Seicho Matsumoto is a Japanese master crime writer of hundreds of works, just a handful translated into English, the best being Inspector Imanishi Investigates and The Mystery Train Disappears. Compared to writers such as PD James and Rex Stout, to me he is most like Patricia Highsmith, as his novels revolve around the physiology of the crime, and dissecting the impact society plays in it.
Unassuming Tsuneo Asai is on a business trip when he gets the call - his wife has fallen on a Tokyo street, was taken into a nearby cosmetics shop, and died of a heart attack. Visiting the shop to give his obligatory thanks, he is surprised to find it located in an upscale suburban neighbourhood, the quiet stately homes nestled in with a few private love hotels - what was his wife doing in this neighbourhood? Although it's determined a natural death, Tsuneo has suspicions. When he returns, he finds the shop and the next-door house torn down, replace with brand new love hotel. His investigation into these sudden changes begins to reveal a nest of adultery, blackmail, coercion, and deception - his pursuit of the guilty party in his wife's death becoming a deadly obsession as he takes justice into his own hands.
Like many Japanese crime novels, societal pressures play a major role and Matsumoto is expert at revealing the often crushing system of place and position. Tsuneo is a section chief at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Once confident of his abilities, as he falls deeper into the mystery he discovers these company obligations, even his sense of place in the world, turning into a rigid trap that will bring about his downfall.
A fan of the novels of Matsumoto, I am predisposed to enjoy this latest translation - however, it's justified with a terrific existential thriller like A Quiet Place. Tsuneo is a quiet man increasingly caught up, pushing himself beyond the edge then forced to hang on precariously for dear life. Complex and engaging - recommended for those looking for an all around solid mystery.
1975 / Tradeback / 235 pages
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