Prefecture D

• There are no flashy investigations or action scenes like in standard police procedurals; instead, it realistically depicts promotional battles and institutional self-defense within the police administration behind the scenes. It was a book that truly made me reflect on what it means to work inside a police organization.

• Short stories featuring police officers as protagonists. Even though they are all officers, the stories unfold from distinct angles—personnel, post-retirement appointments, policewomen, dealing with politicians—and every single one is engaging. Exactly what you expect from Hideo Yokoyama. Beyond chasing crimes, the interpersonal drama of promotional rivalries is deeply compelling. You can also feel the author's genuine respect for police officers, which lends great depth to the stories.

• A police novel where detectives are not the protagonists; it would be better termed a police bureaucracy novel. It is a collection of short stories centered on administrative management within the police organization. This perspective is fresh and represents the true essence of Yokoyama's writing. An organization-first mindset takes center stage, highlighting just how bureaucratic police departments are. He skillfully depicts personal psychological struggles inside such a system, and those very struggles become the seeds of the mysteries. Superb! The prose is accessible and the characters easy to empathize with. By carefully handling both a novel subject and classical psychological conflict, it leaves you feeling you have read something truly compelling.

• A collection of interconnected short stories where people from various departments of a police force take center stage; I thoroughly enjoyed Yokoyama's signature style. 1) Solving the case doesn't bring a happy ending; there is suffering born of hierarchy and the institution, and the mood is dark overall, yet quietly compelling. 2) The stories aren't completely separate; some characters reappear. Futawatari in the first story is particularly good—having someone like him keeps an organization sharp. Score 90/100: it draws you in so much you just want more volume. I'd love to see a linked series starring the same protagonist too.

• Unraveling the mystery behind the actions of administrative police staff like a game of psychological warfare was fascinating, and the uncovered facts were wonderfully unexpected. It really showed how power dynamics influence the internal workings of the police, such as transfers and promotions.

1 / 5