The Inugami Curse

by Seishi Yokomizo

Goodreads Synopsis:

In 1940s Japan, the wealthy head of the Inugami Clan dies, and his family eagerly await the reading of the will. But no sooner are its strange details revealed than a series of bizarre, gruesome murders begins. Detective Kindaichi must unravel the clan's terrible secrets of forbidden liaisons, monstrous cruelty, and hidden identities to find the murderer, and lift the curse wreaking its bloody revenge on the Inugamis.

My Rating:

☆☆☆

Dates Read: May 9-19 2023

Initial Publication Date: According to most sources, June 1972; however this appears to be an error, as 1951 appears to be the correct year.

Translation Published: February 2020

Author Origin: Japan (Hyogo)

Tone (via NovelistPlus): Menacing

Writing Style (via NovelistPlus): Gritty, Compelling

Major Characters:

Detective Kosuke Kindaichi
Tamayo Nonomiya
The Inugami Clan, particularly Matsuko, Kiyo, Take, & Tomo, and "Monkey"
Chief Tachibana & Kyozo Furudale

Personal Notes:

The bisexual inclusion (with only miniscule homophobia) was a surprise, especially given that the book was written in 1950s Japan!

While I was able to predict the ultimate solution to the mystery, many of the details (and how we reached the ending) were a surprise. I'm not surprised this novel inspired a film in Japan, as many of the scenes felt written for the screen (not in a bad way, aside from the snowski police chase scene, which felt particularly Scooby-Doo-ish).

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