Chapter 12 10. Japanese Mystery Novels

I have read two Japanese mystery novels in succession: "Scissors Man" (written by a special general, translated by Gong Wanru, published by Dubu Culture) and "Exotic Knight" (written by Shoji Shimada, translated by Guo Qinghua, published by Crown Publishing House.) The two books, as well as many Japanese mystery novels that have not been read, are published by Taiwan publishing houses. Hong Kong publishing houses seem to be not very interested in Japanese mystery novels, and have not seen any recommendation for decades. It’s no wonder that the two books I’ve read, and the dozens of books I haven’t read, are all huge works, about 300 pages, full of text and no illustrations. Such a heavy book, and Hong Kong’s reading habits, are in line with It's the opposite, no wonder it's unpopular.

Since I haven't come into contact with Japanese mystery novels in 16 or 17 years, I have accumulated a lot whenever I have the opportunity, so read it slowly.After reading these two books, I can't help but sigh: Japanese mystery novels have changed too much! It may be a coincidence that these two novels are both written in the first person of the murderer in a confessional style, forming a new style.What matters is not how to solve a crime, but how to commit a crime.The psychological factors of the crime, the details of the process of committing the crime, and the psychological state after the crime is successfully committed are all written in great detail, and the process of solving the crime has instead become a foil.And the murderers in the two books are equally unrewarded.I don't know if this is the general writing trend of Japanese mystery writers. It takes a few more books to be sure.

However, the authors of these two books have amazing writing skills, the plot changes are completely unexpected, extremely abrupt, yet convincing, echoing back and forth, and ingenious foreshadowing, all of which are amazing and enjoyable to read. to. The only thing that feels a little funny is that almost all Japanese writers like to list the distance, traffic routes, how to get on and off or walk in great detail when writing about getting from point A to point B, spending a lot of text, almost personal All writers are like this, what is the role of it, it is unpredictable, when you read it, you pass by it in a hurry without loss.

It must also be said that the translators of the two books are excellent in translation, very good.