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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
46 people are currently reading
807 people want to read
About the author
Taku Ashibe
64 books9 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 80 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.
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 🤧
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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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!
February 4, 2026
I found this mystery to have a fascinating twist and not in the usual 'twisty' meaning of the word. It brought my "eh, this is an ok mystery" reaction from a two star to a four star rating.
While reading the first half of this book, I was feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The mystery was hard to follow, with huge jumps in dates and a variety of settings and characters that were not linked. Once the timeline settled into the 1940s and with the same characters/location I got into the groove and started liking it more. It felt more familiar, the pacing and the traditional set up/structure of a mystery.
The twist was not a plot twist but rather a - it's hard to describe - a comprehension or awareness twist. The setting is WWII and Japan. I have read dozens of books, maybe hundreds at this point in my life, of books with WWII settings. Of course, mainly with a Western focus. It's only been in the last few years that I have started reading fiction told from the perspective of the Japanese. I realized after reading this book that all of those Japanese mysteries I have read have been very very understated in their depiction of the war. In other Japanese mysteries the war is referenced obliquely in the mystery. Off hand references to paperwork being unaccessible because of the bombing and fires. Or fortunes lost due to the war. Or even mentioning women having to resort to sex work with soldiers in order to survive. Very much in comments in passing. There is no sustained focus on the war. Also the Japanese mysteries I have read are set either right before the war or right after the war. Ashibe sets the majority of his mystery in 1945, before the end of the war.
Of course, this comprehension twist will only be relatable to you if you also don't have a firm grasp on Japanese WWII history. If I start to read a novel set in Austria in 1938 and there is a Jewish character, I am already on edge because I know what is going to happen. A book where the character is moving to London right before the Blitz has me worried. With this book, the setting of March 1945 in Osaka meant nothing to me. History spoiler alert, Osaka was ravaged by Allied bombs. When I read Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five and Dresden was mentioned, I immediately thought to myself, oh crap. This is going to be bad. Osaka was on par with Dresden - a brutal devastating attack on civilians and an entire city. Yet I had no idea. That setting didn't ring any bells for me, I am embarrassed to admit.
The twist was me grasping the absurdity of caring about an individual murder when 15,000 civilians died and entire neighborhoods are flattened. Suddenly solving the puzzle of a mysterious murder becomes ludicrous. In the grand scheme of events, who cares? When the world has ended, does what happened in the previous vanished world still matter? Entire families gone. Pets. Businesses built over the years. Beloved homes. Schools. Hospitals. All gone.
Ashibe does have the few characters who survive get together and piece together the solution, in a macabre twist on the traditional Golden Era mystery ending where the detective and characters meet in a fancy drawing room to summarize the action. In this book the survivors meet up on the empty bombed out and blackened lot where the house used to stand. With only the light of the stars and one weak lamp, they pace out where the stairs used to be, where the bathhouse stood....it's very powerful, the disconnect between the current reality and what had happened only a few months prior.
I did not guess at all the many plot turns and twists elaborated on in this final scene. I did find the solution hard to follow because I was still stuck on the bombing and what had happened to the world the author had created. I appreciated the short character epilogues the author included at the end of the book. A slight glimmer out of the darkness.
War is hell. Bombing cities and randomly killing people is horrific. Again, we all know this and see it daily in the news. Having these thoughts be inserted into familiar murder mystery tropes was discombobulating to me. Upon reflection, that was a good thing. That sense of horror and shock jolted me in a way typical murder mystery twists do not.
While reading the first half of this book, I was feeling somewhat underwhelmed. The mystery was hard to follow, with huge jumps in dates and a variety of settings and characters that were not linked. Once the timeline settled into the 1940s and with the same characters/location I got into the groove and started liking it more. It felt more familiar, the pacing and the traditional set up/structure of a mystery.
The twist was not a plot twist but rather a - it's hard to describe - a comprehension or awareness twist. The setting is WWII and Japan. I have read dozens of books, maybe hundreds at this point in my life, of books with WWII settings. Of course, mainly with a Western focus. It's only been in the last few years that I have started reading fiction told from the perspective of the Japanese. I realized after reading this book that all of those Japanese mysteries I have read have been very very understated in their depiction of the war. In other Japanese mysteries the war is referenced obliquely in the mystery. Off hand references to paperwork being unaccessible because of the bombing and fires. Or fortunes lost due to the war. Or even mentioning women having to resort to sex work with soldiers in order to survive. Very much in comments in passing. There is no sustained focus on the war. Also the Japanese mysteries I have read are set either right before the war or right after the war. Ashibe sets the majority of his mystery in 1945, before the end of the war.
