The Key (Curley novel)

The Key is a 1961 novel by American author James Curley. The novel is a suspense thriller centered around a young American woman, Katherine "Kay" Addams, who travels to Tokyo, Japan, to meet her husband, John, who is working there as an engineer. Upon arrival, she discovers that John has disappeared, and the police suspect foul play.

Kay begins her own investigation into her husband's disappearance, navigating a foreign culture and dealing with suspicious individuals, including John's colleagues and a mysterious woman who seems to know more than she lets on. The "key" in the title refers to a literal key that Kay finds amongst John's belongings, which she believes holds the answer to his whereabouts and the events leading up to his disappearance.

As Kay delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a web of deceit, intrigue, and potential espionage, facing danger at every turn. The novel explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, marital trust, and the complexities of post-war Japan. The Key is known for its atmospheric descriptions of Tokyo and its engaging plot twists.