The Tattoo Murder - Akimitsu Takagi - Book Review

 

                Another Japanese translation. I recently came across this in the library, I got to know that the original book was written years ago and the translation was done only recently. Pushkin Vertigo brings a lot of such translated work to the forefront. And seeing this newly arrived at the library, I had to be the first one to lay my hands on the book.

                World War 2 has just ended and Japan is reeling under the damages done by the war, both in the country and the people. This is a time when there are social restrictions. Tattooing is still considered illegal in Japan. Men and women who had their bodies tattooed are looked down upon by people of higher stature. At the Edo Tatoo Society annual meeting, Kinue Nomura displays her body art of the Orochimaru snake tattoo. This was a full-back body art which received much appreciation from the people. Days later, Kinue is found decapitated in a closed room of her house. Her lover tries to uncover the mystery but when the body count rises, he turns to his friend the Boy Detective and together try to unravel the mystery. Is this a crime of passion or are these murders committed by an obsessed tattoo collector?

                First of all, a big shout-out to Pushkin Vertigo. I think they have been bringing out many translated works into English. Some of the Japanese translations that I read recently had been from their publication. Also a special mention to Deborah Boehm for the wonderful translation into English. The book is a locked room mystery. I always love the way things are laid forth for the closed-room mysteries. There is no rush in the story and it does take its time to take us through the whole investigation. The progress does keep us hooked to the book but as the story progresses, it did slow us down towards the end portions. It is not like the happenings drag you. Actually, the story moves at a steady pace but the read might slow us down. The setting of the story is in Tokyo post-World War 2. The story shows how Japan and its people are reeling under the destruction caused by the war - both physically and economically. People had to turn to crime and prostitution just to put food on their plates. The author has done a remarkable job of bringing that era in front of our eyes, Again kudos to the translator.  As in any closed-room mystery, you can find an ample dose of red herrings. There are few main characters and they do stay with us. I did get an idea of who the actual culprit was. But what was amazing, was how the climax unfolded.

                For me, this was a wonderful and quick read. I was able to finish the book in 2 days. But it did slow me for some pages towards the end. This is an awesome read for mystery and thriller fans. I do hope Pushkin Vertigo publication churns out more such books.