First off, what a great title. The title itself may be intriguing enough to pick it up -- "What are you reading right now?" "People Who Eat Darkness." "Woah." Yes, the sentence gives off a chill, and it should, given the subject matter.

I vaguely remembered the Lucie Blackman case from over ten years ago, but definitely did not know the details. Richard Lloyd Parry really delves not only into the case, but the Blackman family, the accused rapist/murderer, and any and all people with insight. It's a truly fascinating look at several things: a brutal and mysterious crime, the effect of that crime on a family in grief, and Japanese culture.

I learned a lot about Japan -- I'd visited years ago and recognized some of what Parry described, but he details more than I could never understand with just a visit. There are so many frightening revelations in this book, and also sad. It's completely engrossing and well-written. I think it was best that I didn't know any details of this specific case, because I was surprised by many things; I felt sadness and anger throughout.

Recommended to anybody fascinated by Japan and true crime.