Butter

The book that took the literary scene by storm, *Butter* by Asako Yuzuki, has captured readers' imaginations worldwide. Celebrated as the number one Sunday Times bestseller, it has also won the prestigious Waterstones Book of the Year 2024 and was a shortlisted contender for the British Book Awards Debut Novel of the Year 2025. With accolades from the BBC's Between the Covers Book Club and endorsements from celebrities like Nigel Slater, this Japanese novel is more than just a sensation.In *Butter*, Manako Kajii, a gourmet chef turned serial killer, is at the heart of a captivating story set against the backdrop of Tokyo. Imprisoned for the murders of several lonely businessmen, whom she allegedly lured with her exquisite culinary creations, Kajii becomes the subject of national intrigue. Yet, she remains elusive to the press until journalist Rika Machida requests her secret beef stew recipe, sparking an unlikely correspondence.As their interactions develop within the confines of the detention center, these exchanges become less about journalistic inquiry and more about a profound gastronomic education. Rika, one of the few women in her newsroom, discovers unexpected facets of herself through her encounters with Kajii. Their dynamic evolves, blurring lines and hinting at deeper connections between them.Drawing inspiration from the true story of a notorious con artist known as 'The Konkatsu Killer,' Yuzuki’s novel delves into themes of misogyny, obsession, and the rebellious joys of culinary indulgence in Japan. Recognized for its excellence, it was longlisted for the CWA Crime Fiction in Translation Dagger Award 2025.The narrative's compelling nature is echoed in the words of reviewers: The Observer describes it as a novel one might read or devour with equal fervor, while Pandora Sykes finds it compellingly eccentric. Highlighting its addictive quality, Erin Kelly calls it breathtakingly original. A rich blend of crime, culinary art, and character study, *Butter* promises to leave readers craving for more.