Salvation of a Saint Audio Book Review
While mystery’s are not normally on the top of my list, detective and police based storylines do pique my interest and when I received the new audio book from a Japanese writer, I was anxious to get it started. Then I read the press release and I was even more excited. Here is the overview of the story and author:
SALVATION OF A SAINT
By Keigo Higashino
Unabridged | ISBN-13: 978-1-4272-2133-9| 8 CDs | 10 hours | On Sale 10/02/2012
Published simultaneously with the print edition from Minotaur Books
Read by David Pittu
Keigo Higashino’s The Devotion of Suspect X was widely proclaimed one of the best books of the year and a finalist for the world’s top award in crime fiction. The first major English-language publication from the most popular writer in Japan, it was acclaimed by critics as “stunning,” “brilliant,” and “ingenious.” Now physics professor Manabu Yukawa –Detective Galileo – returns in a new case of impossible murder, where instincts clash with facts, and theory with reality.
When a man who was about to leave his marriage is poisoned to death, his wife becomes the logical suspect, except for one simple fact: She was hundreds of miles away when he was murdered. Tokyo police detective Kusanagi and his assistant, Kaoru Utsumi, cannot agree on a suspect. When they call upon their secret weapon, Professor Manabu Yukawa, even his brilliant mind is challenged by a crime that is implausible, methodical, and perfect.
Salvation of a Saint is Keigo Higashino at his mind-bending best. This beautifully plotted novel will astonish and surprise even the most attentive and jaded of listeners. Higashino’s brilliant story is once again brought to life by the very talented David Pittu, who’s seasoned tone and pacing breathe life into an already vibrant and dynamic narrative.
My Thoughts:
Not an excessively long book, this book starts off not with a murder, by meeting some of the characters; a refreshing start to a murder mystery. However, it doesn’t take long for the hint and threat of the act to occur. Then Yoshitaka, who was about to leave his marriage and his wife, is poisoned by coffee and dies. A friend of the family is watching over the home while his wife, Ayane, is out of town and discovers the body. She is then thrown into the exhausting mess of interviews and suspicion. Until Ayane comes home and an interesting and apparently deep bond between the women is made aware.
The twists and turns in this story kept me engaged and listening to the story. The police have a dilemma on how to figure out how the murder actually took place. Most of the story is discovery of the the facts and the intricate planning that went into the the crime. The characters are detailed and the story is written with grace and amazing detail as well. The author has crafted a brilliant story that weaves you through an amazing crime. You find yourself doubting who really murdered Yoshitaka time and time again.
Let me just say that the narrator, David Pittu, is amazing. His voice takes you right to Japan with the perfect pitch and lilt of their native language in English. I am astounded by his talent and his voices totally made this book come to life. Two thumbs up!
About the Author:
KEIGO HIGASHINO is currently the most widely read author in Japan, with more than three dozen bestsellers, hundreds of millions of copies of his books sold worldwide, and nearly twenty films and television series based on his work. He won the Naoki Prize for The Devotion of Suspect X, his first novel featuring Detective Galileo, and, in translation, it was a finalist for both the Edgar Award for Best Novel and the Barry Award. He lives in Tokyo, Japan.
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.