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Murder in the House of Omari
Osaka, 1943: as the Second World War rages and American bombers rain death down upon the city, the once prosperous Omari family is already in decline, financially ruined by the terrible conflict. Then the household is struck by a series of gruesome murders.
Can anyone solve the mystery of these baffling slayings before the Omari line is extinguished entirely? To do so, and unravel the killer's fiendish plot, they will have to delve into the family's past, where a dark and deadly secret has been festering for decades...
Can anyone solve the mystery of these baffling slayings before the Omari line is extinguished entirely? To do so, and unravel the killer's fiendish plot, they will have to delve into the family's past, where a dark and deadly secret has been festering for decades...
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2021
About the author
Taku Ashibe
67 books10 followersTaku is a Japanese mystery writer. He is a member of the Honkaku Mystery Writers Club of Japan and one of the representative writers of the new traditionalist movement in Japanese mystery writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
September 26, 2025
3.5 stars rounded down for an intricate murder mystery that was somewhat difficult to follow. This book is set in Japan, mid 1930s until 1946.
Pros: The murder mystery was very complicated and the killer was not revealed until the end. I did not suspect the killer because it was just too complicated. I thought the characters were believable. The plot moved along smoothly. The translation was very good for the most part. The book also gave the reader insight into Japanese society. One quote: "... the status of a son-in-law was not at all high, and he was often outranked not only by his parents-in-law, but also by his own wife."
Cons: This was an uncorrected proof, and many words had half the letters missing. Most of the time I could figure out what the word was from the context, but not always. In addition, there were a large number of characters, some of which had two names, since new servants were required to take a new name when they started to work for the House of Omari. In at least one case, the same new name was used by two different persons. The author did include at the beginning of the book, a list of characters, with their relationship to the other characters.
One quote"... Hojo said,'Well with your permission, I'd like to see upstairs.' With that, he took off his shoes and unrued, stepped directly onto the wooden oor, as though he were entering the hoiuse of a close relative." I thought unrued would be uninvited, but it doesn't fit and oor would be floor, and it does fit.
Thank You Pushkin Vertigo for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
Pros: The murder mystery was very complicated and the killer was not revealed until the end. I did not suspect the killer because it was just too complicated. I thought the characters were believable. The plot moved along smoothly. The translation was very good for the most part. The book also gave the reader insight into Japanese society. One quote: "... the status of a son-in-law was not at all high, and he was often outranked not only by his parents-in-law, but also by his own wife."
Cons: This was an uncorrected proof, and many words had half the letters missing. Most of the time I could figure out what the word was from the context, but not always. In addition, there were a large number of characters, some of which had two names, since new servants were required to take a new name when they started to work for the House of Omari. In at least one case, the same new name was used by two different persons. The author did include at the beginning of the book, a list of characters, with their relationship to the other characters.
One quote"... Hojo said,'Well with your permission, I'd like to see upstairs.' With that, he took off his shoes and unrued, stepped directly onto the wooden oor, as though he were entering the hoiuse of a close relative." I thought unrued would be uninvited, but it doesn't fit and oor would be floor, and it does fit.
Thank You Pushkin Vertigo for sending me this eARC through Edelweiss.
November 20, 2025
finally back reading and blogging and all that now. Yay!
My complete thoughts are here:
http://www.crimesegments.com/2025/11/...
As the old Semba district of Osaka is torn up, the discovery of what the workers think is an old air-raid shelter reveals something more before it is filled in again with concrete and the newest part of the city is created. The "vibrant way of life and commerce that the House of Ōmari once brought to the area" is forgotten—not to mention the numerous murders that happened there "during its final days."
Luckily, we have the creative imagination of Taku Ashibe to relate the story of these strange deaths, in this novel that ranges from 1906 in the Meiji Era through the end of World War II and beyond. Ashibe is an incredibly prolific author and a member of the Honkaku Mystery Writers Club of Japan, nominated several times for the Honkaku Mystery Award for best fiction before winning it, along with the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 2022, for, as it happens, this very book.
Alongside the story of the rise and fall of the fortunes of the House of Ōmari, the author captures the shifting landscapes of Osaka—and Japan as a whole—showing the transformations the country undergoes leading up to and during its militaristic period socially, culturally and economically. It’s impressively done, working both as a well-plotted murder mystery and a vivid slice of history, with the two elements perfectly intertwined. There is a bit of silliness here that might have been left out (a demon with red hair comes to mind), but otherwise, I have to admit to being completely caught up in the book, trying to figure out who is behind all of these horrific events. Murder in the House of Ōmari had me tapping into my inner armchair detective, keeping me hooked from start to finish—while at the same time, the author’s rich historical backdrop had me completely absorbed in the history of a changing Japan as well as Osaka's merchant culture.
This one’s definitely best for patient readers, but the payoff is well worth it—by the end, the story proves to be a truly satisfying read on many levels. Definitely recommended.
My complete thoughts are here:
http://www.crimesegments.com/2025/11/...
