Review: The Labyrinth House Murders by Yukito Aatsuji

Synopsis: Miyagaki Yōtarō is one of Japan's most famed mystery writers, but several years ago he put down his pen and left the Tokyo literary world for a life of seclusion in the remote Labyrinth House, built by the notorious architect Nakamura Seiji. When four of the country's most exciting up-and-coming crime writers are invited to the house for Yōtarō's birthday party, they are honoured to accept. But no sooner have they arrived than they are confronted with a shocking death, then lured into a bizarre, deadly competition with each other...

As the competition proceeds, and murder follows murder, the brilliant Kiyoshi Shimada investigates. Can he solve the mystery of the house before all those trapped in its labyrinth are dead? And can you guess the solution before he does?

This is the third stand-alone book from the author of Decagon House Murders and Mill House Murders

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"... let the game of detection begin ..."

Four authors and a few other notable guests, are drawn to the mysterious Labyrinth House by its owner, famed author Miyagaki Yotaro.  His intent: to find a worthy successor to himself (and a substantial inheritance and writing kudos for the winner) after conducting a writing competition, to be judged at the conclusion.

However, shortly after arriving - a murder is announced - that of their host. Though shocked at this news, the writers are determined to proceed with their late host's wishes - afterall, a large inheritance is nothing to be sniffed at. However, things soon turn even deadlier as one author after another is found murdered ......

Kiyoshi Shimada leads the investigation, as the house's architect is revealed to be none other than Nakamura Seiji (creator of the Decagon House and the Mill House from previous books). This discovery sends Shimada on a new course of investigation - with plot twists and teasing reveals ultimately disclosing both the murderer and their motive.

However ..... that is never the true ending as an even more clever reveal follows, with Shimada having the final word.

Wonderful storytelling from Yukito Ayatsuji, who leads the reader into the labyrinth that is the author's own creative narrative, leaving them there, like his characters,  to solve the puzzle and find their own way out.