Final Curtain by Keigo Higashino
(translated by Giles Murray)
The Final Curtain is another mystery for Detective Kaga to
solve. It’s framed interestingly with the story of Kaga’s mother, who deserted
her family. As I read the beginning, I wasn’t sure what the mystery was, but
there is a connection to the larger mystery and Kaga’s mother. Nevertheless, I
also wondered whether the experience of these mothers who abandoned their
families was shedding some light on issues in Japanese society and how women
sometimes give up their jobs to stay at home. I’m not sure if that was the
case, but I think that Higashino’s other books often call attention to issues
in Japanese society like pollution (A Silent Parade) and domestic violence
(Devotion of Suspect X). I’ve read most of Higashino’s books that have been
translated, and I generally enjoy these mysteries. However, with this book and Death in Tokyo, I felt that the mysteries were becoming a little more far fetched and
unbelievable. I won’t give anything away about the twists and nature of the
mystery, but I questioned the actions of some of the characters and found them
to be somewhat implausible or just wondered why they didn’t take different
actions. It could be something that is lost in the translation or cultural
differences, but it seemed that major elements of the plot depended on some character
motivations that seemed somewhat questionable to me. Nevertheless, this was a
quick and easy read. I hope that Detective Kaga returns to some more enjoyable
and propulsive mysteries.
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