Keigo Higashino, author of ‘Devotion of Suspect X’ and other bestselling thrillers, dies at 68
Author of ‘The Devotion of Suspect X' and ‘Journey Under the Midnight Sun’, he inspired Indian movies like 'Monica O My Darling' and 'Jaane Jaan'
Japanese mystery writer Keigo Higashino, whose bestselling novels captivated millions of readers across the world, died of colon cancer on Thursday (July 23). He was 68.
Higashino's global appeal extended to India through films like Monica O My Darling, and Jaane Jaan, the latter being filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh's Hindi adaptation of his most celebrated novel, The Devotion of Suspect X.
Early years
Born in Osaka City, Higashino made his literary debut in 1985 after winning the prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize for his novel Hokago (After School). Over the following decades, he emerged as one of Japan's most celebrated crime fiction authors, helping fuel the country's mystery fiction boom from the 1990s onwards.
His acclaimed works include Himitsu (Naoko), Byakuyako (Journey Under the Midnight Sun), and Yogisha X no Kenshin (The Devotion of Suspect X), which earned him the Naoki Prize in 2006.
Global acclaim and enduring influence
Higashino's novels have sold more than 100 million copies in Japan and have been translated into several languages, enjoying immense popularity in China, South Korea, and other countries.
Also Read: Meet the Japanese author who inspired ‘Drishyam,’ ‘Monica, O My Darling’
Many of his books were adapted into successful films and television dramas, most notably the Galileo detective series centred on physicist Manabu Yukawa. His literary achievements also earned him the Chuokoron Literary Prize, Shibata Renzaburo Prize, Yoshikawa Eiji Literary Prize, the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 2023, and the Mystery Writers of Japan Awards in 2025.
Indian adaptations
Higashino's global appeal extended to India through films like Monica O My Darling, an adaptation of Burutasu No Shinzou (Heart of Brutus), and Jaane Jaan, an adaptation of The Devotion of Suspect X.
Released on Netflix on September 21, 2023, the feature film Jaane Jaan starred Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma, and relocated the story to Kalimpong in West Bengal.
Also Read: Jaane Jaan review: Sujoy Ghosh crafts an engaging thriller from ‘The Devotion of Suspect X’
Known for blending intricate puzzles with psychological depth and emotional storytelling, Higashino redefined contemporary detective fiction. His death marks the end of a remarkable literary career, but his novels are expected to continue enthralling readers and inspiring filmmakers around the world.