I recently dove into "Butter" by Asako Yuzuki, giving it a solid 4 stars. Right off the bat, this book feeds right into the current craze for foodie literature, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. Every dish mentioned, from tarako pasta to kamo seiro, had me hitting up Google and daydreaming about a culinary adventure in Japan. Yuzuki has a knack for making even the simplest rice with soy sauce and butter seem like a gourmet experience.

At the heart of the story is Kajii, a convicted serial killer with a taste for older men and a high-life that ends in their mysterious deaths. Her comparison to Holly Golightly is intriguing, though her traditional views on women's roles are bound to raise some eyebrows. Enter Rika, a journalist who spends a year visiting Kajii in the Detention Center, crafting an expose that ultimately transforms her life. Watching Rika's journey and evolution throughout the novel was a highlight for me.

However, it's worth mentioning that the story does drag a bit towards the end. A little tightening could have kept the pacing more consistent. Overall, "Butter" is a deliciously intriguing read that blends food, crime, and personal growth in a way that's both engaging and thought-provoking. If you're a food lover with a taste for complex characters and twisty plots, this book might just be your next favorite read.