The Meiji Guillotine Murders

The Meiji Guillotine Murders by Futarō Yamada, translated by Bryan Karetnyk, is a historical fiction novel that takes you on a thrilling ride through 19th century Japan.

Setting the Scene

The year is 1869. Japan is in a period of immense change, known as the Meiji era. The old Tokugawa shogunate has been overthrown, and the emperor has been restored to power. The country is rapidly westernizing, and new ideas are flooding in. However, the wounds of the civil war are still fresh, and ancient grudges simmer beneath the surface.

A Gruesome Discovery

In this turbulent atmosphere, a series of baffling murders rocks the capital city of Tokyo. The victims are found decapitated, with a note left beside them signed "Jack the Ripper." This is a particularly chilling detail, as Jack the Ripper wouldn't even begin his infamous murders in London for another two decades.

Enter the Detectives

The investigation falls to two police inspectors, Kazuki and Kawaji. Kazuki is a stoic and experienced detective, while Kawaji is a younger and more impulsive officer. Together, they must race against time to solve the murders before the killer strikes again.

A Labyrinthine Plot

As Kazuki and Kawaji delve deeper into the case, they discover that the murders are more complex than they first appeared. The killer is not just a random madman, but someone with a specific motive. The investigation leads them through the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, to the opulent halls of the Imperial Palace, and even to a mysterious shrine maiden with secrets of her own.

A Gripping Historical Mystery

The Meiji Guillotine Murders is a captivating historical mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Yamada's vivid descriptions bring 19th century Tokyo to life, and his characters are both complex and engaging. The novel is also a fascinating exploration of a pivotal time in Japanese history.

Is this book for you?

If you enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of the exotic, then The Meiji Guillotine Murders is definitely worth checking out. It's also a great choice for fans of Japanese detective fiction.