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Greedy
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25 copies available
U.S. only
Ed is in trouble with the yakuza. He's gambled away all his money and his family is at risk.
But just as he’s about to lose everything, he receives an offer he can’t refuse.
A reclusive billionaire is looking for a private chef. The only she has some. . . unusual tastes.
As he prepares delicious dishes – fresh crab salad with a panko crumb, lamb shank dripping in red wine juice, sweet, fluffy soufflé pancakes – he realizes that each meal is a test, a challenge to satisfy an insatiable appetite.
Caught up in a world more sinister than he could ever have imagined, Ed finds himself entangled in another debt.
As the stakes grow, he must make a choice.
Will he stay hungry? Or will he be greedy?
Dinner is served.
Eat up.
But just as he’s about to lose everything, he receives an offer he can’t refuse.
A reclusive billionaire is looking for a private chef. The only she has some. . . unusual tastes.
As he prepares delicious dishes – fresh crab salad with a panko crumb, lamb shank dripping in red wine juice, sweet, fluffy soufflé pancakes – he realizes that each meal is a test, a challenge to satisfy an insatiable appetite.
Caught up in a world more sinister than he could ever have imagined, Ed finds himself entangled in another debt.
As the stakes grow, he must make a choice.
Will he stay hungry? Or will he be greedy?
Dinner is served.
Eat up.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
November 1, 2025
Ah yes, food-centered horror-thrillers. Gotta be one of my favorite genres. It's also basically everything you need to know before picking up this book, because I think it's best to experience the story without much prior knowledge of the actual plot. Just know that the story is about Ed Cook, a Brit living in Japan with his family. He's currently unemployed and in life-threatening debt to the Yakuza and so he jumps at the opportunity to become a private chef for an influential businesswoman. Culinary training isn't really required for the high-paid position and it's more important that Ed is open-minded and discreet. His new employer just loves eating and has some eccentric views on food, and there surely is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
The food theme was fantastic and I liked how it mixed fine cuisine with Ed's amateurish way of cooking. He's lacking the skills, but he really needs the money and he's determined to weasel his way in. In the end the book is still full of mouthwatering food description even if the cooking process was messier than I'm used to from other food-centered stories. It made the book feel unique, same with the setting. The story is set in Japan but told from the POV of a foreigner who came to live there. I really appreciate all the cultural aspects woven into the story, from Japanese cuisine over growing up mixed-race to societal standards and prejudices. The arc didn't have an author's note or anything, but I'm sure that Callie Kazumi worked her own experiences into the story, making parts of it feel very personal. Other parts are hopefully not as personal. I was wondering for quite some time where the story would be going and I was reading with great interest. The situation does become clearer to the reader long before it does to Ed and he was honestly kind of oblivious to some shady stuff. It made the book a bit predictable, but there still were some unexpected moments and I overall had a great time reading. It was a bit too straight-forward to be an absolute favorite of mine, but it's an easy recommendation nonetheless.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
The food theme was fantastic and I liked how it mixed fine cuisine with Ed's amateurish way of cooking. He's lacking the skills, but he really needs the money and he's determined to weasel his way in. In the end the book is still full of mouthwatering food description even if the cooking process was messier than I'm used to from other food-centered stories. It made the book feel unique, same with the setting. The story is set in Japan but told from the POV of a foreigner who came to live there. I really appreciate all the cultural aspects woven into the story, from Japanese cuisine over growing up mixed-race to societal standards and prejudices. The arc didn't have an author's note or anything, but I'm sure that Callie Kazumi worked her own experiences into the story, making parts of it feel very personal. Other parts are hopefully not as personal. I was wondering for quite some time where the story would be going and I was reading with great interest. The situation does become clearer to the reader long before it does to Ed and he was honestly kind of oblivious to some shady stuff. It made the book a bit predictable, but there still were some unexpected moments and I overall had a great time reading. It was a bit too straight-forward to be an absolute favorite of mine, but it's an easy recommendation nonetheless.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Century for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2025
This book is chefs kiss perfection! 👌
Ed is an ex-pat living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife and toddler daughter. After losing his job and unable to secure a new one he eventually develops a gambling habit. Initially it was just to score some quick cash but the high he got from betting became too hard to resist resulting in him losing everything and also putting him in debt with the Japanese mob. All of this remains a secret from his wife who believes he's out job hunting everyday.
Then he spots a job ad in the paper:
Chef wanted! Private chef needed for a high-profile businesswoman. One million yen per day.
It seems like the answer to his prayers. While he isn't a chef of any kind he does know his way around the kitchen. Maybe he'll be able to impress her enough to land the job.
And just like that he is working in a massive mansion, with one of the finest chef's kitchens imaginable, and an endless supply of anything a chef could ever want for.
As is often in life though, all good things come with a catch, and Ed finds himself on the hook of a woman with a voracious appetite for only the finest, most exquisite cuisine.
Has Ed bitten off more than he can chew? You'll have to read this to find out.
Absolutely delicious! Kazumi has yet again delighted me after reading and loving her debut Claire, Darling. Honestly I enjoyed this one even more. Ed, the lovable loser, was surprisingly easy to root for. Sure, he made mistakes, but his intentions were never malicious. He wasn't a mean man, he was a stupid man. He loves his wife and daughter more than anything but not being able to provide for them has really hit his ego. He feels like an absolute failure. So it wasn't hard to imagine how easily he'd become the prey in the web of his new employer. Hazeline, his quirky and possibly psychotic new employer, was equally as riveting as Ed. They kept me greedily flipping the pages.
The ending? Ha! I see what you did there, Kazumi! 🤯
This one will go down as a favorite for me this year but I warn: Vegans and vegetarians need not apply. 5 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for my complimentary copy.
Ed is an ex-pat living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife and toddler daughter. After losing his job and unable to secure a new one he eventually develops a gambling habit. Initially it was just to score some quick cash but the high he got from betting became too hard to resist resulting in him losing everything and also putting him in debt with the Japanese mob. All of this remains a secret from his wife who believes he's out job hunting everyday.
Then he spots a job ad in the paper:
Chef wanted! Private chef needed for a high-profile businesswoman. One million yen per day.
It seems like the answer to his prayers. While he isn't a chef of any kind he does know his way around the kitchen. Maybe he'll be able to impress her enough to land the job.
And just like that he is working in a massive mansion, with one of the finest chef's kitchens imaginable, and an endless supply of anything a chef could ever want for.
As is often in life though, all good things come with a catch, and Ed finds himself on the hook of a woman with a voracious appetite for only the finest, most exquisite cuisine.
Has Ed bitten off more than he can chew? You'll have to read this to find out.
