The main story of The Little Sparrow Murders unfolds twenty years after a tragic series of murders that left the village haunted. The mystery surrounding the original tragedy is thickened by a lack of witnesses and the unsettling fact that the victim’s face could not be identified. It’s as if time itself has kept these secrets buried, with no clear trace of what really happened that fateful night.

The Little Sparrow Murders differs from Yokomizo’s other works by skipping complex puzzles or cryptic clues. Instead, it’s a classic mystery set in a small village with a large cast of characters. Each strange murder follows the haunting lyrics of a temari nursery rhyme, adding a chilling tone to the story. The killer’s identity and motive are both fascinating and, surprisingly, satisfying when they are finally revealed.

Despite my usual enthusiasm for Yokomizo’s novels, this one was harder to follow. The story weaves through a large family, with many members to keep track of, which occasionally made it challenging to remember who was who. Though I enjoyed parts of it, it didn’t grip me the way Yokomizo’s other works usually do. So, while it has its merits, this one doesn’t quite earn a perfect score from me.