死体はクーラーが好き

"死体はクーラーが好き" (The Corpse Likes the Air Conditioner) is a collection of short mystery stories by Japanese author 山村美紗 (Misao Yamamura). Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

• Mystery and Suspense: The book is known for its intricate plots and surprising twists, typical of mountain-style mysteries.
• Atmosphere and Setting: Many of the stories are set in Kyoto, which is a common setting for Yamamura's works, often incorporating elements of Japanese culture such as ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremonies, and traditional dance.
• Psychological Elements: The stories often delve into the psychological aspects of characters, exploring their motivations and emotions.

Plot Summary

The book features a series of short stories, each with its own unique plot. The title story, "死体はクーラーが好き," revolves around a coin collector who is murdered in a locked room, with a valuable gold coin missing. The mystery involves unraveling the complex web of clues to uncover the identity of the killer and their motive.

Other notable stories include:

• "殺意の河" (River of Intent): A story involving a murder that takes place in a remote location, where the detective must navigate through a complex network of relationships and alibis.
• "血の鎖" (Chain of Blood): A tale of a family tragedy that leads to a murder, where the detective must uncover the dark secrets behind the family's history.
• "歪んだ相似形" (Distorted Similarity): A story about a woman who is suspected of murder due to her resemblance to the victim, leading to a deeper exploration of identity and deception.
• "憎しみの回路" (Circuit of Hatred): A mystery involving a series of seemingly unrelated events that are connected by a web of hatred and revenge.
• "ストリーカーが消えた夜" (The Night the Striker Disappeared): A story about a professional baseball player who goes missing, leading to a complex investigation involving his team and personal life.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its innovative plot twists and atmospheric settings. Critics have praised Yamamura's ability to craft intricate mysteries that keep readers engaged until the very end. The collection is often described as a quintessential example of Yamamura's mastery of the mystery genre, showcasing her unique style and skill in creating suspenseful and engaging stories.

In an online review on Booklog, readers praised the book for its ability to evoke a sense of horror and suspense, likening it to a horror novel due to its dark and intriguing themes. The book's unique blend of mystery and psychological elements has made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Overall, "死体はクーラーが好き" is a compelling collection of short mysteries that showcases Yamamura's expertise in crafting complex, engaging stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.