Natsuo Kirino, born Mariko Hashioka, is a renowned Japanese novelist best known for her contributions to the genre of detective fiction. Kirino has played a pivotal role in the recent surge of female writers in this field within Japan. Her works have garnered significant attention and acclaim, notably receiving the prestigious Naoki Prize.

Kirino was an active and spirited child, raised among two brothers. Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, her father, an architect, led the family to live in various cities including Sendai, Sapporo, and ultimately Tokyo, which became her permanent residence from the age of fourteen. This nomadic childhood fostered a deep curiosity and a strong imagination, traits that later defined her literary style.

After completing a law degree, Kirino embarked on a diverse career path before settling into her role as a fiction writer. Her unique world of imagination and keen interest in the mysteries of human nature have made her novels stand out in the crowded field of Japanese literature.