Abstract

Up-and-coming mystery writer Shinichiro Yuki's first puzzle-solving novel for children. Can you solve her riddles? ——Five math problems presented by a mysterious transfer student. With a series of mind-bending twists, both bookworms and reluctant readers will be hooked. A must-read that sharpens both math skills and reading comprehension while you dive into the mystery!

Synopsis The story takes place at an elementary school. A cute yet enigmatic girl named Kanna Naito transfers into Class 5-1. Since she refuses to talk about herself, rumors and suspicions begin to swirl. When Kazuto tries to uncover her secret, she issues a challenge: "If you can solve this problem, I’ll answer one question."

It looks like an ordinary math problem. Kazuto, a math whiz, solves it easily—or so he thinks. The problem is actually a clever trap, and Kazuto is completely outsmarted! Can Kazuto uncover Kanna’s secret? And what is her true identity?

Kanna’s problems can’t be solved by just plugging numbers into formulas. By the end, you’ll be left shivering with a "So THAT'S what it was...!" realization. The key to the mystery is reading carefully. With an open mind and a sharp eye, no complicated formulas are needed. Can you solve Kanna's problems and reveal her secret?
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Contents:
Problem 1: The Slaves and the Lions - The Tortoise and Crane Calculation
Problem 2: The Fugitives and the Police — A Traveler Problem
Problem 3: The Old Woman and the Boy — An Age Problem
Problem 4: The Train and the Boat — A River Current Problem
Problem 5: Parting and Memories - Newton's Calculation
Problem 6: The Final Cipher

Author’s Information

Shinichiro Yuki
Born in 1991, in Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law after attending Kaisei Junior and Senior High School.
Won the Shincho Mystery Award in 2018 for Namonaki Hoshi no Aika (Elegy of the Nameless Star), making his debut in 2019.In 2021, “#Kakusan Kibou (#PleaseShare)” won the Japan Mystery Writers Association Award (Short Story Category). The collection featuring this story, #Shinsou o Ohanashishimasu (#I'llTellYouTheTruth) (2022), became a major hit, selling over 200,000 copies.
Other works include “Project Insomnia,” “Kyukoku Game (The National Salvation Game),” and “Nanmon no Ooi Ryori Ten (The Restaurant with Many Difficult Questions).”