Abstract

A remote island in the middle of the ocean, a paradise for rare plants and animals - are the humans who threaten the island really the invasive species? A tragedy strikes a research team trapped on the paradise island - Higashi-iojima, located far south of the mainland. This small uninhabited island is surrounded by sea on all sides, forming its own unique ecosystem. A research team led by curator Hachisuka is organized to investigate the island's ecosystem and the creatures living there. They land on the island under strict preparations and protection to prevent the introduction of invasive species. However, shortly after arriving, one of the research team members is killed. The gruesome corpse, with the seeds of an invasive plant stuffed in its mouth, makes the research team members suspicious. They lose contact with the research vessel, and the boat becomes unusable. Unable to escape the island, a second murder occurs.

Author’s Information

Kei Koshio was born in Higashiura-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture. He dropped out of the Faculty of Letters at Doshisha University and graduated from the Faculty of Education at Waseda University. After working for a home video game production company and an editing production company, he worked for a major internet service company, and is now freelance. He was a finalist for the Newcomer Award at the Japan Mystery Literature Awards in 2015, 2016, and 2018. In 2018, he made his debut as a hidden gem, a candidate for the Grand Prize at the "This Mystery is Amazing!" Grand Prize. /