Newcomer – Keigo Higashino – Book Review

Keigo Higashino is a name that had got my attention this year. On a spree, this is his third book that I am reading this year and I don’t regret the decision either. There is a deep mystery followed by some subtle but powerful story that follows each of the books. This book is also no exception.

     As in most of his books, the story happens in Tokyo starting with the murder of a strange woman in her apartment with no particular motive to the same. The police and the investigative bureau handle the case and follows leads and witnesses meticulously with Detective Kaga also being a part of the investigation. He starts with investigating the alibi of persons who were in touch with her before her death and meticulously putting evidences in places and collecting information however minor or meaningless it seems. This might others out of their comfort zone as well. How the investigation progresses and how the people around the case are affected by Kaga’s investigation forms the story. In the process, he delves into their back stories and histories as well.

     If you are a reader of Japanese mysteries you might be aware that the Jap mysteries turn out to be slow burners. There is suspense at regular intervals and the author is successful in keep us in the dark pretty much like other characters in the story. The writer shows up the meticulous way an investigation takes place and how even details mean a lot in the process minor. Kaga’s character is very well written. He thinks out of the box and even though mysterious; he carries himself around with a certain aura that helps him ease with the people around him and those whom he investigates. Not only did he care about for the victim; but also for the people who gets affected by the crime. I was definitely impressed by that angle which we seldom see in investigative thrillers and that is evident throughout the story. I really liked the way in which the story was twisted around the victim and her son and her purpose of being at that place.

     The book is a part of the Detective Kaga series. But you do not have to follow the previous books to understand this ‘Newcomer’. People who like slow burning investigation procedures and thrillers might find this book a good read. As for me, it was enjoyable as his other books and by next year I plan to complete more of his works.

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