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Holmes of Kyoto Light Novel #2
Holmes of Kyoto: Volume 2
High school girl Aoi Mashiro has begun her part-time job at the antique store Kura in Kyoto’s Teramachi-Sanjo shopping district. There, she works with the store owner’s grandson, Kiyotaka Yagashira. Kiyotaka is a young Kyoto man with a gentle demeanor—as well as a fearsome intuition and a bit of a wicked streak.
One day, a first-time visitor brings a tea bowl for Kiyotaka to appraise. Kiyotaka immediately identifies it as a fake. Then he and Aoi encounter a priest who introduces himself as Ensho. This man turns out to be an extraordinary counterfeiter. The mysteries continue in Volume 2 of Holmes in Kyoto!
One day, a first-time visitor brings a tea bowl for Kiyotaka to appraise. Kiyotaka immediately identifies it as a fake. Then he and Aoi encounter a priest who introduces himself as Ensho. This man turns out to be an extraordinary counterfeiter. The mysteries continue in Volume 2 of Holmes in Kyoto!
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
22 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Mai Mochizuki
89 books291 followersMai Mochizuki was born and raised in Hokkaido and now lives in Kyoto, and originally wrote Alice in Kyouraku Forest as a series of novels. She's written numerous other titles, including 4th Kyoto Book Award winner Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes which was turned into a manga and anime series.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 1, 2022
Just as sweet and gently paced as the first one. Just as full of descriptions of Kyoto and antiquities too, so it might not be for every reader, but I’m finding it fascinating. The romance hints are there, but nothing over the top, though the age gap is unfortunate.
4, I’m so glad there are more to read instead of having to wait a year or more for the next one, stars.
4, I’m so glad there are more to read instead of having to wait a year or more for the next one, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2019
其實這集還是很有趣。雖然說之前看了第一集的亞馬遜評價讓我有點失望，但其實故事的還是滿有趣的，當初如果是包裝成少女小說出來賣的話，說不定負面評價反而不會這麼多也說不定？
本集的事件比較多，也出現了福爾摩斯的天敵——自稱森阿（もりあ）的仿製師，雖然認真說我覺得仿製師跟鑑定師的對決有點愚蠢，或者該說我根本無法理解仿製師到底是基於什麼目的出現在鑑定師面前，我也無法理解他的動機（不管怎麼想都覺得很蠢），不過也許這就是所謂的日生學長效應：「說謊的騙子還是希望有人從謊言中發現他」吧？而且對決中兩個人的對話還滿有趣的，比起優雅的福爾摩斯，其實我喜歡不認輸露出扭曲一面的福爾摩斯。
而且這次福爾摩斯也出現了很多讓人比較感受到人性的地方（像是超級在意被人家說是溫室少爺之類的ｗ），感覺角色也變得比較立體。
然後這集葵跟福爾摩斯之間的也勉強算是有點進展？雖然真的很少，但是這種微甜我覺得剛剛好（太甜的話我極度有可能會倒胃），雖然葵一抓到時間就一直偷看對方，還有在心中稱讚福爾摩斯多帥氣的地方多到讓我想笑（不過和男性向輕小說不一樣，並不會讓我覺得不耐煩，到底是次數有差，還是被稱讚的人的性別不同的關係呢？）。前一集的配角秋人意外地出場次數非常的多，他和福爾摩斯之間的互動老實說很有趣又很可愛，看秋人一副超愛福爾摩斯又被剋的死死的樣子真的超可愛的。
這集有出現了更多京都的名勝，其實一邊讀一邊google裡面出現的神社寺廟，非常有趣，對於外國人的我來說，都覺得這本書可以當京都的觀光小說了（雖然實際上京都人到底怎麼看還是個問題就是了）。
總之，期待下集，還有希望台灣版不要斷頭（合掌）
本集的事件比較多，也出現了福爾摩斯的天敵——自稱森阿（もりあ）的仿製師，雖然認真說我覺得仿製師跟鑑定師的對決有點愚蠢，或者該說我根本無法理解仿製師到底是基於什麼目的出現在鑑定師面前，我也無法理解他的動機（不管怎麼想都覺得很蠢），不過也許這就是所謂的日生學長效應：「說謊的騙子還是希望有人從謊言中發現他」吧？而且對決中兩個人的對話還滿有趣的，比起優雅的福爾摩斯，其實我喜歡不認輸露出扭曲一面的福爾摩斯。
而且這次福爾摩斯也出現了很多讓人比較感受到人性的地方（像是超級在意被人家說是溫室少爺之類的ｗ），感覺角色也變得比較立體。
然後這集葵跟福爾摩斯之間的也勉強算是有點進展？雖然真的很少，但是這種微甜我覺得剛剛好（太甜的話我極度有可能會倒胃），雖然葵一抓到時間就一直偷看對方，還有在心中稱讚福爾摩斯多帥氣的地方多到讓我想笑（不過和男性向輕小說不一樣，並不會讓我覺得不耐煩，到底是次數有差，還是被稱讚的人的性別不同的關係呢？）。前一集的配角秋人意外地出場次數非常的多，他和福爾摩斯之間的互動老實說很有趣又很可愛，看秋人一副超愛福爾摩斯又被剋的死死的樣子真的超可愛的。
