Synopsis

The owner of the small used bookstore, “Tanabe Shoten,” is Iwanaga Kokichi, who lives with his adorable grandson, Minoru, and his daughter-in-law, Risako. His son has already passed away. The circumstances of his son’s death remain unclear, whether it was an accident or suicide, weighing heavily on the family. Still, Kokichi gently watches over his grandson and daughter-in-law while preparing delicious meals for them each day.

 

One day, an incident occurs. A body is found with a single stab to the heart, and the number 38 carved into its hand. The gruesome events continue, with all victims killed in the same manner. One day, Adachi Akiko (Kato Ai), who had donated her deceased father’s entire collection to “Tanabe Shoten,” arrives with a letter. In her hands is an unfinished novel titled “The Lonely Hunter,” written by her father. Ten years ago, Akiko’s father had gone missing in the mountains. The events described in the novel closely resemble the recent incidents, and this letter has reached Akiko. The letter expresses that she, who loves the unfinished novel and understands its conclusion well, wishes to convey that she is depicted in the story.

 

The sender of the letter asks for updates to be confirmed through television and newspapers. Kokichi inquires about the incident with his son’s friend, Detective Kabano(Tanabe Seiichi ), and informs him about the existence of the letter and the novel. This leads the investigation to a new phase. What sad truths are hidden within this novel? The true source of the evils lurking in modern darkness may, in fact, be oneself…