As the old Semba district of Osaka is torn up, the discovery of what the workers think is an old air-raid shelter reveals something more before it is filled in again with concrete and the newest part of the city is created. The "vibrant way of life and commerce that the House of Ōmari once brought to the area" is forgotten—not to mention the numerous murders that happened there "during its final days."
Luckily, we have the creative imagination of Taku Ashibe to relate the story of these strange deaths, in this novel that ranges from 1906 in the Meiji Era through the end of World War II and beyond. Ashibe is an incredibly prolific author and a member of the Honkaku Mystery Writers Club of Japan, nominated several times for the Honkaku Mystery Award for best fiction before winning it, along with the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 2022, for, as it happens, this very book.
Alongside the story of the rise and fall of the fortunes of the House of Ōmari, the author captures the shifting landscapes of Osaka—and Japan as a whole—showing the transformations the country undergoes leading up to and during its militaristic period socially, culturally and economically. It’s impressively done, working both as a well-plotted murder mystery and a vivid slice of history, with the two elements perfectly intertwined. There is a bit of silliness here that might have been left out (a demon with red hair comes to mind), but otherwise, I have to admit to being completely caught up in the book, trying to figure out who is behind all of these horrific events. Murder in the House of Ōmari had me tapping into my inner armchair detective, keeping me hooked from start to finish—while at the same time, the author’s rich historical backdrop had me completely absorbed in the history of a changing Japan as well as Osaka's merchant culture.
This one’s definitely best for patient readers, but the payoff is well worth it—by the end, the story proves to be a truly satisfying read on many levels. Definitely recommended.
January 28, 2026
Murder in the House of Omari by Taku Ashibe and translated by Bryan Karetnyk.
This is a classic Japanese puzzle mystery; slow to build, but rewarding once the pieces fall into place.
Set against the backdrop of Osaka, Japan during World War II, the story blends historical detail with a tightly woven puzzle. The Omari family, once prosperous merchants especially in the cosmetics trade, find themselves ruined by war and then haunted by a string of gruesome murders that threaten to extinguish their lineage entirely.
The story begins when the current head of the House of Omari is found dead in his own room. As the investigation team struggles to solve the murder with no clear clues or motive, more killings occur one after another. The murders are brilliantly crafted, the clues hiding in plain sight, and the family secrets keep unraveling right up to the last page. Trust me, it’s satisfying to the max!
The wartime setting isn’t just decoration; it shapes the tension. It’s not only about solving a murder, but about understanding how war and decline shape human choices. Bear in mind, the story starts at a slow pace. The slow-burn tension and deliberate pacing allow me to sink into the family drama before the murders escalate.
On the character side, I really enjoyed Mineko (the daughter-in-law), her friend Natsuko (one of the doctors), and Fumiko, the youngest Omari child, cheerful and full of energy.
For me, Murder in the House of Omari wasn’t just about uncovering the killer. It was about peeling back the layers of a family destroyed by war, pride, and silence. The murders felt inevitable, almost symbolic of a lineage collapsing under its own weight.
Definitely a 4-star read for me!
This is a classic Japanese puzzle mystery; slow to build, but rewarding once the pieces fall into place.
Set against the backdrop of Osaka, Japan during World War II, the story blends historical detail with a tightly woven puzzle. The Omari family, once prosperous merchants especially in the cosmetics trade, find themselves ruined by war and then haunted by a string of gruesome murders that threaten to extinguish their lineage entirely.
The story begins when the current head of the House of Omari is found dead in his own room. As the investigation team struggles to solve the murder with no clear clues or motive, more killings occur one after another. The murders are brilliantly crafted, the clues hiding in plain sight, and the family secrets keep unraveling right up to the last page. Trust me, it’s satisfying to the max!
The wartime setting isn’t just decoration; it shapes the tension. It’s not only about solving a murder, but about understanding how war and decline shape human choices. Bear in mind, the story starts at a slow pace. The slow-burn tension and deliberate pacing allow me to sink into the family drama before the murders escalate.
On the character side, I really enjoyed Mineko (the daughter-in-law), her friend Natsuko (one of the doctors), and Fumiko, the youngest Omari child, cheerful and full of energy.
For me, Murder in the House of Omari wasn’t just about uncovering the killer. It was about peeling back the layers of a family destroyed by war, pride, and silence. The murders felt inevitable, almost symbolic of a lineage collapsing under its own weight.
Definitely a 4-star read for me!
March 25, 2025
Prawdopodobnie jedno z najbardziej irytujących możliwych zakończeń kryminału, w ogóle czasem można było zapomnieć, że jest tam jakaś zagadka do rozwiązania, ale chyba przez to żywię cieplejsze uczucia do tej książki - dużo wyniosłam o życiu w Osace/Sembie podczas wojny i kupieckich zwyczajach, a win is a win 🤧
July 22, 2025
This is an entertaining classic Japanese ‘locked-room’ (or ‘closed garden’) murder mystery with a bit more to it, and it’s the journey, rather than the destination, when the book is at its best.
Essentially it is a multigenerational saga set in Osaka with the large part of happening towards the end of the Second World War. Its structure echoes, and pays homage to the Golden Age of detective fiction, but it’s strong on the historical aspects also.