這集有出現了更多京都的名勝，其實一邊讀一邊google裡面出現的神社寺廟，非常有趣，對於外國人的我來說，都覺得這本書可以當京都的觀光小說了（雖然實際上京都人到底怎麼看還是個問題就是了）。
總之，期待下集，還有希望台灣版不要斷頭（合掌）
February 15, 2023
Siguiendo con lo escrito sobre el Volumen 1 la historia sigue avanzando perfectamente. Me encanta el desarrollo en la relación de ambos y ver cómo se expande el mundo del arte y tasación para Aoi (me sentí hasta orgullosa cuando ganó el juego en el que había que detectar falsificaciones).
La trama con Ensho también progresa y Holmes tiene un segundo encuentro con él. Akihito toma importancia como personaje, lo cual me sorprendió gratamente porque en el anime no se sabe mucho de él más allá del primer encuentro y apariciones esporádicas, su relación "conflictiva" con Holmes es divertida y le aporta ligereza a muchas situaciones.
“You can’t call that art,” Holmes said, suddenly switching to his Kyoto accent. “An artificial flower cannot be called a flower when all it has is the shape; it has no scent. An artificial flower is artificial. It’s nothing like a real flower. Some may beg to differ, but I will not recognize deceptive counterfeits as ‘art.’ It’d be impudent to do so.” A terrifying, scornful smile rose to his face.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget what happened here. Two young geniuses, an appraiser and a counterfeiter—the sparks that flew between them were beautiful like autumn leaves. Holmes’s frustration, followed by his determination. Ensho, who was on the path of enlightenment, chose to remain in confusion. Meanwhile, his existence enlightened Holmes to the path that he should take. It really is karmic.
Confusion and enlightenment... I think that no matter how hard you try to understand, as long as you were born as a human, it’ll be difficult to achieve complete enlightenment. You live in confusion, and occasionally you understand, but in the end, you go back to being lost.
When I’m feeling hopelessly lost, I want to come here again to look at that perfect circle—the window to the universe”
La trama con Ensho también progresa y Holmes tiene un segundo encuentro con él. Akihito toma importancia como personaje, lo cual me sorprendió gratamente porque en el anime no se sabe mucho de él más allá del primer encuentro y apariciones esporádicas, su relación "conflictiva" con Holmes es divertida y le aporta ligereza a muchas situaciones.
“You can’t call that art,” Holmes said, suddenly switching to his Kyoto accent. “An artificial flower cannot be called a flower when all it has is the shape; it has no scent. An artificial flower is artificial. It’s nothing like a real flower. Some may beg to differ, but I will not recognize deceptive counterfeits as ‘art.’ It’d be impudent to do so.” A terrifying, scornful smile rose to his face.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget what happened here. Two young geniuses, an appraiser and a counterfeiter—the sparks that flew between them were beautiful like autumn leaves. Holmes’s frustration, followed by his determination. Ensho, who was on the path of enlightenment, chose to remain in confusion. Meanwhile, his existence enlightened Holmes to the path that he should take. It really is karmic.
