Points and Lines by Seicho Matsumoto
This book is another major turning point for Japanese crime mysteries. Following a few short pieces, Seicho Matsumoto made a stunning debut. With this work, he introduced social realism as a new component of Japanese mysteries.
The death of a young couple on a remote and well-known Japanese beach reveals a widespread criminal organization.
Points and Lines by Seicho Matsumoto
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Japan’s postwar economic recovery had raised living standards by the late 1950s, but it had also resulted in political and corporate corruption. This is the social setting in which the narrative takes place. By gradually disclosing the facts as they are learned by the investigators during their relentless search for the truth, the author plays fair. The conclusion, though, comes off as a little hurried and flat. It is presented as a protracted letter from one police detective to another, with countless pages of narrative explanation. Despite this, it’s a complex and brilliant mystery that’s packed with fascinating information about Japanese culture.
This book was outstanding in every way! Matsumoto crafts a magnificent book that is full of curiosity up until the very last page with a wonderful eye for detail. The book has a fantastic, satisfying finale that perfectly completes everything.
You will be especially astonished by how such a complex and fantastic story was put together. An enjoyable and utterly rewarding read! Excellent for readers of Inspector Imanishi or those with a passion for Japanese culture and mysteries.
