Butter

Name: Butter
SKU: 9780063236400
Availability: OutOfStock

EGP1,200.00

Book Summary

… INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER The cult Japanese bestseller about a female gourmet cook and serial killer, and the journalist intent on cracking her case, inspired by a true story There are two things that I simply cannot tolerate: feminists and margarine. Gourmet cook Manako Kajii sits in the Tokyo Detention House convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen, whom she is said to have seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captured the nation’s imagination, but Kajii refuses to speak with the press, entertaining no visitors. That is until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her recipe for beef stew, and Kajii can’t resist writing back. Rika, the only woman in her news office, works late each night, rarely cooking more than ramen. As the visits unfold between her and the steely Kajii, they are closer to a master class in food than journalistic research. Rika hopes this gastronomic exchange will help her soften Kajii, but it seems that Rika might be the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body. Do she and Kajii have more in common than she once thought? Inspired by the real case of a convicted con woman and serial killer—the “Konkatsu Killer”—Asako Yuzuki’s Butter is a vivid, unsettling exploration of misogyny, obsession, romance, and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.

Language: English
Hardcover: 464 pages
ISBN-10: 9780063236400
ISBN-13: 9780063236400
Genre: Popular Fiction
Shipping Weight: 15 grams
Condition: New

Out of stock

SKU: 9780063236400 Categories: Books, English Books, Literature &Fiction Author: Asako Yuzuki

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Butter

Butter Book Description

Butter is an international bestseller that blends thriller, romance, and food culture into a gripping Japanese tale. The story follows gourmet chef Manako Kajii, a convicted serial killer who lured lonely businessmen with her irresistible home‑cooked meals. When journalist Rika Machida writes to request Kajii’s famous beef stew recipe, a strange correspondence begins, turning a crime investigation into a master class in flavor.

Rika works the night shift at a bustling newsroom and rarely cooks beyond instant ramen. As the letters flow, she discovers that each dish Kajii describes awakens hidden cravings and unsettling memories. Meanwhile, Kajii remains silent to the press, yet cannot resist sharing the secrets behind her deadly cuisine. The exchange forces both women to confront personal obsessions, gender politics, and the dark allure of taste.

Inspired by the real “Konkatsu Killer” case, Butter explores misogyny, obsession, and the transgressive pleasures of food in modern Japan. Readers will experience a vivid, unsettling journey that questions how desire can become a weapon. The novel’s vivid descriptions and tense pacing keep the audience on edge, while the culinary details add a unique layer of authenticity.

Key Features of Butter

Butter offers a fresh take on crime fiction by weaving culinary expertise into every chapter. The narrative balances detailed recipes with a chilling investigation, giving food lovers and thriller fans alike something to savor. Additionally, the book’s setting in Tokyo’s detention house and bustling newsrooms creates a vivid backdrop that feels both intimate and expansive.

The protagonist’s complex personality adds depth to the plot. Manako Kajii’s refusal to speak with the media makes her a mysterious figure, while Rika Machida’s determination to understand her creates a compelling cat‑and‑mouse dynamic. Moreover, the novel examines societal expectations of women, making it a thoughtful commentary on contemporary Japanese culture.

Readers will also appreciate the author’s skillful pacing. Each chapter ends with a tantalizing hint of the next culinary secret or a new clue in the investigation. Therefore, the story drives forward with relentless momentum, encouraging binge‑reading from start to finish.

Why Read This Book?

Fans of psychological thrillers will love Butter’s blend of suspense and sensory detail. The book invites readers to explore the fine line between love of food and love of power. Furthermore, the letters between Kajii and Rika provide a unique narrative device that feels like a culinary correspondence.

Many readers find the novel’s exploration of misogyny and obsession both unsettling and enlightening. Because the story is based on a true criminal case, it adds a layer of realism that deepens the intrigue. Additionally, Butter’s rich character development ensures that you care about both the hunter and the hunted.

Each page offers a new taste of danger, making the reading experience unforgettable. If you enjoy stories that combine cultural insight with edge‑of‑your‑seat tension, Butter is an excellent addition to your bookshelf.