Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a dark, provocative novel that blends suspense, psychological tension, and culinary obsession. The story follows Manako Kajii, a gourmet cook and convicted serial killer who has seduced and murdered lonely businessmen using her culinary skills. The case has captured Japan’s fascination, but Kajii remains tight-lipped, refusing to speak to the press. That is until journalist Rika Machida reaches out, asking for her recipe for beef stew. This seemingly innocent request sparks an unlikely correspondence between the two women, leading to a chilling and intense exchange.

Rika, the only woman in her newsroom, is initially motivated by professional curiosity, hoping to gain insight into Kajii's psyche. However, as their meetings evolve, the focus shifts from the murder investigation to a gastronomic exploration, with each meal serving as a subtle and unsettling form of psychological manipulation. As Rika indulges in Kajii's cooking, she begins to question her own identity, desires, and role in the oppressive societal structures around her.

Yuzuki’s writing is both gripping and haunting, masterfully creating an atmosphere of unease while exploring deeper themes of misogyny, obsession, and the transgressive power of food. The novel's chilling portrayal of the relationship between Rika and Kajii is as much about manipulation and power dynamics as it is about the pleasure and control food can provide. The narrative unfolds with unsettling tension, challenging readers to question the boundaries between desire, morality, and the dark recesses of the human psyche.

Butter is a striking and unsettling read, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers, dark literary fiction, and stories that delve into the complexities of identity and obsession. Yuzuki’s ability to merge the mundane with the sinister makes this book a compelling, unforgettable experience.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is an absolutely fascinating and thought-provoking read that stayed with me long after I finished it. The story dives into the life of a journalist investigating a mysterious woman who has been accused of killing multiple men—her alleged weapon? Butter-laden, indulgent meals.

What really grabbed me is how the book uses food as a lens to explore deeper themes like gender, power, and societal expectations. It’s not just about solving a mystery; it’s about questioning the way we judge others, especially women, for their choices and desires. The writing is sharp, the characters are layered, and the way Yuzuki describes food is so vivid that I could almost taste it.

If you love books that blur the line between literary fiction and mystery, with complex themes that challenge you to think, Butter is a must-read. It’s rich, unsettling, and absolutely unforgettable—much like the dishes it describes.

Like most audio books that I've listened to in the past year or so, I lost the thread on this book at some point. There is evocative food writing here, but the story did not flow. I think the main thing I'll remember from the audio book is the word "margareen." I also liked "butta."

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is the story of a journalist who tries to figure out if a female gourmet cook is responsible for the deaths of several men that she dated. The journalist ends up getting too close and too attached to the alleged serial killer after visiting her several times in prison. While I found this story to be unique and interesting, it was pretty depressing. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

What can I say? This was one weirdly interesting story. I don't know how I can best describe this. It will have readers wanting to try dishes within this story while rethinking some of the things that have been read. What's interesting is that this story is based on real life murders...

If you love translated fiction with a murdery mystery plot, this one is for you.

This year I have gone down a rabbit hole of translated Japanese stories--and I just seem to find more. Butter is such a good mix of Japanese culture, mystery and feminism. It is told with such a strong voice and brilliant prose. All of the buzz that this is getting is well worth it.

What a strange book this was. It was about a woman jailed for murders and her relationship with a journalist.
However, It was really about misogyny in Japan and the fact that it is mostly kept inside. There was much time spent on the thinness expecations of women and for them to pander to men - be a good mom, cook, good at your job. There was an icky feeling that made me think that at its' core, this book was about being fat.
The heroin's weight is managed and tracked throughout. There are descriptions of animal fat and it just made the whole thing feel eating disorder based. While it was interesting, it made me uncomfortable and it definitely wasn't a "fun" read.

2.25

I don't think I went into this book with the right expectations and that colored my reading experience. While this is tagged as a Japanese Mystery/Thriller, this is much more of a literary exploration of obsession and misogyny with a con woman/serial killer and the reporter looking to write a story about her at the center of the story.

I think this is incredibly well written, but I think the narrative felt a little too long. This book clocks in at 452 pages (with a 17 hour 12 minute audiobook) and I felt every page/minute. Thematically, this is an interesting conversation about femineity and beauty standards and the way women are often expected to perform in ways that serve men at their own expense. I think it's well done but the themes get repetitive due to the length.

