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Murder At Mt. Fuji by Shizuko Natsuki
May. 17th, 2026 09:43 pmThe Blurb On The Back:
A classic mystery novel from Japan’s Queen of Crime.
When American student Jane Prescott is invited to spend the holidays with her classmate Chiyo, she jumps at the chance to see in the new year at a luxurious mansion at the foot of Mount Fuji. Chiyo belongs to one of Japan’s wealthiest families, headed up by Yohei ‘Grandpa’ Wada.
With the whole Wada family gathered and snow falling outside, the festivities are in full swing. That is, until Chiyo bursts into the room - covered in blood, holding a knife, and screaming that she has stabbed her grandfather to death.
Stunned, the family closes ranks to protect one of its own - but Jane alone has more questions than answers. Could her sweet, timid friend really be capable of such violence? Did any other member of the Wada clan stand to gain from the patriarch’s death? And if so, could the real murderer still be in their midst?
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Published in 1982 Shizuko Natsuki’s murder mystery (translated from Japanese by Robert B Rohmer in 1984) is a mixed bag with a slow first third and hampered by dull characterisation and heavy-handed writing. There are some funny moments and the mystery itself has a neat reveal but it would have benefited from a character sheet to keep track of who everyone is and Jane ultimately isn’t on the page enough to offer an insight into what is happening.
When American student Jane Prescott is invited to spend the holidays with her classmate Chiyo, she jumps at the chance to see in the new year at a luxurious mansion at the foot of Mount Fuji. Chiyo belongs to one of Japan’s wealthiest families, headed up by Yohei ‘Grandpa’ Wada.
With the whole Wada family gathered and snow falling outside, the festivities are in full swing. That is, until Chiyo bursts into the room - covered in blood, holding a knife, and screaming that she has stabbed her grandfather to death.
Stunned, the family closes ranks to protect one of its own - but Jane alone has more questions than answers. Could her sweet, timid friend really be capable of such violence? Did any other member of the Wada clan stand to gain from the patriarch’s death? And if so, could the real murderer still be in their midst?
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Published in 1982 Shizuko Natsuki’s murder mystery (translated from Japanese by Robert B Rohmer in 1984) is a mixed bag with a slow first third and hampered by dull characterisation and heavy-handed writing. There are some funny moments and the mystery itself has a neat reveal but it would have benefited from a character sheet to keep track of who everyone is and Jane ultimately isn’t on the page enough to offer an insight into what is happening.