The House of Omari, a family business, and once a thriving company dedicated to health and beauty products, has declined during and following the war; years of deprivation and austerity left them floundering in a dwindling marketplace. Murder strikes in the Omari household, and the Osaka police find themselves scratching their heads as to what to do next.
There’s a slow build-up of perhaps a third of the book which those looking for just that retro-whodunnit may be disappointed by, but it does serve to give necessary context, and is certainly of historical interest. Also, the ending is somewhat underwhelming, leaves quite a bit to explained, and doesn’t do justice to what has come before. There are some good twists though, one in particular will stay with me.
Essentially it is a multigenerational saga set in Osaka with the large part of happening towards the end of the Second World War. Its structure echoes, and pays homage to the Golden Age of detective fiction, but it’s strong on the historical aspects also.
The House of Omari, a family business, and once a thriving company dedicated to health and beauty products, has declined during and following the war; years of deprivation and austerity left them floundering in a dwindling marketplace. Murder strikes in the Omari household, and the Osaka police find themselves scratching their heads as to what to do next.
There’s a slow build-up of perhaps a third of the book which those looking for just that retro-whodunnit may be disappointed by, but it does serve to give necessary context, and is certainly of historical interest. Also, the ending is somewhat underwhelming, leaves quite a bit to explained, and doesn’t do justice to what has come before. There are some good twists though, one in particular will stay with me.
December 15, 2025
This book is a little heavier than the usual Japanese detective fiction fare because... it's actually historical fiction in disguise! Surprise! It was published in 2021, a fact that surprised me because it reminded so much of the 70s style. I was very impressed by the amount of research done to bring the setting of historical Osaka to life, war and air raids and everything.
If I had to quantify based on gut feel, I'd say that the percentage of 'murder mystery content' is around 35% and the rest is world-building. But don't worry, there are definitely a bunch of murder cases to be solved in time. I absolutely loved the plot twist that I did not see coming, and I understand why this novel won an award because for such an established genre with codified structures and an audience that thrives on figuring out who the murderer is before the big reveal, the author managed to subvert all that and do something that feels new.
This is unrelated but I also appreciated how often we got the women's POV as they also try to make sense of the chaos around them. Often we get women characters who are just placeholders to be desired/killed for shock value or NPCs, but here, there is a focus on the myriad roles women can occupy—not just matriarch/maid/victim/lunatic, but also a doctor, friend, protector, CEO, protector, or hero.
If I had to quantify based on gut feel, I'd say that the percentage of 'murder mystery content' is around 35% and the rest is world-building. But don't worry, there are definitely a bunch of murder cases to be solved in time. I absolutely loved the plot twist that I did not see coming, and I understand why this novel won an award because for such an established genre with codified structures and an audience that thrives on figuring out who the murderer is before the big reveal, the author managed to subvert all that and do something that feels new.
This is unrelated but I also appreciated how often we got the women's POV as they also try to make sense of the chaos around them. Often we get women characters who are just placeholders to be desired/killed for shock value or NPCs, but here, there is a focus on the myriad roles women can occupy—not just matriarch/maid/victim/lunatic, but also a doctor, friend, protector, CEO, protector, or hero.
August 9, 2025
Set in wartime Osaka in 1943, Murder in the House of Omari is a historical mystery that explores a once-prosperous family torn apart by World War II. The story follows three generations of the Omari household, where a series of gruesome murders complicates their already fractured legacy.
Initially, the many characters and timeline jumps, particularly names like Shigezo and Shigehiko, were a bit confusing. However, the character summary at the beginning was helpful. The story starts slowly but gains momentum after discovering three murders, elevating the stakes and pulling me into the investigation led by Officer Kaibara and Koshiro Hojo. The intrigue deepens when someone outside the family is found dead.
Mineko was my favorite character, displaying resilience throughout the family's turmoil. I also enjoyed the heartwarming friendship among Mineko, Natsuko, and Tsuruko, which added emotional depth to the plot.
However, the pacing felt dragged with the buildup around the four deaths, and some chapter transitions were disjointed, causing occasional loss of interest. While the historical setting was vivid, it could be repetitive. The resolution, delivered by an amateur detective in Chapter 6, was packed with information and theories, which felt overwhelming.
Despite some pacing flaws, Murder in the House of Omari kept me hooked with its layered mystery, compelling characters, and the mix of tragedy and resilience in a war-torn setting. I guessed the killer, but the motive still surprised me, making the ending satisfying.
3.5 ★
Thank you, DefinitelyBooks, for the review copy!
Initially, the many characters and timeline jumps, particularly names like Shigezo and Shigehiko, were a bit confusing. However, the character summary at the beginning was helpful. The story starts slowly but gains momentum after discovering three murders, elevating the stakes and pulling me into the investigation led by Officer Kaibara and Koshiro Hojo. The intrigue deepens when someone outside the family is found dead.
Mineko was my favorite character, displaying resilience throughout the family's turmoil. I also enjoyed the heartwarming friendship among Mineko, Natsuko, and Tsuruko, which added emotional depth to the plot.