Absolutely delicious! Kazumi has yet again delighted me after reading and loving her debut Claire, Darling. Honestly I enjoyed this one even more. Ed, the lovable loser, was surprisingly easy to root for. Sure, he made mistakes, but his intentions were never malicious. He wasn't a mean man, he was a stupid man. He loves his wife and daughter more than anything but not being able to provide for them has really hit his ego. He feels like an absolute failure. So it wasn't hard to imagine how easily he'd become the prey in the web of his new employer. Hazeline, his quirky and possibly psychotic new employer, was equally as riveting as Ed. They kept me greedily flipping the pages.
The ending? Ha! I see what you did there, Kazumi! 🤯
This one will go down as a favorite for me this year but I warn: Vegans and vegetarians need not apply. 5 stars!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for my complimentary copy.
October 31, 2025
How do you review a book when upon finishing said book, your immediate thoughts are "no notes"?
I'm really struggling to leave a review without any spoilers so all I'll say is this....this gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "bon appetit" & I am so here for it!
Callie Kazumi does a great job of creating this ominous vibe throughout the whole story. You can just tell as soon as Ed arrives at Hazelines house that things are not what they seem & you're just left waiting for the shenanigans to happen. I get that Ed is supposed to be the mc but the standout character for me is Hazeline. She's weird, she's quirky, she gave the vibe that she was a cute 5'0 little ol lady but she's also....a little crazy & I loved her.
This was so fun! The twist at the very end had me shook, I really did not see it coming at all. Anyways, I already have this on a wishlist for when it officially drops & I will definitely be getting a physical copy!
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
I'm really struggling to leave a review without any spoilers so all I'll say is this....this gave a whole new meaning to the phrase "bon appetit" & I am so here for it!
Callie Kazumi does a great job of creating this ominous vibe throughout the whole story. You can just tell as soon as Ed arrives at Hazelines house that things are not what they seem & you're just left waiting for the shenanigans to happen. I get that Ed is supposed to be the mc but the standout character for me is Hazeline. She's weird, she's quirky, she gave the vibe that she was a cute 5'0 little ol lady but she's also....a little crazy & I loved her.
This was so fun! The twist at the very end had me shook, I really did not see it coming at all. Anyways, I already have this on a wishlist for when it officially drops & I will definitely be getting a physical copy!
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
December 3, 2025
3.5 Stars
Ed is unemployed and feeling extremely sorry for himself. Having minimal luck finding a new job to help support his wife and young daughter he decides to try his luck at the gambling parlors. Ed is a very unlucky man who finds himself now owing the wrong people a ton of money. Lucky for him he notices a help wanted ad for a personal chef. He has very minimal cooking skills, but figures he can wing it. He gets the job and things seem to be going well early on. However, the more he cooks for his employer, he begins to see she may have a more eclectic taste than he is able to provide.
The characters themselves are all quite unlikable. Ed has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The interactions between him and his wife kinda just made me cringe. I was surprised these two were ever married in the first place.
I had a suspicion early on where the book was heading so I found it a bit anti-climatic once we got to the ending. However, I did like the last two chapters. I think what missed the mark a little bit for me was it wasn’t as “dark” as I think it could’ve been. I did like the Japanese setting as well as the glossary at the end that explains some of the Japanese terms. It’s always fun to learn about new cultures and countries.
What I discovered about this author through reading both of her novels is they are certainly easy to read and have quite unique plots. So far, I have not been disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Ed is unemployed and feeling extremely sorry for himself. Having minimal luck finding a new job to help support his wife and young daughter he decides to try his luck at the gambling parlors. Ed is a very unlucky man who finds himself now owing the wrong people a ton of money. Lucky for him he notices a help wanted ad for a personal chef. He has very minimal cooking skills, but figures he can wing it. He gets the job and things seem to be going well early on. However, the more he cooks for his employer, he begins to see she may have a more eclectic taste than he is able to provide.
The characters themselves are all quite unlikable. Ed has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever. The interactions between him and his wife kinda just made me cringe. I was surprised these two were ever married in the first place.
I had a suspicion early on where the book was heading so I found it a bit anti-climatic once we got to the ending. However, I did like the last two chapters. I think what missed the mark a little bit for me was it wasn’t as “dark” as I think it could’ve been. I did like the Japanese setting as well as the glossary at the end that explains some of the Japanese terms. It’s always fun to learn about new cultures and countries.
What I discovered about this author through reading both of her novels is they are certainly easy to read and have quite unique plots. So far, I have not been disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
December 28, 2025
Now I am a sucker for anything Japanese since my trip last year and upcoming trip in 2026, so this book was right up my alley. All the descriptions of the delicious Japanese foods and drinks made my mouth water. That was until I figured out what was happening….
Ed is a British man living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife and daughter. After losing his job, he has become addicted to gambling and is in a whole lot of debt and danger. He owes way too much to the Yakuza and they want paying back now. He applies for a high paying job as a private chef to a reclusive billionaire to try to get his debt under control and protect his family. His new boss is a bit out there and has a love of unusual foods, but he finds himself really happy again. That is is until he discovers what is really going on in this house
Now I figured out what was happening way before Ed did, but it didn’t ruin the story for me at all. In fact, it still gave me that sense of dread as he learnt more and more. This is a creepy story, with much emphasis on class, wealth, power and of course greed. I devoured it in an afternoon, just unable to stop reading, I was hooked.
Thank you Ballantine for my early copy of this book to read. Very entertaining and stomach churning at the same time. Published on February 3rd.
Ed is a British man living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife and daughter. After losing his job, he has become addicted to gambling and is in a whole lot of debt and danger. He owes way too much to the Yakuza and they want paying back now. He applies for a high paying job as a private chef to a reclusive billionaire to try to get his debt under control and protect his family. His new boss is a bit out there and has a love of unusual foods, but he finds himself really happy again. That is is until he discovers what is really going on in this house
Now I figured out what was happening way before Ed did, but it didn’t ruin the story for me at all. In fact, it still gave me that sense of dread as he learnt more and more. This is a creepy story, with much emphasis on class, wealth, power and of course greed. I devoured it in an afternoon, just unable to stop reading, I was hooked.
Thank you Ballantine for my early copy of this book to read. Very entertaining and stomach churning at the same time. Published on February 3rd.
October 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Review to come. 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely devoured this one!!
November 25, 2025
Greedy by Callie Kazumi. Thanks to @bantambooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ed has driven his family into massive debt with his gambling addiction. When he takes a new job as a chef to a wealthy elderly socialite, Hazeline, he feels very lucky. Hazeline’s world is one of excess, taste, and experimentation; Ed’s about to find out the depth involved.
I loved Claire Darling so I was very excited for this one. While a lot different, it was just as much of a page turner. The reader is a bit ahead of Ed as we learn the story, which adds a level of dread as we wait for him to catch up. The food descriptions and recipes are interesting, especially as a lot was Japanese cuisine that I was unfamiliar with. I enjoyed the folk lore behind the story, which was a very light touch in the background.
“Is this what true wealth brings? Humans acting as gods in other’s futures.”
Read this book if you like:
-Japanese settings
-Culinary fiction
-Odd and unique plots
-Creepiness factor
-Wealthy people being very bad
Greedy comes out 2/3.
