This work is a collection of five interconnected short stories. * Hide-and-Seek: A sense of unease surrounding a woman suffering from stalking and her family. * Island Kitchen: The truth evoked by a "past crime scene" encountered while house hunting. * Festival: The distortions of society and the suffering of the vulnerable, seen through an incident involving technical trainees. * The Best: A story where a false accusation of groping and a baby's fall intersect. * Lies and Neighbors: The desire for recognition and malice that emerges from online defamation. I picked up this work immediately after finishing "Night's Guidepost." The setting of a retired former detective was fresh, and I was drawn in by the gap between his peaceful daily life and being forced to get involved in cases. What is depicted is the "malice" that is right next to everyday life, and it's frightening because you can't say it doesn't concern you. Each story has unexpected developments, and the unsatisfying, lingering endings become addictive. The reality and human weakness seen through the eyes of retired detective Shotaro Taira are vividly revealed, and I wanted to read more and more about his exploits. I'm also happy that a sequel is being serialized in "All Yomimono." It was a very charming collection of short stories that I was drawn into and finished reading in no time. And, I think you can enjoy both "Night's Guidepost" and "Lies and Neighbors" regardless of which one you read first. The heavy human drama and the short stories that capture the malice next to everyday life each have a different flavor and deepen each other. * Author: Akira Akutagawa * Title: Lies and Neighbors * ISBN: 978-4-16-391971-3 * Price: 1600 yen + tax Thank you for viewing.