Greedy

by Callie Kazumi

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.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Japan, Adult

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Ricarda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greedy is a book that really captured my attention at the very beginning! It is a suspenseful thriller and horror book that definitely stands out as a one of a kind! It is about a man named Ed that lives in Japan, who ends up getting a job as a private chef for a billionaire. As things aren’t always as they seem, he begins to learn this billionaire’s taste could be lethal. Ed comes face to face (as many people do) to keep a job that really should not be kept or leave it and go back to being broke. This book definitely explores themes of security, the forbidden, greed and appetite, and identity. This novel made me feel tense, emotional and shocked.

Overall, this book came with an original and compelling story. I did see the twists coming in the book. However, I still really enjoyed reading it! This book is dark, adventurous, and full of mystery! I was fully engaged until the very end, while reading this. It had clever plotting, strong character development and a diverse cast of characters. The strengths in this book was the delicious atmosphere, the menu, the characters and the writing!

I think if you like books that are about food, along with forbidden meals and a unique experience, you would really enjoy reading this book! It gave me the book “Girl Dinner” by Olivie Blake vibes! I give this book a high 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Callie Kazumi and Ballantine | Bantam for this great eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be released on February 3, 2026!

[Jayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

➡️ Was I too needy for "Greedy"????

(I think so!)

TWs: This book is not for vegans!

The book's premise was compelling:
A desperate, indebted gambler lands a too-good-to-be-true private chef job with a reclusive "bat shXt crazy" businesswoman who boasts a fastidious and socially unacceptable palate.

In the book's early chapters, I especially enjoyed the male protagonist's "fake it until you make it" attitude.

➡️ WHY THIS BOOK DID NOT WORK FOR ME:
One of the book's twists was repulsive and crossed the line.

Was the author trying to shock readers? If so, she succeeded in shocking/horrifying this passionate vegan.

➡️ MY NEEDS?
I dislike twists that exist just to be gross or shocking, especially when they don’t grow logically out of the characters or story.

Instead of deepening the themes of greed, power, and exploitation, that objectionable "shock" twist negatively impacted the book's messaging.

The book's final, final twist was clever (and unpredictable!) and elevated my star rating.

I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Ami Okumura Jones.

[Dutchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[SinsandScares · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Greedy had a premise I was immediately drawn to. A desperate man taking a job as a personal chef for a wealthy, eccentric employer with dark and exotic tastes is very much my kind of vibe. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, especially the isolation, the excess, and the quiet sense of unease surrounding Hazeline and her estate.

The comparison to The Menu works well, except this time the chef is the one experiencing the horror instead of controlling it. I am not familiar with Parasite, but the class divide and power imbalance were well done. That said, I did feel like I knew where this story was heading pretty early on. Hazeline’s secrets weren’t especially subtle, which took away some of the tension and made the slow burn feel less effective than it could have been.

I also wish Ed’s gambling addiction had stayed more present throughout the story. It works as a strong catalyst for his desperation, but once he begins working for Hazeline, it mostly fades into the background until it becomes convenient for the plot. I would have loved to see it remain an ongoing struggle or temptation rather than something that disappears for long stretches.

One thing that didn’t quite work for me was the portrayal of Americans. Considering the nuance shown when discussing racism within Japanese culture, the stereotypical depiction of Americans as big, loud, and dumb felt a bit disappointing and uneven by comparison.

There is a small twist near the end that genuinely surprised me and helped leave me on a stronger note. Overall, while Greedy didn’t fully reach its potential for me, I still found it to be an enjoyable, unsettling read with a concept that kept me engaged.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam Books for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dona's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

Pre-Read Notes:

The cover art includes a banner that says, "Not Suitable for Vegetarians" and being a vegetarian who never listens, I decided this book was challenging me to a duel.

"He is not a monster. He is a man of addiction, and his addiction has cost him." p16

Final Review

(thoughts & recs) Honestly, the climax of this one is painfully predictable. So much so that I had rejected it as a red herring. I wanted something fresh and creative, but found just another in a pile of stories relying on the same trope (which I can't really identify without spoiling, sorry). But the denouement? Better. And up until the big reveal, I was hooked!