Ed has driven his family into massive debt with his gambling addiction. When he takes a new job as a chef to a wealthy elderly socialite, Hazeline, he feels very lucky. Hazeline’s world is one of excess, taste, and experimentation; Ed’s about to find out the depth involved.
I loved Claire Darling so I was very excited for this one. While a lot different, it was just as much of a page turner. The reader is a bit ahead of Ed as we learn the story, which adds a level of dread as we wait for him to catch up. The food descriptions and recipes are interesting, especially as a lot was Japanese cuisine that I was unfamiliar with. I enjoyed the folk lore behind the story, which was a very light touch in the background.
“Is this what true wealth brings? Humans acting as gods in other’s futures.”
Read this book if you like:
-Japanese settings
-Culinary fiction
-Odd and unique plots
-Creepiness factor
-Wealthy people being very bad
Greedy comes out 2/3.
October 26, 2025
This book was such an exciting read that made you not want to look away. You, of course, know where we’re inevitably going to end up but it’s the little tests throughout that help build to the big finale.
The imagery for some of the moments when food is being devoured, made it really unsettling and actually quite spooky to think about but I just had to keep reading to find out what would be the end result.
Totally recommend giving this one a read because I was gripped from start to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy in exchange for a review.
The imagery for some of the moments when food is being devoured, made it really unsettling and actually quite spooky to think about but I just had to keep reading to find out what would be the end result.
Totally recommend giving this one a read because I was gripped from start to finish.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy in exchange for a review.
December 3, 2025
Once I started this, I had to know how it would end! What a wild story. It's a slow burn horror that creeps up. There's tons of eerie clues along the way that had me wondering "does she?" "Is she?" "Really??!" And then when all is revealed, I was jaw to the floor. This was great.
December 10, 2025
Honestly, if it weren't for my GR feed and seeing updates and reviews from Sidney, Mikey, and Ricarda, this novel wouldn't have been on my radar. But since everyone enjoyed it, the fomo hit me like no other.
I'm happy to say that this was an enjoyable read!
Greedy was deliciously dark. Like, literally with all the dishes being served and the quiet horror and suspense being teased in every chapter. I couldn't stop reading and reacting to every other scene. Half the fun (for me, at least) was trying to figure out if this was more of a horror novel, or maybe a mystery/thriller/suspense. Was this a character study?
The answer: all of the above.
Callie Kazumi really cooked with this one. (Pun definitely intended.) I'm not usually a fan of characters like Ed (white guy goes abroad, gets married, has a mixed baby, you know), but the author managed to lure me in with Ed's promise to himself and his family to shape up and be a better father and husband.
Maybe it's the masochist in me, but I wanted to see if Ed could actually do it or if he'd lapse and take the easy way out. His questionable decisions irked me, yet I still pitied him. It takes a masterful author for me to feel this way for a white man.
I really liked the ending twist. Plus the discussions on Japan-centered topics such as motherhood, parenting, growing up biracial and racism in Japan, and strict societal roles and norms were educational. The author wove these topics into the story really well. I didn't think that I'd like Ed as a character, but he was excellent as an audience surrogate to explore these topics.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for this arc.
I'm happy to say that this was an enjoyable read!
Greedy was deliciously dark. Like, literally with all the dishes being served and the quiet horror and suspense being teased in every chapter. I couldn't stop reading and reacting to every other scene. Half the fun (for me, at least) was trying to figure out if this was more of a horror novel, or maybe a mystery/thriller/suspense. Was this a character study?
The answer: all of the above.
Callie Kazumi really cooked with this one. (Pun definitely intended.) I'm not usually a fan of characters like Ed (white guy goes abroad, gets married, has a mixed baby, you know), but the author managed to lure me in with Ed's promise to himself and his family to shape up and be a better father and husband.
Maybe it's the masochist in me, but I wanted to see if Ed could actually do it or if he'd lapse and take the easy way out. His questionable decisions irked me, yet I still pitied him. It takes a masterful author for me to feel this way for a white man.
I really liked the ending twist. Plus the discussions on Japan-centered topics such as motherhood, parenting, growing up biracial and racism in Japan, and strict societal roles and norms were educational. The author wove these topics into the story really well. I didn't think that I'd like Ed as a character, but he was excellent as an audience surrogate to explore these topics.
Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for this arc.
November 14, 2025
‘Greedy’ is the second book from Kazumi and, like her debut 'Cuckoo', is a repeat serving of thriller with an added generous 2-tbsp dash of horror. Described as 'Parasite' meets 'The Menu', it was a premise I couldn’t wait to eat up.
Ed, originally from just outside London, meets his wife while travelling in Japan. The pair marry and have a young child. Life isn't so over-easy for Ed though, he has been unemployed for a while and has developed a bit of a nasty pachinko machine habit that's left him dangerously indebted to the yakuza. Salvation seems to arrive when he finds work as a private chef for a reclusive billionaire named Hazeline.
Hazeline is where the novel really shines. Through her, Kazumi explores themes of identity, beauty standards and appetite. As a mixed-race woman who never fit the “ideal” of either culture, Hazeline experienced many issues growing up but as an adult is more self-assured and unwilling to deny herself any longer. Now, she wants to enjoy food, fully and unapologetically.
And enjoy it she does. As the blurb hints however, Hazeline has some, shall we say unusual tastes… I found the setup gripping and tense. You’re on eggshells as Ed starts to wonder what’s really on the menu and the slow simmer of dread is deliciously effective. I feel it's worth noting that whilst book doesn’t claim to be you may expect a twisty thriller if you’ve read 'Cuckoo', whereas this is more dark thriller/horror.
The vivid food imagery and Japan influence injected within, skillfully done owing to Kazumi herself being Japanese English, lend the story the atmospheric feel of translated fiction. The ending, too, was immensely chef’s-kiss satisfying and left me feeling full.
Thank you to Century and NetGalley for the ARC.
Ed, originally from just outside London, meets his wife while travelling in Japan. The pair marry and have a young child. Life isn't so over-easy for Ed though, he has been unemployed for a while and has developed a bit of a nasty pachinko machine habit that's left him dangerously indebted to the yakuza. Salvation seems to arrive when he finds work as a private chef for a reclusive billionaire named Hazeline.
Hazeline is where the novel really shines. Through her, Kazumi explores themes of identity, beauty standards and appetite. As a mixed-race woman who never fit the “ideal” of either culture, Hazeline experienced many issues growing up but as an adult is more self-assured and unwilling to deny herself any longer. Now, she wants to enjoy food, fully and unapologetically.
And enjoy it she does. As the blurb hints however, Hazeline has some, shall we say unusual tastes… I found the setup gripping and tense. You’re on eggshells as Ed starts to wonder what’s really on the menu and the slow simmer of dread is deliciously effective. I feel it's worth noting that whilst book doesn’t claim to be you may expect a twisty thriller if you’ve read 'Cuckoo', whereas this is more dark thriller/horror.