Confusion and enlightenment... I think that no matter how hard you try to understand, as long as you were born as a human, it’ll be difficult to achieve complete enlightenment. You live in confusion, and occasionally you understand, but in the end, you go back to being lost.
When I’m feeling hopelessly lost, I want to come here again to look at that perfect circle—the window to the universe”
June 8, 2024
This was just as good if not better than the first one. I loved the addition of Akihito as a comic relief side character and especially enjoy his playful interactions with Holmes. There is also a new Moriarty-esque antagonist and I loved that storyline.
Aoi is really coming into her own, can’t wait to see her development over the course of the series. And of course the sloooooow burn romance between her and Holmes is *chef’s kiss*.
I also really like that through this light novel series I’m learning a lot about Kyoto and Japanese arts and culture.
And of course this installment was especially dear to me because it is set in autumn AND features a “haunted” house (= Charlie catnip).
Will continue on in this series!
Aoi is really coming into her own, can’t wait to see her development over the course of the series. And of course the sloooooow burn romance between her and Holmes is *chef’s kiss*.
I also really like that through this light novel series I’m learning a lot about Kyoto and Japanese arts and culture.
And of course this installment was especially dear to me because it is set in autumn AND features a “haunted” house (= Charlie catnip).
Will continue on in this series!
April 16, 2024
Aoi and Holmes
I tell my friends that I learn something new every day by reading. I like this series because snippets of Japanese culture and history are covered but not enough to overwhelm the story. My favorite characters I think, ever, are Aoi and Holmes. She seems too shy and retiring to me but she has a definite personality and perspective and holds her own in the stories. Holmes is fascinating and they have fleshed out his character in charming and interesting ways. I'd say that they seem suited to each other especially with their quirks meshing well. They aren't a romantic couple (yet) but they show promise.
I tell my friends that I learn something new every day by reading. I like this series because snippets of Japanese culture and history are covered but not enough to overwhelm the story. My favorite characters I think, ever, are Aoi and Holmes. She seems too shy and retiring to me but she has a definite personality and perspective and holds her own in the stories. Holmes is fascinating and they have fleshed out his character in charming and interesting ways. I'd say that they seem suited to each other especially with their quirks meshing well. They aren't a romantic couple (yet) but they show promise.
October 19, 2024
What drew me into this series is that it's a mystery series not about murders but about antiques, material culture, and the effects these material objects have on people and their interactions.
I enjoyed the first book and this second book continues the trend. Holmes himself might be the biggest mystery of the book, and as the book progresses, more pieces of his personality and past become illuminated.
Chapter 2 was by far my favourite. I learned so much about the meaning behind artwork and the meaning it provides to people.
I enjoyed the first book and this second book continues the trend. Holmes himself might be the biggest mystery of the book, and as the book progresses, more pieces of his personality and past become illuminated.
Chapter 2 was by far my favourite. I learned so much about the meaning behind artwork and the meaning it provides to people.
November 24, 2024
Another enjoyable book in the Holmes of Kyoto series! The story focuses on Holmes and Aoi as Holmes does more evaluating of antiquities and he assists Akihito to prepare for a TV series on Kyoto. A nice way to learn about Kyoto which I know nothing about. I enjoy the continuing relationship between Aoi and Holmes. I look forward to the next book! Happy reading! 😬
March 25, 2025
For some reason, the pace of this one went much quicker than the first. I felt like we were also involved in more detective work, while the brief interlude of Holmes and Akihito together provided a nice contrast to Aoi's thoughts and reactions. Still enjoyable and light in tone, I really feel like I need to visit Kyoto after reading this.
May 21, 2024
The plot is quite in line with the first volume in the shoujo mystery category. Honestly, the book is a nice read if you are looking for something casual and not overly complicated, I would say it's close to a cozy mystery.
December 16, 2020
The story continues during autumn.
