Keigo Higashino created some of modern mystery fiction's most unforgettable characters. From the brilliant physicist Detective Galileo to the compassionate Detective Kaga, his protagonists are as complex as the mysteries they solve.

Manabu Yukawa
Detective Galileo
A brilliant associate professor of physics at Teito University, Yukawa is known for his sharp analytical mind and unconventional approach to solving crimes. Nicknamed 'Detective Galileo' for his use of scientific reasoning, he often collaborates with the police on seemingly impossible cases.
Series:Detective Galileo Series
First Appearance: The Devotion of Suspect X (1998 in Japan, 2011 in English)
Appears in:
- The Devotion of Suspect X
- Salvation of a Saint
- A Midsummer's Equation
- Silent Parade
- Invisible Helix
Kyoichiro Kaga
A compassionate and intuitive detective formerly with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Kaga is known for his methodical investigation style and deep empathy for victims and suspects alike. He often solves cases by understanding the human emotions behind the crime.
Series:Detective Kaga Series
First Appearance: Malice (1996 in Japan, 2014 in English)
Appears in:
- Malice
- Newcomer
- A Death in Tokyo
- The Final Curtain
Shunsuke Kusanagi
A detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police who frequently seeks Yukawa's help on difficult cases. Kusanagi serves as the bridge between the police force and Yukawa's scientific approach.
Series:Detective Galileo Series
First Appearance: The Devotion of Suspect X
Appears in:
- The Devotion of Suspect X
- Salvation of a Saint
Kaoru Utsumi
A female detective who works alongside Kusanagi. Utsumi represents a new generation of police investigators and often provides emotional intelligence to balance Yukawa's cold logic.
Series:Detective Galileo Series
First Appearance: Salvation of a Saint
Appears in:
- Salvation of a Saint
- A Midsummer's Equation
- Silent Parade
Ishigami
A quiet high school math teacher who becomes the central figure in Suspect X. His brilliant but twisted plan to protect his neighbor showcases Higashino's ability to create morally complex characters.
Series:The Devotion of Suspect X
First Appearance: The Devotion of Suspect X
Appears in:
Yasuko Hanaoka
A single mother and the neighbor of Ishigami. Her desperate act sets in motion the events of The Devotion of Suspect X.
Series:The Devotion of Suspect X
First Appearance: The Devotion of Suspect X
Appears in:
Ryo Kirihara
The son of a murder victim who grows up to become a shadowy figure in the business world. His complex relationship with Yukiho drives one of Higashino's most ambitious novels.
Series:Journey Under the Midnight Sun
First Appearance: Journey Under the Midnight Sun
Appears in:
- Journey Under the Midnight Sun
Yukiho Karasawa
An elegant and mysterious woman whose dark past connects to Ryo Kirihara. One of Higashino's most memorable 'dark heroine' characters.
Series:Journey Under the Midnight Sun
First Appearance: Journey Under the Midnight Sun
Appears in:
- Journey Under the Midnight Sun
Osamu Nonoguchi
A children's book author whose complicated friendship with a murdered colleague drives the plot of Malice. The novel is a masterclass in unreliable narration.