Book Review: Ring by Koji Suzuki

Having finally picked up Ring, the first novel in Koji Suzuki’s iconic trilogy, I found myself pleasantly surprised. First published in 1991, the story is a Japanese mystery-horror set in modern-day Japan and introduces a chilling tale that is much more intricate than the film adaptations might suggest.

I had previously seen both the Japanese movie and the American remake years ago, and found both versions to be fairly formulaic. Reading the novel was a completely different experience—more nuanced, suspenseful, and unsettling. The way the plot unfolds, with its investigative tension and psychological horror, drew me in and kept me hooked until the very last page.

Although I’ve tabled the sequels, Spiral and Loop, for now, finishing Ring has definitely sparked my interest to continue the series. It has also made me curious to revisit the movies and compare how they diverge from the original story.

Overall, Ring is a compelling and memorable read, and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in horror, mystery, or Japanese literature.