Of course, this comprehension twist will only be relatable to you if you also don't have a firm grasp on Japanese WWII history. If I start to read a novel set in Austria in 1938 and there is a Jewish character, I am already on edge because I know what is going to happen. A book where the character is moving to London right before the Blitz has me worried. With this book, the setting of March 1945 in Osaka meant nothing to me. History spoiler alert, Osaka was ravaged by Allied bombs. When I read Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse Five and Dresden was mentioned, I immediately thought to myself, oh crap. This is going to be bad. Osaka was on par with Dresden - a brutal devastating attack on civilians and an entire city. Yet I had no idea. That setting didn't ring any bells for me, I am embarrassed to admit.
The twist was me grasping the absurdity of caring about an individual murder when 15,000 civilians died and entire neighborhoods are flattened. Suddenly solving the puzzle of a mysterious murder becomes ludicrous. In the grand scheme of events, who cares? When the world has ended, does what happened in the previous vanished world still matter? Entire families gone. Pets. Businesses built over the years. Beloved homes. Schools. Hospitals. All gone.
Ashibe does have the few characters who survive get together and piece together the solution, in a macabre twist on the traditional Golden Era mystery ending where the detective and characters meet in a fancy drawing room to summarize the action. In this book the survivors meet up on the empty bombed out and blackened lot where the house used to stand. With only the light of the stars and one weak lamp, they pace out where the stairs used to be, where the bathhouse stood....it's very powerful, the disconnect between the current reality and what had happened only a few months prior.
I did not guess at all the many plot turns and twists elaborated on in this final scene. I did find the solution hard to follow because I was still stuck on the bombing and what had happened to the world the author had created. I appreciated the short character epilogues the author included at the end of the book. A slight glimmer out of the darkness.
War is hell. Bombing cities and randomly killing people is horrific. Again, we all know this and see it daily in the news. Having these thoughts be inserted into familiar murder mystery tropes was discombobulating to me. Upon reflection, that was a good thing. That sense of horror and shock jolted me in a way typical murder mystery twists do not.
January 9, 2026
Otra lectura de los libros elegibles parta los International booker Prize 2026. Se trata de una novela de detectives a la japonesa, es decir intrincada y compleja. Y como las habituales historias detectivescas japonesas, hay múltiples, algunos se ven venir, otros sorprenden.
La historia arranca antes del estallido de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, cuando Osaka y la propia familia Omari estaban en el apogeo comercial. Los Omari eran unos pequeños comerciantes, que tenían un rico negocio, y que iba pasando de generación en generación. Un día el hijo menor, más interesado en los libros y en las historias de detectives, decide ir a una exposición de un museo en Osaka. Y ahí se le pierde el rastro. El único testimonio es de la persona que iba con él, quien cree ver a alguien parecido al joven, pero con una ropa totalmente distinta: la ropa de colegio. Años más tarde estalla la Segunda Guerra Mundial, lo que supuso que tanto Osaka como la propia familia Omari iniciaran un periodo de decadencia. Eso coincide con la boda de otro de sus hijos con una joven de buena familia. Un hijo que por una vez no quiso seguir los pasos familiares de dedicarse al comercio. Y poco después se produce un terrible crimen dentro de la mansión. Un crimen que en un principio parecía tener una víctima clara, pero que en realidad es otra la víctima.
Lo interesante de esta novela son los guiños a la literatura detectivesca de toda la vida. La historia de hecho empieza cuando encuentran precisamente la historia que nos narra el libro. Hay menciones a Poirot y a una de las obras más célebres de Agatha Christie “Asesinato en el Orient Express”. Hay menciones, a Lupin y a otros detectives célebres y a la edad de oro de la literatura japonesa. Se trata de un libro que lanza un mensaje de amor al género detectivesco.
