My Grandfather, the Master Detective

The heartwarming, acclaimed Japanese novel, "My Grandfather, the Master Detective," tells a tender, cozy mystery while exploring themes of living life to the fullest. Fans of "Before the Coffee Gets Cold" will find this a delightful read. At one time, a cafe named Mon Cheri in Nishi Waseda was a bustling spot for the Waseda Mystery Club, where enthusiasts eagerly discussed the latest mystery books. Now, it serves as the backdrop for Kaede and her grandfather's adventures in solving intriguing puzzles. Kaede, a 27-year-old schoolteacher, has a penchant for classic crime novels, which seems to lead her to stumble upon more mysteries than the average person. Solving these mysteries, however, requires the wisdom of her grandfather. Despite his struggle with dementia, he maintains an impressive clarity and assists her with solving cases, ranging from locked-room murders to perplexing disappearances. Together, in a master-apprentice style, they unravel one mystery after another. However, a looming shadow begins to close in on Kaede, presenting a more sinister challenge. Masateru Konishi's "My Grandfather, the Master Detective" is rich with engaging characters and homage to classic crime writers like Christie, Chesterton, and Poe. It's a poignant and delightful tale that promises to charm mystery lovers.