Salvation of a Saint

By: Keigo Higashino, Alexander O. Smith - translator

Narrated by: David Pittu

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the internationally bestselling, award-winning The Devotion of Suspect X comes the latest novel featuring "Detective Galileo."

In 2011, The Devotion of Suspect X was a hit with critics and readers and listeners alike. The first major English language publication from the most popular bestselling writer in Japan, it was acclaimed as "stunning," "brilliant," and "ingenious." Now physics professor Manabu Yukawa—Detective Galileo—returns in a new case of impossible murder, where instincts clash with facts and theory with reality.

Yoshitaka, who was about to leave his marriage and his wife, is poisoned by arsenic-laced coffee and dies. His wife, Ayane, is the logical suspect—except that she was hundreds of miles away when he was murdered. The lead detective, Tokyo Police Detective Kusanagi, is immediately smitten with her and refuses to believe that she could have had anything to do with the crime. His assistant, Kaoru Utsumi, however, is convinced Ayane is guilty. While Utsumi's instincts tell her one thing, the facts of the case are another matter. So she does what her boss has done for years when stymied—she calls upon Professor Manabu Yukawa.

But even the brilliant mind of Dr. Yukawa has trouble with this one, and he must somehow find a way to solve an impossible murder and capture a very real, very deadly murderer.
Salvation of a Saint is Keigo Higashino at his mind-bending best, pitting emotion against fact in a beautifully plotted crime novel filled with twists and reverses that will astonish and surprise even the most attentive and jaded of listeners.

©2008 Keigo Higashino; Translation © 2012, Alexander O. Smith (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Narrator David Pittu delivers a flawless and riveting performance. Spellbinding.” —AudioFile

“David Pittu, a stage-trained actor, uses a variety of textures, tones and tempos – and just the hint of a Japanese accent – to give each character a voice of his or her own.” —The New York Times Book Review

“On audio, the work is enhanced by the narration of David Pittu, who is one of the best performers with a broad range and a long list of accomplishments…He is superbly talented, thinking through each character's voice and demeanor. He never trips over difficult Japanese words…The performance is without flaw.” —Reviewing the Evidence

Love Keigo Higashino's Mysteries

This story is not Higashino's best and I have read all of them that's available on audible. It was a bit drawn out but not too much especially when the length of this novel is compared to some of the authors others. However I love this type mystery and enjoy listening while trying to figure out who done it. The narration is good which fits the cadence of japanese way of speaking, although I realize that it may just be my stereotypical thinking. Nevertheless, I highly recommend Higashino's Mysteries.

Terrific Puzzle + Fantastic Narration

What made the experience of listening to Salvation of a Saint the most enjoyable?

David Pittu's well-differentiated voices for the characters made me feel like I was listening to multiple people. Almost startling half-way through to realize it's just one guy.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

This is a puzzle plot reminiscent of the golden age fair-play mysteries of the 30's and 40's. Those who like speculating and poring over clues will find a great feast here. The why of it all ends up being a tad over-complicated (alas, this is common), but the how is very cleverly solved, and it is this point upon which the author hangs the bulk of the suspense.

What about David Pittu’s performance did you like?

See above. The real tragedy is going to see what else he's narrated and finding nothing that interests me :(

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Nope...but you'll want to.

Good story but unnecessarily redundant

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Definitely a one-time listen. In retrospect, the story was good, but it felt like it dragged on too long. I found elements of the story re-told too often within the narrative. A condensed version of this book would likely move along at a better pace.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

One comment that I must make: the words "I'm sorry" were overused in this story to a tiresome point. I recognize that the cultural framework suggests a very polite people, but it was an irritant to hear a phrase overused.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator did a good job; however, narration cannot rescue a weak story line.

Any additional comments?

I've enjoyed so many excellent audio books from Audible. It's impossible not to compare this one rather unfavorably.

Great narration

David Pittu is fantastic as the narrator of this book. Makes it an even better story.

A wonderful mystery

This is the second book by this author that has captivated me with fascinating descriptions of Tokyo and believable characters. The plot was engaging and kept me guessing until the end. I also very much appreciated the excellent translation- I wish I could read it in Japanese, but the translation was so well done, I felt like hearing it in English wasn't a loss. The only thing I would want is a little more development of the detective characters. They are all brilliant but I want to know them better!

Love Higashino's work

Would you consider the audio edition of Salvation of a Saint to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the book, so I can't say. I can say that the narrator brought the story to life.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Hmmm. Edge of my seat? Engaged would be a better word, and I was thoroughly engaged throughout.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Nope. Though I did spend hours at a time listening quite happily. It's a longish listen, so the idea of one sitting (or, more accurately, one puttering) is daunting. I do think I finished it in less than three days.

Intriguing murder mystery

Narrated well and the plot holds the reader till the end ... still a good read for followers of all things Japanese

Here is more proof Higashino weaves fabulous tales

This is a simpler story than the excellent Devotion of Suspect X, but the same caliber that is way beyond a traditional police procedural. Higashino has the same dedication to creating a story as his characters have in fulfilling their important roles in his eloquent stories. Salvation of a Saint is a quality story and I'm sure you will also enjoy listening to this Japanese import.

A Superb "How-Dun-It!"

This is the second book in this series I read and I enjoyed this one even more than The Devotion of Suspenct X. I found that since I now knew the recurring characters, it was more interesting. Also, the plot was fascinating. As with the other books in the series, you know immediately who the killer is. The fun is unraveling the intricacies of the plot - the how and the whys and the logic applied to solve the riddle. The narration is very good and I thought he did an excellent job with all of the characters. I am so happy that I listened to another Audbile member's recommendation and started with this series - otherwise, this is one I may have easily overlooked. I'm ready for the next installment!!!!!

Good Plot, Slow Development

Good view of modern Japanese culture and influence of Western criminal procedure. Relies on feminine intuition, both in motivation and detection.