【Literature】Rethinking “Wristwatch”: How I’d Twist the Mystery for a Better Reveal

Hello, this is Frank.Review of 'Wristwatch' by Masaki Kojima

This is my personal review of “Wristwatch” by Masaki Kojima, included in the anthology “Mystery All-Stars” (Edited by the Honkaku Mystery Writers Club, published by Kadokawa Bunko).

To get straight to the point—I felt it needed one more twist. Here’s why: the line, “I was utterly fascinated by the <XXX> peeking out from under Kieko’s right hand,” appears early on. Given that it directly matches the book’s title, I couldn’t help but think, “You’re revealing that now?”

If it were up to me, I would have titled the book “Serendip”. In the scene where the culprit speaks after the robbery, I wouldn’t reveal the <XXX> outright—instead, I’d have him mutter, “It’s a Serendip, isn’t it?” Even if the reader doesn’t know the meaning yet, they’d realize the culprit took something from the leftover items, sparking curiosity.

Later, when a freelance female reporter interviews the culprit, she could ask, “Oh dear, what time is it now?”—subtly planting a clue. This would add intrigue for the reader.

Additionally, I’d have that same reporter visit a shop to repair her <XXX>. There, she’d overhear the staff saying they had tried to call Kieko’s home about the warranty period for her <XXX>, only to get no answer. This would help the reader link the crime scene with the stolen item.

And finally, I would have wrapped it up with the theme of how an ill-fitting Serendip ultimately leads to the culprit’s downfall. Revealing the <XXX> in the very first chapter felt like a missed opportunity.

If you’re curious, give it a read. And while you’re at it, I’d be thrilled if you also checked out my own full-length social mystery novel, “The Mysterious Rouge.”

Mystery All-Stars | Honkaku Mystery Writers Club (Kadokawa Bunko)

ミステリ・オールスターズ (角川文庫)

新品価格
¥2,612から
(2025/8/9 14:20時点)

The Mysterious Rouge by Frank Yoshida

謎のルージュ

新品価格
¥818から
(2025/8/9 14:17時点)

※You can preview my work and order the paperback version here.

If you’re curious about my other published books, check them out here.

Thank you for reading today.

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■ Frank Yoshida is an award-winning author who made his professional debut in January 2009 after winning the Grand Prize in the “Gateway to Success for New Writers 2008” Contest, sponsored by Goodbook Shuppan, Japan. His acclaimed short love story, Hanarerarenaku-nacchau (“What Would I Do Without You?”), marked the beginning of his published literary journey. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Kobe University of Commerce. ■ Frank brings a wealth of international business experience to the table. With a strong background in Surface Mount Technology (SMT), he served as a technical adviser in key innovation hubs such as Silicon Valley, Hsinchu (Taiwan), and San Jose (California). His global career includes negotiating international investment disputes in the United States, advising in the leather industry, and managing timber import strategies. As a seasoned international business consultant and flexpatriate, he has worked extensively across North America, Latin America, Oceania, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa for leading trading companies and multinational clients. ■ A certified English expert, Frank holds ten prestigious English qualifications: UNATE (United Nations Association Test of English) SA Class, BEST (Business English Standard Test) A-Grade, Volunteer Interpreter Test (V-Tsuken) A-Grade, TOPEC (Nursing English) Perfect Score, Nissho Business English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Tourism English Proficiency Test Grade 1, Zensho English Proficiency Test Grade 1, English Vocabulary Test (TANKEN) Grade 1, EIKEN® Grade 1, and Japan's National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification. ■ Frank is also a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. He finds his ultimate freedom cruising along scenic coastlines aboard his beloved Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-1300R mega tourer. He describes the liberating experience in two words: “Stay aloof.”

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