However, the pacing felt dragged with the buildup around the four deaths, and some chapter transitions were disjointed, causing occasional loss of interest. While the historical setting was vivid, it could be repetitive. The resolution, delivered by an amateur detective in Chapter 6, was packed with information and theories, which felt overwhelming.
Despite some pacing flaws, Murder in the House of Omari kept me hooked with its layered mystery, compelling characters, and the mix of tragedy and resilience in a war-torn setting. I guessed the killer, but the motive still surprised me, making the ending satisfying.
3.5 ★
Thank you, DefinitelyBooks, for the review copy!
October 2, 2025
If you thought The Honjin Murders had an unnecessarily convoluted solution, wait till you read this one!
I enjoyed this historical murder mystery immensely, although the background events were sobering (it is set in 1940s Osaka). Although written by a modern author, it was interesting to read a Japanese perspective from this time.
The House of Omari is a cosmetics manufacturer and store in the merchant district of Osaka. Its success is already waning with the impact of the war, but its lot is certainly not improved when the owners start getting butchered.
Ashibe evidently loves the mystery genre because he's lovingly thrown in all the best elements. This is an intriguing puzzle, and a love letter to the genre.
A cast of eccentric characters, multiple layers of drama and mysteries to unravel. Murder in the House of Omari was a brilliantly crafted story told against a backdrop of devastating destruction.
I hope Ashibe's other books get translated soon so I can read more.
I enjoyed this historical murder mystery immensely, although the background events were sobering (it is set in 1940s Osaka). Although written by a modern author, it was interesting to read a Japanese perspective from this time.
The House of Omari is a cosmetics manufacturer and store in the merchant district of Osaka. Its success is already waning with the impact of the war, but its lot is certainly not improved when the owners start getting butchered.
Ashibe evidently loves the mystery genre because he's lovingly thrown in all the best elements. This is an intriguing puzzle, and a love letter to the genre.
A cast of eccentric characters, multiple layers of drama and mysteries to unravel. Murder in the House of Omari was a brilliantly crafted story told against a backdrop of devastating destruction.
I hope Ashibe's other books get translated soon so I can read more.
November 1, 2025
You'll want to brush up on your Golden Age mysteries for this one. Taku Ashibe's twisting tale spans the entire Golden Age of Mystery, its denouement set in 1946, a time when many mystery conventions were considered fully entrenched in the genre. Clues are expertly seeded even as Ashibe tells a parallel story about war's devastating effects, carefully looking at Japan's military history from the Russo-Japanese War(s) up through World War Two. It's equal parts intense historical fiction and intelligent fair play mystery, and if I'm not saying more, it's because you really ought to read it for yourself.
April 12, 2025
This book is not helping my 2025 reading is an underwhelming viewpoint!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book.
2.5 stars
I enjoyed the family dynamics and the discussions on how the Second World War affected ordinary Japanese residents. But the pacing was super slow, the author over-explained himself and the ending was super disappointing.
Also please can we include plot twists that make sense in the context of the work not just for the sake of having a plot twist?
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book.
2.5 stars
I enjoyed the family dynamics and the discussions on how the Second World War affected ordinary Japanese residents. But the pacing was super slow, the author over-explained himself and the ending was super disappointing.
Also please can we include plot twists that make sense in the context of the work not just for the sake of having a plot twist?
November 20, 2025
this was kind of painful
the second i saw 2 pages of "list of characters" i knew i was doomed. i feel like the end result of knowing the killer didn't pay off because i have no idea which theory was even the right one because i truly don't know what just happened. sometimes other tangents were gone off on during the story, about japan history or japanese detective stories or japanese language, which was great to know BUT also did not ease any sort of confusion i was already having whatsoever. and then my favorite character just DIES??
2/5 is kind of pushing it, maybe my book club can explain this one to me bc they're usually stupendously good at that hehehe
the second i saw 2 pages of "list of characters" i knew i was doomed. i feel like the end result of knowing the killer didn't pay off because i have no idea which theory was even the right one because i truly don't know what just happened. sometimes other tangents were gone off on during the story, about japan history or japanese detective stories or japanese language, which was great to know BUT also did not ease any sort of confusion i was already having whatsoever. and then my favorite character just DIES??
2/5 is kind of pushing it, maybe my book club can explain this one to me bc they're usually stupendously good at that hehehe
April 21, 2025
set in Osaka in 1945 this is a complex puzzle murder mystery which needs you to focus.
March 30, 2026
A complex literary mystery. Beautifully well-written. Looking forward to seeing more of Ashibe’s novels translated into English.
December 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, although it wasn't quite what I expected.
I thought I would be getting a murder mystery - and to be entirely fair, I did - but in many ways the murder mystery took a back seat to the wider story of three generations of a merchant family in Osaka and how their actions and the events of their time ultimately led to their downfall.
There is so much context given, both cultural and historical, and while I can see why some might not enjoy that level of detail, for me it added so much weight. Like a regular reminder that this setting is real, these places are real, these experiences reflect real people's real experiences, and that while this family's (fictional) tragedy is occurring and is unquestionably awful for them, at the same time thousands of other tragedies were happening to thousands of other families in the same city.
