''The Agatha Christie of Japan'' MURDER & MAYHEM

''An undisputed classic . . . a must have for any crime readers.'' READER REVIEW

''Full of unexpected twists . . . A perfect mystery for a chilly night.'' READER REVIEW

A CLASSIC MYSTERY FROM JAPAN''S QUEEN OF CRIME

When American student Jane Prescott is invited to spend the holidays with her classmate Chiyo, she jumps at the chance to see in the new year at a luxurious mansion at the foot of Mount Fuji. Chiyo belongs to one of Japan''s wealthiest families, the heiress to a pharmaceutical empire headed up by Yohei ''Grandpa'' Wada.

With the whole Wada family gathered and snow falling outside, the festivities are in full swing. That is, until Chiyo bursts into the room - covered in blood, holding a knife, and screaming that she has stabbed her grandfather to death.

Stunned, the family closes ranks to protect one of its own - but Jane alone has more questions than answers. Could her sweet, timid friend really be capable of such violence? Did any other member of the Wada clan stand to gain everything with the patriarch’s death? And if so, could the real murderer still be in their midst?

Packed full of atmosphere and nostalgia, and with a dark, gritty mystery at its heart, MURDER AT MOUNT FUJI is the perfect rediscovered classic novel for fans of Japanese translated fiction and cosy crime.

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''An excellent book with a particularly fine plot, and much on Japanese society, family dynamics, sexual tension and academic obsession. A pleasure to read'' THE CRITIC