The Black Lizard

The Black Lizard by Edogawa Rampo is a classic Japanese crime novel first serialized in 1934. The story follows Madame Midorikawa, a brilliant and seductive criminal mastermind known as the "Black Lizard" because of the distinctive tattoo on her arm. Famous for her bold heists and psychological cunning, she announces her crimes in advance, turning them into thrilling challenges. Her latest plan involves kidnapping Sanae, the daughter of a wealthy jeweler, to demand the rare "Star of Egypt" diamond as ransom. To stop her, the jeweler hires Japan’s greatest detective, Akechi Kogoro. What follows is a thrilling game of deception, disguises, and strategy as the two engage in a battle of wits. Blurring the lines between good and evil, The Black Lizard explores themes of obsession, identity, and the allure of crime, making it one of the most iconic works in Japanese mystery fiction.