Butter

Gourmet cook Manako Kajii is held in Tokyo Detention Centre, convicted of the serial murders of lonely businessmen whom she allegedly seduced with her delicious home cooking. The case has captivated the nation, but Kajii refuses to speak with the press until journalist Rika Machida writes a letter asking for her beef stew recipe. As their visits unfold, they become less journalistic research and more a masterclass in food. Rika, the only woman in her news office, finds herself changing with each meal, wondering if she and Kajii have more in common than she initially thought. Inspired by a true story, this novel explores misogyny, obsession and the transgressive pleasures of food in Japan.