Beast in the Shadows

Beast in the Shadows by Edogawa Rampo is a gripping psychological thriller first published in 1928. The story follows a crime novelist who becomes involved with a woman named Shizuko, who confides in him about a terrifying situation—her former lover, Hirata Ichiro, is stalking her and sending her disturbing letters. As the narrator delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers eerie connections between Hirata and a mysterious writer known for crafting dark and violent stories. Blurring the lines between fiction and reality, the novella explores themes of obsession, deception, and the sinister power of the written word, leading to a tense and unsettling conclusion.