Hooked A Novel of Obsession

"Translated with crackling verve by Polly Barton, the unrolling suspense [of Hooked] compels, as does the deep dive into both characters and their motives." - The Guardian

"[A] propulsive tale." - NPR

"Mutual fascination gives way to obsession. . . in this novel, translated from the Japanese by Polly Barton." - The New York Times ("Novels Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026")

"Yuzuki's first translated novel, Butter was a delicious literary feat about the complex entanglement of a female journalist and the alleged female serial killer she is writing about and her second translated novel - about female friendship and obsession - promises to be just as engaging" - Forbes ("Weird Girl Lit to Add to Your 2026 TBR")

"The author of the international sensation Butter returns with another razor-edged story about women, appetite, and what we'll do to feel chosen. Hooked pairs two opposites in modern Japan: Eriko, a lonely high achiever with a spotless life, and Shoko, a lifestyle blogger selling cozy chaos. When Eriko engineers a 'chance' friendship, admiration curdles into fixation and both lives start to slide off course. Safe to say, we're already hooked" - Oprah Daily ("31 Most Anticipated Books of 2026")

"Admiration of course devolves into obsession in this tightly wound piece of work... [Hooked] packs a punch." - Cultured ("13 Books Our Editors Can't Wait to Read This Season")

"A hypnotic exploration of the fine line between perception and delusion, and the devastation when a friendship combusts." - BookPage