(Cross-posted on my blog)

(Started and finished: 2024/08/22)

(I really have no idea what to title this review.)

First of all, volume 20 is indeed a milestone. I can't believe this series has been going on for so long, even receiving 2 seasons of anime adaptation. Who would've thought such a story full of dialogs, expositions, and weird mysteries can go on for so long? But I'm glad it did - it's been a thoroughly delightful journey for me. Sometimes I wonder, how can Kyo Shirodaira keep coming up with new mysteries and stories for so long? I wish I know their ways.

Speaking of mysteries, as the author also noted, this volume sure has plenty of tropes/elements of the mystery genre, such as locked room mystery, certain twists, and incidents in a well-off family, making the vibe of the volume closer to "mystery" (perhaps more than the other volumes). That is not a bad thing, as it reminds readers (once again) that this story is, in fact, a mystery. As the author even said, "this story appears to be a mystery while not quite fitting into that category, but ultimately best described as mystery" - it really sums up this series as a whole. I personally like to call it "unorthodox mystery", as I mentioned in my review of volume 19.

In contrast to volume 19, which was dominated by one-off stories, this volume returned (?) to multi-chapter arc, while keeping the tone relatively light. It feels so short yet so long at the same time. A case that began in volume 19 was closed here, while another came up and ended in a cliffhanger. Classic. As always, I can't wait for the continuation.

I said multi-chapter arc, but they're still side stories, just like volume 19. 20 volumes in and I still can't see the end of the road. I hope it'll continue for quite some time, though - I've been with this series for so long, I can't imagine seeing it end soon. It's amazing how even the side stories are enjoyable, with intriguing mysteries and charming character moments. These might as well be the series' charm.

P.S. While this wasn't mentioned by the author, I found it interesting that 2 mystery genre elements of 2 arcs here are related. When you think of "a murder that is impossible to be done", one thing that came to mind is locked room murder, right? But there are other ways to have "an impossible murder".

P.P.S. Kuro barely appears in this volume, so that's a bit disappointing. That said, he and Kotoko still has their moments. I love how it's confirmed (by the ghosts/monsters) how much Kuro cares about her when she isn't around. How sweet!

P.P.P.S. Interestingly enough, perhaps this volume is the most blatant in showing how the ghosts actually fear Kotoko and how less "human" she is compared to the actual human-monsters (Rikka and Kuro). While it is played for laughs here, I can see how it can be used for a serious moment. Though I believe this was touched upon in the previous volumes. I really need to re-read this series (perhaps from the very beginning), it's been way too long.