I have never tried to read Stephen King (I like his movies though XD), but maybe I'll do it in the future (argh, graduation)
Have you read something by Kathy Reichs? She's a forensic anthropologist, so she writes about murder cases that she solved in her career. She does not talk about her in the books though, she has created a fictional character, Temperance Brennan, who is extremely intelligent and professional, but lacks social abilities. Those books are really good, I've seen posters about them everywhere.
Also, a TV channel adapted her stories into a TV series, Bones, which is really great, in my opinion. Although the characters are changed, except for Brennan.
Jeryn, I am very sorry for replying so late to your question about the other book, "In the miso soup"
I completely forgot to write a report about that.
Well, it marked me somehow. I thought it was a boring book, so I read it on the train XD I think that also contributed to the overall impression.
So, the story is about a Japanese guy, who works as a sex guide for tourists. He shows them the nightlife in Japan, with all the bars, the prostitutes, the cabarets etc. Each customer had to pay his salary, plus dinner and everything.
There is also mentioned his sex life. But that's not the main point of the story.
There are news everywhere about girls who have been killed with brutality and the murderer can't be found.
One day he's called by an American. He wants to find out more about the nightlife in Tokyo. The guide finds him very creepy, and the author describes him very well. He's writing style is somehow dark, with lots of details, but cold in a way. It really gave me a weird feeling. I still don't know what I feel regarding that book.
So the Japanese guy really doesn't like the American and has the feeling that's something's wrong with him, but he's in desperate need of money and accepts being his guide. He takes him to the peep show and other stuff, then they go to a bar and the American starts learning Japanese curses and sexual words. (you should have seen me, reading these to my friends in a train, with an old lady beside me XD)
The guy is more and more weird.
More news on new victims appear. The Japanese guy thinks the tourist has something to do with that and becomes more and more afraid to meet him again. He even finds something like a warning on his door (won't tell what, it's a spoiler).
So pretty much of the story shows the relationship between the American guy and the Japanese, the cultural differences, the growing fear, but almost without reason, of the Japanese guy, the awkward behaviour and lifestyle of the tourist... the psychological analysis is very complex and perfectly made. What I liked the most, was that even though he was disgusted and afraid of the tourist, he somehow felt pity for him and tried to protect him. Also, the American had a strong admiration for his guide.
There is a passage in the book where the writer describes the tourist's childhood and how he got to become what he was. It was perfectly depicted and really impressed me.
The ending is also very strange, like the whole book in fact. But it brings a new perspective of the story. The connection to the miso soup is also made almost at the end. It makes you think of it.
All in all, this book is a very good thriller, where all the terror happens on a psychological level, more than in the real world. Of course, something very important happens in the real world as well, but it their perception augments each event. I really liked this. But it also scared me and left me a weird sensation.
I wrote too much. But at least there are almost no spoilers XD
If you decide to read it, I'll be looking forward to your opinion. I haven't talked to anyone about this book yet. (my friends were really scared of it, after seeing my face when I finished the book)
