Tired of feeling bored with thrillers billed as mysteries where the mysteries are no challenge to your armchair detective skills? Want to read a true police procedural where every detail of the plodding police work is laid out? Get a copy of The Final Curtain, the last book of the Japanese Detective Kaga series, a fascinating look into the grind of police work and a real challenge to solve!
Women are leaving their homes, husbands, and children abruptly. Then, they turn up dead years later. Could this be a serial killer’s work or is it just a coincidence? This book recounts each of the woman’s stories as discovered by a pair of Japanese policemen. One of those policemen has an uncle famous for his detecting skills, Detective Kaga. When Kaga begins to help solve the crimes, he discovers a startling similarity to his own family history. Could his own mother be part of the killing spree?
Unlike most American mysteries, the pacing here is leisurely. You really feel how the police feel when investigating, which is 60% boredom. Despite that, The Final Curtain is a very compelling read. It is a true challenge to solve the mystery. Beginning with the last half of the book, several twists keep the plot interesting. The denouement is well worth the wait. 4.5 stars! Highly recommended to readers looking for a complicated puzzle to solve.
Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.