This is the third novel of a series, although the first I’ve read. Apart from a section dealing with the central character’s childhood and his poisonoThis is the third novel of a series, although the first I’ve read. Apart from a section dealing with the central character’s childhood and his poisonous relationship with his father, I still found it read pretty well as a standalone. Inspector Kosuke Iwata leaves the US, where he has been working as a private investigator and returns to Tokyo after a 10 year absence at the request of his old boss to investigate the murder of a 22 year old female English student. The novel is actually set slightly in the future: 2020, to be precise, and Tokyo is busy getting prepared for the forthcoming Olympic games. Obregon paints a picture of a city in turmoil; full of corrupt politicians, seedy suburbs ruled by gangsters and legions of homeless people subsisting on the river banks. Almost predictably, Iwata’s attempts to solve the murder are thwarted by police officers envious of him being given the lead role. His only ally, it seems, is English police officer DC Anthea Lynch who arrived as liaison for the victim’s family. This is an intricately plotted novel which actually deals with two separate crimes. The location descriptions are very evocative and there is a strong cast of characters, including the complex and troubled Inspector Iwata....more
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