July 4, 2021
3.50 👁️
September 28, 2021
Great storyline
This is a great series for those who like mystery, romance, and anime. Make sure to read it, especially if you love history. You can learn a lot too.
This is a great series for those who like mystery, romance, and anime. Make sure to read it, especially if you love history. You can learn a lot too.
October 17, 2021
Imagine reading something that isn't a Japanese light novel? Couldn't be me.
January 8, 2025
Someday I will get tired of Japanese Sherlock Holmes stories. This is not that day.
June 10, 2023
I read Volume 1, which was enjoyable, so I continued Volume 2.
In Volume 1, my impression of the heroine, Aoi, was that she was very plain. There was nothing remarkable about her. I let it slide, hoping that she would develop more in later volumes. However, to my disappointment, Aiso didn't change, and she even got worse.
Well, I have read some light novels with teenage characters, but they are more memorable than Aoi. Let's just say, she isn't my type of heroine, and I read this book because I enjoyed the antique and historical aspects. However, if Aoi or other characters' personalities become more unbearable for me, I would drop this series.
In Volume 1, my impression of the heroine, Aoi, was that she was very plain. There was nothing remarkable about her. I let it slide, hoping that she would develop more in later volumes. However, to my disappointment, Aiso didn't change, and she even got worse.
Well, I have read some light novels with teenage characters, but they are more memorable than Aoi. Let's just say, she isn't my type of heroine, and I read this book because I enjoyed the antique and historical aspects. However, if Aoi or other characters' personalities become more unbearable for me, I would drop this series.
March 18, 2023
如果第一集是氣氛溫柔、古意盎然的輕推理，第二集圍繞在主角群身邊的就是近似於少年漫畫的熱血戰鬥氣氛吧。故事畫風突然大幅度轉向讓我忍不住���了一下。動畫第一集那個在黑暗中咒罵清貴的和尚看得我一頭霧水，想說「這傢伙誰啊？怎麼會突然冒出一個要跟主角決鬥的反派？」，猜想若不是動畫自創角色，就是小說後續集數才出現的人物，讀完第二集確認是後者。或許作者創造「仿製師」是為了讓故事有日常人情互動以外的主題吧？畢竟單單依靠主角平淡的生活演繹日常解謎，可能寫到最後會變得很鬆散而失去焦點。有「仿製師」站在對立面的話，一來可以增添戲劇性與危機感，二來可以推動主角們的成長。只是老實說，圓生登場的回合，中二感就有大幅上升的傾向。
伴隨著一連串事件的發生，葵與清貴的感情看起來有更多潛在變化正在發生。從葵談起要參加聯誼，自我評估相貌平凡時清貴搖頭嗟嘆的反應，可看出在清貴眼中葵是很有魅力的女孩，所以對她沒意識到自身的美好感到遺憾；外出郊遊時，使用和歌比喻自己盼望能再次體會戀慕他人的心情；結尾與圓生第二回對決險勝，在清貴心裡留下更多的卻是無法確實擊敗對方的屈辱感，葵說出的激勵之語打動了他，令清貴從消沈的悔恨中清醒振作。另外，我覺得葵的激勵之語與第一集清貴「被嫉妒的人，也應該要為對方努力才行」的主張頗有異曲同工之妙的互相呼應感。
仔細想想，作者不僅僅表現出清貴各方面的優異讓葵對他的欣賞持續上升，另一方面也一直有意識地鋪陳清貴不由自主地被葵的各種表現所打動，於公願意投注心力教導她藝術品鑑定知識，看到葵在鑑定眼光愈發優秀也為她驕傲；於私兩人涉足彼此的私領域也有逐漸增加的傾向，連帶得使他們的關係更加密切。清貴對待葵的紳士態度除了本身的教養，也感覺得出蘊含著出於私人感情的維護。只是這個故事以葵為主要視角，清貴的心理轉折不似葵來得明顯，直到第二集結尾離開源光庵，清貴握住葵的手，欲言又止的態度才有雨後終於窺見陽光的模樣，一種甜美的期待感油然而生。
