Masako Togawa - The Lady Killer

The Lady Killer

Japanese Title: 猟人日記 (Ryojin Nikki)
Author: Masako Togawa
Translator: Simon Grove
Publication Year: 1963 (Japan), 1985 (US)
Publisher: Dodd, Mead & Company
Pages: 224

Plot:
Ichiro Honda is a smart, good-looking professional who lives lavishly in a hotel in Tokyo and on weekends, travels all the way to Osaka to be with his wife. He lives a double life - hardworking husband by day and a relentless 'Lady Killer' at a night. His conquests involved vulnerable ladies who are swept by his phony identities. He records his conquests in his diary, tucked in an apartment he secretly rented. Everything is going well until the women that he seduced are murdered one by one. Moreso, the compelling evidence seems to point at him.

The plot seems intriguing for me at first but found myself bored with the first few pages about Honda's conquests. However, as I read through the second part it got more interesting for me. Like Shinji, one of the lawyers who handled Honda's case, I was also perplexed with the evidence found and accounts told by witnesses and acquaintances. As each new discovery unfolds, I am became convinced as to who is the real culprit... until I read the last chapter. Overall, it's an enjoyable read - the plot twist was really such a pleasant surprise. I wasn't disappointed with this book! I am looking forward to read Togawa-sensei's best work entitled 'The Master Key'. And by the way, this book was published by Pushkin Vertigo last year, 2018 (blue cover).