Young and pretty Junko Aoki was born with the gift of pyrokinesis - the ability to start fires through the mind. Junko learned to control her power and to use it to settle scores with criminals that justice could not put behind bars.

A fortuitous encounter will lead her to search for a young woman kidnapped by a gang of depraved men. The ghoulish trail of corpses that Junko leaves behind attracts the attention of two very different groups: a secret society known as the Guardians and the Fire Investigation Squad of the Tokyo Police Department.

Detective Chikako Ishizu faces this case in bewilderment. Her rational mind is finding evidence of Junko's pyrokinetic powers, powers she is reluctant to believe in. Overwhelmed by the numerous charred bodies she finds as the investigation progresses, she will delve deeper and deeper into a case that defies all laws of logic.

Meanwhile, as Junko's fight against crime grows in intensity, she realizes that it is increasingly difficult to decide on the life and death of the innocent who fall victim to the crossfire.
"A powerful and stimulating intrigue ... Few novels are so entertaining and shocking" Time.
"Miyabe re-examines the dark side of Japanese society ... A surprising mix of genres that will have the reader devouring the pages until they reach a breathtaking finale" Publishers Weekly.
"An effective mix of subtlety and typically Japanese suspense" Library Journal.
"A mystery novel with paranormal touches ... Crossfire will be a sure hit with readers of Stephen King and John Connolly" Bookpage.
“Miyabe is a subtle observer of Japanese society. Readers around the world are in luck as they will enjoy a new book by the Queen of Japanese Mystery ”Los Angeles Times.
"In this book there are no stylistic fireworks, just a controlled plot and a powerful narrative ... A beautifully created book, of a simplicity and depth that irresistibly drag us towards the bitter end of it" 1001 books that must be read before dying.