monsters. No ghosts. No curses. Not even a single drop of blood decorates these pages. The tropes of traditional, Western horror are completely ignored in this Japanese novel, and yet it evokes a sense of dread which is nothing less than genuinely disturbing."- HorrorReader "The story's unpredictability is what makes it so suspenseful and successful." -- Apex Science Fiction and Horror Digest "A different country, a different culture, and characters who create something far more fishy than sushi, make for a very unusual reading experience. Jolting and disturbing, this is a powerful work; it's an unconventional tale despite the conventional gothic trappings." -- Hellnotes "I like the psychological mystery and unique Japanese perspective in this novel." -- Basugasubakuhatsu "This isn't quite Science Fiction, though I kept wondering if cloning or genetic modification would emerge as the man behind the curtain. Instead it's a story about old arts and the bending of wills, the keeping of secrets, and the thick blood of family." -- SFRevu About the Author Asa Nonami is one of Japan's most popular and versatile authors, with dozens of bestselling novels across various genres to her credit. Her acute and accessible critiques of Japanese society have won her the heartfelt support of women in particular. She won the first annual Japan Mystery Suspense Award for debut talent in 1988 and the prestigious Naoki Prize for excellence in popular fiction in 1996. 3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting story that fizzles in the end Sep 28 2011 By