The Inugami Clan

Seishi Yokomizo
Heian (2006)
ISBN 4925080768
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (3/07)

I have to admit that when I first began reading “The Inugami Clan,” I was worried that the translation to English would be awkward and I would not be able to understand the Japanese culture.  That never happened; the story was translated well and very enjoyable from start to finish. 

“The Inugami Clan” was a best-selling book in Japan and the story centers around the legendary detective Kosuke Kindaichi.  Upon appearance, Kindaichi seems to be a clumsy, stuttering detective with strange habits like constantly scratching his unruly head.  Underneath all that is a brilliant detective with amazing deductive powers.  He is always a few steps ahead of the local police.  Sounds a bit like our lovable TV Dectective Columbo, doesn’t it? 

The story takes place in the mid 1940’s as World War II is wrapping up on the estate of the famous Sahei Inugami, a wealthy entrepreneur who passes away leaving a very strange will for his family.  He also leaves behind three daughters from three different mistresses and their families.  Also in his residence is the very beautiful Tamayo, a descendent of the priest who saved his life by taking him in when he was starving to death.  The will has some very bizarre stipulations for his family and descendents of those who helped them.  These quickly lead to several brutal murders that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.  I found it very interesting that the author tells you what is going to happen before it does and found out that that is common in Japanese novels. 

The story is also not focused on the murders but on the bizarre relationships that the deceased Sahei Inugami had with his family and friends.  Talk about the webs we weave…..this guy did it all!  The book includes homosexual relationships, lost love and adultery. 

I would definitely recommend “The Inugami Clan” to those who enjoy a good murder mystery.  The famous Kosuke Kindaichi is certainly a memorable and entertaining character.  And not only is it a very well written story but it is full of Japanese culture that the reader will enjoy.   I hope to see more of Seishi Yokomizo’s stories translated into English. 

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