Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt

My Thoughts on Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt

I dove into "Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt" with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, given my fondness for supernatural mysteries. As a sequel to the original Ghost Hunt series, it had a lot to live up to. Overall, I found it to be a decent read, although it didn't quite reach the heights of what I was hoping for.

First Impressions

The initial setup was intriguing, drawing me back into the world of paranormal investigations. I was particularly interested to see how the familiar characters had evolved since the last installment. However, I was a little thrown off by the shift in perspective, with a new character, Hirota, taking a more central role.

What Works Well

The core strength of "Ghost Hunt" remains intact: the blend of supernatural elements with a grounded, almost scientific approach. The mystery itself was engaging enough to keep me turning the pages. I also appreciated the glimpses into Naru's situation, even if they were subtle. The interactions between the established team members were a welcome reminder of why I enjoyed the original series so much. Even though the shoujo elements are minimal, the focus on mystery and supernatural events is a definite plus for fans of the genre.

Areas of Concern

My biggest issue stemmed from the narrative focus on Hirota. While introducing a skeptical perspective can be interesting, I felt his constant arguments with the team slowed the plot's momentum. It felt like the story dragged on unnecessarily in places. Also, the ending felt somewhat abrupt, more like a chapter finale than a satisfying conclusion to a complete story. I was left with a feeling of incompleteness, wishing for more resolution and character development.

Final Verdict

"Akumu no Sumu Ie – Ghost Hunt" is a worthwhile read for dedicated fans of the original series, especially if you're not expecting significant character development. The mystery elements are solid, and the supernatural investigations remain engaging. However, the shift in perspective and the somewhat abrupt ending left me wanting more. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's good, but not quite great.