Given the thematic exploration, major content warning for conversations around food and weight so if you struggle with that then maybe give this one a pass. I personally struggled quite a bit with the depictions of body image and self worth related to weight.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a strikingly original novel that defies traditional genre boundaries, blending elements of culinary writing, crime, and psychological exploration. Set in Japan, the story follows reporter Rika Saginuma as she delves into the mysterious life of Manako Kajii, a woman accused of killing her lovers—allegedly using food as her weapon of seduction.

At the heart of the novel is Rika’s growing fascination with Manako, a complex figure who eludes easy categorization. Manako is known for her exceptional cooking, and as Rika investigates the accusations against her, she begins to unravel the interplay between desire, food, and control. The novel is not a fast-paced thriller but a slow burn, simmering with tension as Rika gets closer to Manako, both literally and metaphorically.

Yuzuki uses food as a central motif, weaving it into every part of the narrative. The meals prepared by Manako are described in lavish, almost sensual detail, showcasing food as an intimate, almost transformative act. Through these culinary scenes, the novel probes deep questions about indulgence, femininity, and societal expectations. The title Butter itself is symbolic of the richness and temptation that defines both Manako’s cooking and her character, as well as the potentially harmful effects of excess.

Rika’s investigation soon becomes more than a professional pursuit—it’s a journey of self-discovery. As she spends more time with Manako, Rika confronts her own insecurities about her identity, body image, and the pressure to conform to societal norms, especially those related to women’s roles in Japan. The relationship between the two women is complex, with Manako acting as both a foil and mirror to Rika’s own internal struggles.

What sets Butter apart is Yuzuki’s subtle yet powerful commentary on Japanese society’s rigid expectations for women. Through Manako’s unapologetic love for cooking and her defiance of typical gender roles, the novel critiques the way women are often judged for their desires—whether it’s a love for food, ambition, or sensuality. Rika’s own grappling with these issues adds an additional layer of depth to the narrative, making it as much about self-exploration as it is about solving the mystery.

Yuzuki’s writing is both evocative and thought-provoking, filled with moments of introspection and tension. The novel moves at a deliberate pace, allowing readers to marinate in its themes and complex character dynamics. Though the mystery itself takes a backseat to character development and thematic exploration, Butter is a rewarding read for those who appreciate literary fiction with a psychological edge.

Overall, Butter is a nuanced and multi-layered novel that offers a unique take on crime fiction while also exploring deeper themes of identity, desire, and the cultural expectations placed on women. It’s a rich, savory story that lingers in the mind long after the final page, much like the decadent dishes Manako serves to her lovers. For readers who enjoy slow-burning narratives with psychological and cultural depth, Butter is an exceptional and memorable experience.

Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki intertwines the seductive world of gourmet cooking with dark themes of obsession and murder. The story follows journalist Rika Machida as she seeks an interview with Manako Kajii, a convicted serial killer whose culinary skills have captivated the public. Through their exchanges, Rika finds herself drawn into Kajii's world, leading her to confront societal expectations of women in Japan and her own desires. With lush descriptions of food and a slow-burn narrative, the novel serves as both a gripping thriller and a commentary on gender roles, ultimately encouraging women to embrace their individuality and desires​.

This was a 3.75 star read for me maybe 4 . im on the fence. this was not the thriller i thought it would be. its based on the story of a serial killer who used food to lure her men in. the irony was she was just a women nothing spectacular by society magazine standards. she struggled with weight an self esteem. this book is a lot to unpack and def worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Despite this book being slower than I anticipated, I greatly enjoyed it! It follows a journalist (Rika) as she interviews a serial killer (Kaiji) and they talk about recipes, love, marriage, and female company.

This novel has a very philosophical bent to it, as it covers many things like the value of women in society, human connection, and fixation. The strange connection between Rika and Kaiji and their connection through food gave me slight Hannibal vibes, so I'm here for that.

There were portions of this book that were slow, but with the more philosophical bent, that is to be expected. Additionally, there is a lot of discussion about weight in this book, which could be triggering to some people.

Thank you to NetGalley and ECCO for this ARC.

