'The Tattoo Murder' by Akimitsu Takagi is a Japanese post-war murder mystery centred on a locked-room murder and the enegmatic character of Kinue Nomura.

The story was published in 1948 and a lot of my enjoyment came from the casually constucted atmosphere of post-war Tokyo. Rather than drowning in melticulouly researched details and brand-name asides, the uncertain atmosphere of renewal permiates the whole novel. Although I'm sure it comes down to writing a 'contemporary novel' that is now being republished many years later, Takagi picks such straightforward details and presumes a knowledge of society that makes the setting come to life.

The story itself is a little hit and miss during the first half, and then had me racing to the end to try and figure out what was going on. Of course, there were many twists and red-herrings that I didn't see coming but I found the journey to find the truth to be a very compelling maze! Of course, the ultimate reveal is one that I didn't see coming - and I was a little let down by the final reveal of the big bad - but it's probably that surprising ending that had me reading so avidly.

There were a few details that I didn't like - the narrator ultimately involves a friend to help him solve the murder. Is it really likely that the head of a police department would allow his brother and his brother's friend to solve the case? The idea of the narrator being a relatively normal person made me believe I could also solve 'The Tattoo Murder Case' but ultimately it takes being a genius, or being a naturally suspicious person.

Overall I did enjoy reading this - the introduction of a character late in the novel made me think it would be one of a series and I would definitely read more by the author, especially featuring that character.

This was a really interesting book and i liked the part of Japanese culture this explored. I liked how this was paced and the slow build at the beginning was a good way to start it as it helped immerse me into that world. The way it was plotted was done well and i think it was the perfect balance between giving clues to the audience and creating mystery and suspense. I would definitely read others book by this author as i thought it was such a tight and enjoyable crime novel.