In a rocky cove in Hakata Bay, the bodies of a man and a woman are discovered at dawn. Both are young and beautiful. The flushed color of their cheeks reveals they ingested cyanide. A love suicide, there's no doubt. The Fukuoka police seem almost disappointed: no investigation, no culprit. But, at least in the eyes of Torigai Jutaro, an old investigator with an indolent air and worn clothes, and his young colleague from Tokyo, Mihara Kiichi, something doesn't add up: if the two arrived on the same express train from Tokyo, why did he, Sayama Ken'ichi, a ministry official at the center of a major corruption scandal, remain holed up in a hotel for five days awaiting a phone call? And why did he then leave in a hurry, abandoning a suitcase? But most importantly: where was she in the meantime, the lover, the alluring Otoki, who professionally entertained clients in a restaurant? Bizarre behavior for two people who decided to end it all. Fortunately, both Torigai and Mihara distrust preconceived notions, and possess uncommon perseverance and intuition. Because the one who orchestrated that cold, impeccable machination is a diabolical mind, capable of turning reality on its head. Not only that: they are a genius in managing time. With this obsessively fascinating noir, entirely centered on train schedules and names – a perfect mechanism revolving around a handful of minutes – Matsumoto has crafted an impossible investigation, but also an allusive book that subtly makes Japan speak. «Day had just broken. The sea was enveloped in a milky haze. Shikanoshima, the island of deer, was barely visible, as was the sea path. A cold, salty breeze was blowing. The worker, collar raised
Tokyo Express
Year
1958
Pages
160
Tags
Description
In a rocky cove in Hakata Bay, the bodies of a man and a woman are discovered at dawn. Both are young and beautiful. The flushed color of their cheeks reveals they ingested cyanide. A love suicide, there's no doubt. The Fukuoka police seem almost disappointed: no investigation, no culprit. But, at least in the eyes of Torigai Jutaro, an old investigator with an indolent air and worn clothes, and his young colleague from Tokyo, Mihara Kiichi, something doesn't add up: if the two arrived on the same express train from Tokyo, why did he, Sayama Ken'ichi, a ministry official at the center of a major corruption scandal, remain holed up in a hotel for five days awaiting a phone call? And why did he then leave in a hurry, abandoning a suitcase? But most importantly: where was she in the meantime, the lover, the alluring Otoki, who professionally entertained clients in a restaurant? Bizarre behavior for two people who decided to end it all. Fortunately, both Torigai and Mihara distrust preconceived notions, and possess uncommon perseverance and intuition. Because the one who orchestrated that cold, impeccable machination is a diabolical mind, capable of turning reality on its head. Not only that: they are a genius in managing time. With this obsessively fascinating noir, entirely centered on train schedules and names – a perfect mechanism revolving around a handful of minutes – Matsumoto has crafted an impossible investigation, but also an allusive book that subtly makes Japan speak. «Day had just broken. The sea was enveloped in a milky haze. Shikanoshima, the island of deer, was barely visible, as was the sea path. A cold, salty breeze was blowing. The worker, collar raised
What to read after Tokyo Express.
Tell us what you’re craving.