The vivid food imagery and Japan influence injected within, skillfully done owing to Kazumi herself being Japanese English, lend the story the atmospheric feel of translated fiction. The ending, too, was immensely chef’s-kiss satisfying and left me feeling full.
Thank you to Century and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 24, 2025
A really enjoyable book. I finished it in a day. I started it while in the middle of another book but read this book exclusively as soon as I started it because I couldn't put it down. It's very gripping. I thought I knew very early on what the twist/mystery was and it bothered me how blind and dumb the main character was about it. It was really a little bit too obvious. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment much, it just made me dislike the main character because of his stupidity. There was a bit of a second twist at the very end that I liked a lot and definitely didn't see coming, but the ending itself was ambiguous and I absolutely hate that. I guess we're supposed to assume something happened but it's not 100% clear and I hate the thought that I'm assuming incorrectly. Or worse, that we're not actually supposed to assume anything and it's left completely up in the air. So other than an annoying ending and an obtuse, oblivious main character, highly recommended.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Cornerstone and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars.
Ed, a British man living in Japan with his wife and daughter, has gambled all their money away and now is at the mercy of the Yakuza.
Jobless, he applies for an advert as a personal chef for a rich, eccentric woman. He cooks up interesting dishes for her, and finds events becoming increasingly sinister.
This was incredibly entertaining. One of those stay up late at night reads. It wasn't subtle, and everyone in this story is very unlikeable, but I had a whale of a time.
4.5 stars.
Ed, a British man living in Japan with his wife and daughter, has gambled all their money away and now is at the mercy of the Yakuza.
Jobless, he applies for an advert as a personal chef for a rich, eccentric woman. He cooks up interesting dishes for her, and finds events becoming increasingly sinister.
This was incredibly entertaining. One of those stay up late at night reads. It wasn't subtle, and everyone in this story is very unlikeable, but I had a whale of a time.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 15, 2025Thank you so much to Random House & Netgalley for allowing me to read an eARC of Greedy in exchange for honest feedback.
Greedy is the first book I've read with this kind of storyline &, maybe it's just not the right time, but I found myself struggling through it & ended up DNF'ing.. Something just didn't click for me.
I definitely appear to be in the minority with my review which is why I think it's just not for me right now, but I'll definitely give it another chance in future to see if I get on a wee bit better with it.
Greedy is the first book I've read with this kind of storyline &, maybe it's just not the right time, but I found myself struggling through it & ended up DNF'ing.. Something just didn't click for me.
I definitely appear to be in the minority with my review which is why I think it's just not for me right now, but I'll definitely give it another chance in future to see if I get on a wee bit better with it.
Want to read
December 16, 2025oooh this one sounds deliciously dark and fun
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 12, 2025
For sure the strangest book I’ve read. Unpalatable (!!) and hard to get into, but weirdly compelling. I can’t say I actually enjoyed it but refused to let it beat me.
September 26, 2025
This book had the perfect mix of thrills, suspense, and moments that made me gasp out loud. I really liked how the book was broken into courses like the reader is eating a meal. Very clever! With themes of wealth, altruism, sacrifice, and loyalty, Ed’s character leads the way on down a very strange path. I was definitely creeped out at some parts which made it all the more enjoyable. This is an easy read that will have you hooked till the last sentence. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
📚Greedy
✍🏻Callie Kazumi
Blurb:
What would you do for a seat at the table? In this deliciously dark thriller set in remote Japan, a desperate gambling addict masquerades as the private chef to a reclusive billionaire with deadly taste—from the twisted mind behind Claire, Darling.
They will kill me soon, Edward Cook thinks. When the Yakuza are unable to collect what he owes, Ed realizes that they'll go after his wife and child next. Broke, desperate, and unemployed, he stumbles upon an unusual Chef wanted! Private chef needed for a high-profile businesswoman. One million yen per day.
Ed accepts the job. He hasn't earned any Michelin stars, but he knows his way around a kitchen. Leaving his life in Tokyo behind, he departs for an opulent estate in the mountains owned by Hazeline Yamamoto, his enigmatic and reclusive benefactor, a disgraced socialite with a predator's smile and exacting palette. Hazeline's world is one of taste, connoisseurship, and experimentation—she is a certified gourmand. But when you can afford filet mignon for every meal, you begin to seek out the strange and forbidden.
The closer Ed gets to Hazeline and a brighter future that she promises—if only he remains loyal—the closer he is to realizing the chilling truth about her altruism. In this shadow world of unimaginable wealth, there are worse monsters than two-bit gangsters. The wind blowing through Hazeline’s home carries the sound of screaming, and Ed finds himself feeding all kinds of beasts.
Perfect for fans of Parasite and The Menu—enticing as a starter, meaty as a main dish, and full of satisfying just-desserts—Greedy is a suspenseful poison-pen note to classism and an ode to Japanese cuisine, a horror-tinged thriller unsuitable for vegetarians but full of shocking delights for every reader.
My Thoughts:
Ed is addicted to gambling and ends up in debt to the Yakuza and they are coming to collect. Ed needs money fast so he takes a risk and applies for a job to become a personal chef for a very secretive celebrity with very peculiar tastes but the money is too good to pass up. What could go wrong? Ed is the most naive person ever because there were way too many warning signs for him to not see what was actually going on. Also, I felt so bad for Ed's wife, she is basically raising their daughter by herself and Ed admits that he isn't a very good father.
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam Publisher and Author Callie Kazumi for the advanced copy of "Greed" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamPublisher
#Greedy
#CallieKazumi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Callie Kazumi
Blurb:
What would you do for a seat at the table? In this deliciously dark thriller set in remote Japan, a desperate gambling addict masquerades as the private chef to a reclusive billionaire with deadly taste—from the twisted mind behind Claire, Darling.
They will kill me soon, Edward Cook thinks. When the Yakuza are unable to collect what he owes, Ed realizes that they'll go after his wife and child next. Broke, desperate, and unemployed, he stumbles upon an unusual Chef wanted! Private chef needed for a high-profile businesswoman. One million yen per day.
Ed accepts the job. He hasn't earned any Michelin stars, but he knows his way around a kitchen. Leaving his life in Tokyo behind, he departs for an opulent estate in the mountains owned by Hazeline Yamamoto, his enigmatic and reclusive benefactor, a disgraced socialite with a predator's smile and exacting palette. Hazeline's world is one of taste, connoisseurship, and experimentation—she is a certified gourmand. But when you can afford filet mignon for every meal, you begin to seek out the strange and forbidden.
The closer Ed gets to Hazeline and a brighter future that she promises—if only he remains loyal—the closer he is to realizing the chilling truth about her altruism. In this shadow world of unimaginable wealth, there are worse monsters than two-bit gangsters. The wind blowing through Hazeline’s home carries the sound of screaming, and Ed finds himself feeding all kinds of beasts.
