The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

If you like a traditional mystery with a bit of a twist, The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji, is just what you want.  This book is a giant homage to, And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. Members of a mystery club take a trip to a secluded island off the coast of Japan where there was a recent murder/suicide.  All club members have taken the names of famous authors, including Christie.  They are staying all together in the title’s house, each in their own room.  After the first night, there is a set of plates displayed saying victim one, victim, two, etc.  One by one, they are murdered and you are left to guess who is doing this to them.  There is also a parallel investigation going on across the water on the mainland.  It’s not a poetic or flowery tale, just the facts.  It may be the translation, or it may be the time period, 80s.  But a classic is a classic for a reason.

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