Book Review: The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

 

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Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for allowing me to read this ARC!

Content Warning: graphic violence, arson, brief reference to sexual assault/rape, casual misogyny.

In a seaside city in Japan, seven university students write stories for their murder mystery club. By luck and a stroke of opportunity, they get the chance to go to the island of Tsunojima, the site of a particularly brutal multiple murder the year before. What they don't know is that soon, they'll be caught up in a dangerous game of cat and mouse where nothing is as it seems.

I was so thrilled when I saw this on NetGalley. I've been wanting to read this classic Japanese mystery for ages, but was unable to find it anywhere for purchase or in English translation. Ayatsuji's novel is considered a staple of the genre in its home country, and after reading it, it's clear why. The writing style is characteristically Japanese - very dry and pared down - but even if you're someone who prefers more descriptive or poetic writing, it doesn't draw away from the fascinating story taking place.

The inspiration drawn from Agatha Christie is well-done, and especially fun if you've read And Then There Were None. Ayatsuji's writing style is actually quite similar to Christie's as well. What really shines here is the entertaining deductions made by the characters, leading you back and forth as you make an attempt to decipher who is really pulling the strings. The tension is palpable, and despite the fact that it was written in the late 1980s, it doesn't feel dated.

There was, however, some period typical sexism. The two female members of the group, nicknamed Orczy and Agatha (for obvious reasons), are the only two characters who give in to "hysteria," which honestly made me laugh a bit. A lot of attention is also put on their looks, which I felt takes away from the fact that they're actually both interesting people in their own right. 

All seven of the members are not exactly likable, which makes it all the more fun to watch as they slowly begin to unravel. The plotting is superb, leaving me never quite sure what was going on or who to trust. As someone who reads a lot of mysteries and thrillers, I was caught in surprise by the end and can certainly say I did not see it coming!

Highly recommended for fans of mysteries, especially those (like me) who love international ones!