Book Review: A Curse in Kyoto by S.J. Cullen

Rating: 4 Stars

As a lover of mysteries and thrillers, I was excited to dive into A Curse in Kyoto by S.J. Cullen, and it did not disappoint! Set against the enchanting backdrop of Kyoto, this YA mystery introduces us to Jessica Hunter, a sixteen-year-old who has seen more of the world than most adults. Just when she thinks she’s settled into her new life at the British School of Kyoto (BSK), things take a dark turn.

The story begins with whispers of a phantom geisha haunting the school, a missing star student, and strange symbols appearing all over campus. What’s more, it all seems to stem from a cursed museum exhibit that the school had the dubious honor of hosting. Intrigued? I certainly was! Jessica, feeling a bit out of place in her new surroundings, teams up with Kenta Higashi, the football team captain and a friend of the missing student. Together, they embark on a thrilling quest to uncover the truth behind the eerie happenings, all while navigating their own personal differences.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book was its pacing—Cullen masterfully builds tension throughout the narrative, keeping readers on their toes. The writing style is engaging and fluid, which made it easy to immerse myself in Jessica’s world. The setting of Kyoto itself is practically a character in its own right, with vivid descriptions that transport you right into the heart of Japan’s rich culture and history.

Overall, A Curse in Kyoto is a fast-paced debut that I found thoroughly enjoyable. Jessica and Kenta make a dynamic crime-solving duo, and I was rooting for them every step of the way. As the mystery deepens and danger escalates, I couldn't help but be captivated by their journey. And with an ending that leaves you hungry for more, I’m already looking forward to diving into the sequel, The Osaka Syndicate!

If you're into YA mysteries set in intriguing international locations, this book is definitely worth picking up!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Thank you so much @Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for approving my request of this mystery thriller!

I absolutely love read Japanese fiction and it being a mystery thriller is like a cherry on top.

This is the first in the Hunter-Higashi series and it kept me hooked till the end. I actually pulled an all-nighter to finish it because I couldn’t wait how it will turn out in the end.

Honestly, in the beginning, I found the FL to be an insufferable know-it-all given the fact that she chose to be a detective while neglecting all the boundaries and rules. Her inner monologue is kind of frustrating. Same with the ML, the way he kept avoiding being a part of the investigation in question. Both of their POVs become repetitive.

However, as the story unfolds, the reader is in for a lots of surprises. The mysterious events which started after the Koto become an exhibit in the British School of Kyoto get all too complicated as the story proceeds further.

The general idea of students being caught in the web of criminal activities and being brainwashed and manipulated to believe in things that not only question authority and bring actual harm to themselves was spooky and scary.

I do love the idea of rules being forcefully changed because we all know how the intense strictness in schools can be harmful and ruin the future of some students.

It is suggested that you read this story without much information because then it will be more interesting for you. The ending and the events before it will make you sit on the edge of your seat. There are too many close calls.

I cannot wait to read the next part in this series.

There is a british school in Kyoto and students have came from diverse family backgrounds. The myth and mystery is surrounding it. The myth about the phantom geisha and the curse was just a myth until a student goes missing unexpectedly and mysterious symbols appears out of nowhere. While Jessica and Kenta are trying to get to the bottom of the mystery of Yudai’s disappearance. The quest of unveiling the mystery soon becomes perilous for them and when secrets comes out with truth, the danger increases and brings lives at stake.

The setting is kind of atmospheric and Kyoto is beautiful while BSK is surrounded by myth, history, mystery, secrets and the unthinkable happenings. I liked the dynamic crime -solving Duo and looking forward to next book in the Hunter and Higashi mystery series.

Thanks to the publisher and Author.

The premise of the book was promising although it did not deliver what I expected.

It was, in my opinion too long for my liking.

The action was rushed and the beginning seemed endless.

The mystery aspect was the only thing I was interested in.

Jessica was not a character I liked reading about but Kenta was enjoyable.

I really enjoy this YA mystery set at a British high school in Kyoto, Japan!
I really like the writing style, especially how it describes the setting of the place (Kyoto) beautifully and vividly. The author did a great job in researching the setting which actually made me feel like I was back in Kyoto.

Told in multiple POVs mainly from our two main characters – Jessica and Kenta which seem to be the only one interested in solving the mysteries happening at the school - one of the student went missing, a phantom geisha and an antique koto with a dark past.
I really enjoy seeing Jessica and Kenta playing detectives, they made such a great team together despite their differences!

The last few chapters are quite intense with Jessica and Kenta finally in action to stop the culprit once and for all. It was action-packed that comes with a few surprises!

Overall, this fast-paced debut novel was really good which makes putting it down is the last thing I want to do!
I’m looking forward to read the sequel – The Osaka Syndicate since things are far from over for both Jessica and Kenta!

