Yes, there’s a nice overlap there. Yokomizo tracks more with the British mystery tradition than the noir, but it’s interesting comparing how Kindaichi works as opposed to someone like Philip Marlowe.
Joel thanks for this follow up post. Based on your previous reference to “The Devil’s Flute Murders” I’m well into it and very much enjoying Kindaichi et al. It was just what the author knew and not necessarily a choice, but the setting in post war Japan adds to the interest of the mystery.
Thanks for the review, Joel. I read The Honjin Murders a few years back and enjoyed it, though I thought the resolution was a bit contrived and hard to follow. I also recommend Yukito Ayatsuji, who wrote classic "locked room" mysteries, also inspired by Western models. About three years ago I reviewed his The Mill House Murders positively for The Dispatch.
"Kindaichi doesn’t take himself very seriously, and neither does Yokomizo." In that sense, he may have paved the way for the more genre-hopping and nonsensical work of his countryman, Haruki Murakami.
Great to learn about a writer who is new to me.
I may read with an intererst in comparison with the American noir writers like Raymond Chandler.
Yes, there’s a nice overlap there. Yokomizo tracks more with the British mystery tradition than the noir, but it’s interesting comparing how Kindaichi works as opposed to someone like Philip Marlowe.
Joel thanks for this follow up post. Based on your previous reference to “The Devil’s Flute Murders” I’m well into it and very much enjoying Kindaichi et al. It was just what the author knew and not necessarily a choice, but the setting in post war Japan adds to the interest of the mystery.
I agree. The setting is part of what makes these novels so interesting. I’ve really enjoyed them.
Thanks for the review, Joel. I read The Honjin Murders a few years back and enjoyed it, though I thought the resolution was a bit contrived and hard to follow. I also recommend Yukito Ayatsuji, who wrote classic "locked room" mysteries, also inspired by Western models. About three years ago I reviewed his The Mill House Murders positively for The Dispatch.
I’ll have to check that out. Thanks!
"Kindaichi doesn’t take himself very seriously, and neither does Yokomizo." In that sense, he may have paved the way for the more genre-hopping and nonsensical work of his countryman, Haruki Murakami.
I haven’t read any Murakami yet. On my list.