Cover of The Honjin Murders

The Honjin Murders

by Seishi Yokomizo

1946 · mystery & crime · adult

Set in 2 places · 2 primary
Sense of Place
4/5
Description · Open Library (CC0)

In the winter of 1937, the village of Okamura is abuzz with excitement over the forthcoming wedding of a son of the grand Ichiyanagi family. But amid the gossip over the approaching festivities, there is also a worrying rumour – it seems a sinister masked man has been asking questions about the Ichiyanagis around the village. Then, on the night of the wedding, the Ichiyanagi family are woken by a terrible scream, followed by the sound of eerie music – death has come to Okamura, leaving no trace but a bloody samurai sword, thrust into the pristine snow outside the house. The murder seems impossible, but amateur detective Kosuke Kindaichi is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Awards
  • Mystery Writers of Japan Award (1948)winner
Screen adaptations
  • Death at an Old Mansion (1975)film
  • Three Fingered Detective (1947)film

Set in

  • Okayama · Japan
    rural honjin murder scene
    ★ primary
  • Kyoto · Japan
    Murder mystery setting
    ★ primary

Books set nearby