I hardly ever post comments, but I want to give my two cents to this absolute gem. (I binged all 10 volumes in two days lol). Thank you translators from the bottom of my heart for completing this amazing series. Without you guys, I would never have been able to read Usotoki Rhetoric.
First things first. The ART. The art is INSANE. I can't believe not many people comment about this. I have taken so many screenshots it's not even funny. The amount of details makes you think you're right there in the pages of the story solving cases with the characters. It's also the right balance between realism and cartoon/manga. When you need a panel of gorgeous mansion, you got it. Flowers and nature? Straight out of national geographic. Miyako sensei nails all types of art, whether it is architecture, food, or people, if you one of those who looks at the art, you're in for a real treat.
This series has a story that immerses their audience so well in the plot - the characters and their relationships with each other are amazingly developed and the plot is well paced with well thought out arcs. I loved how the author made everything come together in the grand finale and plot arcs wasn't just used as some filler - every arc the characters go through became a way the readers got to understand the character more and got to connect with them at a deeper level as the story went on. The relationships also are extremely natural and very warm - they don't seem forced and awkward which is a huge relief for a big Shoujo reader like myself.
The romance is subtle but very much there and developed and sweet. (I got so much cavities XD). It's definitely slow though, so if slow burns aren't your thing, might not be for you. The main characters got to understand each other more as the story progressed, and bounce each other off for happiness and reassurance. It never ever seemed forced and super natural for both, and did I mention it is sweet? You just can't help but cheer for them all the way!
One of the main things that I want to bring out are the messages that the author gives the readers about kindness and lies in society. It made me think a lot about how people interact and some feelings that people experience in their daily lives. Miyako sensei weaves in these lessons without being annoying or forced and that's what I love about this series.
If you had made it this far, good for you, here's a cookie XD. All in all, this is a rare gem and one in a million Shoujo manga with characters and plot that takes you on a roller coaster. I definitely recommend this to anyone who's in for a good mystery romance but even if that's not your cup of tea, still give this series a chance cuz you never know, you might just stumble upon something you will be remembering for a long, long time.