This kind of horror story is having its era, so I'm not that surprised that GREEDY felt a bit done-before. I really enjoyed the character arc for the mmc, including the revelations in the denouement. For me, that was where the book came together.

My 3 Favorite Things:

✔️ "He is not a monster. He is a man of addiction, and his addiction has cost him." p16 This is one brilliant way to call out stigma and I freaking love it.

✔️ "The roof is a classic Japanese style and extends out past the exterior walls, probably to avoid the building becoming a human oven, and to offer some shade and respite during the summer months." p26 Sometimes the phrasing is off, like "human oven"--not sure if it's the writing or the translation, but "human oven" is perplexing.

✔️ The story turn at the two thirds mark was not even on my radar!

✔️ Holy crap, I just love the weird random things I learn from reading fiction! "As it turned out, KFC had invested a huge amount of money into advertising in the seventies, positioning themselves as the must-have for a western-style Christmas dinner. The slogan was “Kentucky for Christmas!” The Japanese, not knowing any better, had fallen for it, and suddenly KFC was the trendiest thing to enjoy come December 25th." p214

Content Notes: meat, meat-eating, animal death, butchery, cruelty to animals, child trafficking, institutional misogyny and classism, "special meat" (what could that be?)

Thank you to Callie Kazumi, Bantam Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of GREEDY. All views are mine.

[CarlysGrowingTBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

greedy was an interesting audiobook that I picked up on a whim. I already knew it has themes of cannibalism and was a interesting horror book. So I kind of knew what to expect going in and it did deliver for the most part.

This book had a sense of dread and mystery that slowly crept up on me as I was reading. I found myself becoming more disturbed with the situation and the people surrounding Ed as time went on. Ed did strike me as kind of whiny and was a little hard to root for sometimes because he just came across as so unbelievably selfish. Although (I won't be giving any spoilers here) at the end I did feel slightly sorry for him and if you read this, you'll realize why. I just couldn't get behind his reasoning for his gambling addiction and overall sense of failure. What parent doesn't feel that way? What person in a relationship doesn't have doubts at times? I felt like it was a very shallow reason to explain away his selfishness.

I was a little unsure of a female narrator to do the audiobook for a novel that has full male perspective. But honestly, the narration was done so unbelievably well that I didn't even notice that it was a female narrating a male perspective. I also felt like this narrow reader really gave a very sinister voice to Hazeldine. (I read this as an audiobook completely so I have no idea what I'm spelling that correctly) I honestly feel like Ed's mysterious and slightly sinister employer stole the entire show of the book.

Overall, this was an interesting read that I'm glad I picked up on a whim and I would be interested to read more by this offer in the future.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

First off let me say that to me I love a good structured book. "Greedy" is divided into courses rather than traditional sections aperitif, main course, and so on which immediately sets the tone and mirrors the story’s obsession with consumption, excess, and appetite in all its forms. YUMMY!

We follow Ed Cook (what a punny name), an expat living in Tokyo with his wife and young daughter. He’s unemployed, deep in gambling debt, and desperate enough to say yes to a suspiciously well paying job as a private chef. From there, things escalate in ways that are unsettling without tipping into try hard shock.

What really worked for me was the writing itself. The characters feel human and grounded, even when the situations turn gross or disturbing. Kazumi blends interior narration with sensory detail in a way that feels natural and unforced. Nothing is padded for effect and nothing is gratuitous just to be edgy, which I appreciated. The discomfort serves the story rather than competing with it.

I loved how there were a lot of supporting characters in this story too. They were close enough to our mains that they felt relevant and played a role in the story as a whole, but yet didn't take away from the main focus. I guess you could say these other characters almost had just as much meaning as our mains.

Loved this book, and would highly reccomend to others who love this genre. Can't wait to read more of Callie's works!

ARC disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for the advance copy. This review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.

[Nina The Wandering Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cheers to our culinary sins.”

Did I devour this audiobook in less than 24hrs? Yes, yes I did.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely devoured this one!!

Greedy is a dark literary thriller that explores hunger in all its forms (for food, money, power, and control), and I could genuinely not put the book down!
It left me feeling both satisfied and deeply unsettled, which honestly feels like exactly what the author intended.