Perfect for fans of Parasite and The Menu—enticing as a starter, meaty as a main dish, and full of satisfying just-desserts—Greedy is a suspenseful poison-pen note to classism and an ode to Japanese cuisine, a horror-tinged thriller unsuitable for vegetarians but full of shocking delights for every reader.
My Thoughts:
Ed is addicted to gambling and ends up in debt to the Yakuza and they are coming to collect. Ed needs money fast so he takes a risk and applies for a job to become a personal chef for a very secretive celebrity with very peculiar tastes but the money is too good to pass up. What could go wrong? Ed is the most naive person ever because there were way too many warning signs for him to not see what was actually going on. Also, I felt so bad for Ed's wife, she is basically raising their daughter by herself and Ed admits that he isn't a very good father.
Thanks NetGalley, Bantam Publisher and Author Callie Kazumi for the advanced copy of "Greed" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BantamPublisher
#Greedy
#CallieKazumi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greedy is about an English man living in Japan who loses his job and eventually turns to gambling to make himself feel better. After owing a huge debt to the Yakuza, Ed is desperate for a job and is ecstatic to be given the chance to play private chef for an extremely rich and powerful person. He soon starts to realize there is something unsettling about his employer and he might be indebted to someone even worse than the Yakuza…
First off, I thought this was a great commentary on many different issues throughout people’s lives, relationships, and even society. It’s so interesting to read a book set in Japan but the main character is a foreigner. It really gives a different insight into living there and I feel I haven’t seen/read much of that perspective before. It certainly sounds difficult!
There’s many hard conversations throughout about gambling addictions, marital problems, concerns of raising/bonding with a young child. As someone who has a young toddler, I really connected with that part. Especially the part where Ed’s wife, Sayuri, opens up to him about how hard raising a kid is for her too. It really is!
I also really liked Ed’s character development. Going from a struggling gambling addict with no job, to working hard at his job as a chef and learning more techniques and recipes. He even admits to his gambling addiction and attempts to put that behind him so he can give his wife and daughter a better life. There’s some other parts to his character I liked as well but I don’t want to spoil anything!
I don’t think this book was unpredictable, it’s actually pretty predictable, but with the way it was written and how the story unfolded, I really had a good time with this. It was such an interesting read. Made me want to try some new recipes at home. Ed’s boss, Hazeline, also has a pet named Momo and so do I! I loved reading that part. Momo is my little cuddle bug.
Overall, a really solid horror/thriller. I wouldn’t say it’s in your face horror but is very subtle throughout until the climax. There is a subtle sinister undertone to this book until Ed learns the truth that I found fascinating. I think this was a really great novel and anyone who is into food related horror/thriller would enjoy this. Especially if they like to read about social commentary as well.
I give this a 4/5 star rating. Enjoyed my time with this and looking forward to the author’s next work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
First off, I thought this was a great commentary on many different issues throughout people’s lives, relationships, and even society. It’s so interesting to read a book set in Japan but the main character is a foreigner. It really gives a different insight into living there and I feel I haven’t seen/read much of that perspective before. It certainly sounds difficult!
There’s many hard conversations throughout about gambling addictions, marital problems, concerns of raising/bonding with a young child. As someone who has a young toddler, I really connected with that part. Especially the part where Ed’s wife, Sayuri, opens up to him about how hard raising a kid is for her too. It really is!
I also really liked Ed’s character development. Going from a struggling gambling addict with no job, to working hard at his job as a chef and learning more techniques and recipes. He even admits to his gambling addiction and attempts to put that behind him so he can give his wife and daughter a better life. There’s some other parts to his character I liked as well but I don’t want to spoil anything!
I don’t think this book was unpredictable, it’s actually pretty predictable, but with the way it was written and how the story unfolded, I really had a good time with this. It was such an interesting read. Made me want to try some new recipes at home. Ed’s boss, Hazeline, also has a pet named Momo and so do I! I loved reading that part. Momo is my little cuddle bug.
Overall, a really solid horror/thriller. I wouldn’t say it’s in your face horror but is very subtle throughout until the climax. There is a subtle sinister undertone to this book until Ed learns the truth that I found fascinating. I think this was a really great novel and anyone who is into food related horror/thriller would enjoy this. Especially if they like to read about social commentary as well.
I give this a 4/5 star rating. Enjoyed my time with this and looking forward to the author’s next work.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Century for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I do own Callie's previous book, Cuckoo, but haven't got round to reading it yet, but I enjoyed this so much that I'll be moving it up my TBR list.
I loved the balance between Japanese culture and our British protagonist. They are so different in many ways and I found it fascinating to read about their coming together.
I also loved Callie's description of food and eating. I mean, I won't spoil it obviously, but let me just say the culinary aspects aren't always that pleasant to read, but the passion and love for good food is.
What I enjoyed was the character-heavy story. It's light on plot (that's not a negative - I prefer characters over plot), but very detailed on characters, particularly Ed and his new employer Hazeline. The characters aren't always pleasant, in fact some are down right disgusting and horrid, but they were interesting to read.
Ed is gentle and naïve and a bit blind to what is happening, and I think the reader knows where the story is going before he does, so it was interesting to see him work it out.
I will say now that I didn't think any of the characters were likeable. They're very well written and interesting to read about, but they are very unlikeable, in my eyes anyway.
What I thought was very impressive is that considering nothing really happens - it's a progression of weirder meals really - it never feels boring or slow or stagnant. You're still enraptured with the story and didn't even notice that it was quite light on plot.
I don't know what I was expecting but it was a lot more uncomfortable to read than I thought. It's thrilling and disgusting and frightening, but it's this quiet fear, it sneaks up on you and burrows under your skin. It's a thriller, mystery, and horror. It's graphic and gruesome, and bizarrely there's elements, I felt, of a love story, but a healthy one and not necessarily a love story between two people either. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
I would say that whilst it is uncomfortable to read, the majority of it is suggested, hinted at, for the reader to figure out. There are moments of real graphic detail, but mostly it's your imagination, which I often find makes the difficult bits even harder.
There's a twist at the end which I obviously won't spoil, but it appears that myself and every other reviewer I've seen did not see coming at all!
I do own Callie's previous book, Cuckoo, but haven't got round to reading it yet, but I enjoyed this so much that I'll be moving it up my TBR list.
I loved the balance between Japanese culture and our British protagonist. They are so different in many ways and I found it fascinating to read about their coming together.
I also loved Callie's description of food and eating. I mean, I won't spoil it obviously, but let me just say the culinary aspects aren't always that pleasant to read, but the passion and love for good food is.
What I enjoyed was the character-heavy story. It's light on plot (that's not a negative - I prefer characters over plot), but very detailed on characters, particularly Ed and his new employer Hazeline. The characters aren't always pleasant, in fact some are down right disgusting and horrid, but they were interesting to read.
