The Black Cat House Murders

Detective Kiyoshi investigates a decades-old murder at a mysterious house resembling a black cat in this twisty and ingenious standalone Japanese murder mystery.

The Black Cat House is situated in the middle of a forest in Hokkaidō, far removed from human society. Built by the notorious architect Nakamura Seiji, it takes its name from the dark weather vane silhouetted on its roof.

Aging Ayuda Tōma was once the manager of this large family estate. As his memory begins to fail, Tōma hands two friends his personal notebook. There he has committed to writing down a record of the gruesome murder that occurred in the Black Cat House many decades ago.

When the estate owner’s son came to visit this remote country home, Tōma discovered that there are more secrets in the house than he knew. As he catered for the son’s weekend away, he soon found himself at the centre of a terrifying murder. One that he has kept secret, until now.

How many secrets does this bizarre building hide, and now that Tōma has chosen to reveal his story, will the amateur detective duo to whom he’s entrusted this information be able to uncover the truth?

This standalone installment is a puzzle mystery par-excellence by a master of the form, packed with twists and culminating in a jaw-dropping, unforgettable solution.