Author Hojo Kie, who is undeniably "on the rise," releases her new novel "Tate to Hoko" on March 26th! You can't talk about this year's mysteries without reading this!

KADOKAWA Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) released Hojo Kie's new novel "Tate to Hoko" on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Author Hojo Kie is an author who can undoubtedly be called "on the rise." She debuted in 2019 with "The Hourglass of the Time Traveler," winning the 29th Ayukawa Tetsuya Award. Since then, "Visitor on a Lonely Island" was selected as No. 1 in the "2020 SR Society Mystery Best 10," and "Sweet Death to the Detective" and "Amulet Hotel" were nominated for the 23rd and 24th Honkaku Mystery Awards, respectively. With each new release, her name has appeared on rankings and in literary award nominations.

In this latest work, the author tackles a "new sensation mystery" that combines intellectual logic with violent action. Meet Kusatsu Masamori, the "detective who never lets the guilty escape," who always catches criminals and ensures they are convicted. And Himiko, the "fixer who always ensures acquittal," who conceals and fabricates evidence to help culprits escape. The two opposing figures engage in a dazzling battle of deduction and fabricated cover-ups! You can't talk about this year's mysteries without reading this book.

An "overwhelmingly fascinating" story that makes you want to read it forever. A "supremely passionate human drama." We confidently recommend this book not only to mystery fans but also to anyone who wants to read a "just plain interesting novel!" Please take this opportunity to check it out.

The opening of the story is specially available to read in commemoration of its publication!

POP image for bookstores

◆Endorsement Comments

It's a battle of wits between a great detective and a great criminal, but this ending is just unfair!

-- Takamune Maya

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