Ed is gentle and naïve and a bit blind to what is happening, and I think the reader knows where the story is going before he does, so it was interesting to see him work it out.
I will say now that I didn't think any of the characters were likeable. They're very well written and interesting to read about, but they are very unlikeable, in my eyes anyway.
What I thought was very impressive is that considering nothing really happens - it's a progression of weirder meals really - it never feels boring or slow or stagnant. You're still enraptured with the story and didn't even notice that it was quite light on plot.
I don't know what I was expecting but it was a lot more uncomfortable to read than I thought. It's thrilling and disgusting and frightening, but it's this quiet fear, it sneaks up on you and burrows under your skin. It's a thriller, mystery, and horror. It's graphic and gruesome, and bizarrely there's elements, I felt, of a love story, but a healthy one and not necessarily a love story between two people either. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
I would say that whilst it is uncomfortable to read, the majority of it is suggested, hinted at, for the reader to figure out. There are moments of real graphic detail, but mostly it's your imagination, which I often find makes the difficult bits even harder.
There's a twist at the end which I obviously won't spoil, but it appears that myself and every other reviewer I've seen did not see coming at all!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book’s a bit different, and I’m not complaining. Edward Cook lives in Tokyo and owes big money to the Yakuza, mafia-style criminals. He lost his job and fears that his family is in danger when he sees a strange job listing. It’s for a private chef and pays one million yen a day. After googling the conversion rate, that comes to about $6,396 a day. Maybe Tokyo pays really well for private chefs, but that seems almost ungodly, even if you’re working for a billionaire. Somehow, he gets this job, with his only prior kitchen experience being a sous chef in an average restaurant. So immediately, the reader knows something is up.
The estate is everything he pictured – breathtaking and secluded with a tiny staff who barely speak to him. And the owner is something else. Her name is Hazeline, and although she’s intimidating and exacting, he manages to ingratiate himself and please her with his cooking. He soon relaxes into his new position, coming and going to Hazeline’s on certain days to cook while catching up on his debts. And then things start getting weird. Strange packages, visitors that vanish shortly after arriving, all leading up to the much-celebrated yearly dinner he will prepare for select clients. Those who have very discerning tastes. Oh yes, it is definitely what you think.
The fun is watching how long it takes Edward to catch on. Which is quite a while longer than you’d expect. The author sprinkles in several moments of hilarity throughout in a kind of wink-wink way. It’s funny because it’s Edward’s point of view telling this story, but the reader is reading into everything he’s not saying that’s going on around him. And just when you’re left reeling at the conclusion, along comes the digestif (epilogue) portion, and it’s just brilliant. You’ll have to give this story a taste and see if it's to your liking! That’s the best pun I could come up with; my apologies. And my thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
The estate is everything he pictured – breathtaking and secluded with a tiny staff who barely speak to him. And the owner is something else. Her name is Hazeline, and although she’s intimidating and exacting, he manages to ingratiate himself and please her with his cooking. He soon relaxes into his new position, coming and going to Hazeline’s on certain days to cook while catching up on his debts. And then things start getting weird. Strange packages, visitors that vanish shortly after arriving, all leading up to the much-celebrated yearly dinner he will prepare for select clients. Those who have very discerning tastes. Oh yes, it is definitely what you think.
The fun is watching how long it takes Edward to catch on. Which is quite a while longer than you’d expect. The author sprinkles in several moments of hilarity throughout in a kind of wink-wink way. It’s funny because it’s Edward’s point of view telling this story, but the reader is reading into everything he’s not saying that’s going on around him. And just when you’re left reeling at the conclusion, along comes the digestif (epilogue) portion, and it’s just brilliant. You’ll have to give this story a taste and see if it's to your liking! That’s the best pun I could come up with; my apologies. And my thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
October 26, 2025
Ed has just lost his job. After moving to Japan, falling in love, and starting his family Ed thinks there’s no way he’ll lose his hospitality job. Once unemployed Ed unfortunately finds himself in a significant amount of debt owed to the Yakuza. After 6 months of applying everywhere an ad quite literally falls into his lap and he finds himself a personal chef to a reclusive former socialite.
When I started this I was glad to see we don’t spend too much time on the set up as it is pretty straight forward. Odd job with too good of pay? What could go wrong! We get our character introductions and setting/backstory fairly quickly and then right into the swing of things. Also the descriptions of foods are mouth wateringly good.
Halfway through and I think we may have lost the plot a bit? The initial threat of the Yakuza was pretty tangible and now it is nonexistent. Also in the first half we’ve really only had once scene where there was any questioning what exactly was going on with Hazeline, because there clearly is something odd about her, yet I would have hoped for a bit more substance at the 50% mark. Though the movement of plot feels minimal I do think this book is paced well. I started reading and looked up and was over halfway through in a single sitting.
Okay final thoughts: that ending does a lot of heavy lifting but GOD its good. I was still confused how we were supposed to root for a main character that is so ignorant but the ending proved that I should have trusted the author more than I initially intended. I think this will do well with a certain crowd. If you liked ‘the eyes are the best part’ you’d probably get on with this.
All in all a very quick read and definitely worth your time, especially if you want to be on the ‘weird girl’ fiction side of literature. Would love to her book club discussions on this one!
Than you as always to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook for my honest review!
When I started this I was glad to see we don’t spend too much time on the set up as it is pretty straight forward. Odd job with too good of pay? What could go wrong! We get our character introductions and setting/backstory fairly quickly and then right into the swing of things. Also the descriptions of foods are mouth wateringly good.
Halfway through and I think we may have lost the plot a bit? The initial threat of the Yakuza was pretty tangible and now it is nonexistent. Also in the first half we’ve really only had once scene where there was any questioning what exactly was going on with Hazeline, because there clearly is something odd about her, yet I would have hoped for a bit more substance at the 50% mark. Though the movement of plot feels minimal I do think this book is paced well. I started reading and looked up and was over halfway through in a single sitting.
Okay final thoughts: that ending does a lot of heavy lifting but GOD its good. I was still confused how we were supposed to root for a main character that is so ignorant but the ending proved that I should have trusted the author more than I initially intended. I think this will do well with a certain crowd. If you liked ‘the eyes are the best part’ you’d probably get on with this.
All in all a very quick read and definitely worth your time, especially if you want to be on the ‘weird girl’ fiction side of literature. Would love to her book club discussions on this one!
Than you as always to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the ebook for my honest review!
October 5, 2025
4 stars
The marketing for this book features *Not Suitable for Vegetarians.* In the same way that I think, "46 minutes, Google Maps?! I'll see your 46 minutes and get there in 42, Sucker!" (a real highstakes game, where I live, BTW), I also thought, "Not suitable for vegetarians? Well, I'm vegan. Watch out!" Challenge accepted. Everyone wins! Everyone who is not a character in this book, at least!
