Invisible Helix

Keigo Higashino’s latest novel is another brilliant addition to the Detective Galileo series, featuring Professor Manabu Yukawa, the physicist nicknamed “Detective Galileo” for his knack for solving crimes.

In this fifth installment, Higashino delivers a compelling mystery centered around the murder of a video producer, deftly weaving together cerebral puzzles, intricate character studies, and poignant storytelling. While part of a series, the book functions perfectly as a standalone.

The story begins with a heartbreaking prologue: a struggling single mother leaves her infant daughter at an orphanage, along with a handcrafted doll, after her partner’s sudden death leaves her destitute. This moment sets the stage for events that unfold half a century later.

The narrative then shifts to twentysomething Sonoka Shimauchi, who is grieving the recent death of her mother, Chizuko, a former orphanage employee. Sonoka finds solace in Nae Matsunaga, a family friend and children’s book author who has been a presence in her life since childhood.

Sonoka’s life takes another turn when she begins dating Ryota Uetsuji, a video producer she meets through her job at a flower shop. After a year of living together, Sonoka returns from a weekend trip to discover Uetsuji missing. Days later, his body is found in Tokyo Bay, killed by a bullet to the back.

Chief Inspector Kusanagi leads the investigation, assisted by Detective Sergeant Kaoru Utsumi. The police try to question Sonoka, but she has taken leave from work and vanished. Nae Matsunaga, too, is nowhere to be found. The detectives suspect the two women are on the run and discover a connection between Nae and Detective Galileo. This draws Yukawa into the case, adding his trademark intellect and ingenuity to the unfolding mystery.

Higashino masterfully toggles between the homicide investigation and Sonoka’s flight, interspersing flashbacks to her past. While Sonoka is a prime suspect in Uetsuji’s murder, her alibi is airtight, complicating the case. As the investigation deepens, Kusanagi and Yukawa uncover a web of secrets, with surprising revelations emerging at every turn.

The supporting characters—such as Sonoka’s landlord, her employer at the flower shop, and the owner of the hostess club VOWM—add texture and depth to the narrative. Meanwhile, Uetsuji’s colleagues and acquaintances paint a picture of a man universally disliked, offering plenty of motives for his murder.

Higashino also provides glimpses into the personal lives of the investigators, adding a human dimension to the procedural. Chief Inspector Kusanagi’s frequent visits to hostess clubs and Yukawa’s care for his elderly mother with dementia bring warmth and relatability to the story.

The novel’s intricate plot is like a puzzle, with Higashino gradually revealing pieces that fit together in unexpected ways. As always, Detective Galileo holds his insights close, revealing them only when the time is right for the big “aha” moment.

This latest entry in the Detective Galileo series showcases Higashino’s hallmark style: cerebral, twisty, and deeply engaging. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy in this expertly crafted mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley, Keigo Higashino, and Minotaur Books for providing a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.