First published in the Japanese language as Kage no kisetsu (Season of shadows) by Bungeishunju Ltd in Tokyo in 1998.

A collection of four novellas: each taking place in 1998, each set in the world of Six four, and each centring around a mystery and the unfortunate officer tasked with solving it. Season of shadows: Personnel's Futawatari receives a horrifying memo forcing him to investigate the behaviour of a legendary detective with unfinished business. Cry of the earth: Shinto of Internal Affairs receives an anonymous tipoff alleging a Station Chief is visiting the red-light district - a warning he soon learns is a red herring. Black lines: Section Chief Nanao, responsible for the force's 49 female officers, is alarmed to learn her star pupil has not reported for duty, and is believed to be missing. Briefcase: On the eve of a routine debate, Political Liaison Tsuge learns a wronged politician is preparing his revenge. He must now quickly dig up dirt to silence him. Prefectured D continues Hideo Yokoyama's exploration of the themes of obsession, saving face, office politics and inter-departmental conflicts. Placing everyday characters between a rock and a hard place and then dialling up the pressure, he blends and balances the very Japanese with the very accessible, to spectacular effect.

Translated from the Japanese.