Murders in the Mountain Lodges Beneath the Shooting Stars by Jun Kurachi is, in many ways, an orthodox mystery novel, likely the most orthodox mystery novel I will ever post here: a closed circle in the mountains, a foolishly honest, Watson, a maddeningly pompous detective, and a logic heavy summation that eats up multiple chapters by itself.
The big twist? Call it efficiency. Each chapter of the book is titled as a three of four sentence summary of its own contents, telling you what you learn and what parts you'll need to focus on to solve the mystery. Having already finished the novel (I did translate it, after all), I can confirm: Every single word of these chapter titles are true.
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Cast of Characters
First, we are introduced to the main character. The protagonist is the viewpoint character, or, alternatively, the Watson. In other words, they shall share all information they possess with the reader. They cannot be the culprit.
Kazuo immediately leaves for his new job. There, the story's detective first appears. Of course, the detective's involvement in the case is nothing but a coincidence. They cannot be the culprit.
Kazuo goes on a business trip with Hoshizono. Hoshizono is called a “Star Watcher”. People's strange occupations are explained. At this time, Kazuo Sugishita is finally informed of the nature of his current job.
The group head to the mountain. Togaridake, Saitama Prefecture. This is where the incident will take place. The incident will not be discovered until next morning.
The complete main cast are introduced. Of course, the victims and culprit are among them. The structure of the administration building will be important to deducing the solution. Pay close attention.
Dinner begins, and the topic of discussion becomes UFOs. It might look like nothing happens, but don't get bored. There's important foreshadowing here.
After their meal, the first night begins. Regarding the room allocations... The culprit's intentions didn't have any particular impact on them. So don't worry about it.
Kazuo inadvertently eavesdrops in front of a lodge. This is a pure coincidence; nobody planned for it. At this time, Kazuo develops a major misunderstanding. We'll find out about that later.
The following day. A dead body is discovered. The method of murder is exactly as it looks. No abnormal tricks are used.
Asako takes care of Sagashima. Zaino goes to the police. Sagashima gets excited about the crop circle. Hoshizono invites Kazuo to investigate with him.
Kazuo re-investigates the crime scene with Hoshizono. I'd like the readers to look for clues, as well. Hoshizono declares that two sets of footprints belong to the culprit. There's nothing wrong with that theory.
Hoshizono questions the others. Everyone gives their alibis. Of course, the culprit is the only one to lie. Afterwards, Kazuo is asked to do something unpleasant.
Kazuo searches in the snow. The weather gets worse. Traffic from the lower part of the street is blocked. The group is stranded at the Lodge Village.
A sober dinner. Afterwards, Kazuo has an investigation meeting with Hoshizono. There is one piece of supremely important foreshadowing in this chapter. Don't miss it.
Kazuo stands alone as a sentry. Late on the second night, he's startled by a sudden noise. Kazuo searches in the darkness.
The drinking party is a mess. Kazuo gets annoyed. The party continues until late in the night. The second crime is coming soon.
Dawn of the third day. The weather doesn't improve and it continues to snow. Asako prepares breakfast. And Kazuo finds the second victim.
The investigation of the second crime scene begins. There are no unnatural tricks used here, either. The kettle is going to be important later. Pay attention.
Once again, everyone is questioned about their alibi. Hoshizono reasons a bit. He says that the kettle alarm system wasn't functional. He is correct.
Yumi insists on their next move: They try to force their way down the mountain. Kazuo is forced into their group without explanation. And the march through the snow begins.
They march through the snow. Hoshizono speaks up along the way. He explains that the two incidents definitely have the same single culprit. Of course, he's correct.
They decide not to go down the mountain. Kazuo and company return to the lodge village. Asako discovers an important clue. This will give you enough data to solve the case.
Hoshizono's deduction show begins. By the time it's over, you, the reader, will have had your chance. You will have the ability to expose the culprit yourself. However, you can't find the motive by deduction.
Hoshizono assembles his logic, derives some conclusions, and based on those conclusions, arrives at his culprit.
The proof approaches its end. Based on the clues presented. Hoshizono finally makes his accusation.
Hoshizono names a culprit.
Asako makes her counterargument. Kazuo's misunderstanding is made clear.
The morning of day four. The weather improves. The case is over.
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