NEWCOMER Paperback – 31 January 2019

This is my third Keigo Higashino read after having read Devotion of Suspect X and Malice; I must say Newcomer is no less than the former 2 novels. I was quite absorbed into the plot, the entire story is appreciably so original, kudos to Higashino and certainly well-translated by Giles Murray. The book doesn't just stress on crime and its gruesome essence but also poignantly captures the delicate details of a place and the people who live there. It isn't just about the victim, perpetrator or the detectives; is way more than that-About reaching out for the deepest root of every small event and how it affects and connects different people in unexpected ways. Every chapter unravels a new story and the book ends all together on a positive note.No doubt, I totally recommend it!

With KH, stories tend to move beyond mere action for the sake of action. I like his works for their ability to concisely establish scenes that are read very quickly and with ease but give the feeling of a ‘non-hurried’ and gradual read.Newcomer is different from his prior works, given that it consists of interconnected stories of multiple characters in a murder mystery instead of focusing only on a handful of characters within limited settings. (In spirit of full disclosure, I had some problems recalling all the characters' names by the end of the book which I'm attributing to use of similar names) moving around in the general area of Nihonbashi where the murder victim lived, there are different age-groups and personalities that are dealt with within each chapter before a composite picture appears in the conclusion. This introduces the reader to the different motives and drives of the characters in signature KH style. It also provides an interesting opportunity to think about how the murder was committed and who did it.Detective Kaga is as unassumingly charming and inquisitive as in his previous adventures. He notes and operates within distinctly Japanese social context. The novel covers a lot of conflict - family dynamics, tradition-vs-modern outlooks, professional rivalries, generational gap. Reveals happen and connections are made in every chapter before they all are tied together in the end.Overall, a nice read for the fans of KH and those looking to start with popular but atypical Japanese criminal fiction. Those looking for procedural works or gory novels are advised to avoid the same. This is a more laid-back reading. Think of it as a Japanese novel with elements of crime rather than a crime novel per se.A handy paperback with a matte cover. The papers are regular mass-paperback quality yellow/cream colored pages. The font is smaller than usual but well spaced and easy to read. Bought it for INR 299.

I have read multiple of Keigo Higashino works and this definitely places on the 2nd position by the rankings.Short stories connected with a innocent woman's murder will lead to a very obvious but easy to miss culprit.It is always very easy to visualise setting of any particular incident in of the KH books. I felt a wide range emotions while reading this book and very glad that everything came to a proper closure.A must read for mystery thriller fans.

Good book but below his other works.

It's a fun read and full of unexpected turns till the end when it's all clear and as expected. Good read.

I liked the fact that the book provides closure for almost elements that are explored in the murder investigation. In terms of pace, I wish it moved along a bit faster. It took me some effort to go through the first few chapters but eventually I did get hooked as stories started to line up. The first few chapters introduced a lot of characters who weren’t very important instead of the usual place where a murder investigation would start - like the immediate family. Nonetheless it’s a good read, well written book

I don't know whether this would remain as the best book of 2019 for me, since almost ten months are still left. But as of now, this was one of the smartest, sweetest, saddest, and charming tale that I have ever read, and definitely the best one of this year so far. It's amazing that this tale involved murder, betrayal, and so much of pain at so many levels, and yet succeded in oozing positive feelings at the conclusion of each chapter!Higashino rules, but Giles Murray is THE man, who has succeeded in capturing every mood, vibe and twitch in this nuanced slow-burner.If I seem incapable of providing a coherent, cogent, objective analysis of this novel which is purportedly a mueder mystery as well as a Police Procedural, then blame it on them. For me, this was life, through a glass darkly.Read it. Please.

The book came right on time. There is never any problem with the date of delivery with Amazon.The package of the book was as good as depicted in the description. The paper quality was also upto the mark.Coming to the content of the book, the story revolves arround a place in Tokyo where a detective was recently transferred. Therefore, he was a newcomer in the area. Another newcomer was the murder victim who recently moved to this area after her divorce.Detective Kaga's unbelievable smartness allows him to not just solve the murder mystery but also take a sneak peek at the personal lives of the various families living around the area. It is a story where different plots are taken, their issues solved to boil down on the one offence.Higashino, as usual, wrote this story with great sense of details and intelligence. The cunning discovery of so many different issues is definitely worth a read. Unnecessary to say but Higashino is best at his work.PS: It's not recommended to compare this with his other works, especially any from Detective Galelio series.

I read this book after reading the first book Malice. Although Malice seemed somewhat convoluted I ended up enjoying it very much and came to appreciate Mr. Higashino's style of writing. Like his detective his prose kind of sneaks up on you. The details the protagonist discovers in his investigation add interest and warmth to the story and give depth to his characters. I think the author must be a very bright person and able to notice and reflect on all kinds of details to create these stories of a Japanese Sherlock Holmes type of investigator. Newcomer was even smoother and an easier read yet every bit as fascinating as Malice. Interestingly this author also manages to outline an excellent murder mystery story but to display compassion and understanding of other people at same time as encouraging us to all be better people. If I were to ever consider committing a crime I would live in fear of encountering a detective like the protagonist Higashino writes about. I am adding this author to my list of favorite murder mystery books. I think Agatha Christie herself would be an ardent fan! Excellent job Mr. Higashino and thank you!

... to the legendary US Lieutenant Columbo - he asks his questions in his own, unique style. Absolutely relaxed he is investigating the murder of a middle-aged woman in her flat in Nihonbashi district in Tokyo. Maybe some readers cannot understand why this accurate policeman is on the streets interviewing people to his left and right. Who has read Kaga's first murder investigation - the thriller 'Malice' - knows why he's been demoted to sergeant and has to find culprits in a new quarter of Tokyo. But the grade isn't important to Kaga, he wants to know everything about the small family shops where the victim was known as a kind and calm and friendly person. From rice crackers to a restaurant, then to traditional Japanese handiwork, a toy shop and a seller of scissors and knives, to Japanese Sweets and so on - he covers every place and speaks with every person who can give him some information about the poor woman. In several chapters we learn about this particular place in Tokyo everything the detective comes to know. And in his own way he finds the solution...Very interesting crime novel for all those who love their investigation well constructed and with solid logical foundations. Blood and gore etc are totally absent here.I have read all the crime novels written by Keigo Higashino, and was always surprised by the systematic and accurate deductions. The investigations of his Detective Galileo are classics, and not only in Japan. Absolutely worth the read.

In line with his other works, this books shows you a different side of a police/crime/thriller novel, always with the ultimate goal of solving the murder you get a different perspective of a police investigation, really interesting and with fantastic dialogues as always. Definitely recommend.

Best Mystery novel this year so far.

The way Higashino weaves this story is incredible: each section just a slice of the whole story, but so well written in and of itself that they almost stand alone. Detective Kaga takes you by the hand and leads you through the mystery a step at a time in his own unique fashion, through to a very satisfying end.