<i>I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!</i>

"A Curse in Kyoto" by S.J. Cullen is a mesmerizing blend of mystery, magic, and cultural immersion that transports readers to the heart of Japan's ancient city. Cullen's vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail bring Kyoto to life, infusing the narrative with an atmosphere that is both enchanting and mysterious. The protagonist, tasked with unraveling a centuries-old curse, is compelling and relatable, drawing readers into a world where tradition and modernity collide. Cullen's seamless integration of Japanese folklore and mythology adds depth and authenticity to the story, while the plot unfolds with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. "A Curse in Kyoto" is a captivating read for fans of urban fantasy and mystery, offering a perfect balance of cultural exploration and supernatural intrigue. Cullen's evocative prose and gripping storyline make this novel impossible to put down, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

5 stars. Very interesting and well written. This book gripped me from chapter one and I simply couldn't put it down. I enjoyed reading something that explored a new (to me) culture and also the diverse environment of the BSK and how kids of all backgrounds interacted in that environment. I thought the characters were very well done and had their own distinct personalities. I also liked that there wasn't a forced romance or anything, but it took their relationship at a realistic pace and focused on building a foundation for their partnership, which is important regardless of whether or not romance comes in later. I thought the mystery was very original, and while I have an eagle eye of my own so I kind of clocked who the "insider" was, I think it was very well hidden and not obvious at all (I just read too many mysteries). The complexity of Yudai/Kenta's relationship was so interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. I also really liked Jessica and the writing of a female character like her, who is very headstrong and stubborn and can take the lead. This was a real page turner. I am very eager to read the second one and, if the publisher is reading this, please feel free to add me to an ARC list for book 2 (and 3, and...). I hope to keep up with the story and I'm excited to read more by Cullen.

-- Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. :)

Thank you, NetGalley and Hadeda Press, for the ARC of "A Curse In Kyoto" in exchange for an honest review.

This YA mystery-thriller begins with several uncanny counters at the British School of Kyoto (BSK) after a koto (Japanese musical instrument) arrived at the school from the museum for the Jidai Matsuri exhibition.
It was believed that the koto had been cursed by Otake Okimi, a very talented musician who was born in Kyoto in 1853 during the Edo period when Kyoto was still the capital.
Otake was only twenty when she came to the attention of a nobleman, Minamoto Sojuke. Minamoto became obsessed with hearing her play and could accept no other musicians, no matter how skilled. He commissioned the finest maker of kotos in Japan to craft the best and most beautiful koto anyone had ever seen.
Jealousy from Minamoto's wife and other geisha had taken Otake's life. Before her death, she is said to have given her very last money to the priest so that he would befall all future owners of the koto and tragedy hadn't just struck one or two of the koto's owners, but all of them.

The missing of the school star student, the appearance of a geisha's ghost wandering around the school at night with the background music of the koto being played, and also the mysterious symbol 'OO' which has been covered in several places at the school had cause consternation among students and teachers of BSK.

Incidents that happened had elicited Jessica Hunter, a new student at BSK, to investigate it further as she believed that all these chaotic situations were due to someone trying to give a bad reputation to the school. Jessica speaks to Kenta Higashi, BSK's football star, and involved him in her fledgling investigation. Long story short, the investigation by this duo young detectives had led them to the act of vengeance by the former student of the BSK which all had been set up by involving a few students and also the 'syndicate'.

I like they way on how the author vividly describes the resplendent view of Kyoto city and some historical details in this story while the detective mode is turned on. And also, I am excited for the second book!

The summary was intriguing and I enjoyed reading the prologue at the beginning. That set up the story, but I could not get through the first chapter. I am not a fan of third person writing unless it is done a specific way. The third person writing made the story confusing to understand since I kept having to reread passages to see which character was speaking. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. Thank you!
As I browsed the Catalog I saw this book and the title immediately brought me back to my honeymoon in Japan. Our favourite city is Kyoto so I had to request this ARC.
First it begins as a cozy YA mystery crime novel. We meet Jessica, the new girl and Kenta, the football star and a pretty good student at the British School of Kyoto (BSK). Kenta's genius friend, Yudai disappears after the day a very old and valuable koto (Japanese instrument) got exhibited in the school. Jessica suspects a connection and starts investigating the case. She speaks with Kenta and involves him in the search.
As they find out more and more, the story gets a dark twist and it isn't a cozy mystery anymore but a thriller!
There were some parts which were too detailed about school stuff and the story gets a little slow at that time. But mostly it is an intriguing novel with some interesting historical details and little more than basic informations about the culture. I really felt like being there in Kyoto again and walk the roads with our characters.
I felt that it was realistic how the police handled the students observations and detective work.
I give 4,5 * because of the occasional "boring" school stuff but in total it was an exciting story and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Welcome Hunter and Higashi, an unlikely pair of teenage truth-seekers who 'bond' over the tortuous dilemma of whether to be obedient school students, or just pursue the right thing to do, however suicidal. A curse has visited the British School in Kyoto, connected to a koto, an ancient musical instrument on loan from the museum, played traditionally and hauntingly by the geishas. A star pupil has vanished, the geisha's spirit is floating around in the night. British-born Hunter has a questioning mind; she smells trouble for the school, and is daring enough to go after who are behind this. Highashi finds her antithetical to his upbringing and beliefs, yet can't stay away from helping her because how can he not? The writer reminds me of S J Watson, and not just in name/pseudonym. But this is the first Japanese teenage detective mystery I have read, and the contrast between this and the American/British genres could not be more striking. Breaking rules not only does not make you a hero, it leaves you quite lonely and vulnerable. No one is a villain either, except perhaps the school system that has forgotten how to treat children. This novel is sensitive and questions a few Asian values that may have outlived their usefulness. The editing could have been better. The narration is gripping in many places, but it isn't without its rough edges and stumbling blocks; I'll be waiting for the sequel to see how they are smoothed out.
Thank you Netgalley and Hadeda Press for the ARC of this unpublished novel; this is still an honest review. #netgalley #Japanesethriller mystery

