Book Review: Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino

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Another book by Keigo Higashio that is simple yet complex in terms of plot development, Salvation of a Saint might have strained my nerves because of its length but was in no way a disappointment. I started the year 2018 with the Devotion of Suspect X by the acclaimed Japanese author and was blown away, and so when nothing seemed to work in terms of my reading in 2019, I went back to him, knowing whatever I might pick I will enjoy it and break the jinx that the year seemed to have started on.

As soon as the book begins we know that a murder has been plotted. We are introduced to the killer and the victim in almost a single breath. You might wonder then what remains to be revealed. And this is where Higashino's expertise lies. The HOW- How was the murder committed? He presents you the settings for a perfect crime. No one seems to be able to figure out how was the deed done even if the detective at times might already know who did it.

This seemingly impossible thing to figure out seems to be done particularly well in Devotion of Suspect X which earned the author a place as an Edgar Award finalist. This award is named after Edgar Allan Poe and is presented every year by the Mystery Writers of America.

Salvation of a Saint is the story of the murder of Yoshitaka who was just about to leave his marriage because his wife could not bear him a child. His wife Ayane is the prime suspect but she has solid alibi as she was hundred of miles away at her parents' place at the time of the murder. Lead detective of the Tokyo police Detective Kusanagi is smitten with Ayane as soon as he sets eyes on her and refuses to believe anything which says that Ayane is the murderess. His colleague Detective Utsumi suspects Ayane from day one and hails help from Professor Dr. Yukawa also called as Galileo, an old friend of Kusanagi's. How the famous and brilliant physicist Galielo figures out the 'How' is what the novel comprises.

The novel may seem slow paced to those who are looking for something Sherlockian. It seemed a bit tedious to me as well in the middle but if details even the minuscules ones are what you like then this book is highly recommended for you.

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India

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