This terrific, comically gruesome and a little absurd novel could hardly be called a whodunnit, given its self-revelatory title. And yet, there are twists to be had. Within are chapters from different characters which together form a narrative surrounding the titular Shim Eunok and the Smile Detective Agency … and its penchant for accepting clients who are willing to pay for an assassination.

What better way to hide a killer than to paint her as a 51-year-old frumpy widow. However, after spending time in a butcher’s shop, Mrs Shim does have exceptional knife skills. These skills are, ahem, honed by the Agency head, Mr Park Taesang. The narrative is in three parts. The first introduces the main characters of the Smile Agency. The second focuses on the rival business, the Happy Detective Agency, and its head, Na Hancheol (who was an unsuccessful suitor of the young Shim Eunok). Things become complicated when Mrs Shim’s son, Jinseong, begins work with Mr Na. If two businesses are in direct competition, particularly in this industry, it comes as no surprise that one will try to eliminate the other. The final part ties the narrative threads together.

The book treats its subject matter as an everyday experience, much like accountancy … if a little less boring. As each chapter has a new narrator, it also includes a new backstory. This can get repetitive, but it’s essential for the narrative arc. These characters have intersecting lives, and their narratives begin to overlap. If in doubt about the suitability of subject matter, readers should take comfort in the business names. This is weirdly wonderful.

Reviewed by Bob Moore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kang Jiyoung is an established Korean writer based in Paju, near Seoul. She is the author of the story collections Goodbye Paradise, Time for Dogs to Eat and The Killer’s Shopping List. Her novels include Quarantine Station of New Culture, Elza’s Ha-yin, Circus in the Dark Forest, Frankenstein Family, Yawning is Delicious, Pheromone Boutique and Shopping Mall for Killers. Shopping Mall for Killers was adapted for television by Disney+. Mrs Shim Is a Killer will be published in over twenty languages worldwide.

Follow Kang Jiyoung on Instagram here.

Visit the Penguin website here.

ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Paige Morris is a writer and translator from Jersey City, New Jersey, who divides her time between South Korea and the United States. She has translated fiction by Hyun-Joo Park, Ji-min Lee, Soyeon Jeong, and many more.