Thank you Netgalley and Hadeda Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Curse in Kyoto" by S.J. Cullen presents a captivating mystery set against the backdrop of Japan, bringing together elements of suspense and intrigue through the lens of a British/international student and a Japanese student set in modern-day Kyoto. The mystery in this book is quite unique and sets up for potential sequels in the future.

Cullen demonstrates a keen understanding of Japanese culture, immersing you in a richly detailed setting that adds depth and authenticity to the story. From the halls of Wickwood Academy to the ancient streets of Kyoto, the vivid descriptions paint a picture of the world in which the characters inhabit, making the journey all the more immersive and enjoyable. I do wish that there was more of a focus of different locations in Kyoto. It makes sense that the main setting was the school, but I wish there was more exploration to different locations; maybe a sequel could bring that to the story.

The strongest part of the story is the characterization of the dynamic protagonists, Jessica Hunter and Kenta Higashi, whose unlikely partnership drives the narrative forward. As they navigate the twists and turns of the mystery unfolding around them, they evolve from mere acquaintances to a formidable team, each bringing their own strengths and vulnerabilities to the table. Their growth as characters is both believable and engaging as Jessica brings her brashness and never-ending curiosity to the pairing while Kenta, more traditional in his viewpoints, brings his compassion and desire for justice to the relationship.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a steady buildup of tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat as different pieces of the mystery slowly come together, aided by the two different perspectives of the main characters as they hunted for their own clues. I found the pacing to be a bit rushed at the end, though that may be due to the set-up for sequels in the future.

Overall, "A Curse in Kyoto" is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery that offers a refreshing take on the genre, especially through the unique setting. With its engaging characters, atmospheric setting, and well-crafted plot, it is sure to delight fans of mystery and suspense alike.

I'll read virtually anything set in Japan and extra points if it is set in Kyoto. So I was happy to get an opportunity to read this. As I started reading, I wasn't so impressed with either the writing or the author's knowledge of Japan. Admittedly, I am picky that way. I doubt a few wrong uses of Japanese words will upset many readers. But, they are there. And the writing style was nothing special and pretty simplistic. But when I consider the intended audience, it makes sense. And after I'd read 50 pages or so, I admit I was caught up in the story. As stories go, it is quite good and it reads smoothly although I do think it could have been more concise. Still, though I do love his intrepid duo and I would like to read the next one that the author has written. So, since it hooked me, I do have to give it a welcome thumbs up! If you like a very readable mystery set in Japan, this will appeal to you as well.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. It's a sweet read!

My love of mysteries dates back to the first time I got a library card and walked up to the shelves where (younger) kids were allowed to pick their books without needing a parent to approve. I discovered a long shelf full of books with yellow spines and started solving mysteries with Nancy Drew. Those books served generations of kids exciting adventures and puzzles to figure out, but perhaps it is time for an update to the crime solving sleuths for middle grade and young adult audience. Welcome this arena Hunter and Higashi, a team that proved in their first outing, A Curse in Kyoto, that they are up for the challenge. The story was an interesting read and I followed along the plot developments, guessing where some of the clues lead and intrigued by other curves the author threw in. The writing style was at a level where preteens and teens would find accessible but not too juvenile for an adult to enjoy. In fact, I rather enjoyed this mystery more than the last "adult" mystery written by a prolific best-selling author that I read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to sleuthing fans of any age and an looking forward to the next Hunter and Higashi mystery.
I received advanced access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, Hadeda Press, and author S.J. Cullen) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

In my kindle, I have a collection I named "anime vibes". This book definitely fits the bill. This book was fast paced and thankfully didn't lag. Mystery with anime/Scooby Doo vibes then this is totally a must read