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The Master Key

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( 3,609 ratings, 514 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Published in 1962, The Master Key by Masako Togawa weaves a mysterious tale set in a residence for unmarried women in Tokyo. When the master key to the building goes missing, the secrets and hidden pasts of the tenants begin to unravel. This captivating crime thriller explores themes of isolation and intrigue, blending an intricate plot with atmospheric detail.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2300
Elsewhere:
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by intricate mysteries unravelled in a labyrinthine narrative set in post-war Tokyo. This captivating crime thriller weaves together the secrets of a group of women living in a unique apartment complex, where each key unlocks hidden truths and dark pasts. Perfect for those who appreciate suspenseful plots with unexpected twists and a richly atmospheric backdrop.

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The Master Key

A new edition of this prizewinning classic mystery from one of Japan's best-loved crime writers.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A building full of secrets. A key that will unleash them all...

The K Apartments for Ladies in Tokyo conceals a sinister past behind each door: a woman who has buried a child; a scavenger driven mad by ill-health; a wife mysteriously guarding her late husband's manuscripts; a talented violinist tortured by her own guilt. The master key, which opens the door to all 150 rooms, links their tangled stories. But now it has been stolen, and dirty tricks are afoot.

For a deadly secret lies buried beneath the building. And when it is revealed, there will be murder.

The Master Key is a riveting tale of mystery and suspense, where the hidden lives within the K Apartments unravel with dramatic consequences.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Master Key by Masako Togawa is lauded for its intelligent storytelling and atmospheric tension, appealing to fans of literate crime fiction. Reviews highlight the book's superb craftsmanship, riveting plot, and the author's nuanced writing style. The novel is praised for its eerie mood and complex mystery, with a plot that unfolds like a Russian nesting doll, keeping readers engaged and surprised. The characters' eccentricities and subtle supernatural elements add to its captivating allure.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781782277729

Publisher: Pushkin Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 December 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pushkin Vertigo

Contributors:

  • Translated by Simon Grove

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Masako Togawa (1931-2016) was one of Japan's foremost writers of crime fiction. Born in Tokyo, she worked as a cabaret performer before beginning to write crime fiction backstage, during her breaks. Her debut thriller The Master Key won Japan's prestigious Edgowa Rampo Prize, and Togawa went on to become a hugely successful author, while continuing to lead a colourful parallel life as a singer, actress, feminist, nightclub owner and gay icon.

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