A Brute's Love: Edogawa Rampo: Master of Classic Japanese Mystery, Volume 2

by Edogawa Rampo, J.D. Wisgo (Translator)

Edogawa Rampo was an important figure in the development of Japanese mystery short stories and novels, greatly influencing many authors that came after him, and a large number of his works have been made into movies, TV dramas, and even comics. His pen name was inspired by the name of author Edgar Allan Poe, exhibiting Rampo’s great interest in Western mystery fiction.

In “A Brute's Love”, a newlywed deeply in love becomes suspicious when her husband starts disappearing for hours at a time and seems oddly distant. Despite her shy disposition, the woman manages to covertly follow her husband one night and makes a disturbing discovery that only deepens her doubts.

When the truth is revealed, will their marriage be torn apart? Or was it simply all in her head?

“A Brute's Love” showcases Rampo’s characteristic style of creating an eerie atmosphere and keeping the reader guessing until the very end, and is highly recommended for all Rampo fans, as well as anyone interested in classic Japanese mysteries.

In addition to an English-only version, the story is listed in parallel translation format with alternating paragraphs of English and Japanese as an aid for those studying Japanese.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

About the author

Hirai Tarō (平井 太郎), better known by the pseudonym Rampo Edogawa ( 江戸川 乱歩), sometimes romanized as "Ranpo Edogawa", was a Japanese author and critic who played a major role in the development of Japanese mystery fiction.