No sólo es protagonista el crimen, también la ciudad de Osaka y la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Ashibe hace un paralelismo, muy interesante, entre la decadencia cultural y comercial de Osaka, con la violencia de la Guerra. Nos va introduciendo la violencia, no sólo a partir del crimen, sino también por la propia política belicosa de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Y como en toda novela japonesa, hay mucha información sobre la cultura e historia de Japón, y concretamente de Osaka, en un periodo tan convulso como la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Hay aspectos interesantes como la legislación de la época en torno al comercio y como los Omari acabaron derivando sus acciones a enviar ciertos materiales a los soldados, lo que les permitía seguir ganando dinero y al mismo tiempo ser partícipes de servir a la patria.
Por último, destacar lo intricado de la trama, que a veces cuesta seguir ya que hay muchos personajes implicados y muchos de ellos con una identidad un tanto confusa. Todos los personajes ocultan algo, que poco a poco se va desvelando por lo que es necesario hacerse un croquis para no perderse en el laberinto de tramas.
Se trata de una novela que seguro hará las delicias de los aficionados de las intricadas historias criminales japonesas
La historia arranca antes del estallido de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, cuando Osaka y la propia familia Omari estaban en el apogeo comercial. Los Omari eran unos pequeños comerciantes, que tenían un rico negocio, y que iba pasando de generación en generación. Un día el hijo menor, más interesado en los libros y en las historias de detectives, decide ir a una exposición de un museo en Osaka. Y ahí se le pierde el rastro. El único testimonio es de la persona que iba con él, quien cree ver a alguien parecido al joven, pero con una ropa totalmente distinta: la ropa de colegio. Años más tarde estalla la Segunda Guerra Mundial, lo que supuso que tanto Osaka como la propia familia Omari iniciaran un periodo de decadencia. Eso coincide con la boda de otro de sus hijos con una joven de buena familia. Un hijo que por una vez no quiso seguir los pasos familiares de dedicarse al comercio. Y poco después se produce un terrible crimen dentro de la mansión. Un crimen que en un principio parecía tener una víctima clara, pero que en realidad es otra la víctima.
Lo interesante de esta novela son los guiños a la literatura detectivesca de toda la vida. La historia de hecho empieza cuando encuentran precisamente la historia que nos narra el libro. Hay menciones a Poirot y a una de las obras más célebres de Agatha Christie “Asesinato en el Orient Express”. Hay menciones, a Lupin y a otros detectives célebres y a la edad de oro de la literatura japonesa. Se trata de un libro que lanza un mensaje de amor al género detectivesco.
No sólo es protagonista el crimen, también la ciudad de Osaka y la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Ashibe hace un paralelismo, muy interesante, entre la decadencia cultural y comercial de Osaka, con la violencia de la Guerra. Nos va introduciendo la violencia, no sólo a partir del crimen, sino también por la propia política belicosa de la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Y como en toda novela japonesa, hay mucha información sobre la cultura e historia de Japón, y concretamente de Osaka, en un periodo tan convulso como la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Hay aspectos interesantes como la legislación de la época en torno al comercio y como los Omari acabaron derivando sus acciones a enviar ciertos materiales a los soldados, lo que les permitía seguir ganando dinero y al mismo tiempo ser partícipes de servir a la patria.
Por último, destacar lo intricado de la trama, que a veces cuesta seguir ya que hay muchos personajes implicados y muchos de ellos con una identidad un tanto confusa. Todos los personajes ocultan algo, que poco a poco se va desvelando por lo que es necesario hacerse un croquis para no perderse en el laberinto de tramas.
Se trata de una novela que seguro hará las delicias de los aficionados de las intricadas historias criminales japonesas
September 26, 2025
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: 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...
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Dark secrets! Wartime as economic disaster! Lies and murder in a beauty-products business! What more can a mystery reader want?
How about a family saga (bookmark the list of characters or all is lost), with an old family business floundering after losing...somehow...the heir to the place, the prestige slice of the health-and-beauty market they'd banked on keeping to wartime supply and in general the economic depression inherent in postwar economies, and the new head (adopted after marrying the lost heir's sister) not having the power to make changes?
All that and more coming soon. First, though, understand the pace is not twenty-first-century but period-appropriate. The book was written and published in the 2020s, but it feels more vintage than it is. I myownself think this is a feature not a bug, but you might not. Take heed.
