Abstract

A mystery-solving novel for elementary school students, written by a talented author renowned for vividly portraying people who live strong, authentic lives despite their clumsiness.

The story follows two young girls, Towa and Sae, who are treated as "weirdos" and struggle to fit in with their elementary school classmates. This is a tale of their growth as they confront and solve the mysterious incidents that pop up in their daily lives. Even when ostracized by those around them, they refuse to blindly conform, choosing instead to stay true to themselves. Their resilience is sure to empower readers standing on the threshold of adolescence who may be navigating their own complex friendships and relationships.

Furthermore, as the girls unravel mysteries by piercing through the hidden motives behind people's words and the contradictions in their actions, readers will discover the sheer thrill of deduction. It is a story that opens children's eyes to the joy of cracking a case and the deep pleasure of immersive reading.

Author’s Information

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture and raised in Tokyo. Dropped out of the Department of Literary Arts, College of Art at Nihon University. Member of the Mystery Writers of Japan.

After leaving the university, they worked in more than ten different occupations—including delivery gigs, supermarket cashiers, bar staff, and accounting roles. In 2009, they made their official debut after winning the 4th Shosetsu Gendai Chogen Shinjin Sho (Shosetsu Gendai Novel Prize for New Writers) for “Yamahimesho.”