Keigo Higashino celebrates his 40th anniversary
The birth of a new masterpiece that awakens the essence of the novel.
“The day I use this material as a work of art
“I thought you wouldn’t come.”
- Keigo Higashino

Keigo Higashino, who debuted in 1985 with "After School," will celebrate his 40th anniversary as a writer in 2025.
He is familiar even to those who are not mystery readers, thanks to his many works that have been made into million-sellers, movies, and dramas, such as 『The Devotion of Suspect X』, 『White Night Walk』, and 『The Miracles of the Namiya General Store』.
In the early days of his career, he wrote many full-fledged mysteries that focused on solving puzzles, but as he expanded his field to include humanities, science fiction, thrillers, and social themes, he received the highest praise as a writer who has dabbled in various genres and is a writer who is himself a genre.
Keigo Higashino has firmly established himself as Asia's greatest mystery writer and Korea's most beloved Japanese writer, having published over 100 works to date.
He is also a unique author whose works are equally loved.

Keigo Higashino has many popular works, but "The Fictional Crime" is special.
When asked about his future goals for July 2024, the author answered, “To write a new masterpiece” (written interview with author Do Jin-gi).
He must have had in mind the work he was writing at the time.
And in November of that year, he published "Fabricated Crime," which received great acclaim in Japan and immediately rose to number one in the overall rankings, signaling the birth of Keigo Higashino's new masterpiece.
The novel covers a period of 40 years, starting in 1985, the same period as Keigo Higashino's career as a writer.
This book contains a message that Keigo Higashino, who has transcended the limitations of a genre writer and now stands among the great writers, wants to convey to future generations, readers, and himself.


The unpredictable culprit speaks
Is the unpredictable motive really true?
“This person is more cunning than you think.

And he is a formidable opponent.”

The home of famous politician Dodo and former actress Eriko is burned down and the couple are found dead.
However, the autopsy results revealed that the cause of death for both people was strangulation, not suffocation due to arson, and circumstances of murder were discovered.
A large-scale investigation headquarters was formed with the local authorities and the Japanese Metropolitan Police Department, but the case shows no signs of being solved.
Then, a threatening letter arrives from someone claiming to be the culprit, and the case becomes even more mysterious.
Meanwhile, Detective Godai, who is in charge of the case, begins to suspect an unexpected person.
And I have a feeling that there is some big secret behind this incident… … .


“You said earlier that it felt like chasing a ghost.
“Are you talking about this situation?”
“Yes, I mean, it’s frustrating because it seems like you’re looking for something that doesn’t exist in the first place.” He said that and lowered his voice.
“Suddenly, this thought occurred to me.
“Are we being manipulated by a fictional criminal?”
“The fictitious culprit…….”
“Of course, I can’t say it out loud.” (Page 332)

Tight and dense compositions, vivid characters, and surprising twists are all great strengths of Keigo Higashino, but the "human mystery" that resonates with readers' hearts is the author's specialty.
This charm was even better displayed in 『Fabricated Crime』.
Although it is a mystery novel that focuses on the motive and method of the crime and finding the culprit, the author realistically portrays the diverse emotions of human nature.
The changing times, the complexities of human history, the large and small events intertwined within them, and each person's story evoke deep empathy in the reader.
Keigo Higashino, who has reached his late years, has shifted his focus from human particularity to universality.
It is a compelling story based on common experiences experienced by all generations, such as the rise and fall of the economy, conflict between generations, and the love between lovers and family.
Among his numerous works, this one can be said to be the one most faithful to the essence of the novel.


The character most similar to Keigo Higashino
A new series by Tsutomu Godai
“If Godai were to run around like crazy,
“I think it’s worth living with a little more faith.”

When publishing "The Fictional Criminal," Keigo Higashino said, "I thought the day would never come when I would be able to write a work based on this material."
This can be said to be a single phrase that encapsulates the reflections of 40 years of life as a writer.
Although 'Human' and 'Thriller' are the genres he excels in, 'Fabricator' is a work that required personal challenge and courage for the author due to its different characteristics from his previous works.
First, in 『Fabricated Crime』, Godai Tsutomu, who appeared in 『The Swan and the Bat』, makes a full-fledged appearance.
With "The Fictional Criminal," Keigo Higashino's new series, the "Godai Series," finally began.
Next, Godai is not a genius character like the detectives in the author's famous works.
He is a capable person, but he is someone we could easily find around us.
Although the author could have developed a different story with the existing characters, he chose Godai, who is known for his diligence and sincerity, as the protagonist of the new series.


Why did Keigo Higashino create a new series? And why is the protagonist Tsutomu Godai? Kim Seon-yeong, the translator of "The Fake Criminal," says, "When you read an author for a long time, you come across a work that you can only attribute to its contemporary style. "The Fake Criminal" is exactly that kind of work." (From the translator's note)
Godai, who silently does his part even when no one recognizes him and sometimes gets tired of the hardships of everyday life, but lives his life faithfully, embodies the author's message that the most ordinary things are the most special.
I will continue to work hard on my work, and I will show more interest and support for the ordinary people who will be the readers of this book.
"The Fake Criminal" is undoubtedly a new masterpiece, showcasing the charm of Keigo Higashino, a mysterious writer who rarely reveals himself, but who has a keen interest in social issues and incorporates stories from those around him into his work, along with his maturity as a novelist.


Praise from Japanese readers

★★★★★ The more I read the Godai series, the more I get into it.

★★★★★ The title 'Fabricated Crime' fits so perfectly!
★★★★★ Godai Tsutomu! A new star has finally been born.
★★★★★ As expected, it's Keigo Higashino, I just can't stop.
★★★★★ 『White Night Walk』 came to mind.
Were they happy in "The Fake Criminal"?

★★★★★ Another 'X's Devotion'! Love lies at the heart of the truth behind the incident.