Butter

Yuzuki draws on the real-life crimes of the Konkatsu Killer in early-aughts Japan for her delectable English-language debut. Journalist Rika Machida conducts a series of prison interviews with convicted serial killer Manako Kajii, a former food blogger who used her exquisite cooking to seduce lonely men. Manako, who maintains her innocence, is a coveted and elusive subject, whom Rika has managed to land through flattery, having requested the prisoner’s recipe for her famous beef stew. As the two talk about food, Rika falls under a similar spell as Manako’s victims, neglecting her work, friends, and figure as she seeks out more delicious flavors under Manako’s tutelage. As Rika gains weight, her misogynistic colleagues shun her, claiming she doesn’t respect herself and therefore isn’t deserving of their respect. Her weight gain also draws ire from her boyfriend. Yuzuki takes a thrilling look into female relationships, revealing the complex nature of modern-day social conventions pertaining to a woman’s appearance and her place in the home, and enriching the proceedings with mouthwatering descriptions of food. Like the meals Yuzuki describes, this leaves the reader satiated. Agent: Stephen Edwards, RCW Literary. (Apr.)