"The Inugami Case" is a gripping and intriguing mystery novel written by renowned Japanese author Seishi Yokomizo. Originally published in 1946, the book tells the story of a wealthy and influential family in post-war Japan, the Inugamis. The novel revolves around the suspicious death of Sahei Inugami, the patriarch of the family, and the subsequent battle for inheritance among his heirs. Each member of the Inugami family is flamboyant and harbors secrets, making the case even more mysterious and challenging to solve. The protagonist of the story is famous detective Kosuke Kindaichi, who is called to investigate Sahei's death. As Kindaichi delves deeper into the complexities of the case, he unravels a web of hidden motives, dark family secrets, and numerous potential suspects.
People born with albinism in Tanzania are often targeted by withchdoctors who use their body parts for their ‘healing’ activities [Alejandro A Alvarez/AP]
Aged nine, David whose real name has been changed for his protection told his father and stepmother about the man following him and trying to entice him to his home. While Jamaican folklore claims that the duppy bat is the embodiment of an evil spirit intent on causing harm to the living, Mexican versions believe that, if the moth appears in the home of an invalid, that person will soon die.
As Kindaichi delves deeper into the complexities of the case, he unravels a web of hidden motives, dark family secrets, and numerous potential suspects. The Inugami family is cursed with a tragic history, and as the investigation progresses, Kindaichi uncovers ancient legends and superstitions tied to the family's past. Yokomizo masterfully weaves together elements of folklore and detective fiction, creating a uniquely captivating narrative.
Review of She shan gu nu
If, like me, you actively seek out the rarest and weirdest (and often most awful) that world cinema has to offer, then you should look no further than the supernatural horror output of Hong Kong in the early 80s. Often mixing bizarre black magic with kung fu and silly comedy, and usually packed with plenty of creepy crawlies (snakes, worms, eels, centipedes etc.), these movies are about as bizarre as it gets.
Succubare is definitely a case in point: featuring a mountain tribe whose women keep their men from straying by casting nasty spells over them (that, should they leave, cause them to fill up with writhing creatures and die an agonising death), some so-so martial arts, and lots of real life animal killing (much of which is perpetrated by a geek who has absolutely no bearing on the story), this film is just plain strange.
A prolonged scene in which the tribeswomen hunt for snakes and insects, casually throwing the creatures into the baskets on their backs, is quite fascinating; a tribal feast that sees a poor ox bashed on the head and then torn apart is totally disgusting; and the moments that show worms crawling in open wounds and being vomited onto the floor will have the squeamish losing their appetite for a while.
However, it's the live animal munching that really qualifies Succubare for legendary status amongst fans of out-there movie-making. It's thoroughly vile to watch and yet strangely compelling: the geek chomps on a snake, woofs down a fat, juicy toad (nasty!), and hungrily devours a mouse (biting off its head and then shoving the rest in afterwards).
Not a great movie (hell, it's not really even a mediocre movie), Succubare is recommended only to people who think they've seen it all. This one gets 4 out of 10 from me, which is probably more than it deserves, but I begrudgingly respect it for being able to make me feel slightly ill.
Hotel Pick: If legend rings true, you can spend your newfound wealth (thanks to the moneybat) at the luxe One &Only in the Bahamas.media: 34525585
The plot of "The Inugami Case" is full of twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the very end. With a multitude of characters, each with their own distinctive personality and backstory, the story offers a rich and immersive reading experience. Yokomizo's writing style is detailed and atmospheric, effectively portraying the setting of post-war Japan. The author also explores themes of greed, jealousy, and the complex dynamics within families, adding depth to the narrative. "The Inugami Case" has been hailed as one of Japan's finest mystery novels and has gained international recognition. It has been adapted into several films, television series, and stage adaptations, showcasing its enduring popularity. In conclusion, "The Inugami Case" is a captivating mystery novel that combines elements of detective fiction and folklore. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and atmospheric writing, the book stands as a testament to Yokomizo's skill as a storyteller. It continues to captivate readers worldwide, solidifying its status as a classic in the mystery genre..
Reviews for "Cold Case: The Unsolved Inugami Mystery"
1. Jennifer - 2/5
I found "The Inugami Case" to be quite dull and uninteresting. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary twists and turns. The characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't connect with any of them. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Michael - 2/5
"The Inugami Case" started off promising, but it quickly lost my interest. The pace was incredibly slow, and I found myself getting bored halfway through the book. The writing style was also nothing special, and I had a hard time staying engaged with the story. I was expecting more from this highly acclaimed mystery novel, but it fell short of my expectations.
3. Emily - 3/5
While "The Inugami Case" had potential, I felt that it was too drawn-out and lacked a sense of urgency. The mystery itself was intriguing, but the execution left much to be desired. The author dedicated too much time to unnecessary details, and I often found myself skipping paragraphs just to get to the main plot points. Although it wasn't a terrible book, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me either.
4. Steve - 2/5
I struggled to finish "The Inugami Case" as it failed to captivate me. The narrative was slow-paced, and the characters were forgettable. The resolution to the mystery felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, I found the book to be a letdown and wouldn't recommend it to avid mystery readers.
5. Sarah - 1/5
"The Inugami Case" was a complete disappointment for me. The writing style was dry and lacked any sense of excitement or suspense. The characters were poorly developed, and I couldn't bring myself to care about their fate. The plot felt forced and predictable, and I easily guessed the outcome long before the end. I regret wasting my time on this book and would advise others to steer clear.