4,5
In 遺忘·刑警, readers are presented with a gripping and emotionally taxing mystery where the protagonist wakes up with a severe headache and discovers that he has lost six years of his life. This event sets the stage for an investigation filled with intrigue, beginning with a brutal murder involving a husband, his wife's lover, and the wife of the lover, who is pregnant. However, much like other detective genres that follow familiar patterns, Chan Ho-Kei manages to bring a fresh twist that tricks and subverts all the predictions that were previously built.
After reaching 70% of the story, the plot that seemed easy to predict takes another unexpected turn. Using a twist that initially feels familiar in detective genres, Chan Ho-Kei adds layers that confuse and completely change our view of the unfolding story. This is a perfect example of how the author leads the readers to deceive themselves by utilizing the investigative element to tell a story that is more than just a murder case.
The book is divided into seven main chapters, with a sequel that enriches the plot. Readers are taken on a journey through narratives that alternate between the past and the present, and from first-person to third-person perspectives. This approach gives the readers the sense of viewing events from various angles, with each emerging detail connecting to unravel the hidden truth. Through this technique, readers can feel the increasing tension, as more secrets come to light.
However, despite the presence of police, murder, and investigation, this book is more than just a detective novel. There is a deep psychological layer to this story, delving into the protagonist’s mental state—particularly in dealing with PTSD and episodic memory, as well as sequence memory. This makes the book feel more like a psychological novel than a typical crime mystery. The author’s exploration of these issues in a realistic way adds an extra dimension to the characters and plot.
Not only are the perpetrators easy to guess due to the story's large cast of characters, but the way the crime is committed also becomes a turning point in the story. Simple yet filled with twists that shock, the author leads the reader through a journey of tension. Not only do these events unfold with clear logic, but every action and decision of the characters feels reasonable and not forced. The detailed depiction adds value, giving readers the opportunity to delve deeper into the thoughts and motivations of the characters.
Interestingly, the unreliable narrator pattern also becomes a confusing and enjoyable element, similar to what we find in works like Malice and Peniru dan Pembunuhan Tanpa Jasad. This technique successfully captivates readers, making them question every step taken by the protagonist.
As Chan Ho-Kei’s debut detective novel, 遺忘·刑警 can be considered an impressive achievement. With the addition of meticulous details and a well-structured plot, this book takes readers on a journey that is both logical and filled with surprises. The plot twists come in a very effective way, making readers experience the excitement that comes with every twist of the story.
In conclusion, 遺忘·刑警 is a work that successfully combines classic detective elements with a deep psychological exploration, creating a smart and challenging narrative. Chan Ho-Kei has delivered a reading experience that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, touching on themes of memory, trauma, and the hidden truths behind every case. For fans of the genre, this is a must-read, filled with surprises that will leave you stunned with every page.