Tokyo Express (Penguin Modern Classics) by Seicho Matsumoto

Penguin Modern Classics: Tokyo Express by Seicho Matsumoto is a Japanese crime novel about two detectives investigating a couple’s apparent suicide after details at the scene raise doubts. This English-language paperback edition is listed at 160 pages.

At a glance

A police investigation begins after a young couple are found dead in a coastal cove, with two detectives questioning the apparent suicide.
A compact 160-page crime novel, presented in English in the Penguin Modern Classics series.
The listing describes the book as a puzzle-driven mystery, while customer feedback is also mixed on pacing and character engagement.

Price

£8.24Save 18%

Reference price: ~~£9.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The short listed length may suit readers wanting a self-contained crime novel rather than a long series entry.
The central mystery focuses on two detectives examining evidence that appears to contradict the initial explanation.
Customer feedback praises the intricate plot, twists, writing style and translation.

Cons

Some customers find the story becomes tedious, and feedback is mixed on character development and how engaging it remains.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	Penguin Classics
Publication date	30 Mar. 2023
Edition	1st
Language	English
Print length	160 pages
ISBN-10	0241439086
ISBN-13	978-0241439081

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	124 g
Dimensions	12.9 x 1 x 19.7 cm

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers of classic crime fiction and investigative mysteries.
Readers interested in a translated Japanese crime novel with a puzzle-centred plot.
Anyone seeking a relatively short novel, with the listed print length of 160 pages.

Less suited to

Readers who prioritise consistently brisk pacing or strongly developed character arcs, as customer feedback is mixed on these points.

Tokyo Express (Penguin Modern Classics) by Seicho Matsumoto · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.1 / 5 · 2,139 ratings

5 stars40%40%
4 stars35%35%
3 stars19%19%
2 stars5%5%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback highlights an intricate, twist-filled plot and positive impressions of the writing and translation. Some readers find the story intriguing from the outset, while others describe it as tedious, with mixed views on character development and engagement. For a 160-page mystery built around detectives reconsidering an apparent suicide, that makes plot-focused reading a clearer fit than buying primarily for character-driven storytelling. Ratings are generally favourable but include a substantial middle range, so they do not imply a uniformly positive experience.

Positive themes

Customers praise the intricate plot, twists, writing style and translation quality.

Negative themes

Some customers say the story becomes tedious.

Mixed feedback

Opinions differ on character development and engagement.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tokyo Express about?

Two detectives investigate the deaths of a young couple found in a coastal cove. Although the scene initially suggests suicide, details prompt them to look more closely.

How long is this edition?

The listing gives a print length of 160 pages.

What language is this edition in?

The listed language is English.

What do customers say about the book?

Feedback highlights the intricate plot, twists, writing and translation, but some readers find the story tedious and opinions are mixed on character development and engagement.