This isn't a story with huge revelations, or shocking twists, but with the women who decide to solve it working it through because, well, what's another death in a country so very recently ravaged by World War II and its often-fatal privations? Natsuko, a doctor, is primarily a rational thinker and a keen observer...doctors tend to be both...who sees things differently from the other women, Mineko and Tsuruko, who are her fellow sleuths.
It's not the fair-play playbook, but the clues *are* there; you can indeed solve the murders, and trace the lines of motive, if you're attentive. I paid attention and got it 50% right...it was one of two people and one indeed was guilty.
I found a lot of the interpolations of newspaper stories and the like to be pacing-killers (those missing stars), but enjoyed them nonetheless. I was kept happily engrossed the entire read. I hope you will be as well.
The Publisher Says: 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...
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Dark secrets! Wartime as economic disaster! Lies and murder in a beauty-products business! What more can a mystery reader want?
How about a family saga (bookmark the list of characters or all is lost), with an old family business floundering after losing...somehow...the heir to the place, the prestige slice of the health-and-beauty market they'd banked on keeping to wartime supply and in general the economic depression inherent in postwar economies, and the new head (adopted after marrying the lost heir's sister) not having the power to make changes?
All that and more coming soon. First, though, understand the pace is not twenty-first-century but period-appropriate. The book was written and published in the 2020s, but it feels more vintage than it is. I myownself think this is a feature not a bug, but you might not. Take heed.
This isn't a story with huge revelations, or shocking twists, but with the women who decide to solve it working it through because, well, what's another death in a country so very recently ravaged by World War II and its often-fatal privations? Natsuko, a doctor, is primarily a rational thinker and a keen observer...doctors tend to be both...who sees things differently from the other women, Mineko and Tsuruko, who are her fellow sleuths.
It's not the fair-play playbook, but the clues *are* there; you can indeed solve the murders, and trace the lines of motive, if you're attentive. I paid attention and got it 50% right...it was one of two people and one indeed was guilty.
I found a lot of the interpolations of newspaper stories and the like to be pacing-killers (those missing stars), but enjoyed them nonetheless. I was kept happily engrossed the entire read. I hope you will be as well.
September 21, 2025
Hmmm… This book starts with a mystery, and then seems to forget it's a crime book at all, for an almighty long time. We're looking at the Omari family, who own and run a cosmetics firm that was doing fine, then hit a rich seam of popularity, but has since dwindled majorly. Chapters are devoted to some of them marrying, some of them marrying boys into the family who take the dynasty's surname, some of them being packed off to fight (or be a surgeon) in WW2 – so it's almost hard to see this as a genre read. If we'd not had the start, with the heir to the lot going with a servant lad to a huge panorama artwork display, and seemingly vanishing into thin air, then we'd have been really non-plussed by this.
Which is a potential issue, because this certainly has some merits. Yes, it's overlong, yes it's awkward that the first crime we witness is at the quarter mark and the token quirky detective turns up after half of it. But the fact that it was a recently-written historical drama (it mostly occurs in 1945, but came out in 2021 in Japan) allowed for a certain breeziness I enjoyed. I can see it being divisive, however – the story factors in so much, from the lot of the servant and the plight of the cosmetics industry in wartime, to how some of these characters aren't using their real names, and tends to ignore so much. The first night of action leaves details that are not mentioned again for yonks, and it's not so much a case of Chekhov's gun that is mentioned therefore bloody well better go off at one point, but Mr Ashibe's anything, that is mentioned and then forgotten by everyone for hundreds of pages.
All told, this manages to do different and unexpected things – even if that is lean towards the soapy side of narratives. It's not great – the piece ends up killing off so many people you're ever suspicious of a straightforward ending, and the meta-ness of it when it arrives is really quite stinky – but if you can be on board with its length you can certainly have some fun here. Three and a bit from me, when a snappier version might have got more.
