Murder at MT.Fuji

This is an absorbing thriller set at Mount Fuji. The drama all takes place over a snowy New Year's weekend, with Japan's most celebrated mountain in the background. The plot is rather intricate and there are some very interesting twists and turns, plausibly recounted by the author (who has been well-served by the translator). There are some rather clever touches of humor, involving the police and news media, and the storyline also offers some insights into aspects of Japanese customs and traditions. There is an unexpected and ambiguous ending, and in every way this proves to be an intriguing and thoughtful mystery novel. I was sufficiently impressed with it to seek out other works in English by the author, who appears to be Japan's most well-published mystery writer, responsible for short stories and television and movie scripts as well as books such this one.