The Devotion of Suspect X

By: Keigo Higashino, Alexander O. Smith Translated by

Narrated by: David Pittu

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Yasuko Hanaoka is a divorced, single mother who thought she had finally escaped her abusive ex-husband Togashi. When he shows up one day to extort money from her, threatening both her and her teenaged daughter Misato, the situation quickly escalates into violence and Togashi ends up dead on her apartment floor. Overhearing the commotion, Yasuko’s next door neighbor, middle-aged high school mathematics teacher Ishigami, offers his help, disposing not only of the body but plotting the cover-up step-by-step. When the body turns up and is identified, Detective Kusanagi draws the case and Yasuko comes under suspicion. Kusanagi is unable to find any obvious holes in Yasuko’s manufactured alibi and yet is still sure that there’s something wrong. Kusanagi brings in Dr. Manabu Yukawa, a physicist and college friend who frequently consults with the police. Yukawa, known to the police by the nickname Professor Galileo, went to college with Ishigami. After meeting up with him again, Yukawa is convinced that Ishigami had something to do with the murder. What ensues is a high level battle of wits, as Ishigami tries to protect Yasuko by outmaneuvering and outthinking Yukawa, who faces his most clever and determined opponent yet.

©2005 Keigo Higashino (P)2010 Macmillan Audio. A Macmillan Audiobook from Minotaur Books

Loved the book!!!

What a great story, fast paced, original concept and a terrific credit worthy selection.

Perfect Genius in a Messy World

This book is a gem that will be enjoyed by mystery lovers who also enjoy unfamiliar settings and ways of life. A genius who devises a perfect criminal plot is up against an equally intelligent detective. The story is a nail-biting puzzle and the ending is a devastating surprise.

One of my all time favorites

Where does The Devotion of Suspect X rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best I have listened to

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Devotion of Suspect X?

It was not a memorable moment type book. The characters and the plot are so thoughtfully developed that the scenes are all memorable.

If you could take any character from The Devotion of Suspect X out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The woman for her beauty, the physicist for entertainment, the mathematician for curiosity but the detective would probably be the most interesting to talk with.

Any additional comments?

This was a terrific listen. The reader was great, but the plot was innovative.

Listen Carefuly

This is a great "Read" a little slow in spots but well worth the time spent. Hop to see more of this author in the future

Quality writing, interesting plot

This was a quality experience, despite the fact that I wasn't thrilled with the end. There are plenty of real life scenarios where no one wins, but to be honest I avoid books that embrace that approach. If you don't mind an ending which is more wrenching than satisfying, then there is a lot in this book to enjoy, and it kept me interested all the way through, even when I could see the end coming.

The story involves two characters of very high intelligence, both of whom are accustomed to wrestling with highly intricate and complex academic issues. One attempts to establish an unsolvable mystery, the other attempts to solve it. Standard scientific approach, except that this is a murder. There were twists and turns and logical deductions aplenty, and just enough surprises along the way to keep me motivated.

I did note on the way through that the clever characters are male while the few female characters are victims and fairly weak, and this was disappointing. I'm not sure whether to put that down to cultural difference, historical difference, or blatant sexism. I seem to be finding a bit to criticise so I must emphasise that I enjoyed the book over all and I have felt confident to recommend it to friends, who have also said they enjoyed it.

Great summer listen!

What made the experience of listening to The Devotion of Suspect X the most enjoyable?

This is a really interesting idea for a story. Also, the setting and culture added to book's intrigue.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Devotion of Suspect X?

The ending was unexpected - it wasn't all about her.

What does David Pittu bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

David Pittu seemed to have a slight accent I thought, and that helped make me feel the culture of the country it was set in.

Who was the most memorable character of The Devotion of Suspect X and why?

Ishigami was a pretty deep guy.

Tension that never let's go and what an ending!

Loved it. Contains the essence of Japanese culture in both plot and style. The ending was amazing.

What I learned... mathematician = Great murderer

To be honest I listen to this book only because it was part of our book club… This genre is not really my cup of tea. I would have to say my favorite characters were the physicist and the detective. I thought the mathematician was creepy and it didn't help that when he was performed he sounded creepy as well LOL. Specially how his mind was able to come up with a murder plan so easily within the first chapter.
I thought the main girl character was annoying and should've just turned herself in at the beginning for self-defense...
I don't know really I thought it got interesting at the last chapter when they were explaining everything. I kind of guessed most of what happened but I would not have guessed the twist.

Good Book - Worth the Download

I enjoyed this book. The narrator did a good job. The story was engrossing enough and kept me coming back to the end.

Wow!

Excellent story, beautifully written! I’m getting the next book in the series. This promise’s to be an outstanding series if they are all this good.
If you’re a crime fiction fan you’ll love this!