Also, I frankly just love how Japanese writers aren't scared to just linger in the details. Not everything has to drive the narrative forward, and it feels so lived in and three-dimensional, and makes me feel like there's a full world to explore in those half-lit shadows.
The only thing that had me feeling less satisfied in the end was that the person who solves the mystery comes from nowhere. Off the top of my head there are two characters who I would have thought would have been great choices to have worked it all out since they were both close enough and distant enough to consider everything dispassionately, but instead a new character is introduced at the last minute, is told the entire story, and immediately goes "oh yeah it was done like this by this person," and while I understand that it's her particular hobbies that give her such immediate insight into how everything occurred, I can't help but feel like I would have enjoyed the reveal a lot more if it came from an established character who had been actively working to solve the mystery.
But regardless, the novel itself was fantastic. I enjoyed the characters (even the hateful ones), the setting, the detailed descriptions, and the writing itself. It's not often I find a book that I can not only put down and later pick up and immediately carry on where I left off, but that is also interesting enough that I am *drawn* to pick up where I left off. ADHD, yo. It's a bitch. But this book had me consumed, and I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for the author's other works.
I thought I would be getting a murder mystery - and to be entirely fair, I did - but in many ways the murder mystery took a back seat to the wider story of three generations of a merchant family in Osaka and how their actions and the events of their time ultimately led to their downfall.
There is so much context given, both cultural and historical, and while I can see why some might not enjoy that level of detail, for me it added so much weight. Like a regular reminder that this setting is real, these places are real, these experiences reflect real people's real experiences, and that while this family's (fictional) tragedy is occurring and is unquestionably awful for them, at the same time thousands of other tragedies were happening to thousands of other families in the same city.
Also, I frankly just love how Japanese writers aren't scared to just linger in the details. Not everything has to drive the narrative forward, and it feels so lived in and three-dimensional, and makes me feel like there's a full world to explore in those half-lit shadows.
The only thing that had me feeling less satisfied in the end was that the person who solves the mystery comes from nowhere. Off the top of my head there are two characters who I would have thought would have been great choices to have worked it all out since they were both close enough and distant enough to consider everything dispassionately, but instead a new character is introduced at the last minute, is told the entire story, and immediately goes "oh yeah it was done like this by this person," and while I understand that it's her particular hobbies that give her such immediate insight into how everything occurred, I can't help but feel like I would have enjoyed the reveal a lot more if it came from an established character who had been actively working to solve the mystery.
But regardless, the novel itself was fantastic. I enjoyed the characters (even the hateful ones), the setting, the detailed descriptions, and the writing itself. It's not often I find a book that I can not only put down and later pick up and immediately carry on where I left off, but that is also interesting enough that I am *drawn* to pick up where I left off. ADHD, yo. It's a bitch. But this book had me consumed, and I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for the author's other works.
February 22, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It has so much context for the family dynamic, for the historical era, and for the way that people operated at the time in that sector of Japan that I was not expecting but was so pleasantly surprised to read. I’ve read about World War Two before and it’s talked about a lot in school, but it was really interesting to read historical fiction set in Japan during the war. I love how much detail they go into about the history of the Semba district, the merchant family as well as the social aspects of the family - the politics and hierarchy and the like. It took longer than I expected to get to the murder aspect of the book, but I ultimately was not mad about it because I was fascinated with everything else going on, all the little plot lines and family dynamics / conversations.
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it, loved that it pulls on other detective novels, and love how those are tied in later. The double reveal at the end where the reader and characters are walked through the mystery is a fun touch.
Overall, good book!
I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it, loved that it pulls on other detective novels, and love how those are tied in later. The double reveal at the end where the reader and characters are walked through the mystery is a fun touch.
Overall, good book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Have to think about this one - very long winded and snaking narrative that when it finally gets to the point, doubles back on itself, becoming long winded and snaking about.
June 30, 2025
Traversing the war- ravaged era in a string of murder mysteries that occurred in the once-grand Omari Mansion in Osaka. A search for truth premise following layers of timeframe that started from the disappearance of the original heir, Sentaro Omari who mysteriously went missing during his visit to a museum. His disappearance led to a sudden marriage in between his sister, Kiyoe and the head clerk, Mosuke who gets adopted into the Omari, changed his name to Shigezo Omari and later became the master of the House of Omari.
A neat and well structured premise; from the backstory of Sentaro that was told through the POV of an errand boy to the present-day narrative told from both Fumiko Omari; the daughter of both Shigezo and Kiyoe, and Mineko Omari; wife to Taichiro Omari; Fumiko’s eldest brother. It was a slow-moving tale, descriptive yet engaging much to me esp during the investigation part after the first mysterious murder that brought Natsuko; a trainee doctor and a close friend to Mineko to come and examine the crime scenes.
