This critical essay reads the world of Shoji Yuki through the lenses of karma, anger, and sorrow. It is positioned as an author study that approaches fate and emotional intensity beyond the frame of crime or mystery fiction.

It rereads the anger and sorrow inscribed in Shoji Yuki's fiction as the core of his literary world.

Using the work of Rintaro Norizuki as a point of entry, this critical essay discusses theoretical problems faced by 1990s honkaku mystery. It contains concerns that later connect to the author's monograph on contemporary honkaku mystery.

It reconsiders the survival strategies of 1990s honkaku mystery through Rintaro Norizuki's achievements and limitations.