Keigo Higashino, author of 'The Devotion of Suspect X', dies at 68

File photo: Keigo Higashino Japanese mystery fiction author Keigo Higashino has died aged 68, his publisher said on Monday, triggering an outpouring of grief among fans across Asia.Since his 1985 debut, Higashino wrote more than 100 books, with his works translated and published in over 40 countries and territories, and widely adapted for film and television. "Author Keigo Higashino passed away due to colon cancer in the early morning of July 23. He was 68," publisher Kodansha said in a statement.A statement posted on Higashino's X account said that the author's "published works, from his debut novel 'After School', released in Sept 1985, to his latest book 'Eternal Memory', scheduled for release on Aug 5, 2026, total 106 books".Known for his versatility, the award-winning novelist had worked as an engineer before switching to writing full-time. His books merge science and detective fiction alongside acute observations on human nature and heartwarming tearjerkers, according to major bookstore chain Maruzen Junkudo.Higashino, whose books include "The Devotion of Suspect X" and "Malice", enjoyed a loyal following around Asia, including in China where thousands of people took to socia...