A review of The Kamogawa Food Detectives
by
Hisashi
Kashiwai
This quiet series of bestselling books translated from the Japanese provide comfort and closure through food. Set in an unobtrusive diner in Kyoto, the Kamogawa Detective Agency attracts a wide variety of customers who have read and deciphered a mysterious ad in "Gourmet Monthly" or have heard of the wonders of the diner through word of mouth. Mr. Negare Kamogawa is the chef and "detective" of the establishment and his daughter, Koishi, runs the business side of things. Their clients have one thing in common: they are looking for dishes from their past.
The first book in the series, The Kamogawa Food Detectives, introduces the reader to the concept behind the diner and detective agency. After a delicious "new customer" meal and consultation, Chef Negare sets to work to recreate dishes that customers have loved and lost. The clients return after a fortnight and indulge in a feast of epic proportions, both in taste and memory.
Bittersweet, hopeful, and utterly mouthwatering, each chapter is designed to represent a specific dish. The second book in the series, The Restaurant of Lost Recipes, follows the same successful pattern of clients from varying backgrounds requesting lost dishes. Some of the dishes include mackerel sushi, Napolitan spaghetti, beef stew, ramen, nabeyaki udon, nori ben, and a Christmas cake. The descriptions of the food, the preparations, dishware, and setting are meticulous, and the reasons the clients have for requesting the dishes will tug at your heartstrings.
A third installment in the series, Menu of Happiness, is coming soon. It's due to be published in October 2025.