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The Honjin Murders

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The Honjin Murders

Written by: Seishi Yokomizo, Louise Kawai
Narrated by: Akira Matsumoto
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Buy Now for ₹664.00

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About this listen

In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour – it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions about the Ichiyanagis around the village.

Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi family are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music – death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. The murder seems impossible, but amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is determined to get to the bottom of it.

©1973 Seishi Yokomizo. Translation Louise Heal Kawai 2019. (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing Amateur Sleuth Crime Thrillers International Mystery & Crime Mystery Thriller & Suspense Japanese Detective

Critic Reviews

"A classic locked-room murder mystery, the first in the Detective Kindaichi series.... The solution to this mystery came as a complete surprise - exactly what I asked for." (New York Times Book Review)

"The perfect read for this time of year. Short and compelling, it will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie looking for a new case to break." (Irish Times)

"Japan's Agatha Christie.... It's an absolute pleasure to see his work translated at last in these beautifully produced English editions." (Sunday Times)
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It's an English translation of the Japanese murder mystery and it kept me hooked for the entire time. I listened it on my commute to office and i swear I looked forward to my commute to know what happened next.

The story is fabulous as it is, however full marks to the narrator for his voice modulation, articulation and expressions which made this such an immersive experience.

Gripping performance

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The book is a great ode to all locked room mystery novels out there. The author, Seishi Yokomizo, takes his time to set up the murder and introduces his protagonist very late. However, the last act is very shocking when revealed, and locked room nysteries are always interesting! The narrator was clear, and he conveyed the emotions, too! Will definitely pick up the next book in the series!

A good intro to Detective Kindaichi

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The narrative becomes enthralling as it unfolds the 'why' rather than dwelling solely on the 'how,' adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline.

The story intrigues with 'why' rather than 'how' details.

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Always have been a sucker for these locked room mysteries. This was a great listen plus it was short. A geniusly deviced mystery with definitely a good surprise at the moment.

Short & very interesting!

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quick listen and very engaging story. once you have covered first few chapters, you will not be able to stop listening to it.

well performed

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