The Inugami Curse is a classic Japanese mystery novel written by Seishi Yokomizo. The novel was first published in 1951 and has since become one of Yokomizo's most popular and acclaimed works. The story revolves around a wealthy and powerful Inugami family, known for their complex family dynamic and dark secrets. When the family patriarch, Sahei Inugami, passes away, he leaves behind a substantial inheritance and a curse that is said to bring misfortune and death to anyone who tries to claim the fortune. The curse is believed to have been placed on the family by a vengeful spirit and is said to be linked to the Inugami family's complicated history, which includes murder, betrayal, and incest. As the members of the family gather to claim their share of the inheritance, they find themselves trapped in a web of intrigue, suspicion, and unexplained deaths.
While this is probably not exactly what I’m looking for in literature at the moment, I enjoyed this in the context of something written half a century ago, halfway around the world from where I am, and I’m always keen to become more widely familiar with Japanese literature. The book was first published in 1972 but is set in 1940s Japan. The Inugami Curse is just one of seventy-seven books by the extremely prolific Yokomizo featuring Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, and several of them have now been translated into English by Pushkin Vertigo. I enjoyed the engaging plot and way of writing, bringing the reader on a tense, twisting and turning ride full of suspense, and would be interested in reading more from this author.
The Inugami Curse is just one of seventy-seven books by the extremely prolific Yokomizo featuring Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, and several of them have now been translated into English by Pushkin Vertigo. Already one of the young women who is set to benefit has been the target of several suspicious accidents and things seem likely to get worse once the full conditions of the will become clear.
As the members of the family gather to claim their share of the inheritance, they find themselves trapped in a web of intrigue, suspicion, and unexplained deaths. The novel is a masterclass in suspense and psychological thriller, as the characters unravel the mystery surrounding the curse while also dealing with their own personal demons and hidden agendas. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
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Yokomizo's writing style is atmospheric and evocative, immersing the reader in the world of the Inugami family and its dark secrets. He skillfully weaves together complex characters, intricate relationships, and a sense of impending doom, creating a gripping and unsettling reading experience. The Inugami Curse has been adapted into several film and TV adaptations, further cementing its status as a beloved and enduring mystery novel. It has also influenced countless works in the mystery genre and continues to be celebrated for its intricate plotting, memorable characters, and atmospheric storytelling. Overall, The Inugami Curse is a compelling and chilling novel that explores the themes of fate, family, and the consequences of one's actions. It stands as a testament to Seishi Yokomizo's talent as a writer and his ability to craft a gripping and thought-provoking mystery..
Reviews for "The Inugami Curse: A Supernatural Thriller that Will Chill Your Bones"
1. Emily - 2 stars
"The Inugami Curse was a huge letdown for me. The storyline was filled with cliches, predictable twists, and flat characters. I struggled to stay engaged throughout the book, as the pacing was slow and the plot lacked excitement. Additionally, the writing style felt forced and artificial, making it difficult to connect with the story on any level. Overall, I found The Inugami Curse to be a forgettable and disappointing read."
2. Andrew - 1 star
"I cannot express enough how much I disliked The Inugami Curse. From the very beginning, I found the plot confusing and convoluted, with too many characters to keep track of. The author seemed more interested in shocking the reader with gratuitous violence and graphic scenes rather than creating a compelling and cohesive story. The dialogue was also incredibly stilted and unrealistic, making it hard to believe in the supposed depth of the relationships between the characters. Overall, this book was a complete mess and I would not recommend it."
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"I had high hopes for The Inugami Curse, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The storytelling felt disjointed and lacked coherence, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the events taking place. The pacing was off, with long stretches of slow development followed by rushed and unsatisfying conclusions. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and were difficult to relate to, making it hard for me to become emotionally invested in their fates. Overall, The Inugami Curse was a disappointing read that failed to deliver on its promising premise."