Which is a potential issue, because this certainly has some merits. Yes, it's overlong, yes it's awkward that the first crime we witness is at the quarter mark and the token quirky detective turns up after half of it. But the fact that it was a recently-written historical drama (it mostly occurs in 1945, but came out in 2021 in Japan) allowed for a certain breeziness I enjoyed. I can see it being divisive, however – the story factors in so much, from the lot of the servant and the plight of the cosmetics industry in wartime, to how some of these characters aren't using their real names, and tends to ignore so much. The first night of action leaves details that are not mentioned again for yonks, and it's not so much a case of Chekhov's gun that is mentioned therefore bloody well better go off at one point, but Mr Ashibe's anything, that is mentioned and then forgotten by everyone for hundreds of pages.
All told, this manages to do different and unexpected things – even if that is lean towards the soapy side of narratives. It's not great – the piece ends up killing off so many people you're ever suspicious of a straightforward ending, and the meta-ness of it when it arrives is really quite stinky – but if you can be on board with its length you can certainly have some fun here. Three and a bit from me, when a snappier version might have got more.
October 6, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder in the House of Omari is an intricate and unsettling locked room historical mystery by Taku Ashibe. Originally published in 2021, this English language translation from Penguin Random house on their Pushkin imprint was published 29th July 2025. It's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This historical mystery stretches over several generations with the targets belonging to the once-prosperous Omari family. It's written more as a multigenerational saga than directly as a murder mystery. The author does a nice job of scattering references to both Japanese literature and western mysteries (Christie, Phillpotts, and Queen) throughout the story.
The story hops from timeline to timeline and with a large cast of characters which can be a bit disorienting and confusing. The author/publisher have included a helpful dramatis personae list which can be consulted to keep the characters and their interrelationships somewhat straight.
The translation work by Dr. Bryan Karetnyk is mostly seamless. The place names, many of the literary references, and the overall aesthetic is indelibly Japanese, but the scansion and word choices are good and the narrative seems to be true to the original story and won't be a problem in context for western readers.
Three and a half stars. Difficult and disjointed, but worthwhile to see these gems being translated for western audiences. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or possibly as a mystery bookclub selection or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder in the House of Omari is an intricate and unsettling locked room historical mystery by Taku Ashibe. Originally published in 2021, this English language translation from Penguin Random house on their Pushkin imprint was published 29th July 2025. It's 288 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This historical mystery stretches over several generations with the targets belonging to the once-prosperous Omari family. It's written more as a multigenerational saga than directly as a murder mystery. The author does a nice job of scattering references to both Japanese literature and western mysteries (Christie, Phillpotts, and Queen) throughout the story.
The story hops from timeline to timeline and with a large cast of characters which can be a bit disorienting and confusing. The author/publisher have included a helpful dramatis personae list which can be consulted to keep the characters and their interrelationships somewhat straight.
The translation work by Dr. Bryan Karetnyk is mostly seamless. The place names, many of the literary references, and the overall aesthetic is indelibly Japanese, but the scansion and word choices are good and the narrative seems to be true to the original story and won't be a problem in context for western readers.
Three and a half stars. Difficult and disjointed, but worthwhile to see these gems being translated for western audiences. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, or possibly as a mystery bookclub selection or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
June 5, 2025
Book Review: Murder in the House of Omari by Taku Ashibe
Taku Ashibe’s Murder in the House of Omari is a masterfully constructed mystery that delivers a satisfying blend of atmosphere, intrigue, and intellectual challenge. Set in the eerie and crumbling Omari mansion, the novel begins with a murder that unravels the tightly held secrets of a deeply troubled family. The house itself becomes a character in its own right—steeped in silence, decay, and hidden truths.
Ashibe excels in crafting a narrative that rewards close attention. As one character aptly observes, “The truth is never found where it's expected to be, only where it's hidden most carefully.” That quote encapsulates the spirit of the book—each clue carefully planted, each revelation deliberately paced. There are no last-minute, implausible twists; instead, readers are invited to solve the mystery alongside the detective, gradually uncovering layers of motive and misdirection. As the detective reflects, “The mind of a murderer is a labyrinth—and every turn, a truth you don’t want to face,” capturing the psychological depth the novel explores.
While the story’s deliberate pace adds to its cerebral appeal, the middle portion does slow down, particularly when delving into character backstories and timelines. Though these sections are essential to the plot, they may test the patience of readers eager to return to the central mystery. Additionally, a few side characters lack emotional depth, making them harder to connect with on a personal level.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Murder in the House of Omari remains an intelligent and rewarding read. It's an ideal choice for mystery lovers who appreciate methodical storytelling, rich atmosphere, and puzzles that engage both heart and mind. If you're looking for a mystery that challenges you to think and rewards careful reading, this one should be on your list.
