The Magical Charms of the Moon

In the works of Edogawa Rampo (real name Taro Hirai), a recognized master of Japanese detective fiction, the best techniques of Western genre classics are combined with the rich traditions of Japanese horror literature — kaidan. The irrational, mystical, supernatural, and extraordinary lend a special charm to Rampo's stories, many of which are united by a charismatic hero — detective Kogoro Akechi. He uncovers the most mysterious incidents using a single principle: "To solve a crime, one does not need puzzling enigmas and ingenious machines... one must be able to come up with a question." But sometimes, behind a question comes not an answer, but only new questions. And human reason is mesmerized, retreating before the magic of moonlight, the games of shapeshifters, and the treachery of mirrors.