A bullet train is traveling between Tokyo and Morioka, and an unlucky hitman has been hired to steal a suitcase before the first stop. Unfortunately, a couple of other hitmen have been hired to take the same suitcase, as well as the son of a dangerous kingpin, all the way to Morioka. As the train travels, more assassins appear on the train, each with their own agendas, most of which are in direct conflict with one another.
This was originally published in Japan in 2010 and only last year got an English translation. We have been missing out. This was hilarious, full of quirky characters (I particularly liked the assassin duo of Tangerine and Lemon, who were diehard fans of classic literature and Thomas the Tank Engine, respectively), and a fantastic, propulsive plot. This has already been optioned for a movie (though unfortunately one with mostly white actors), and I'll be first in line to watch it. An awesome book that's been horribly overlooked.
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