Thank you Netgalley for my e-ARC!
Taku Ashibe’s Murder in the House of Omari is a masterfully constructed mystery that delivers a satisfying blend of atmosphere, intrigue, and intellectual challenge. Set in the eerie and crumbling Omari mansion, the novel begins with a murder that unravels the tightly held secrets of a deeply troubled family. The house itself becomes a character in its own right—steeped in silence, decay, and hidden truths.
Ashibe excels in crafting a narrative that rewards close attention. As one character aptly observes, “The truth is never found where it's expected to be, only where it's hidden most carefully.” That quote encapsulates the spirit of the book—each clue carefully planted, each revelation deliberately paced. There are no last-minute, implausible twists; instead, readers are invited to solve the mystery alongside the detective, gradually uncovering layers of motive and misdirection. As the detective reflects, “The mind of a murderer is a labyrinth—and every turn, a truth you don’t want to face,” capturing the psychological depth the novel explores.
While the story’s deliberate pace adds to its cerebral appeal, the middle portion does slow down, particularly when delving into character backstories and timelines. Though these sections are essential to the plot, they may test the patience of readers eager to return to the central mystery. Additionally, a few side characters lack emotional depth, making them harder to connect with on a personal level.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Murder in the House of Omari remains an intelligent and rewarding read. It's an ideal choice for mystery lovers who appreciate methodical storytelling, rich atmosphere, and puzzles that engage both heart and mind. If you're looking for a mystery that challenges you to think and rewards careful reading, this one should be on your list.
Thank you Netgalley for my e-ARC!
June 10, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Some people believed that everything began with the mysterious disappearance of the young master of the House of Omari. Despite the lag of many years before the series of murders began, the vanishing act was the first of the unexplained happenings in what was once one of the reputable merchant families in Osaka.
True, the war was partially to be blamed for some of the ill-fortune that befell the Omaris. But the deaths soon called the police to attention that there might be something more sinister at play.
I appreciated the background of the story but the buildup took too long that I forgot I was reading what was marketed as a murder mystery. The details of the war and how it affected the family were important, but the resolution of the mystery was left towards the end, and it was conducted by amateur detectives which made the case seemed like an afterthought.
I did enjoy the case: I was rooting for some of the characters and was kept guessing till the end, but the mystery and crime elements were put on the back burner that I felt duped thinking it was supposed to be like Seishi Yokomizo’s unconventional private detective, Kosuke Kindaichi. The ‘reveal’ also seemed arbitrary and because there was no way to confirm with the characters involved, I didn’t feel convinced by some of the ways the mystery was explained. Something like the times when you feel the reasons given by Sherlock when he gave convenient explanations that make you go ‘eh boleh pulak camtu?’ Haha
Because of the heavy highlights on the setting of the war and the family, the pacing felt a bit too slow for me to be eager to recommend this to fellow murder mystery fans. If you enjoy both the meandering style of writing with focus on Japan during wartime plus a little bit of murder mystery, then this might be a good rec for you.
Thank you Pushkin Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
Some people believed that everything began with the mysterious disappearance of the young master of the House of Omari. Despite the lag of many years before the series of murders began, the vanishing act was the first of the unexplained happenings in what was once one of the reputable merchant families in Osaka.
True, the war was partially to be blamed for some of the ill-fortune that befell the Omaris. But the deaths soon called the police to attention that there might be something more sinister at play.
I appreciated the background of the story but the buildup took too long that I forgot I was reading what was marketed as a murder mystery. The details of the war and how it affected the family were important, but the resolution of the mystery was left towards the end, and it was conducted by amateur detectives which made the case seemed like an afterthought.
I did enjoy the case: I was rooting for some of the characters and was kept guessing till the end, but the mystery and crime elements were put on the back burner that I felt duped thinking it was supposed to be like Seishi Yokomizo’s unconventional private detective, Kosuke Kindaichi. The ‘reveal’ also seemed arbitrary and because there was no way to confirm with the characters involved, I didn’t feel convinced by some of the ways the mystery was explained. Something like the times when you feel the reasons given by Sherlock when he gave convenient explanations that make you go ‘eh boleh pulak camtu?’ Haha
Because of the heavy highlights on the setting of the war and the family, the pacing felt a bit too slow for me to be eager to recommend this to fellow murder mystery fans. If you enjoy both the meandering style of writing with focus on Japan during wartime plus a little bit of murder mystery, then this might be a good rec for you.