Appreciate that glimpse of WWII with its intense and dramatic execution though it gets bit dense and left the case in glitch before Tsuruko came to unravel the mess— bit perplexed on how she did it as her deductions were only based from the scenes’ witnesses and yet she managed to catch the clues and grasp the howdunnit. Of trust, hatred and one’s fiendish motive, having interesting gaze to familial dynamic and societal structures with admirable friendship of Mineko, Natsuko and Tsuruko even until the end. Puzzling case but nothing ingenious. Liked how the epilogue linked back to that prologue scene at the hospital when the patient is telling a story about the merchant family— a confession of the buried truth; unexpected and bit heart-rending. 3.8/5*
(Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy)
A neat and well structured premise; from the backstory of Sentaro that was told through the POV of an errand boy to the present-day narrative told from both Fumiko Omari; the daughter of both Shigezo and Kiyoe, and Mineko Omari; wife to Taichiro Omari; Fumiko’s eldest brother. It was a slow-moving tale, descriptive yet engaging much to me esp during the investigation part after the first mysterious murder that brought Natsuko; a trainee doctor and a close friend to Mineko to come and examine the crime scenes.
Appreciate that glimpse of WWII with its intense and dramatic execution though it gets bit dense and left the case in glitch before Tsuruko came to unravel the mess— bit perplexed on how she did it as her deductions were only based from the scenes’ witnesses and yet she managed to catch the clues and grasp the howdunnit. Of trust, hatred and one’s fiendish motive, having interesting gaze to familial dynamic and societal structures with admirable friendship of Mineko, Natsuko and Tsuruko even until the end. Puzzling case but nothing ingenious. Liked how the epilogue linked back to that prologue scene at the hospital when the patient is telling a story about the merchant family— a confession of the buried truth; unexpected and bit heart-rending. 3.8/5*
(Thank you Pansing Distribution for the gifted review copy)
May 16, 2026
This novel was captivating. In terms of the writing structure I enjoyed the perspective it was written in and how we get a little inside scoop in a majority of the characters heads. I think the reality ship between all of the siblings especially the women in the house is very dynamic and relatable especially in a house of such “esteem”. I enjoyed the touchy dynamic within the siblings, not only is it realistic and believable but it aided with the plot of who was committing all these familial murders. I found it interesting how internal all the conflict was; with Namibuchi, Kaibara, and Hojo all working on the case so intimately and involving the family so much in the detective thought process. I found it interesting that the detectives involved basically asked the girls to help them with the case. Something about that was sort of sketchy but also quite interesting. I think because the murders were kept so internal it was a true reflection of the power the Omari’s hold and the face they are trying to uphold to the world. We don’t see much external grieving from a lot of the family. It was as if everyone was upset but just wanted it to be done and over with. Also big twist at the end when we find out who was doing everything. Not where I figured the story would go but not mad about it either. Solid read.
February 20, 2026
Upon reading that it won the “Mystery Writers of Japan” award, my expectations regarding the writing were very high.
However, I felt that the author often underestimated the reader’s ability through an excess of clarification about who was who and when certain events occurred.
As for the mystery itself, it was at times quite predictable, and its resolution was easy to “solve.”
——
Al leer que ganó el premio “Mystery Writers of Japan”, mis expectativas con respecto a la escritura estaba muy altas.
Sin embargo, sentí que el autor subestimaba la capacidad del lector en muchas ocasiones con su exceso de clarificación acerca de quién era qué y cuándo pasaba qué.
Con relación al misterio, fue bastante predecible en ocasiones y el desenlace del mismo fue fácil de “resolver”.
⚖️: 2/5
However, I felt that the author often underestimated the reader’s ability through an excess of clarification about who was who and when certain events occurred.
As for the mystery itself, it was at times quite predictable, and its resolution was easy to “solve.”
——
Al leer que ganó el premio “Mystery Writers of Japan”, mis expectativas con respecto a la escritura estaba muy altas.
Sin embargo, sentí que el autor subestimaba la capacidad del lector en muchas ocasiones con su exceso de clarificación acerca de quién era qué y cuándo pasaba qué.
Con relación al misterio, fue bastante predecible en ocasiones y el desenlace del mismo fue fácil de “resolver”.
⚖️: 2/5
Read
April 27, 2026listen. i would’ve enjoyed this book so much more if it wasn’t for the EGREGIOUS. repetition of scenes and details and paragraphs slightly rephrased in a different characters perspective. it was infuriating. however i appreciated this historical fiction thinly veiled as a crime story sorry can’t fool me. I really did like the setting and how immersive it was and also important to the narrative. the scene that stuck out to me the most was the scene of the panorama museum at the start of the book — beautifully written and so immersive and suspenseful
as for the twist at the end all i have to say is why the hell not
as for the twist at the end all i have to say is why the hell not
July 25, 2025
i thought this book was good, not great. i love thrillers and detective stories, and although there were not many thrills, the suspense kept me reading on to see what happened to the Omari family. i did feel things dragged on quite a bit, and there were maybe too many characters to keep track of for my liking (when the mystery was solved i had to think back “who was that again?”), but the level of detail really made me feel immersed in the world of the story. maybe its worth another read (this is a quick one) and revisit the review, but 3/5 is i think very fair for this one
January 20, 2026
This is more of a historical fiction than a murder mystery. Taku Ashibe spends so much time on the Omari family saga, as well as what life is like for Osakans during World War II, that the murders are more of an afterthought. Not only is the story juggling too many perspectives and timeskips than necessary, I don't understand why the detective shows up at the very end just to solve the case through secondhand accounts of what happened. Even though I expected something different, I never lost interest in the book until the solution is revealed, which turns out to be so underwhelming that I can't help but feel annoyed.
