The Lady Killer

by Masako Togawa
The Lady Killer cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 10322
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • ISBN: 9781805335160
  • Publisher: Steerforth Press
  • Published: 2026-07-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Lady Killer is a gripping tale that delves into the dual life of a man entangled in Tokyo's shadowy underworld. By day, he is a devoted husband and hard worker, but by night, he becomes a seducer of lonely women, leaving a trail of gruesome murders in his wake. The story unfolds as the hunter becomes the hunted, with the answer to the murders hidden in a web of clues. The author, Masako Togawa, draws from her vibrant personal life as a cabaret performer in Tokyo's gay nightclub scene during the '50s and '60s, championing the LGBT community throughout her writing career./n/n Togawa's vivid portrayal of Tokyo's nightlife and her personal experiences add depth to this thrilling narrative. The Lady Killer is not just a crime story but also a reflection of Togawa's own journey as a queer woman and an LGBT icon in Japan. The novel's intricate plot and rich historical context make it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction and those interested in LGBT history.

Reviews
The Book Bag · 2026-01-24
rich 4.20

The book sets up a world of both innocence and seedy nightclubs, creating a rich and engaging narrative.

The reviewer praises the book for its prologue, which sets up a world of both innocence and seedy nightclubs, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The story is set in Japan during the early 1960s, offering a unique blend of societal norms and human psychology. The reviewer appreciated the intricate plot and the way the author weaves together elements of crime and human desire, making it a captivating read.

Quick quotes

    The prologue sets us up in a lovely way with a world of both innocence and seedy nightclubs.

    The story offers a unique blend of societal norms and human psychology.

    The narrative is rich and engaging, keeping the reader hooked throughout.

Rurouni Jenni Reads · 2018-10-05
captivating 4.00

The book is a dizzying tale of lust and murder, with a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

The reviewer describes the book as a dizzying tale of lust and murder, highlighting its compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The story is set in Japan during the early 1960s, offering a unique blend of innocence and seedy nightclubs. The reviewer appreciated the intricate plot and the way the author weaves together elements of crime and human desire, creating a captivating read.

Quick quotes

    A dizzying tale of lust and murder, from one of Japan's most celebrated authors.

    The narrative is compelling and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

    The story offers a unique blend of innocence and seedy nightclubs, making it a captivating read.

Mysteries Ahoy · 2018-07-12
engaging 4.50

The book is an unsettling read with well-built characters and themes. It's a gripping exploration of societal norms and human psychology.

The reviewer found the book to be an unsettling read, which they loved for its character development and thematic depth. The story delves into societal norms and human psychology, making it a gripping exploration of these complex issues. The reviewer appreciated how the author built the characters and themes, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps the reader hooked.

Quick quotes

    I found it to be an unsettling read and loved the way Togawa built her characters and themes.

    The Lady Killer was the author's second novel and it shows her maturity in storytelling.

    The book is a gripping exploration of societal norms and human psychology.

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