The Meiji Guillotine Murders is a compelling historical mystery and the 7th book featuring detectives Kazuki and Kawaji by classic crime writer Fūtarō Yamada. Originally published in 1979, this English language translation from Pushkin on their Vertigo imprint is 384 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
The pacing begins quite slowly, deliberately, and with a moderately deep dive into the history of the late Tokugawa Shogunate period (1868-1912). The author has a dry factual recitation, and if it fails to thrill and enthrall from the first paragraph, it -is- important and necessary in the context of the story. Readers who are willing to expend some patience, will be well rewarded later for the effort. The different "cases" are somewhat linear and are resolved in order, before moving on to the next. The format is reminiscent of the Judge Dee novels so well translated by Robert van Gulik in the 1950s.
The publisher has a history of plucking out important and lesser known gems from crime and mystery, especially in translation, and this is no exception. The denouement and resolution are especially unexpected in this particular case.
It's unclear from the publishing info given for review, but it appears that this is the only book in the series currently available in English. The translation work by Dr. Bryan Karetnyk is seamless and unintrusive.
Four stars. Probably most appealing for more serious fans/collectors of less known classic crime fiction, but definitely an enjoyable book in its own right. More sensitive readers should be aware that there are beheadings and body part descriptions, integral to the story, but included in the text.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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