Thanks to Pushkin Vertigo for a free review copy.
Thanks to Pushkin Vertigo for a free review copy.
August 18, 2025
Murder in the House of Omari promises an atmospheric dive into wartime Osaka, and it absolutely delivers on mood and setting. The Omari family’s decline during WWII, combined with gruesome murders and long-hidden secrets, should make for a gripping page-turner. And for readers who love a classic honkaku-style mystery, this book has plenty of clever details and methodical reasoning.
But here’s the catch: the pacing is glacial. Whole chapters drift into extended descriptions and side stories that slow the mystery down. Add a large cast of characters and it’s easy to lose track of who’s who. By the time the killer is revealed, the ending feels abrupt compared to the slow buildup.
Bottom line: If you love slow-burn mysteries with rich historical detail, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship. If you want a fast, twisty thriller, this isn’t it.
Thank you Pansing for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
But here’s the catch: the pacing is glacial. Whole chapters drift into extended descriptions and side stories that slow the mystery down. Add a large cast of characters and it’s easy to lose track of who’s who. By the time the killer is revealed, the ending feels abrupt compared to the slow buildup.
Bottom line: If you love slow-burn mysteries with rich historical detail, you’ll appreciate the craftsmanship. If you want a fast, twisty thriller, this isn’t it.
Thank you Pansing for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.
December 26, 2025
I liked this novel, but at least to me, the ending was so ungratifying. I felt that using a random character that was just introduced to reveal such a complex and interesting murder plot undercut the significance of it.
Good read though nonetheless.
Good read though nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
I actually the depiction of osaka at war was more compelling than the murder mystery. c'est la vie.
March 21, 2026
Murder in the House of Omari effectively channels the atmosphere of a Golden Age Japanese whodunit, despite being written in the 2020s. It distinguishes itself by doubling as a love letter to wartime Osaka, offering poignant snapshots of life for Japanese citizens during World War II. While I can’t speak to the historical accuracy, the author’s intent to pay homage to the period is clear.
However, these ambitions are weighed down by a rough execution. Lengthy, repetitive digressions sap the narrative’s momentum. A whodunit engages by moving from beat to suspenseful beat, so efforts to incorporate deeper historical or social commentary must be done in a way that propels the mystery itself.
The slow pacing is further undermined by a lackluster central mystery. The red herrings and clues used fail to generate sustained suspense or genuine uncertainty. In the end, while the novel succeeds in evoking the atmospheric strengths of classic Japanese mysteries, it struggles to deliver a compelling and engaging puzzle.
However, these ambitions are weighed down by a rough execution. Lengthy, repetitive digressions sap the narrative’s momentum. A whodunit engages by moving from beat to suspenseful beat, so efforts to incorporate deeper historical or social commentary must be done in a way that propels the mystery itself.
The slow pacing is further undermined by a lackluster central mystery. The red herrings and clues used fail to generate sustained suspense or genuine uncertainty. In the end, while the novel succeeds in evoking the atmospheric strengths of classic Japanese mysteries, it struggles to deliver a compelling and engaging puzzle.
January 27, 2026
Big fan of this one, I think it's great to more Ashibe in English, especially as Murder in the Red Chamber was really cool.
If I had to describe this novel in one sentence, it'd be Ashibe's take on The Greene Murder Case. Not that the solutions are the same, or even similar, but the way that the holocaust of an illustrious family reminded me of Van Dine's work while I was reading.
While reading, I was also reminded of another work published by Pushkin Vertigo, The Meiji Guillotine Murders, in that both works manage to depict the historical setting of their books in a really interesting and memorable way. While some readers might find the pacing slow and difficult to get through, especially when there's greater focus on historical background, I didn't have any such problems, and this was definitely helped by Bryan Karetnyk's great translation never left me questioning at aspects of the time period that would be unfamiliar to the modern reader.
As for the mystery, the tricks are on the whole quite simple, relying on concepts that the experienced mystery reader has probably seen before, and the killer also stands out somewhat. But there is an underlying thread that runs throughout the mystery that is simply brilliant, and will always be the first thing that I will remember when I think of this book. It's a really imaginative concept, and I liked the way it was implemented here.
All in all, I highly recommend this one.
With many thanks to Pushkin Vertigo and NetGalley for the ARC!
If I had to describe this novel in one sentence, it'd be Ashibe's take on The Greene Murder Case. Not that the solutions are the same, or even similar, but the way that the holocaust of an illustrious family reminded me of Van Dine's work while I was reading.
