The Mill House Murders- Book Review

I thoroughly enjoy murder mysteries, and for the past two or three years I have been trying to step out of my comfort zone and explore other genres. However, it feels good to read some cozy murder mysteries again. (cozy for me as I am back in my comfort place)

The Mill House Murders is a Japanese classic locked room murder mystery by Yukito Ayatsuji, translated by Ho-Ling Wong and published by Pushkin Vertigo.

The novel spans a mere 253 pages, allowing me to finish it within a day. From the prologue, the stage is set –

A woman falls from a tower,

A painting disappears, and

A man vanishes under impossible circumstances.

The crime is introduced on the very first page, and from there, the story unfolds through both past and present narratives.

The story opens in the present, where a mysterious billionaire, scarred from a horrible car accident, resides in the enigmatic Mill House with his wife, who hasn't ventured outside in over a decade, and his household staff, including a butler. The Mill House is preparing for its annual guests, and ominously, the weather mirrors that of the previous year when accidents and murders occurred. Enter our detective, a surprise guest arriving last minute, seeking to uncover the truth behind the events at the Mill House.

The narrative alternates between the present and the past, providing parallel timelines. The intentional parallels between the two timelines offer insight into both the current events and what transpired a year earlier. The persistent inclement weather enhances the eerie atmosphere as the Mill House tries to move beyond the previous incidents.

The pacing is gradual until Chapter 6 when the guests are introduced. This is where we witness the unsettled ambience, uncover some of the mysteries from the prior year, and gain insight into how the characters are grappling with the aftermath. As the story progresses, murders unfold in the current year, mirroring the previous gruesome events.

Upon finishing the book, I can confidently say that its beauty lies in its foreshadowing and satisfying conclusion. The author cleverly left breadcrumbs for readers to follow, gradually revealing the path to the killer. This element of puzzle-solving adds to the intrigue and enjoyment of the story.

One minor drawback I found was the lack of depth in Detective Shimada Kiyoshi's character. Unlike Agatha Christie's novels where detectives like Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple are presented with personal lives and eccentricities that make them endearing, this book falls short in this aspect. Nevertheless, this remains the only flaw I could identify; overall, the book is a brilliant creation.

"The Mill House Murders" is beautifully crafted, and if you relish crime thrillers, this book is definitely worth your time. It's intricate narrative and skillful use of mystery elements will keep you engaged and enthralled.