Kaori Hirakata meets Hiroki Sato who is from the wrong side of the tracks, but she decides to run away with him anyway. Aki, her brother, overhears him say he is part of a yakuza gang in Tokyo and the Kaori dies. Twelve years later, Aki is determined to find the killer.

I really wanted to like this story. I could not understand the need for the two parts. The first part could have been left out completely and not detract from the story. I enjoyed reading the second part as there was action and the pace was faster. I almost did not finish this book. The ending felt a bit rushed too.

A lot of the writing style was repetitive, especially with regards to Japanese customs of bowing and the use of slippers.

The chapters were also far too long and tedious.

I did like the setting and the characters were okay.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed the story very much and eventually also enjoyed the author's quaint writing style. It was fitting for a depiction of Japan back in the 1980s. The story is rich with details, but it wasn't all that hard to figure out how it would end. Maybe just me? At any rate, a wonderful setting and the characters were all very interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. I'd definitely read more from this author.

If you’re a fan of Ann Cleeves or Dervla McTiernan and enjoy a cozier mystery vibe, this book is right up your alley. Cleverly plotted with a refreshingly unique murder weapon, the story keeps you guessing from start to finish. It moves at a brisk pace, with several twists that genuinely surprised me, and the ending ties everything together in a satisfying way. The writing is rich in detail and beautifully conveys the charm of a small-town setting, though some of the characters’ actions do require a bit of suspension of disbelief.—Detective Ito, in particular, stood out, and I’d love to see more of them in future installments.

Thanks to Netgalley, Black Rose Writing and Lea O`Harra for this eARC. This is my honest review.