Edward Cook, who also recognizes the irony of his name, is off to try to be a chef. That's a bit of a reach since his previous experience in a kitchen was limited and unpleasant. However, desperate times create wild circumstances in horror novels, and Edward is here for it. After losing his job and finding his love of gambling, he has a currently furious wife, a future disappointed child, and some looming muscle who will get him to pay his debts one way or another. Edward's solution is to get into something that DEFINITELY seems too good to be true, ignore all of the signs warning him away, and jump right in...to a nightmare.
I enjoyed Kazumi's debut, but despite the gross out moments here, I liked this even more. It's a speedy read; I tore through it in one sitting and felt pretty invested. Because of the cover and basic summary, readers will know early what the most horrifying parts are likely to be. However, the journey is really what makes this worth the read. I'll add that for me, the ending really added to my overall appreciation (not the most common scenario in this genre, in my experience).
This book makes me want to say 'Happy Halloween,' 'Bon Appetit!,' and, 'Get on a plant-based diet, already!' all at once.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
The marketing for this book features *Not Suitable for Vegetarians.* In the same way that I think, "46 minutes, Google Maps?! I'll see your 46 minutes and get there in 42, Sucker!" (a real highstakes game, where I live, BTW), I also thought, "Not suitable for vegetarians? Well, I'm vegan. Watch out!" Challenge accepted. Everyone wins! Everyone who is not a character in this book, at least!
Edward Cook, who also recognizes the irony of his name, is off to try to be a chef. That's a bit of a reach since his previous experience in a kitchen was limited and unpleasant. However, desperate times create wild circumstances in horror novels, and Edward is here for it. After losing his job and finding his love of gambling, he has a currently furious wife, a future disappointed child, and some looming muscle who will get him to pay his debts one way or another. Edward's solution is to get into something that DEFINITELY seems too good to be true, ignore all of the signs warning him away, and jump right in...to a nightmare.
I enjoyed Kazumi's debut, but despite the gross out moments here, I liked this even more. It's a speedy read; I tore through it in one sitting and felt pretty invested. Because of the cover and basic summary, readers will know early what the most horrifying parts are likely to be. However, the journey is really what makes this worth the read. I'll add that for me, the ending really added to my overall appreciation (not the most common scenario in this genre, in my experience).
This book makes me want to say 'Happy Halloween,' 'Bon Appetit!,' and, 'Get on a plant-based diet, already!' all at once.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Greedy,” by Callie Kazumi, is about Ed Cook, an unemployed UK national living in Tokyo married to a Japanese wife with whom he has a toddler. After losing his sales job, Ed becomes unemployed and in his despair begins to gamble, falling afoul of the Yakuza, the Japanese “mafia,” when he can’t repay his debt to them. As if by a miracle, he spots an advertisement on his desk at home for a private chef to cook for an unnamed private individual. Although he doesn’t have much experience as a cook, other than as a sous chef in England, he decides to apply for the job and is surprised when he is hired for the position after an interview in which he prepares several meals for his prospective employer over the course of a weekend.
The book was mostly monotonous with long passages describing Ed’s food preparation and cooking. Like Ed, the reader wonders why he was chosen for this somewhat lucrative post considering his lack of experience and meager talents. Unfortunately, the “twist” at the end was easy to discover based on a cursory glance at the book’s early reviews, which revealed the true purpose for which Ed was hired. If I hadn’t discovered the ending ahead of time, I may have been more curious as I read the book, so this may have influenced my lack of appreciation for it. In any event, I had to force myself to finish the book. I would have quit at the 25% mark, but since I had received an ARC, I felt obligated to see the book through to the end. I think the book was a message about what people are willing to do to achieve their dreams, based on the title “Greedy,” and what Ed ultimately chooses to do to get ahead as a chef. However, by the time the message comes across, I was just glad I had finally finished the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
The book was mostly monotonous with long passages describing Ed’s food preparation and cooking. Like Ed, the reader wonders why he was chosen for this somewhat lucrative post considering his lack of experience and meager talents. Unfortunately, the “twist” at the end was easy to discover based on a cursory glance at the book’s early reviews, which revealed the true purpose for which Ed was hired. If I hadn’t discovered the ending ahead of time, I may have been more curious as I read the book, so this may have influenced my lack of appreciation for it. In any event, I had to force myself to finish the book. I would have quit at the 25% mark, but since I had received an ARC, I felt obligated to see the book through to the end. I think the book was a message about what people are willing to do to achieve their dreams, based on the title “Greedy,” and what Ed ultimately chooses to do to get ahead as a chef. However, by the time the message comes across, I was just glad I had finally finished the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for providing me an ARC of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2025
Greedy is a novel about a desperate man who finds himself the private chef to a billionaire with a specific greed. Ed is a British man who now lives in Japan with his Japanese wife and their young daughter. After losing his job, he fell into a pit of gambling that led to massive debts with the yakuza, and no way of paying them off. When he sees a newspaper ad for a private chef job that values discreetness over culinary skill, it seems like the perfect opportunity for Ed to pay off his debts. But the deeper Ed gets into this world, the more it seems like he might've gone out of the frying pan and into the fire.
This is one of those novels where you can guess even from the marketing what the twist will be, but it is all about getting there. The narrative spends a long time building up Ed's mindset and each choice he makes that takes him further down the road to finding out his new employer's secrets, and unless you're someone who hasn't worked out the twist, it does at times feel like Ed is incredibly naive, maybe frustratingly so. If you're looking for a book that focuses more on the "special meat" side of the narrative, this isn't that book, as that is more like the climax to the story and it isn't necessarily explored as much as in other books that have similar themes, but instead it is more about the desperation and greed that people have.
I did like the final additional twist at the end, which brought an extra layer to the narrative that we hadn't seen before, and made one character seem very different to what we had previously seen. Overall, it's a fun book that is very predictable (other than the final twist, which I hadn't predicted), but in the sort of way where you're watching someone's descent with a knowing eye whilst they don't seem to realise.
This is one of those novels where you can guess even from the marketing what the twist will be, but it is all about getting there. The narrative spends a long time building up Ed's mindset and each choice he makes that takes him further down the road to finding out his new employer's secrets, and unless you're someone who hasn't worked out the twist, it does at times feel like Ed is incredibly naive, maybe frustratingly so. If you're looking for a book that focuses more on the "special meat" side of the narrative, this isn't that book, as that is more like the climax to the story and it isn't necessarily explored as much as in other books that have similar themes, but instead it is more about the desperation and greed that people have.
I did like the final additional twist at the end, which brought an extra layer to the narrative that we hadn't seen before, and made one character seem very different to what we had previously seen. Overall, it's a fun book that is very predictable (other than the final twist, which I hadn't predicted), but in the sort of way where you're watching someone's descent with a knowing eye whilst they don't seem to realise.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greedy by Callie Kazumi follows Ed, a man who has managed to get himself into a large amount of debt with the yakuza and if he doesn’t figure something out, his wife and daughter will be in danger. Desperate and out of other options, he applies for a job as a private chef even though he isn’t really that qualified and find himself in a world of secrets with this elusive potential employer.
