“Biblia Used Bookstore Case Files: Shioriko and the Strange Guests” by Mikami En
A mystery without murder is nice too!
The following contains spoilers!
Shioriko’s knowledge of books is amazing! Details like how Shinchosha’s paperbacks come with string bookmarks of various colors, or how complete works are published by different publishers were plentiful. Truly befitting of a used bookstore owner…!
Does Shioriko unconsciously use people because she’s so clever? Was that what Shida was implying? The case with Ohba also seemed like she used Goiura to avoid having the book targeted again, right? Since she seemed remorseful after being figured out by Goiura, maybe she’ll be more cautious in the future?
Will Goiura return to Biblia Used Bookstore? The final interview went well, and it seemed like he might get the job, but… Given his attraction to Shioriko, and his deliberation when he imagined being invited back at the end, perhaps he really would return if invited?
Shioriko was just listening in a sick room but neatly solved the mystery! How cool is that! Considering her ongoing recovery might limit her mobility, perhaps the pattern will be Goiura gathering stories outside while Shioriko, staying in the shop, listens and solves the mysteries?
Why did Shioriko invite Goiura to Biblia Used Bookstore? Was there a particular reason? Knowing her, did she figure out Goiura was unemployed and approached him because of that? Maybe she thought his unemployment, good build, and not minding book talk made him a good plan to deal with Ohba…? Or is that overthinking it? But I can’t get Shida’s words out of my head…
Does Shioriko love old books more than just any books? Even to protect old books, she burned a reprint edition, didn’t she? If she loved books in general, wouldn’t she have chosen a different method, regardless of whether the books were new? Or perhaps she weighed her affection for memorable old books against her love for books in general and chose the old books? Thinking it was unavoidable to burn the books for that cause?
Was Shioriko really shocked to the point of not being able to read when Goiura quit his job…? Given that Fumika called Goiura out of concern, it must have been serious. It seems Shioriko had started to open up to Goiura, who happily listened to her talk about books, so maybe she really did like him a lot? Hmm, maybe showing the performance of being too shocked to read to Fumika was to prompt her to call Goiura… I can’t help but think everything is within Shioriko’s calculations…