The Lady Killer by Masako Togawa

The Lady Killer (Pushkin Vertigo, #20)

by Masako Togawa

A dizzying tale oflust and murder, from one of Japan's greatest mysterywriters.

A hunter prowls the night spotsof Shinjuku

But he's the one walking into a trap...

IchiroHonda leads a double life: by day a devoted husband and a diligent worker, bynight he moves through the shadow world of Tokyo's cabaret bars and nightclubsin search of vulnerable women to seduce and then abandon. But when a trail ofbodies seems to appear in his wake, the hunter becomes the prey and Ichirorealises he has been caught in a snare. Has he left it too late to free himselfbefore time runs out?

Reviewed by Aidan Brack (Mysteries Ahoy) on

4 of 5 stars

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I liked the novel a lot and found its characterization and discussion of themes of social isolation and of male and female sexuality to be thoughtful and considered but I do think it is a slightly less polished work thanĀ The Master Key. For instance, there are several attempts to get inside the head of a critical character towards the end of the novel that feel somewhat clumsy and juvenile in tone.

Read my full review at Mysteries Ahoy!

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 11 July, 2018: Finished reading
  • 8 September, 2020: Reviewed