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

Best detective novel I’ve ever read!

I’ve never written a review before. But I felt compelled to after reading ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’. Seldom does a detective novel move so ingeniously without a waste word or sentence from a surprising beginning to a gripping, complex middle to an emotional gut-punch of an ending! This isn’t just a superior detective fiction novel. It is a remarkably crafted, thoroughly moving work of literature

P vs. NP (In the library with a candlestick)

In a Tokyo apartment, a man lies dead at the hands of his ex-wife and step daughter. Their neighbor, an introverted mathematician and virtual stranger, offers to help hide their involvement in the death. He then orchestrates an intricate cover-up to safeguard the child and her mother.

As the Tokyo police begin a murder investigation, a brilliant physicist - who has consulted for the police in previous cases – is brought into the mix. When the physicist learns that the neighbor of the suspect is, in fact, his old college friend, his interest is piqued. He begins to investigate independently.

And so we reach the central players of our chess game; two brilliant old friends, the mathematician, and the physicist. One believes he has created the perfect puzzle – the other is determined to solve it. Pitted against each other in this classic game of cat and mouse, both men struggle to fulfill their perceived “duties”, despite the feelings of friendship and respect they both feel for the other.

The Devotion of Suspect X is a rare jewel of the mystery genre; one often sought, but rarely found. It’s a mystery crafted out of many character’s points of view, and even more layers of reality. If you want answers, you’ll have to wait until the end; because like all great mysteries, the truth waits until the final unveiling.

For this particular selection, I have to thank fellow reader Howard (a great member to follow for fantastic reviews) for bringing this novel to my attention.

Brilliant

Any additional comments?

Intellectually and emotionally, the story works at the highest levels. I felt stunned and moved by the final scene. I hope to see more from this author on audible. Preferably with the same reader.

well worth it

This was a good book. There is quite a bit of depth that a person might miss, it will appeal to people that like to ponder things. As the end wraps up it brings questions to mind about how each persons choices effects another.

Japanese mastermind

Why women in Japanese literature must act like naive girls without a brain I don't know. Anyway, the battle of 3 smart guys has several good twists.

WOW!!

THE PACE OF THIS BOOK IS STEADY AND INTENTIONALLY MEDIUM PACED..YOU KNOW WHO THE MURDERER IS RIGHT AWAY..BUT THE DYNAMIC OF FOLLOWING HOW THE COPS COME TO THE CONLCUSION IS GENIUS!! LOVE THE READER AS WELL,

Interesting but sad

I guess I don't like stories with sad endings. And the characters weren't fleshed out enough for me. Good idea, but just didn't quite get there.

Its almost

great but turns out to be very good.... the story was intresting and the ending was not what I thought it would be. worth the time and credit

amazing

definitely worth checking out. is it harder to create the unsolvable problem? or to solve that problem?

Straight up procedural..satisfying in that respect

This is a no-frills detective investigation story that has the somewhat non-conventional aspect of having a Columbo style beginning where the reader knows who the murderer is. The story is simple and the characters are for the most part non-complicated. The narrative is largely dialogue driven which makes for a compelling listen. The narrator is also very buttoned down with a minimum of acting flair but for this type of story and writing style it really works. An added bonus: the book is concise at just 8 hours.

This review may sound like this book is largely conservative in scope and style but this is why it is such a satisfying experience. For crime fiction fans this book is similar to reading a Connelly or Lehane work - it is straight-up detective fiction without trying to be too much and a concise story that will leave you satisfied.