Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan

The setting is a rural city in which a kidnapping and a series of mu*ders are happening simultaneously, where there was also a kidnapping eight years ago. The victims, the compulsive liar “Mi-kun” (the narrator), and “Ma-chan” (Misono Mayu) reunite and start living together, despite the fact that the kidnapped children were in Mayu’s apartment…

Original Publisher

ascii media works

Original Language

japanese

Type

Light Novel

## My Thoughts on Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan I recently finished reading *Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan*, and it's definitely a story that's stuck with me. I went into it knowing it was a bit dark, but the way the narrative unfolds is truly captivating. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – the idea of two "broken" individuals finding themselves intertwined. The early chapters immediately establish a sense of unease and mystery, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together what was really going on. I was intrigued by the characters from the start. ### What Works Well What I appreciated most was the depth of the characters, especially Mi-kun. He's not your typical protagonist; his thought processes are complex and his perspective on life is genuinely unique. It's refreshing to see a character with such distinct flaws and a background that shapes his actions in compelling ways. Ma-chan is just as twisted, and together, their dynamic creates a fascinating, if unsettling, narrative. The mystery aspect is also well-executed. I was constantly second-guessing myself, trying to figure out who the real culprit was and what the ultimate outcome would be. The story does a great job of keeping you guessing until the very end, which is something I always look for in a mystery novel. I was constantly asking myself what they should do next and if a happy ending was even possible. ### Areas of Concern While I enjoyed the story overall, I can see why some readers might feel the ending is a bit abrupt. It felt like it needed one or two more chapters to fully flesh out the resolution and provide a more satisfying conclusion. I left it wanting more, and the ending could be seen as lacking something. ### Final Verdict Despite my minor reservations about the ending, *Usotsuki Mi-kun to Kowareta Ma-chan* is a worthwhile read, especially if you enjoy dark, psychological mysteries with flawed and compelling characters. It's a relatively quick read that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different and willing to delve into the minds of its complex protagonists.