I've finished this intricate mystery, often considered Yokomizo's masterpiece, which follows detective Kosuke Kindaichi as he investigates a series of grotesque murders within the wealthy Inugami clan. As family members are killed off one by one following the reading of a complex will, Kindaichi must untangle decades of secrets, resentments, and wartime trauma.
Themes I Noticed
Inheritance and Greed
- The corrupting influence of wealth and power
- How inheritance disputes reveal character
- The burden of family legacies
War's Long Shadow
- The lasting impact of World War II on Japanese society
- Hidden identities and their consequences
- How national trauma manifests in individual lives
Revenge and Justice
- The line between vengeance and justice
- How past wrongs shape present actions
- The cycle of violence and retribution
Memorable Quotes
"Human memory is like a pond. The surface reflects clearly, but stir up the mud at the bottom and everything becomes cloudy."
"Even the most carefully constructed masks slip eventually."
"In a family as wealthy as the Inugamis, money doesn't solve problems—it creates them."
This novel showcases Yokomizo's skill at crafting complex, multi-layered mysteries that also serve as social commentary. The Inugami family's internal dynamics reflect broader themes in post-war Japanese society, including changing gender roles and the erosion of traditional family structures. The increasingly bizarre and theatrical murders create an atmosphere of mounting dread, while Kindaichi's methodical investigation provides a reassuring counterbalance. The solutions to the mysteries are satisfyingly intricate without feeling contrived, and the psychological motivations feel authentic despite the sometimes melodramatic elements.