The Inugami Curse is a classic Japanese detective novel, one whose characters are eccentric and a plot that dips and turns ever so often. Written by Seishi Yokomizo, this is a part of the famous Kindaichi series. Just a few weeks ago, I read the very first book of the series (The Honjin Murders) and although the story was quite unique the technical aspects of it left me a little confused. The Inugami Curse is a straightforward story but not without its own dark twists. The translation by Yamasaki Yumiko is fantastic, not leaving much room for interpretation.

The story begins with the death of Sahei Inugami, a wealthy textile empire magnet. Sahei dies a natural death and to the people of Nasu, he was nothing less of a hero. But contrary to the public, his family doesn’t share the same sentiments. Sahei leaves behind a will that causes much anger and hatred for the family members towards each other. He shares a complicated family history and the will only adds fuel to the already raging fire between his illegitimate daughters and their successors. It is then that the famous detective Kosuke Kindaichi is called upon to protect the family from the impending murders.

Kindaichi, with his unique quirks finds himself facing a case so strange that it takes all his time and intelligence to solve it. The mystery is in no way a complex one but Seishi certainly has a knack for making them strangely interesting. However, it did take time to get used to the names and their roles. I could guess a couple of things but I was far away from solving the entire mystery. Perhaps this is why I liked this better than The Honjin Murders.

The Inugami Curse will make for a good one time winter read.