What I liked:
The food talk
Our MC felt very flat

What I didn’t like:
The constant talk of body images/body negativity (although I know this is common in Asian culture)
The little talk of the murders that took place
The length, this book could have been 100 pages shorter and more effective

I really enjoyed this book quite a bit. I think the way the author developed the relationship between Rika and Manako was very well done. I don't know if I would categorize this book as a thriller but it was a great exploration of women and society in Japan.

Based on a true story, this unbelievable, couldn't make this up plot is deliciously spellbinding!

What happens when a journalist becomes obsessed with a convicted serial killer who is in prison for killing men allegedly with food, and through conversations with said killer discovers the enjoyment of eating, savoring and even cooking exciting dishes? While she decides to entice the criminal into becoming a confidant and get an exclusive interview for her paper, she somehow becomes a changed woman.

But the murderer has different plans as she sends the journalist on an extravagant goose hunt as they play a cat and mouse games as to which one of them will in the end get what they want or perhaps need.

When journalist Rika Machida writes a letter to Manako Kajii who is in prison for murdering men (with food) Rika thinks she is clever. She does not come out and ask for an interview but asks for a recipe to entice Kajii into seeing her. But it gets her into the door. To Rika's surprise she sees she has been conned by Kajii who tells her not to come back until she has eaten and savored a meal with a particular type of butter.

Rika discovers through Kajii she has a newfound love for food. They start a complicated relationship with Rika trying to insert questions about Kajii's life and trying to discover the reason Kajii may have killed these men or if she even did. Will Rika ever really know? Or will Kajii continue to feed her morsels of information about her past life.

At some point, Rika begins to not particularly care about the reason as she discovers her life has been changed by Kajii's food selections. Until something happens. Which changes everything.

Enter the world of Butter and you will discover how food can change a person's world, personality, career and love-life. With these changes you learn about friends you never knew you had. But will the question of if she killed be answered? Dig into Butter and find out!

Thank you #NetGalley #Ecco #Asako Yuzuki/PollyBarton #Butter for the advanced copy.

I really struggled to get through this one. I feel as if some things were simply lost in translation. I am willing to give it another try because I have seen some good reviews on Butter.

Nope.
This was not for me.
I was really bored while reading this.
I had to switch to audio just to get through more than half of it.
In the end I DNF'd it at 72% because I just couldn't do anymore.
It's extremely dry and I could not get into it.
Thanks to NetGalley & Ecco for my ARC.

Butter is a trippy foodie real-crime novel by Asako Yuzuki. Released 16th April 2024 by HarperCollins on their Ecco imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in Feb. 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a surprisingly philosophical book full of wry observations about life, gender roles, body image, and food (and murder). It's loosely based on the real life, arrest, and convictions of Kanae Kijima who serially seduced, defrauded, and subsequently murdered lonely businessmen over a period of several years in Japan.

Originally published in Japanese in 2017 it gained a cult following. The English language translation work by Polly Barton is seamless and unobtrusive and the prose flows very well.

Classy, cool, and well written, there's nothing frenetic or outré about the book, and it winds up being a lot more psychological and philosophical than murder-y, with deep ruminations on systemic misogyny, fat-shaming-culture, human nature, and society.

Four stars. Weird but very well written.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The cover of this book instantly caught my attention! Love it! I had read mixed reviews of this book but that didn't stop me for requesting it. I really loved this book. I think a lot of people think this will be a serial killer book that focuses on killing the victims. It doesn't. Its so much more than that. I loved the feminist themes and how all women deal with so much misogyny. I also loved the female friendship in this book. Overall a great book. I just wished it would of had shorter chapters. It took me a while to get through it.

I knew this would be a book for me once it was advertised to me as a Foodie's dream. They were right, this book contained two of my favourite things; food and crime.

I thought this was going to be about a serial killer and all the yummy food she cooks (I thought there might have even been a dollop of cannabalism in there too I cannot lie)., but Butter is so much more than that. The way the topics of societal standards and feminism were touched upon in this novel is truly what made it so captivating and enjoyable for me. Additionally. the themes of body positivity (while could be triggering for some) were really interesting to read about and were handled so well in my opinion.

I greatly enjoyed this novel and would absolutely love to pick up other works by this author.