Flipping back and forth between a year ago and the present, the book also switches from a third person (selectively omniscient) to first person. The first and third chapters are mirrors of a particular day in both 1985 and 1986. The imagery drew me into the story and set the tone for the story going forward.
There is some casual misogyny around Fujinuma's young wife (who was previously his ward) and the bookshelf is otherwise mired in the mores of 1988 Japan but it is an interesting story. And I felt it was clued fairly.
As a native English speaker, it was sometimes difficult to keep the names straight but the overall story of a man who was horribly burned in a car accident and now lives behind a mask was enjoyable thoug a bit confusing.
Three stars
This book came out in 1988
House Murders #2
Follows The Decagon House
Hard copy I didn't keep
Opinions are my own