[Reading] I Won't Kidnap Anymore by Tokuya Higashigawa, Bunshun Bunko

The moment I saw the title, that melody by Noriyuki Makihara popped into my head.
♪ I won't say 'I won't fall in love anymore'—I definitely won't! ♪
(A bit of a stretch for the character count)

Well then.
This is my first time reading a novel by Tokuya Higashigawa.
Although I recognized the name, I didn't know what kind of works he had.
Judging by the pop-style cover, I picked it up thinking it would be a light mystery.

Just as I expected, the story progresses brightly and lightly.
I kept reading, thinking it would end just as brightly and happily.
While steaming sweet potatoes in the kitchen.

Thinking it was about time the potatoes were done, I put the book down and poked them with a skewer.
Not quite yet, I thought, and put the lid back on the pot.

I picked up the paperback again, and then I realized.
There were still too many pages left for the story to end just like that.

Maybe there's an epilogue or a bonus story attached?
Something feels off.
As I read on in a panic, the story transformed into a genuine mystery.

What is this!

It's a proper, authentic, legitimate mystery, isn't it?

A mystery at a tourist spot.
It's too classic.

I was fooled.

It's light, but not light—it's a proper mystery.
That is what this 'I Won't Kidnap Anymore' was.

I won't jump to conclusions anymore!