The Tattoo Murder

Kinue Nomura, a member of the Edo Tattoo Society, shows off her full-body snake tattoo at a post-war meeting. Days later, she is murdered, and her body art is missing. Her lover and a boy detective team up to solve the crime, but similar deaths occur. Could someone be driven to murder by their desire for tattooed skin?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Tokyo,1947. At the inaugural post-war gathering of the Edo Tattoo Society, Kinue Nomura unveils her breathtaking full-body snake tattoo to thunderous applause. However, days later, she mysteriously disappears. A dismembered corpse is found locked in her bathroom, but her prized body art is nowhere to be discovered. Kinue's devastated lover, along with the young detective Kyosuke Kamizu, joins forces in an attempt to unravel the gruesome crime. Tragically, similar deaths occur, prompting speculation that someone is being driven to commit murder by their insatiable desire for tattooed skin. Can they halt this relentless pursuit of violence?

Set in the seedy and tumultuous Tokyo of bomb sites, dive bars, and Yakuza gangs, "The Tattoo Murder" stands as one of Japan's most ingenious and legendary whodunits. The novel delves into the dark underbelly of post-war Japan, where societal tensions and moral complexities intertwine. The characters, each with their own unique motivations and secrets, are brought together in a race against time to solve the mystery and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Through vivid descriptions and intricate plot twists, "The Tattoo Murder" transports readers to a time of chaos and uncertainty. The city is a character in its own right, with its bombed-out ruins and seedy alleyways providing a backdrop for the unfolding drama. The tattoo culture, which was once considered a symbol of rebellion and individuality, becomes a catalyst for murder and obsession.

The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices. Kinue Nomura, the tattooed woman with a mysterious past, becomes a symbol of both beauty and danger. Her lover, Kyosuke Kamizu, is torn between his love for her and his duty to uphold the law. As the investigation unfolds, they encounter a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and agendas.

The Tattoo Murder is a masterfully crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of literature to transport readers to different times and places. Whether you are a fan of detective fiction, historical settings, or simply a lover of well-written mysteries, this novel is sure to captivate and intrigue you.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782278283