Keigo Higashino, a literary titan from Japan, has captivated readers worldwide with his ingenious mysteries. But with so many incredible novels, where do you begin? Here is a one stop guide to are Keigo Higashino books ranked from worst to best.
1. Silent Parade
In Silent Parade, Keigo Higashino cooks up a complex puzzle with a dash of social commentary. A young girl vanishes, and years later, her remains are found. The prime suspect, freed due to lack of evidence, taunts the grieving family. Enter physics professor, Detective Galileo, who uses science to crack seemingly impossible cases. Expect classic whodunit twists as Galileo analyzes alibis, fire patterns, and even the town’s annual parade to expose the truth behind the cold case. While some find the character pool overwhelming, the intricate plot and exploration of the justice system make Silent Parade a somwwhat satisfying read.
2. A Death in Tokyo
In A Death in Tokyo, Detective Kaga tackles a seemingly straightforward case: a drunken man collapses under a Tokyo statue, only to be found murdered. But the prime suspect, a young man holding the victim’s wallet, has an alibi as airtight as a Tokyo skyscraper. Kaga delves deeper, uncovering hidden connections and a web of secrets. Higashino masterfully peels back layers, revealing the dark undercurrents of Tokyo’s society. While some might find the pacing deliberate, A Death in Tokyo rewards patient readers with a suspenseful journey that explores themes of loyalty, family, and the pursuit of justice.
3. Newcomer
Newcomer by Keigo Higashino throws Detective Kyoichiro Kaga into the heart of a baffling murder. A woman is found dead in her apartment, surrounded by strange clues. Unlike typical mysteries, the narrative unfolds through a series of seemingly unconnected vignettes. Each character, from neighbors to a clock repairman, sheds light on the victim’s life and the events leading to her demise. Higashino’s strength lies in crafting a captivating puzzle where seemingly mundane details hold hidden significance. While the unconventional storytelling may surprise some, Newcomer offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy piecing together clues and uncovering the human stories woven into the mystery.
4. Miracles of the Namiya General Store
In Miracles of the Namiya General Store, Keigo Higashino weaves a heartwarming tale of time travel and unexpected connections. A boarded-up convenience store becomes a portal for lost souls seeking guidance. Three teenagers seeking refuge stumble upon a mysterious box, where letters from the past land. As they answer these pleas for help, their own lives become intertwined with the senders’ destinies. Higashino masterfully blends heartwarming moments with profound life lessons, reminding us of the power of empathy and the ripple effect of our actions. While the fantastical element might surprise some, Miracles of the Namya General Store offers a comforting read that celebrates human connection.
5. The Name of the Game is Kidnapping
Keigo Higashino’s The Name of the Game is Kidnapping throws a disgraced ad exec, Shogo Sakuma, a twisted proposition. A mysterious woman, Juri, offers him a chance to salvage his career by orchestrating a fake kidnapping of her wealthy husband. Lured by revenge and a hefty payout, Sakuma meticulously plans the abduction. But as the line between reality and performance blurs, Sakuma finds himself questioning everything. Higashino delivers a fast-paced thriller with unexpected twists. While the moral compass of the characters might be questionable, the novel entertains with its exploration of manipulation and the consequences of playing a dangerous game.
6. The Final Curtain
In The Final Curtain, Keigo Higashino masterfully weaves a complex case that hits close to home for Detective Kyoichiro Kaga. A woman is found strangled in a Tokyo apartment, far from her known life. As Kaga investigates, a chilling connection emerges: the victim is the estranged mother he’s never stopped searching for. The investigation unearths a past shrouded in secrets and long-held grudges. Higashino excels at building suspense with intricate plotting and relatable characters grappling with personal demons. The novel delves into themes of family, sacrifice, and the lingering impact of past choices. The Final Curtain is a gripping exploration of loss and redemption, offering a satisfying conclusion to Kaga’s emotional journey.
7. A Midsummer’s Equation
A Midsummer’s Equation by Keigo Higashino throws physicist Detective Manabu Yukawa into a sun-drenched murder mystery. When a vacationing family stumbles upon a body on a remote beach, Yukawa’s scientific mind clashes with the idyllic summer setting. The seemingly airtight alibi of the prime suspect sparks Yukawa’s curiosity. Combining scientific principles with detective work, he dissects inconsistencies in the case, from the tide patterns to the victim’s final meal. Higashino weaves a clever plot with environmental undertones, exploring the fragility of coastal communities. While the science might challenge some readers, A Midsummer’s Equation offers a refreshing twist on the classic whodunit.
8. Salvation of a Saint
Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino throws Detective Kusanagi into a baffling case where appearances are deceiving. A man is poisoned, with his estranged wife, Ayane, the prime suspect. Yet, she has an alibi that places her hundreds of miles away. Kusanagi, smitten with Ayane, struggles to reconcile his feelings with the mounting evidence. Enter physics professor Manabu Yukawa. Yukawa’s scientific mind dissects the seemingly impossible scenario, uncovering a clever and elaborate murder plot. Higashino excels at weaving a puzzle where location and timing become unreliable. The novel explores themes of manipulation, deception, and the lengths people go to protect loved ones. Salvation of a Saint offers a mind-bending mystery with a surprising resolution.
9. Journey Under the Midnight Sun
Keigo Higashino’s haunting novel, Journey Under the Midnight Sun, unfurls over two decades, following the intertwined lives of Ryo and Yukiho. A brutal murder in 1970s Osaka casts a long shadow. Ryo, the victim’s son, and Yukiho, daughter of the main suspect, are forever marked by the tragedy. As they navigate adulthood, their paths diverge yet remain tethered by the unsolved crime. Higashino masterfully explores the ripple effects of trauma, the weight of suspicion, and the moral complexities that blur the lines between victim and perpetrator. This slow-burning story delivers a powerful emotional punch, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
10. Devotion of Suspect X
In The Devotion of Suspect X, Keigo Higashino crafts a chilling puzzle driven by love and desperation. Yasuko, a single mother, escapes an abusive ex-husband. When danger returns, a brilliant but ostracized math teacher, Ishigami, devises a seemingly flawless alibi for her. Enter Detective Manabu Yukawa, Ishigami’s old rival. As Yukawa investigates, a web of deception unfolds, forcing him to question the line between justice and protecting those we care for. Higashino masterfully builds suspense with a clever plot and complex characters grappling with moral dilemmas. The Devotion of Suspect X offers a chilling exploration of love, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to for those we love, leaving a shocking twist that lingers long after the last page.
11. Malice
Malice by Keigo Higashino plunges readers into a locked room mystery with a shocking twist. Renowned author Kunihiko Hidaka is found murdered in his study, the door bolted from the inside. The prime suspect: his best friend and fellow writer, Noburo. Noburo, however, has a solid alibi – and a troubling attraction to Hidaka’s beautiful wife. Higashino masterfully delves into the dark underbelly of human ambition and the corrosive power of envy. Malice isn’t a whodunit, but a whydunit, exploring the psychological motives that fuel a heinous crime. While the lack of a traditional detective might surprise some, the chilling exploration of human nature and the shocking revelation behind the locked door make Malice a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.
So, whether you crave a classic whodunit with a scientific twist or a character-driven exploration of human emotions, Keigo Higashino’s impressive body of work offers something for every mystery lover. Dive in, and prepare to be surprised, delighted, and utterly engrossed by the masterful puzzles he weaves.