The thrilling new novel of friendship and dangerous obsession from Asako Yuzuki, the award-winning author of the global sensation Butter. Eriko really wouldn’t mind being savaged, if it was her best friend doing the savaging Eriko’s life appears perfect devoted parents, pristine apartment and a high-flying job in the seafood division of one of Japan’s largest trading companies. Her latest project, to reintroduce the controversial Nile perch fish into the Japanese market, is characteristically ambitious.

But beneath her flawless surface she is wracked by loneliness. Eriko becomes fascinated with a popular blog written by a housewife, Shoko. Shokos posts about convenience-store food and her messy home are the opposite of the typical manicured housewife.

When Eriko tracks Shoko down at her favourite restaurant, Shoko is at first charmed by her new companion. But soon Eriko’s obsession with Shoko begins to spiral out of control. How far will she go to hold on to the best friend shes ever had? Beautifully translated by Polly Barton, Hooked is a delicious exploration of food, loneliness and womanhood in contemporary Japan.

Format: Paperback
Published: 2026
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Pages: 400
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0008753830
ISBN 13: 9780008753832