BUTTER A Novel of Food and Murder

Hanako Footman brings gravitas and humor to this psychologically insightful novel based on the true crime of a gourmet cook/con woman/serial killer. Using a clever ploy, journalist Rika secures a meeting with taciturn Manako Kajii in her Tokyo jail cell. Imprisoned for the deaths of three wealthy businessmen, Kajii refuses to talk about her case but willingly talks about food, especially the joys of butter. Descriptions of mouthwatering Japanese dishes fill their meetings. Footman's performance makes it impossible to look away as Rika's life undergoes dramatic shifts and she loses her sense of self. Rife with stunning social commentary, misogyny, fat shaming, and the transformative power of food, Yuzuki's lush writing and Footman's artful delivery make this audiobook a sensual pleasure. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]