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| The Tattoo Murder Case (Soho crime) | 
 enlarge | Author: Akimitsu Takagi
Publisher: Soho Crime
Category: Book
List Price: $13.00
Buy Used: $3.43
You Save: $9.57 (74%)
New (31) Used (25) Collectible (2) from $3.43
Avg. Customer Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 116246
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 324
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5 x 1
ISBN: 1569471568
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9781569471562
ASIN: 1569471568
Publication Date: July 1, 2003
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
| Showing reviews 16-18 of 18 | | « PREV | | |
 The Aftermath of the War February 28, 2002
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Tattoo Murder Case, written by Akimitsu Takagi, is an absorbing novel that delves into the sensuality and mystery surrounding the art of tattoos. Written during the post WWII era, the text grapples with the physical destruction of Japan and the upheaval of the country's culture due to the shocking effects of the Atom Bomb. While the reader is immediately immersed into the grips of the plot and the intricacies of the characters' relationships with one another, the reader cannot escape from the ever-present undercurrent of despair and devastation. The Japanese people have experienced a dramatic change in their way of life; family and friends have died, their cities are in ruins, their culture has been beaten down, and their confidence at being a strong world power has been destroyed. To dive into this novel allows the reader an opportunity to catch glimpses of a Japanese society that only existed before the war while at the same time witness the struggle of these proud people as they attempt to cope with the war's aftermath. The tattoos in this mystery symbolize a strong, resilient country that is rich in history. The path that the tattoos take in the novel mirror both the characters' struggle as well as those of all of Japanese people in this post-war era to maintain their pride and culture in a country that has been permanently altered.
 Tattoos are only skin deep July 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A locked room murder mystery. A hidden underbelly of society, populated by beautiful tattooed women who work behind doors opened by secret codes. A legend of three ancient sorcerers, linked together to carry a curse. A mysterious and driven older professor, known by the name of "Dr. Tattoo" for his obsession with skinning the bodies of tattooed corpses so that he may collect and preserve their unique art. A naive and idealistic young forensics student, seduced and far in over his head
These are the elements that author Takagi Akimitsu has woven together in order to create his grand design. Using the background of post-War Japan, a place bombed into despair and turned upside-down, he crafts his tale with precision and style, each element added at precisely the right time to extract the most impact from its revelation. This is a brilliant detective novel.
Kinue Nomura is a sensual and beautiful woman of the underworld, her skin carrying the last known tattoo of her famous father. An Orochimaru design, its twisted serpent design snares any man who she reveals it to. Kenzo Matsushiita is the young forensic student, just back from the War where he served as a medic, he is eager to put his past behind him and work towards his doctorate, but his love of mystery novels and the excitement of Kinue assure that he will follow another path.
Also involved is the world of the Japanese tattoo, and art form beautifully described in the novel by Takagi, and one completely illegal during the setting of this novel. The taboo nature of the art, the sexual nature of decorated naked flesh, the secrets hidden behind the ink, all of these add a primal feel to the logical structure of the crime, creating a balance of order and chaos, of body and brain. As someone who is also privileged to carry a Japanese tattoo, I really appreciated the sincerity and detail of this part of the novel.
Special note must also be made of the translation, which was flawless. The translator did a perfect job of maintaining Japanese words were appropriate, giving explanations of cultural terms rather than unsuitable translations.
This was enough to get me hooked on the author. I am looking forward to delving into further Takagi mysteries.
Fresher Than A Daisy September 22, 2008
Written 60 years ago, this novel could have been written today.
Terrific characterisation, terrific plot. I loved it.
If you are into Japanese mysteries/crime (am a Miyabe and Kirino fan too)then you won't go wrong with this.
Hope I'm as fresh at 60!
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