The Greatest Japanese, Irish "Mystery, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

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  1. 1. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel is a haunting tale of three friends, who grow up together at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they mature, they discover a dark secret about their school and the purpose of their existence, which is to become organ donors for the rest of society. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, the morality of scientific innovation, and the heartbreaking reality of love and loss.

  2. 2. A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami

    A Wild Sheep Chase follows the story of a recently divorced advertising executive in Tokyo who is given a mysterious assignment by a sinister, powerful man: to find a particular sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. This mission leads him to travel across the snowy landscapes of Northern Japan, crossing paths with peculiar characters, and exploring themes of loneliness, fate, and identity. The narrative is a blend of detective story, postmodern critique, and surreal journey, infused with the author's unique style of magical realism.

  3. 3. The Book Of Evidence by John Banville

    The novel is a dark and introspective tale of guilt and psychological turmoil, narrated by a convicted murderer reflecting on the events leading up to his crime. The protagonist, a dispassionate and unreliable narrator, recounts his life of privilege, his descent into a disaffected existence, and the impulsive theft and subsequent murder that land him in prison. As he attempts to construct a logical narrative of his actions, the reader is drawn into a world where the boundaries between truth and fabrication are blurred, revealing the complex layers of the human psyche and the elusive nature of reality.

  4. 4. Out by Natsuo Kirino

    "Out" by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping and dark psychological thriller set in Tokyo. The story revolves around four women who work the night shift at a factory and become entangled in a web of murder and cover-up. As they struggle to dispose of a dead body, their lives quickly spiral out of control, revealing their hidden desires and the depths they are willing to go to protect themselves. With its intense plot and exploration of societal pressures and gender dynamics, "Out" is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

  5. 5. Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe

    Crossfire is a suspenseful novel that follows the life of a young woman who possesses pyrokinetic abilities, allowing her to start fires with her mind. She uses her powers to avenge victims of violent crimes, but her actions attract the attention of a determined detective. As she continues her vigilante justice, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a religious cult and must confront her own past and the consequences of her actions.

  6. 6. The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

    In a secluded island, seven university students gather at the Decagon House to spend their summer vacation. However, their peaceful retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when one of them is found dead, mimicking a murder described in a mystery novel. As more bodies appear, the remaining students must unravel the secrets of the Decagon House and uncover the identity of the killer before they become the next victims. With a thrilling blend of suspense and intricate puzzles, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.

  7. 7. Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura

    "Lady Joker" is a gripping crime thriller set in Japan, where a mysterious woman named Yuriko becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deceit and revenge. As she navigates the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, Yuriko takes on various identities, using her cunning and intelligence to manipulate those around her. With a complex web of characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

  8. 8. Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama

    In this gripping crime thriller, a former detective turned press officer is haunted by a cold case from 14 years ago, the unsolved abduction of a young girl. As he navigates the complex world of police bureaucracy and media pressure, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to unravel his career and personal life. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this novel delves into the complexities of crime, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation.

  9. 9. The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    "The Devotion of Suspect X" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant mathematician and a determined detective. When a woman commits murder to protect her daughter, her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, comes to her aid, meticulously planning the perfect alibi. As the detective investigates the crime, he becomes entangled in a battle of wits with the mathematician, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected climax.

  10. 10. Snakeskin Shamisen by Naomi Hirahara

    "Snakeskin Shamisen" is a captivating mystery novel set in Los Angeles, following the life of Mas Arai, a Japanese-American gardener and Hiroshima survivor. When a fellow musician is found dead, Mas becomes entangled in a web of secrets and cultural tensions as he navigates the worlds of traditional Japanese music and the dark underbelly of the city. With vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden corners of LA.

  11. 11. Reading In The Dark by Seamus Deane

    "Reading In The Dark" is a captivating novel that delves into the complex history of Northern Ireland through the eyes of an unnamed protagonist. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and sectarian violence, the story follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery as he unravels family secrets and confronts the ghosts of the past. Seamlessly blending personal and political narratives, the book explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on the lasting impact of history on individuals and communities.

  12. 12. Faithful Place by Tana French

    "Faithful Place" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Frank Mackey, a detective in the Dublin Undercover squad. When a suitcase belonging to his long-lost girlfriend from twenty years ago is discovered in an abandoned house, Frank is forced to confront his painful past and the secrets that tore him apart from his family and the love of his life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Frank becomes entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and murder, ultimately leading him to question his own identity and the choices he has made.

  13. 13. In The Woods by Tana French

    In this psychological mystery, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad is pulled into a case that unsettlingly intersects with his own past. As a child, he was the sole survivor of a mysterious incident that left two of his friends missing in the woods. Now, with the murder of a young girl in the same woods, he must confront his traumatic memories while trying to solve the case. The investigation becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between the detective's professional duties and his deeply personal quest for answers, leading to a chilling exploration of memory, identity, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download