第二集引用的和歌是在原業平的情詩：「此心未曾有，因君始得悟，世人皆通曉，名之以戀慕」（頁二〇五），清貴吟詩時，當下跟葵的氣氛並沒有特別曖昧，反倒是想起各自的失戀過往，變得有些哀傷沉重。然而對照兩人來往的細節，我不禁覺得這首詩根本就是呼應他們相處的模式，即使那一件件小事還不足以構成「戀愛」，卻也是不斷累積彼此共同的回憶，目前兩人互動至多只走到第二句，但清貴和秋人聊天時，難得正面地描述自己對葵的看法，那一句「看見她毫不畏懼地將自己的弱點和醜態全部展現出來，盡情哭泣，我覺得好羨慕，甚至覺得她很耀眼」（頁一六二）讓我期待這些記憶能積沙成塔，儘速化為第三、四句抵達他們身邊。
秋人的個性簡直是一個活寶，在故事中調劑出輕鬆的氣氛，我很欣賞秋人對待工作兢兢業業的態度，一方面又有容易受感動、性情直率的優點，相處起來很愉快，和葵、清貴也建立起能互相調笑、玩鬧的好朋友關係，有秋人在的橋段總是比其他場景歡樂了幾分，尤其鬧鬼事件嚇得他神色淒慘、喧鬧不休的時候。
讀這系列小說，最大的收穫應該就是知道許多京都小知識吧。畢竟有個視發揚京都之美為己任的福爾摩斯在。我在這一點上，真的蠻佩服日本的，盡其所能地做到發掘自身文化的脈絡與底藴，並拿來當觀光資源吸引外地旅客遊覽，也不是隨意移植一個不屬於自己的舶來品，而是讓在地的一草一木、一磚一瓦都有可以訴說的故事，讓人不由自主被吸引。
伴隨著一連串事件的發生，葵與清貴的感情看起來有更多潛在變化正在發生。從葵談起要參加聯誼，自我評估相貌平凡時清貴搖頭嗟嘆的反應，可看出在清貴眼中葵是很有魅力的女孩，所以對她沒意識到自身的美好感到遺憾；外出郊遊時，使用和歌比喻自己盼望能再次體會戀慕他人的心情；結尾與圓生第二回對決險勝，在清貴心裡留下更多的卻是無法確實擊敗對方的屈辱感，葵說出的激勵之語打動了他，令清貴從消沈的悔恨中清醒振作。另外，我覺得葵的激勵之語與第一集清貴「被嫉妒的人，也應該要為對方努力才行」的主張頗有異曲同工之妙的互相呼應感。
仔細想想，作者不僅僅表現出清貴各方面的優異讓葵對他的欣賞持續上升，另一方面也一直有意識地鋪陳清貴不由自主地被葵的各種表現所打動，於公願意投注心力教導她藝術品鑑定知識，看到葵在鑑定眼光愈發優秀也為她驕傲；於私兩人涉足彼此的私領域也有逐漸增加的傾向，連帶得使他們的關係更加密切。清貴對待葵的紳士態度除了本身的教養，也感覺得出蘊含著出於私人感情的維護。只是這個故事以葵為主要視角，清貴的心理轉折不似葵來得明顯，直到第二集結尾離開源光庵，清貴握住葵的手，欲言又止的態度才有雨後終於窺見陽光的模樣，一種甜美的期待感油然而生。
第二集引用的和歌是在原業平的情詩：「此心未曾有，因君始得悟，世人皆通曉，名之以戀慕」（頁二〇五），清貴吟詩時，當下跟葵的氣氛並沒有特別曖昧，反倒是想起各自的失戀過往，變得有些哀傷沉重。然而對照兩人來往的細節，我不禁覺得這首詩根本就是呼應他們相處的模式，即使那一件件小事還不足以構成「戀愛」，卻也是不斷累積彼此共同的回憶，目前兩人互動至多只走到第二句，但清貴和秋人聊天時，難得正面地描述自己對葵的看法，那一句「看見她毫不畏懼地將自己的弱點和醜態全部展現出來，盡情哭泣，我覺得好羨慕，甚至覺得她很耀眼」（頁一六二）讓我期待這些記憶能積沙成塔，儘速化為第三、四句抵達他們身邊。
秋人的個性簡直是一個活寶，在故事中調劑出輕鬆的氣氛，我很欣賞秋人對待工作兢兢業業的態度，一方面又有容易受感動、性情直率的優點，相處起來很愉快，和葵、清貴也建立起能互相調笑、玩鬧的好朋友關係，有秋人在的橋段總是比其他場景歡樂了幾分，尤其鬧鬼事件嚇得他神色淒慘、喧鬧不休的時候。
讀這系列小說，最大的收穫應該就是知道許多京都小知識吧。畢竟有個視發揚京都之美為己任的福爾摩斯在。我在這一點上，真的蠻佩服日本的，盡其所能地做到發掘自身文化的脈絡與底藴，並拿來當觀光資源吸引外地旅客遊覽，也不是隨意移植一個不屬於自己的舶來品，而是讓在地的一草一木、一磚一瓦都有可以訴說的故事，讓人不由自主被吸引。
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
If only the second volume was as good as the first...but it isn't. It revolves more around Holmes' relationship with Akihito than with Aoi, and that relationship is entirely unpleasant. Sure, Akihito is kind of an idiot, but he's a well meaning one and Holmes is borderline vicious to overtly vicious to him throughout and
The only reason this gets a 2 and not a 1 are the history and art aspects of the book. I may try to read the third (after a good long break) since I was enjoying the cultural aspects of the series so much, but it will be tough if I do. I really don't like either of the two leads anymore.
Edit: I've had a good long break and I still don't want to read more of this series.
The only reason this gets a 2 and not a 1 are the history and art aspects of the book. I may try to read the third (after a good long break) since I was enjoying the cultural aspects of the series so much, but it will be tough if I do. I really don't like either of the two leads anymore.
Edit: I've had a good long break and I still don't want to read more of this series.
September 3, 2022