I really enjoyed my time reading this one. It was dark and twisty but I wouldn’t say it was surprising. I think most people will be able to kind of guess where the story is going to go but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. There is something about following an oblivious protagonist as they make terrible decision after terrible decision that makes you want to keep reading if only to find out when that lightbulb eventually turns on and they realize they may be in over their head.
I loved the side characters. I feel like they added a lot to Ed’s character while also feeling unique. The descriptions of food were a really interesting tool to separate the “morality” of the characters. The seemingly more morally gray characters don’t seem to have an issue eating things that seem a little more on the adventurous side while Ed sticks to more “normal” dishes.
I think this novel dives into some philosophical questions without making it feel like it is being heavy handed and it allows the reader to think long after turning the last page.
I think this would be a great book club book because I think there are things that would lend well to discussions. I feel like this is a book I could recommend to my audience as well.
I really enjoyed my time reading this one. It was dark and twisty but I wouldn’t say it was surprising. I think most people will be able to kind of guess where the story is going to go but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. There is something about following an oblivious protagonist as they make terrible decision after terrible decision that makes you want to keep reading if only to find out when that lightbulb eventually turns on and they realize they may be in over their head.
I loved the side characters. I feel like they added a lot to Ed’s character while also feeling unique. The descriptions of food were a really interesting tool to separate the “morality” of the characters. The seemingly more morally gray characters don’t seem to have an issue eating things that seem a little more on the adventurous side while Ed sticks to more “normal” dishes.
I think this novel dives into some philosophical questions without making it feel like it is being heavy handed and it allows the reader to think long after turning the last page.
I think this would be a great book club book because I think there are things that would lend well to discussions. I feel like this is a book I could recommend to my audience as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Greedy by Callie Kazumi is a dark, incisive, and unforgettable read. This was my first book by Kazumi, and I’m so grateful to have received an advanced copy through NetGalley because it immediately made me want to explore everything else she’s written. The story carries subtle echoes of Tender Is the Flesh, another favorite of mine, especially in its exploration of consumption, power, and the endless hunger of the elite. Kazumi captures the idea of “the rich” always wanting more with a sharpness that’s both unsettling and addictive. The character development and the intricacies of the relationships are where this book truly shines. The dynamic between Ed and his wife is brilliantly crafted; the twist at the end reframes their entire marriage and reveals just how much control she had over the situation all along. It’s the kind of reveal that makes you rethink everything you assumed. I was also fascinated by the relationship between Roderick and Hazeline, especially as Hazeline’s charity work comes into focus. She genuinely believes she’s helping the children, and that sincerity makes her arc even more heartbreaking as the truth of the world around her becomes clearer. Her good intentions collide with the darker realities of the system she’s part of, adding a rich emotional layer to the story. Kazumi’s commentary on privilege, desire, and the grotesque appetites of the wealthy is biting without ever feeling heavy‑handed. Every character feels intentionally flawed, human, and deeply compelling. If you love unsettling fiction with sharp social commentary and complex, layered relationships, Greedy is absolutely worth picking up. #netgalley #greedy
November 5, 2025
I can highly recommend Greedy (kindle edition) a dark thriller by Callie Kazumi. This is my second novel by Callie Kazumi which I have enjoyed. Her first debut novel is called Cuckoo which was excellent.
Ed moved from the UK to Tokyo as he was bored and wanted some excitement in his life. He married Sayuri who teaches him Japanese and also how to cook some Japanese dishes and they have a baby daughter Kaori. To the Japenese Ed is known as Gaijin/ foreigner or outsider.
Eight years later Ed has been let go by a hospitality company and he ends up gambling all his money on pinball machines/pachninko in Japenese and the bills pile high and eviction is on the cards.
Ed resorts to obtaining a loan with added interest from a Japanese criminal gang as he sinks deeper into debt with his addiction to gambling.
One day Sayuri his wife shows him an ad in a newspaper advertising for a private chef to a billionaire called Hazeline who invites elite guests to her affluent abode who have exotic tastes in meat with no expense spared Ed preps on demand.
Hazeline likes to have control over her employees including Ed and he will have to concede to her demands in order to have all his debts wiped out.
This thriller is not for the faint hearted so vegans and vegetarians beware as Ed concocts a range of unusual meats to be devoured by Hazeline and her distinguished guests. It explores bloodlust, morality, poverty and greed in more ways than one.
Will Ed be greedy and stay the course or will he untie the ubilical cord which Hazeline has tightly wound around Ed.
Ed moved from the UK to Tokyo as he was bored and wanted some excitement in his life. He married Sayuri who teaches him Japanese and also how to cook some Japanese dishes and they have a baby daughter Kaori. To the Japenese Ed is known as Gaijin/ foreigner or outsider.
Eight years later Ed has been let go by a hospitality company and he ends up gambling all his money on pinball machines/pachninko in Japenese and the bills pile high and eviction is on the cards.
Ed resorts to obtaining a loan with added interest from a Japanese criminal gang as he sinks deeper into debt with his addiction to gambling.
One day Sayuri his wife shows him an ad in a newspaper advertising for a private chef to a billionaire called Hazeline who invites elite guests to her affluent abode who have exotic tastes in meat with no expense spared Ed preps on demand.
Hazeline likes to have control over her employees including Ed and he will have to concede to her demands in order to have all his debts wiped out.
This thriller is not for the faint hearted so vegans and vegetarians beware as Ed concocts a range of unusual meats to be devoured by Hazeline and her distinguished guests. It explores bloodlust, morality, poverty and greed in more ways than one.
Will Ed be greedy and stay the course or will he untie the ubilical cord which Hazeline has tightly wound around Ed.
December 21, 2025
When the cover says that this is not suitable for vegetarians, believe them. I read some questionable books that probably have me in some government database, but Greedy disturbed even me. Now, my one and only trigger is animal suffering of any kind (even a dog stuck in the rain for 3 minutes makes me choke up) and I knew that this one may push my buttons. After all, it is about food and most people see animals as just that. The problem is that by the time that type of content started, I was irredeemably invested in Ed’s story. It is dark, disturbing and almost unbearable. Not only the actual physical violence, but the psychological suspense. The plot reminded me a little of Sunset Boulevard, if Norma Desmond was even crazier and Joe a tad more desperate. Both are set in mansions (Greedy’s is minimalistic, but just as dark), they feature a Germanic butler weirdly devoted to the lady of the house, and there isn’t much joy to be had. Ed has a patient wife and a little daughter, and they are the reason he gets in too deep, but also why he’s trying to climb out. The characters are complex and their relationships and dialogues very well written. The plot is excellent. I knew where this was going (I read a similar novella earlier this year), but it didn’t detract from the suspense. The final twist was completely unexpected. I can’t say I had a great time reading this, but I couldn’t put it down. Chef kiss!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Ballantine | Bantam.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Ballantine | Bantam.
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