Malice, by Keigo Higashino, was an Edgar award finalist. Written in Japan, and translated into English, it has much different pacing than a typical English language mystery.

A famous and wealthy writer is found murdered in his locked office, within a locked house, by his wife and best friend just days before he will relocate to Vancouver. Both wife and friend, Osamu Nonoguchi, have solid alibis. Nonoguchi is also a writer, although not as successful as his friend. The case is further complicated by detective Kaga’s prior connection with Nonoguchi; both were teachers many years ago.

Kara’s unraveling of the mystery is painstaking.

For me, the mystery was not much of a mystery. Also, the murderer is revealed very early in the book. From then on, the plot becomes one of discovering the motive and of uncovering the layers behind the murder.

Recommended although slow moving for an American reader.