The Devotion of Suspect X [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]

Much of what I read in what could broadly be described as crime and detection type novels is instantly forgettable. That is not to say that such a book is not enjoyable to read, but there is really nothing about it which sticks in the mind once you have finished it. However, The Devotion of Suspect X is a clever, well thought out novel and it has something about it which places it well above this level.

Broadly the story concerns a murder and subsequent cover up, and there is absolutely no mystery as to who the perpetrator is. However, one of the parties involved is a very clever man, Ishigami, arguably at a genius level of intellect. He treats the concealment of the crime as a puzzle in logic, and applies his intellect in creating a situation which will mislead the police and which they will find impossible to crack. Also involved on the police side is a former friend and colleague of Ishigami, also highly intelligent, who proves to be a formidable adversary.

I liked the style of this tale. There is none of the waffle and unnecessary verbiage which authors often feel obliged to pad out their offerings with, and everything in this book is absolutely relevant to the story which is being related. There are many quite small incidents and observations which prove to have immense importance later. Further interest is provided by the Japanese setting, and the quite different approach of the police to the way we would expect them to work in the Western World. However, unlike some other translated novels I have read, we do not get bogged down in the local bureaucracy and procedure to the detriment of the story.

After the first 20 pages or so I was certainly hooked and the outcome is not clear until right at the end so that the reader's interest is maintained throughout. This is a unique and intelligent read and most will find it compelling and very entertaining. Highly recommended!

First Sentence: At 7:35 A.M. Ishigami left his apartment as he did every weekday morning.

A woman separated from her brutal husband. A neighbor devoted to helping her. A policeman tasked with trying to solve a murder. A physicist asked to help his friend the policeman, and who knows the neighbor. These four elements combine into a game of cat and mouse.

My first thought was how much I wish they had included a map. My second thought was a wish for a cast of characters as I am not as familiar with Japanese names as some other cultures and, in the beginning, found it a bit difficult keeping track of who was whom. Both those thoughts quickly faded.

The story sets off with a very good beginning wherein we learn first of the characters, and then of the emotions and motives that drives them. All the characters, on both sides of the crime, draw you in. It’s fascinating as there is no real “bad” guy to the story.

That said, this is a story very much driven by the plot. And what a plot it is! There are surprises, twists and turns, and an intriguing game of cat-and-mouse. It is an intelligent plot, which even includes math and science. It is not all cerebral, as there is also some very good suspense. Most of all, there is an ending which is understandable yet emotionally raw and impactful.

“The Devotion of Suspect X” was a complete and wonderful surprise. It is a brilliantly structured story. It’s easy to see why Higashino is the most popular, best-selling mystery author in Japan. Hopefully, American readers will soon add him to their “must-read” lists as well.

THE DEVOTION OF SUSPECT X (Pol Proc-Det. Kusanagi/Dr. Yukawa-Japan-Contemp) - Ex
Higashino, Keigo – Standalone
Minotaur Books, 2005 (translated edition 2011)

A police procedural with compelling mathematician vs physicist, interesting and well done. Surprising ending however completely unlikely. Memorable characters and setting enjoyable. Was missed when finished.