A classic whodunit story set in a quaint Japanese town. After Keiko Ishida is brutally murdered, her brother Ren Ishida travels to a small town to collect her belongings and look further into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.

Keiko left Tokyo suddenly to move to Akakawa, where she worked as a teacher in a cram school. Growing up, Keiko and Ren were very close; Keiko was in many ways a mother to him. When she moved away suddenly, it left a sadness in Ren, something he struggles with when he finds out of her death.

Ren Ishida ends up stepping into the life his sister was living, from temporarily taking her job at the cram school to even living in the same rented room. Following her footsteps he is able to find clues and insight into the life Keiko left behind and ultimately is able make peace with his grief.

This novel was beautifully written, but also had a reserved and respectful tone. The author does not over describe, and there is no flowery prose. Every word was there for a reason. I found it incredibly interesting from a cultural perspective; it seemed to be distinctly Japanese. Often times I yearned for more outward facing emotion – but it was true to the characters and the setting of the story. Despite the different style, it was engaging and kept me turning the pages to find out what happened to Keiko Ishida.

I highly recommend this for lovers of a good whodunit; Rainbirds nails it with a unique and refreshing cultural perspective.

Verdict: Read it! (4/5 stars)
Length: 323 pages
Quote: “Sadness alone can’t harm anyone. It’s what you do when you’re sad that can hurt you and those around you.
Also read: A Woman in the Window by AJ Finn for another whodunit novel, click here for our review.

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