The Labyrinth House Murders by Yukito Ayatusuji and translated by Ho-Ling Wong

Miyagaki Yotaro, a renowned mystery author, invites eight people to his home for his sixieth birthday on April Fool's Day. Four mystery authors themselves, who he considers his proteges, an editor, his wife, a critic, and a mystery fan. When they arrive, they expect to have drinks and celebrate this great man's life, but to their surprise, he never shows up. After waiting for hours, Yotaro's secretary appears with dire news; Yotaro suffering from lung cancer has killed himself. However, the great author has arranged one last surprise the four authors, if they are willing are to participate in a writing contest, they must produce a mystery fifty pages long set in The Labyrinth House, the home the currently find themselves in with themselves as the victim. The other three will judge these short stories with the winner winning half of Yotaro's estate valued at billions of yen. Everyone reluctantly agrees, which is unfortunate for them because thats when the killing starts. 

What a ride! The killer, when revealed, blew me away! Even though at one point I was like, "Huh, seems to me that maybe...", but then the case was wrapped up so quickly, and neatly I set my suspicions aside! The original conclusion certainly made sense, far more sense than my own. It seemed way out there, which in hindsight is pointed out numerous times as a classic in mysteries. Should have paid more attention. 

The fact that they all just kind of blew off the idea of motive being important as well didn't help. I let the characters lead me for sure on this one, which, to be honest, I'm not even made about because the big reveal at the end was just a ton of fun. 

If you're into lock roomed mysteries or enjoyed Christie's And Then There Were None, this is definitely going to be right up your alley!

As always, thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the eArc!