While reading, I was also reminded of another work published by Pushkin Vertigo, The Meiji Guillotine Murders, in that both works manage to depict the historical setting of their books in a really interesting and memorable way. While some readers might find the pacing slow and difficult to get through, especially when there's greater focus on historical background, I didn't have any such problems, and this was definitely helped by Bryan Karetnyk's great translation never left me questioning at aspects of the time period that would be unfamiliar to the modern reader.
As for the mystery, the tricks are on the whole quite simple, relying on concepts that the experienced mystery reader has probably seen before, and the killer also stands out somewhat. But there is an underlying thread that runs throughout the mystery that is simply brilliant, and will always be the first thing that I will remember when I think of this book. It's a really imaginative concept, and I liked the way it was implemented here.
All in all, I highly recommend this one.
With many thanks to Pushkin Vertigo and NetGalley for the ARC!
July 27, 2025
A mysterious family history set at the end of World War II. Once the House of Omari was a prosperous merchant house dealing in luxury goods, but now they have difficulty making ends meet and go hungry like most Japanese. Amidst the signs of decline, the past starts to catch up with them…
It is not always easy to follow the thread of events, especially as the story is not told in chronological order. As a reader I was hooked by the story in part because the characters are credible and deftly if quickly sketched, and in part because I was soon clued in to enough of the mystery to want to solve the rest.
The author goes to great length to introduce the historical context. At first that is merely interesting. But the major historical context of 1945 then breaks into the story in a brutal and unsettling fashion, contrasting the domestic murders with the even harsher world outside. It builds up nicely.
The wrap-up is unusual. It honestly feels a bit defensive, as if the author is telling us that his use of a particular trick or motif is justified because one of his favorite western authors did it as well. It’s unnecessary, I think. Yes, some of it is mechanistically quite implausible, but he ends up only drawing more attention to the flaws by doing this.
It is not always easy to follow the thread of events, especially as the story is not told in chronological order. As a reader I was hooked by the story in part because the characters are credible and deftly if quickly sketched, and in part because I was soon clued in to enough of the mystery to want to solve the rest.
The author goes to great length to introduce the historical context. At first that is merely interesting. But the major historical context of 1945 then breaks into the story in a brutal and unsettling fashion, contrasting the domestic murders with the even harsher world outside. It builds up nicely.
The wrap-up is unusual. It honestly feels a bit defensive, as if the author is telling us that his use of a particular trick or motif is justified because one of his favorite western authors did it as well. It’s unnecessary, I think. Yes, some of it is mechanistically quite implausible, but he ends up only drawing more attention to the flaws by doing this.
April 28, 2026
Murder in the House of Omari, written by Taku Ashibe, was originally released in 2021. It won both the Mystery Writers of Japan award and the Honkaku Mystery award. Due to the popularity, it received an English translation in 2025. It is a deeply historic and emotional mystery story about a noble house during World War II.
Set in 1943 Osaka, the book started slowly with events from the past. In early chapters, it dives deep into the local customs and the behaviors of people around that time. But such local customs and traditions play a vital part in the story. Once you get past the slow parts in early chapters, it really pays off when murders start to happen. There are a lot of characters and they all have a part to contribute to the plot. The prose did a great job in displaying the struggles of wartime and the cruelty of the government officials. The late chapters are most satisfying to read. I have to admit that I got emotional while reading them. However, the deductions near the end seem kind of rushed. If you want to immerse yourself in a long yet satisfying read, I'd suggest you give this a try.
Set in 1943 Osaka, the book started slowly with events from the past. In early chapters, it dives deep into the local customs and the behaviors of people around that time. But such local customs and traditions play a vital part in the story. Once you get past the slow parts in early chapters, it really pays off when murders start to happen. There are a lot of characters and they all have a part to contribute to the plot. The prose did a great job in displaying the struggles of wartime and the cruelty of the government officials. The late chapters are most satisfying to read. I have to admit that I got emotional while reading them. However, the deductions near the end seem kind of rushed. If you want to immerse yourself in a long yet satisfying read, I'd suggest you give this a try.
April 11, 2026
This book probably deserves four and a half stars. It didn’t change my life, but it certainly was a good mystery.
The story takes place during WW2 and involves a once prosperous merchant family. We see their perspective of the conflict.
In the beginning, the book sets the stage. It establishes the characters and their relationships. The murders don’t actually begin until about half way point.
What makes the book so much fun is the considerable amount of twists and surprises. I’m pretty good at guessing the endings of who-done-its, but “The House of Umari” threw in a lot of the unexpected.
I feared that all the loose ends wouldn’t be tied up by the conclusion, but they were. I’d call this a satisfying read.
The story takes place during WW2 and involves a once prosperous merchant family. We see their perspective of the conflict.
In the beginning, the book sets the stage. It establishes the characters and their relationships. The murders don’t actually begin until about half way point.
What makes the book so much fun is the considerable amount of twists and surprises. I’m pretty good at guessing the endings of who-done-its, but “The House of Umari” threw in a lot of the unexpected.
I feared that all the loose ends wouldn’t be tied up by the conclusion, but they were. I’d call this a satisfying read.
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