In its weekly look at books, Waterstones focuses on a rediscovered Japanese crime classic where celebrations turn lethal…
Murder at Mount Fuji by Shizuko Natsuki tells the story of American student Jane Prescott, who is invited to spend the holidays with her classmate Chiyo.
She accepts, jumping at the chance to see in the new year at a luxurious mansion at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Murder at Mount Fuji by Shizuko Natsuki. Picture: Waterstones
Chiyo belongs to one of Japan’s wealthiest families, and is the heiress to a pharmaceutical empire headed up by Yohei ‘Grandpa’ Wada.
With the whole Wada family gathered and snow falling outside, the festivities are in full swing.
That is, until Chiyo bursts into the room, covered in blood, holding a knife, and screaming that she has stabbed her grandfather to death.
Stunned, the family closes ranks to protect one of its own – but Jane alone has more questions than answers.
Top ten chart with Waterstone’s of Lynn:
1. The Housemaid – Frieda McFadden
2. Domination – Alice Roberts
3. Murder at Mount Fuji – Shizuko Natsuki
4. The Secret of Secrets – Dan Brown
5. When the Cranes Fly South – Lisa Ridzen
6. Hamnet – Maggie O’Farrell
7. Rasing Hare – Chloe Dalton
8. There are Rivers in the Sky – Elif Shafak
9. The Land in Winter – Andrew Miller
10. Death at the sign of the rook – Kate Atkinson
AloJapan.com