Abstract

I killed my wife. Why did I do such a thing?
Just as the shocked man tries to make sense of what he has done, another hanged body appears before him. Is this a chain of coincidences—or something far more sinister? The crime he believed had been “canceled out” rises to the surface once again…!

Celebrating the author’s 30th anniversary since debut and the series’ 20th anniversary, this latest installment (Book 9) in the acclaimed mystery series features the uniquely eccentric male civil servant detective known for the armband he always wears. With his razor-sharp insight, he helps ordinary citizens solve their troubles and untangle intricate cases.

Familiar faces return as well, including university student Yurie Sumiyoshi, Mao Adachi, and the detective duo Himi & Miyagawa.

Author’s Information

Born in 1960 in Kochi Prefecture. He graduated with a specialization in creative writing from Eckerd College in the United States and made his debut in 1995 with Kaitai Shoin. He is known for works that blend classic mystery with science-fiction techniques, earning him wide popularity. In addition to well-loved series such as the Armlet Detective series, the Takumi Chiaki series, and the Mori Natsuko series, he has authored numerous titles, including The Man Who Died Seven Times, Renshuu-satsu, God’s Logic: Who Is Next?, The Sleeping Stigmatized Property, and Parallel Fictional.

In May 2023, his story “The Heterogeneous Girl,” included in Her Heterogeneity: Armband Detective Online, published by our company, won the 76th Mystery Writers of Japan Award in the Short Story category.