I finished my first novel in Chinese. I read in Traditional Chinese, and my e-book could display the Zhuyin, which made reading much easier.
『白い衝動』by Katsuhiro Go
Even though I found the main character difficult to understand, I really enjoyed this book for its engrossing plot and interesting topics.
Book review: 『シャイロックの子供たち』by Jun Ikeido
Not my favourite Jun Ikeido but still an engrossing read that tackles typical problems that bank employees are facing before turning into a real mystery.
Book review:『奇譚ルーム』by Kaoru Hayamine
A mystery book for children that is both easy to read and engrossing. Recommended for language learners!
Book review: 『七回死んだ男』by Yasuhiko Nishizawa
Time loop and murder mystery… this book sounded so promising, yet I ended up being disappointed with it.
Book review: 『殺人現場は雲の上』by Keigo Higashino
A collection of linked short stories with an overall light tone. Maybe my least favourite Higashino read so far, but still a relaxing and entertaining read.
Reading in Chinese
Update on the books that I have tried to read, am reading, and will read in Chinese.
Book review: 『伝説なき地』by Yoichi Funado
Even though this book won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award, it is hard to classify it as “mystery”. It is a fast pace thriller/adventure with a good dose of violence and suspense. I personally enjoyed it much more than I expected.
Book review: 『絆』by Kenji Kosugi
Entirely set in the courtroom, this novel features lawyer Harashima and won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 1988.
Exploring new authors and series
Some of the authors and series that I have discovered recently.
Book review: 『カディスの赤い星』by Go Osaka
A mystery/adventure book that takes us from Japan to Spain in 1975, カディスの赤い星 won the Naoki Prize as well as a Mystery and Adventure awards.
Book review: 『写楽殺人事件』by Katsuhiko Takahashi
I would not recommend this book if your are looking for a murder mystery about art and ukiyo-e. But if you are interested in the mystery of Sharaku’s true identity, this book is for you!