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A review by arkwen452
Malice by Keigo Higashino
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Readers might start this book with expectations in mind, I know I did. Just be prepared for those expectations and theories to be challenged, altered and challenged again.
Malice handles narrative manipulation and deception fairly well overall. The core of the book deals with character development, motivations, creation and interpretation. This may not be that interesting to readers who are not writers, but (as a writer as well) I enjoyed it.
The lead detective wonders through the present, the past and present while investigating the case and for an American used to the detectives who hardly do the bare minimum, I found it impressive.
And at first, I wondered why the topic of sexual assault was being thrown around rather carelessly even if it did happen in the past and there was a current murder investigation underway.
As the book progresses, readers will begin to realize the turn of direction the author has laid down and I imagine being to question their own interpretation of the narrative.
I was going to give this book a lower rating than 4 stars because I was anticipating not liking the direction of the book. But I am glad I didn't give up on the story at the 75% mark. First hand accounts are always askew and bias whether intentional or not.
And the motive behind ever action in this book proves to be more compelling than any might think.
Malice handles narrative manipulation and deception fairly well overall. The core of the book deals with character development, motivations, creation and interpretation. This may not be that interesting to readers who are not writers, but (as a writer as well) I enjoyed it.
The lead detective wonders through the present, the past and present while investigating the case and for an American used to the detectives who hardly do the bare minimum, I found it impressive.
And at first, I wondered why the topic of sexual assault was being thrown around rather carelessly even if it did happen in the past and there was a current murder investigation underway.
As the book progresses, readers will begin to realize the turn of direction the author has laid down and I imagine being to question their own interpretation of the narrative.
I was going to give this book a lower rating than 4 stars because I was anticipating not liking the direction of the book. But I am glad I didn't give up on the story at the 75% mark. First hand accounts are always askew and bias whether intentional or not.
And the motive behind ever action in this book proves to be more compelling than any might think.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Animal death and Murder
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual assault, and Toxic friendship