One of Japan’s most exciting young crime writers, Akane Araki explores her prize-winning debut, Murder at the End of the World – a wildly original, darkly funny murder mystery set in the final days before an asteroid strikes Earth.

While society descends into chaos, Haru is still determined to pass her driving test. But a disturbing discovery sets her on an unexpected road trip with her ex-police, driving instructor to catch a serial killer.

Fast-paced, quirky and full of surprising emotional depth, Akane’s novel is a fresh take on crime fiction that asks what justice, duty and humanity mean when the end of the world is approaching.

Hear about the inspiration behind Akane’s wildly original premise, challenging the boundaries of genre and the Japanese crime writers that inspire her.

Co-presented with the Japan Foundation and Waterstones Deansgate.

Akane Araki was born in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1998 and graduated from Kyushu University’s School of Letters. At the age of 23, she published her debut novel, Murder at the End of the World, after winning Japan’s prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize for unpublished crime writers.

Location: Waterstones Deansgate