I’ve always had a soft spot for cosy translated fiction. When I first read the sample for My Grandfather, The Master Detective, I didn't just see a project—I became a fan.
At the time, we were all looking for escape and comfort. I was on the lookout for a story that could bridge the gap between "cosy" and crime, and Masateru Konishi’s debut was the perfect answer. It combines that specific "magic" of Japanese storytelling with a classic mystery soul. It’s a story of connection in the face of difficult news, and I felt an instant drive to share Kaede and her grandfather’s world with the world.
The first step was the cover. I wanted to give readers a glimpse into the home where the mysteries are solved, highlighting the beauty of everyday Japanese architecture. But the "tiger in the smoke" is my favorite detail. It’s a reference to one of the grandfather’s hallucinations, a side effect of his Lewy Body Dementia, and a cheeky nod to the "cats" people have come to expect on Japanese book jackets!
Working with translator Louise Heal Kawai was a dream—her work is so immersive that I often forgot I was editing and simply got lost in the story. Editing translation is all about making foreign concepts feel familiar, and I realized that the love of a good mystery is universal. I hope you find as much hope and joy in these pages as I have.
Ellah Mwale, the editor
