Mitsuda Madoy's Mystery Translations

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.   Download the entire book: AS A PDF   AS AN EPUB   Or read online below: 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 morning of day four. The weather improves. The case is over. It was a bright and sunny morning. The sky visible out the window was a pale blue that looked like it went on forever. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, as though yesterday's blizzard had all been a practical joke. The snow-capped peaks formed a gently sloping ridge, their white tops blending with the deep blue of the sky. Their silver slopes sparkled in the morning sun, and under the gentle light, it was hard to believe they were looking at Chichibu and not a distant European scene. The bright white branches of the nearby trees didn't move at all, for there wasn't the slightest breeze. Last night... They'd tied up Hoshizono, who'd been knocked unconscious, with a rope and thrown him in the basement. Sagashima kept watch in front of the door. Kazuo was sure he was still diligently keeping at it, reading that foreign book. Yumi and Mikiko both clung to hi...

  Asako makes her counterargument. Kazuo's misunderstanding is made clear. “I'm the culprit?” Hoshizono looked at Asako as though she were some curiosity under a glass case. “I wonder what makes you say that. I could have sworn you just said you 'understood'.” “Yes, I understand that you're a murderer.” Asako's answer was deathly serious. Her lips were set in a hard line, communicating a clear desperation beneath her strong demeanor. “Do you understand anything I just said?” Hoshizono and Asako faced each other down across the table. His voice held undisguised contempt. “Of course I did, and I think most of it was correct. Your logic was firm and thought out... although, there are a few points where I disagree.” Her tone was firm, but she was struggling to hold her gaze on the man's eyes. “You denied the very concept of the 'alibi' on the grounds that it didn't fit the facts, and thus, you declared Mr....