowingly or seemingly connected to the woman’s death. The story arc of each narrator marks a brief spell, offering us a candid window into their struggling lives in a bustling city like Tokyo.
As you read on, the nuances of their lives feel beautifully stitched together.
There is a simplicity in the telling.
Every story opens a window into a value-based lifestyle.
We are shown how families live, the emotional gaps and wounds they navigate and how Detective Kaga plays a pivotal role in bridging the gaps.
Relationships are fragile.
Japanese fiction brings out the unspoken nuances seamlessly.
Sometimes, all it takes to heal a wound is keen observation of human nature and understanding the triggers that are not easily apparent.
For example, Detective Kaga visits one shop in one arc, and in the next arc, he shows up with something from the shop in the previous arc.
Maki, the daughter-in-law who is co-managing her husband’s China shop, receives a shock when Inspector Kaga pays a visit. He checks with them as to why the deceased woman had come to their shop and what item she had wanted to purchase.
Meanwhile, her husband, Naoya has doubts as to why they are being questioned when they hardly knew the deceased.
Each story arc presents unique landscapes, fault lines and contradictions to consider.
If you like murder mysteries that do not fit in the typical Agatha Christie series, here’s an unusual approach to solving a murder mystery.
travel bug
writing anchor
last thoughts from the book
Kindness isn’t restricted to human beings - read about Kupata, the Dog That Helps Kids Cross Safely Across the Street
If you are an artist, never give up what you love.
Support others by sharing their work too. Appreciate their craft - it’s their oxygen!
Let go of whatever stresses you out. Take a deep breath and relax!
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