Judge Series by Yoshiki Tonogai

A young man, driven by jealousy over love, tells a lie that accidentally results in the death of his older brother. Some time later, Hiro is kidnapped and confined to a room with eight other people, each wearing a grotesque animal mask. Their kidnapper informs them that their time has come to be judged for their "sins"-and that they will have to judge one another. Every twelve hours, the captives must choose who among them will die...and only four will remain alive when all is through...

Judge, Jury, ExecutionerCourt is now in session for Hiro and the other sinners, who have been herded like cattle into an abandoned courthouse to pass judgment on one another's crimes. Suspicions whirl after the first trial is held. Were the votes cast by the sinners born of deception or goodwill? As a clearer picture of the courthouse itself is revealed, new doubts arise. What's to become of the one who has been sentenced to death?

The (Court)House Always Wins.In the abandoned courthouse, to trust is folly. Is that the only rule, the only strategy to staying alive in the twisted game underway within? When the time for the Second Judgment arrives, a ruthless decision is made, to shocking effect. The sinners must accept reality . . . for idealistic notions have no place within these halls of cruel and swift justice . . .

"You are not the only ones playing this game." Clues discovered in a new room only lead down a new path of despair, and the time comes for the brutal sentencing of the third Judgment. The line between perpetrator and victim begins to blur. Until all is revealed, time is on no one's side...

It's time to clear the docket. Who could possibly be responsible for this game? That question swirls among the participants, who grow more desperate as they are forced to make one horrific choice after another. The game is to conclude when the requisite four survivors have been determined. For these four fortunates, court will be adjourned...but what awaits them on the other side of the courthouse doors?

All rise for the final verdict... With everyone playing it close to the chest, the courthouse is teeming with murderous intent. Lives are cut down, one after another, until the final four remain. At long last, the bell to signify the end of the game rings out. Will those left standing truly be able to make it out of this place alive?