Holmes of Kyoto volume 2 is much like volume 1: a couple of short stories centred around a piece of art or event in which Aoi and Holmes play an important role.
I enjoyed the book for its titbits on Kyoto (made me grab the photo albums of my trips to the place) and art history, which gives the vibes of being well researched, although for the record Spain did NOT won the war as they say when discussing a painting on the subject, just the battle. The characters are a bit more developed, and the addition of Akihito was a nice addition.
Still, it is slice-of-life with very little real mystery (the tropes are there, you as a reader cannot solve it though) and no overarching plot and a potential romance of somewhat questionable age difference (ironic since at some point Holmes questions the idea of a mixer between male students and female high schoolers). The addition of some kind of genius rival and enemy just makes me cringe even though nothing much is done with it. It is a trope I really dislike.
All in all, it was an entertaining quick read, a fun change of pace from my usual fantasy novels.
I enjoyed the book for its titbits on Kyoto (made me grab the photo albums of my trips to the place) and art history, which gives the vibes of being well researched, although for the record Spain did NOT won the war as they say when discussing a painting on the subject, just the battle. The characters are a bit more developed, and the addition of Akihito was a nice addition.
Still, it is slice-of-life with very little real mystery (the tropes are there, you as a reader cannot solve it though) and no overarching plot and a potential romance of somewhat questionable age difference (ironic since at some point Holmes questions the idea of a mixer between male students and female high schoolers). The addition of some kind of genius rival and enemy just makes me cringe even though nothing much is done with it. It is a trope I really dislike.
All in all, it was an entertaining quick read, a fun change of pace from my usual fantasy novels.
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August 21, 2023The introduction of Ensho is meant to give Kiyotaka his Moriarty, but it could get a little annoying after awhile. He seems to have ninja like skills for no particular reason that I can see - he’s a painter, not a profession usually associated with martial arts.
It took me awhile to pick the book up again, but it was a fast read once I got going. I’d like to see things from Kiyotaka’s POV too.
It took me awhile to pick the book up again, but it was a fast read once I got going. I’d like to see things from Kiyotaka’s POV too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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