Thank you Pushkin Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 28, 2025
*Taku Ashibe’s *Murder in the House of Omari* is a brilliantly crafted mystery that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Set in the mysterious and decaying Omari mansion, the story uncovers a murder that pulls back the curtain on a family full of hidden secrets. The house itself feels almost like another character — full of tension and things left unsaid. As one character says, “The truth is never found where it’s expected to be, only where it’s hidden most carefully.” That pretty much sums up how Ashibe weaves the narrative — every piece of the puzzle is tucked away in the most unexpected places.
One of the things I really appreciated was how Ashibe doesn’t try to trick the reader. There are no crazy twists at the last minute; everything you need to figure out the crime is laid out if you pay attention. It’s the kind of mystery where you feel like you’re right there with the detective, piecing things together bit by bit. As the detective notes, “The mind of a murderer is a labyrinth — and every turn, a truth you don’t want to face.” The satisfaction of putting all the pieces together makes the slower moments worth it.
That said, the pacing can feel a bit slow in the middle, especially when the plot focuses on character histories and timelines. While it’s important for the story, I found myself wanting to get back to the action sooner. Some of the side characters also felt a little underdeveloped emotionally, which made it harder to fully connect with them.
Despite these minor issues, *Murder in the House of Omari* is a solid, intelligent mystery. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a well-paced, thoughtful puzzle rather than fast-paced action. If you like mysteries that make you think and give you time to savor every clue, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
June 16, 2025
Murder in the House of Omari offers a fantastic blending of historical atmosphere, eerie vibes, and a challengingly slow burn. It starts with the disappearance of the eldest son of the Omari, the first of the unexplained happenings, which then unravels the tightly held secrets that are buried deep in this troublesome family. House of Omari is rich in its historical context, from describing the forgotten old streets that none have known that well anymore to new changes that have a sense of dread, sadness, and longing brimming through the pages.
It takes a LONG journey to reach the truth of the murder; it takes its sweet time for us to explore the world in the House of Omari. Getting used to the characters and their history about apprentice-taking that are common for them to abandon the name their family gave them but instead take a new one that is convenient to the family, alongside the details of the war and how it affected the family. There's nothing happen for like the first 100 pages, but I truly enjoy the build-up. The murder cases are enjoyable, with some unexplainable situations and gruesome scenes, while the family is also haunted by the red-haired 'little demon' that was seen every night.
While I was expecting something like the Kindaichi series by Seishi Yokomizo, in which the unusual detective helps to uncover the grand plot twist. However, the series offers an interesting turn to the storyline. It does not rely on the procedural investigation or trying to trick the readers, but instead it was quite straightforward. The twist is something that I didn't expect, a bit absurd and unconvincing at first, but it does make sense at the end. The revelation turns out to be more emotional than I thought. Overall, giving this 4.25 ⭐️ Thank you @definitelybooks for the review copy!
It takes a LONG journey to reach the truth of the murder; it takes its sweet time for us to explore the world in the House of Omari. Getting used to the characters and their history about apprentice-taking that are common for them to abandon the name their family gave them but instead take a new one that is convenient to the family, alongside the details of the war and how it affected the family. There's nothing happen for like the first 100 pages, but I truly enjoy the build-up. The murder cases are enjoyable, with some unexplainable situations and gruesome scenes, while the family is also haunted by the red-haired 'little demon' that was seen every night.
While I was expecting something like the Kindaichi series by Seishi Yokomizo, in which the unusual detective helps to uncover the grand plot twist. However, the series offers an interesting turn to the storyline. It does not rely on the procedural investigation or trying to trick the readers, but instead it was quite straightforward. The twist is something that I didn't expect, a bit absurd and unconvincing at first, but it does make sense at the end. The revelation turns out to be more emotional than I thought. Overall, giving this 4.25 ⭐️ Thank you @definitelybooks for the review copy!
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