Abstract

The very first "mystery novel for children" by the cutting-edge Honkaku mystery author, Tatsumi Atsugawa!

A series of strange thefts breaks out in the seaside town of Umineko. The stolen items are a broken toy, a children's carp streamer left out in the yard, a worn-out drumstick... at first glance, they are all completely "worthless things." Why on earth would someone take them? And how did they do it? Could the culprit be "Umineko," the legendary phantom thief of local folklore?!

Sixth-graders Ken, Hisato, and Kaori team up to track down the true identity of the Phantom Thief Umineko. Will they be able to uncover the truth? And will the riddles behind this string of bizarre crimes finally be solved?

Author’s Information

Born in 1994 in Tokyo. Graduated from the University of Tokyo. Novelist. In 2017, he made his debut through the newcomer discovery project "Kappa Two" with “Meitantei wa Uso wo Tsukanai” (The Great Detective Doesn't Tell Lies), published by Kobunsha. His book “Tomeiningen wa Misshitsu ni Hisomu” (The Invisible Man Lurks in the Locked Room) clinched the No. 1 spot in the domestic ranking of the "2021 Honkaku Mystery Best 10."

His numerous works include “Rokuonsareta Yukai” (The Recorded Kidnapping), “Atsugawa Tatsumi Dokusho Nikki” (Tatsumi Atsugawa's Reading Diary), “Irekokozaiku no Yoru” (The Night of Nested Marquetry), “Hoshiyomishi no Kioku” (The Astrologer's Memories), “Gurenkan no Satsujin” (The Murders in the Crimson Mansion), “Sokaikan no Satsujin” (The Murders in the Azure Mansion), “Burning Dancer,” and “Saigo no Aisatsu” (The Last Bow). He is highly acclaimed as one of the most promising and cutting-edge Honkaku (orthodox/fair-play) mystery writers of his generation.