The story follows Ed, a man spiralling under a massive gambling debt whose desperation is palpable from the first page. When he sees a job offer as a private chef for a billionaire with "unusual tastes" with a massive payout, he sees his only way out. The tension lies not within whether something is wrong but rather how long it takes Ed to fully grasp what he's agreed on and how far he's willing to go for his family.

obviously, food is central here, though not in a comforting way. The descriptions are rich (mouthwatering even), yet something always seems to be slightly off. Each dish feels deliberate, and with every chapter, the tension just keeps building, making it impossible to put the book down.

i also applaud how Greedy explored consumption, wealth, and class without ever losing momentum. It remains sharp, unsettling, and ridiculously easy to devour. The characters are messy and unlikable, but that only adds to it. It's not a story about good people making bad choices, after all.

This won't be for everyone, but if you enjoy dark, unsettling stories with food as the main theme, this is absolutely worth your time. Just make sure you're not a vegetarian...

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Bantam via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~~~

I loved this one. The writing was addictive and the story was captivating. We follow Ed Cook, a British man living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife and daughter. He’s unemployed and seeking ways to pay off his debts, fueled by his gambling addiction. This part of the story gave me Season 1 Squid Games vibes. Anyways, one day he sees an ad in the newspaper for an almost too-good-to-be-true well paying job as a private chef for a mystery employer. Out of desperation he applies for the position and things get weird from there on (it’s best to go into the book blind, so leaving it at that).

The writing is very descriptive and engaging. There’s a good twist at the end that was executed well. The suspense had me turning pages all the way till the end. There’s also a lot of themes & social commentary on wealth, privilege, identity, and classism. I would read anything from this author after reading this one.

[Holden Wunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read!!

I saw someone else post about how excited they were to read this and it immediately sold me. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but like I’ve said in previous reviews, it’s cannibalism season! There are a lot of cannibal books lately and they won’t be stopping anytime soon, but this was a really *fresh* take on the genre- pun intended.

A gambling addicted husband takes a job that seems too good to be true and it’s hinted throughout, when big shock, it is. I’m not sure how but Kazumi almost had me agreeing with the antagonists in this book. Not necessarily their logic but just the way everything was phrased, it felt like no big deal.

The ending was my absolute favourite. I was in complete shock and awe and was truly so unbelievably happy about it.

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

This was a thoroughly entertaining read that made me hungry in some parts and decidedly not hungry in others. Ed, our main character, is in debt to the Yakuza and is a fairly pathetic figure. Desperate to repay what he owes and make his wife proud of him again, he’ll take any job he can get. In some ways, this book reminded me of the film No Other Choice, as both protagonists find themselves unemployed and struggling. The key difference is that Ed ends up working for a dangerous woman and is very quickly in over his head.

As the title suggests, greed plays a major role. Every character is driven by it in one way or another. The reveal was fairly predictable and it definitely took Ed longer than it should have to piece things together. Still, even knowing where it was headed, I was invested in seeing how everything would unfold. The ending is ambiguous, which ultimately works for the story, even if I usually prefer more concrete conclusions. Overall, this is a well-written, gripping thriller. Predictable, yes, but an entertaining ride nonetheless.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[HeatherH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be honest here and admit that I applied for the audio ARC on NetGalley based solely on the cover, going into it blindly. What a wild ride it was! I figured out most of what was happening fairly early, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. The writing style and narration were phenomenal, engaging from page one. The thing that made this scariest, is the feasibility of it. Especially on the tail of the recent Epstein file releases and accusations made within. I was disturbed and fascinated until the very end. And the twist at the end had me gasping!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to listen.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the foodie horror/thriller lovers. This book serves a main course of oblivious and dense white male, with a side of feminine rage, and of course some just-desserts. I swear, Ed was willfully ignorant. I knew what was going on 90% faster than he did. Perfect for fans of both: Butter by Yuzuki and Fresh (2022).

Margaret Atwood once wrote, last year I abstained, this year I devour without guilt. That is my mantra for my remaining years. My manifestation, so to speak.”

This was published yesterday!! Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the eARC!

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to PRH Audio for my #gifted copy.

GREEDY is one of those stories that might not be for everyone, but I really liked it. I can honestly say that listening to it on audiobook was the way to go for me. I thought the story was unique and is one I won’t stop talking about. The ending was such a surprise! Bravo to the author for coming up with something different. I also loved her first novel, CLAIRE DARLING. If you haven’t read that one, I recommend it too.

[carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bon Appetit!

When I finished this book, I was speechless. Rarely do I finish a book and have no further things to say! I wasn't sure what I expected from a horror-food-centric plot but I found myself 'craving' for more.

There isn't much I have to say that won't give the plot away - but you will absolutely enjoy this if you like a dark, suspenseful thriller (especially if you liked Parasite).

Thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and Callie Kazumi for the advanced copy.

[Karli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things that I liked:

*Super interesting take on cannablism in my opinion. Its a sub genre I love but I'm usually reading it from the cannibals POV so being in the head of a man who was innocent and essentially forced to participate felt like a fresh take.

*I thought the explorations of Greed and the multiple different avenues it was explored was done very well. I loved the use of Yazuka and how Ed became further dependant on Hazeline. Made a very realistic scenario of how someone could get in this horrifying situation.

*I've been to Japan and it's cuisine is one of my favourites. So all the discussion of delicious Japanese food made me hungry for real.

*I enjoyed the discussions on being an immigrant and the challenges that come with that, espeically when you now have a child who is two separate cultures. Given that the author is British-Japenese this was clearly a personal part of the book for her and she did a good job exploring it.

-The devouring scene in bed ... probably the best part of the whole book.

-The very last chapter. While I wouldn't consider this the ending, I will say I very much enjoyed the inclusion of this.

Things that didn't work for me:

-Ed was a simple man ... with simple man thoughts. There was some character development, I won't deny that, but I also feel like who was he? Greedy at times obviously but I'm just not sure what else to say about his personality. He seemed kinda bland.

-A huge chunk of the book it hints that Ed knew deep down what was going on or at the very least he was highly suspicious of Hazeline. The whole "it came from Mississippi" scene where he was about to pass out when she said that it seemed like he had figured ut out. But then when the truth comes out he suddenly plays completely dumb and acts like it never crossed his mind. And if he didn't know then come on Ed! Hazeline's like "ooh the Aztecs did it right eating people! Oh this bracelets? Its from this cannibal tribe, oh thats just my 'special meat.' Other staff members are like 'its not to late to get out'. And Ed's over here with his head in the sand.

-The devouring scene felt a bit like a tease if I'm being honest. I thought there was going to be more feral scenes because of it.

-The second to last chapter, the 'offical end' was not my favourite. Not because I didnt like what unfolded, I actually really did but I did not overall enjoy the ambigious ending. I usually do but this one kind of just felt almost like she just didnt know how to wrap it all up.

[ohna · Rating 4 out of 5]

with all the things all those billionaires have been doing on that island this can be categorised as non fiction

[Kenzie Leckie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Simone McCue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in a chokehold from the first few chapters — and it never loosened its grip.

Greedy is intense in the best way. The tension builds steadily, layering emotion, desire, and conflict until you’re completely invested. The chemistry feels charged and deliberate — not rushed, not surface-level, but simmering in a way that makes every interaction feel loaded.

What really stood out to me was the pacing. There’s no dragging middle, no filler — every chapter adds something. Whether it’s escalating stakes, deepening dynamics, or revealing vulnerabilities, it constantly gives you a reason to keep turning the page. I genuinely didn’t want to put it down because it always felt like something was about to happen.

Emotionally, it walks that fine line between messy and magnetic. The characters aren’t perfect — they’re complicated, flawed, and driven by desire in ways that feel raw and human. That intensity is what makes the story addictive. You’re not just watching things unfold — you’re feeling them.

This was a five-star read for how completely it consumed me. It’s bold, immersive, and unapologetically dramatic. The kind of book you think about when you’re not reading it — and rush back to the moment you can.

[Marie Aitchison · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Mayar Mahdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, some good fu**ing food.

It has the same vibes as Butter, but with its own plot and style. Divoured it in a day and enjoyed every minute

[Katarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

batshit crazy and absolutely deranged. safe to say i loved it.

[Ratika Khandoker · Rating 3 out of 5]

এপস্টেইন এর ক্যানিবালিজম সংক্রান্ত কার্যকলাপের জাপানিজ ভার্সন আর কি।
বেশ ইন্টারেস্টিং।

[Zana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.