A Curse in Kyoto - by S J Cullen (Paperback)

About the Book

Winner of the 2024 Discovery Editors' Choice Award

A gripping mystery thriller in which two students at the British School of Kyoto investigate dark events surrounding a cursed museum exhibit.

Book Synopsis

When a supposedly cursed traditional Japanese instrument arrives at the British School of Kyoto, strange things start to happen. A phantom geisha haunts the halls, a star student vanishes, and cryptic symbols appear across the campus.

For Jessica Hunter, a seasoned globetrotter trying to adapt to life at BSK, the eerie events are more than just schoolyard rumours. Teaming up with Kenta Higashi, a local boy with his own connection to the missing student, Jessica suspects a sinister force is at play.

As they investigate, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and a vengeance plot tied to the instrument's shadowy past. Can Jessica and Kenta unravel the truth behind the curse before it claims another victim? Or will they become the next targets of its wrath?

Review Quotes

"Cullen's high-tempo storytelling and nuanced portrayal of Japanese culture have helped establish him as an author to watch, with an extraordinary talent for crafting compelling characters and enthralling mysteries." Discovery Editors' Choice Awards

"I couldn't put this book down!...The story was fast-paced, suspenseful, gripping and the unfolding of the plot was done so beautifully." Booksprout

"A Curse in Kyoto is the best crime story I've read in months... block off a good amount of time to read because you won't be able to put it down!" Reedsy Discovery Review

"An immersive and captivating read." Book Nerdection

GOODREADS REVIEWS

"A truly gripping, energetic and totally immersive thrill ride from beginning to end."

"I flew through it in a few days and am eagerly awaiting the next books in the series! Fantastic debut."

"This book gripped me from chapter one and I simply couldn't put it down."

"I wholeheartedly recommend this book to sleuthing fans of any age."

"I loved this book! It was well-written and beautifully paced."

"This is NOT one of the books where you think you know who did it and what the ending will be. It gets you so you can't put the book down."

"What a gripping and entertaining read - All I can say about A Curse in Kyoto is that I didn't want it to end!"

"A great read. I thought this was a really well-written, fast-paced book. I'm a bit of a Japanophile, so I loved the setting."

"I'm already marking my calendar for when the next one comes out. Loved the premise, the suspense in the story, the setting, and the characters."

"A Curse in Kyoto is a fast-paced debut that I found thoroughly enjoyable."