A bewildering locked-room murder occurs as an amateur crime writer investigates strange events in the Chizurui mansion in this prizewinning classic Japanese mysteryThe 1st book in English from Akimitsu Takagi since his "Clever, kinky, and highly entertaining" The Tattoo Murder Case (Washington Post)This ingeniously constructed masterpiece, written by one of Japan's most celebrated crime writers and translated into English for the first time, is perfect for locked-room mystery fans who can't resist a breathtaking conclusion.In the Chizurui family mansion, a haunting presence casts a shadow over its residents. By night, an eerie figure, clad in a sinister Hannya mask is seen roaming around the house. An amateur murder mystery writer, Akimitsu Takagi, is sent to investigate ? but his investigation takes a harrowing turn as tragedy strikes the Chizurui family.Within the confines of a locked study, the head of the family is found dead