The Kamogawa Food Detectives: The Heartwarming Japanese Bestseller: 1 (The Kamogawa Food Detectives, 1)

The Kamogawa Food Detectives is a wonderful feel good book that is as much about people and memories as it is about food. Translated by Jesse Kirkwood it keeps the enchantment of the original while allowing access to a wider audience. The Kamogawa Food Detectives are located down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner offers extravagant meals but that is not the main reason people stop back. The father-daughter duo are advertising as food detectives. Through thorough investigation they are capable of recreating a dish from a customers’ past. Dishes that might hold keys to unlockings forgotten memories and future happiness. A host of characters visit the diner from someone looking for a first love’s beef stew to a widower looking for a specific noodle dish that their wife would cook. The restaurant finds a way to link the past and present and perhaps help patrons find a happier future.I have to agree with the recommendation that fans of Before the Coffee Gets Cold will enjoy this novel. It is beautiful in its general simplicity but has such a unique storyline as well. I really hope the other novels in the series are translated. Not only are the descriptions of the meals and recipes beautifully brought to life but so too are the visitors to the café. Each one is unique and gives an insight into their life. The characters are very human in their wants and desires and of course missed chances.Each chapter focuses on a certain dish and patron and while I will not go into too much detail to avoid spoilers I think each one draws on a certain aspect of human life and human condition. The writing is easy to follow and engage with. If you enjoy novels like Before the Coffee Gets cold series you are sure to love this one as well.

This is basically 6 stories over 6 chapters. All of which are almost identical in structure but with different characters and foods. Made me drool when the dishes were described and I fell for the father and daughter and some of the clients. A good read but it is translated into English and so language can seem clunky at times, but it is relaxing and calming to read when you tune into it.

I have just finished this lovely book and what can I say . Wonderful cozy read the stories are great and the characters well rounded . If you like a gentle story you will love this . Plus lots of Japanese food stories which are brilliant

I can't quite see the point of this story. Pleasant? Yes. Inoffensive? Yes. Harmless? Yes.But it's not pushing the Cosy Read genre to new boundaries.The conceit is a chef who roots out recipes and meals from long ago in a person's life. And the discovery from vague clues is done within 2 weeks.A cosy detective story with a difference.Some of the recipes / meals were incomprehensible to me; others seemed quite tasty.Nicely written. No sex, violence or badlanguage. (Hence the 3*.)I think my problem is that, for me, the main characters actually do not have any life to them. They are faceless. They are barely discernable characters.Not gripping. I doubt that I will buy book 2 in the series.

Reading this makes you hungry. The cosy descriptions have you whisked away to Japan as you explore the culinary delights and investigative tales of each chapter.

Definitely read this if you're into Japanese food, there's a lot of luscious detail on specific dishes, as well as gentle detective work to dig up dishes that evoke childhood nostalgia for the customers.

I really liked this book and how each chapter is a self contained story. I could settle for half an hour and read a tale from start to finish which was very satisfying.

Enjoyed reading this book !

This was my first foray into Japanese literature, and it surely won't be my last!This is a tender and cozy story about reconnecting with the past and allowing yourself to move forward at the same time. All while being centered around delicious food. I LOVE books about food and how often it leads to fond memories with family and friends.The beautiful yet simple writing style really compliments the setting. The Kamogawa diner, from the outside, looks abandoned, but inside, you will find much more than a good meal.I can't wait to read the next one!

A heartwarming read that leaves you feeling like you just had a meal at the Kamogawa restaurant.

Enjoyable book, love the way it's written and would recommend.

A beautiful collection of mouth watering dishes and nostalgia.

This is a sweet little book that I read when my husband and grandson decided to go to Japan. It would be great for anyone but especially a young adult interested in traveling and other cultures.As an American, I am used to food being a much different thing than the Japanese. I became much more thoughtful about the meaning and composition of what we eat. And the importance of food memories.