Kirjahaku

The Maid meets Knives Out with a dash of Top Chef in the debut locked room culinary mystery set in a London cooking school by MasterChef semi-finalist and cookbook writer Orlando Murrin. "Some people are natural dancers, others marvelous in bed, but--not wishing to boast--I'm good with a knife. Most chefs are." The Chester Square Cookery School in the heart of London offers students a refined setting in which to master the fine art of choux pastry and hone their hollandaise. True, the ornate mansion doesn't quite sparkle the way it used to--a feeling chef Paul Delamare is familiar with these days. Worn out and newly broke, he'd be tempted to turn down the request to fill in as teacher for a week-long residential course, if anyone other than Christian Wagner were asking. Christian is one of Paul's oldest friends, as well as the former recipient of two Michelin stars and host of Pass the Gravy Thanks to a broken arm, he's unable to teach the upcoming session himself, and recruits Paul as stand-in. The students are a motley crew, most of whom seem more interested in ogling the surroundings (including handsome Christian) than learning the best ways to temper chocolate. Yet despite his misgivings, Paul starts to enjoy imparting his extensive knowledge to the recruits--until someone turns up dead, murdered with a cleaver Paul used earlier that day to prep a pair of squabs. Did one of his students take the lesson on knife techniques too much to heart, or was this the result of a long-simmering grudge? In between clearing his own name and teaching his class how to perfectly poach a chicken, he'll have to figure out who's the killer, and avoid being the next one to get butchered . . .

*SHORTLISTED FOR THE VAL McDERMID DEBUT AWARD 2024*Richard Osman meets MasterChef. In this cookery school, murder is on the menu...'If Agatha Christie were to go on Masterchef, this novel would be the result.' Clare Pooley‘A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery.’ Chris WhitakerA recipe for disaster.When chef Paul Delamare takes a job teaching at an exclusive residential cookery school in Belgravia, the only thing he expects his students to murder is his taste buds. But on the first night, the unthinkable happens: someone turns up dead...The school rests on a knife-edge.The police are convinced Paul is the culprit. After all, he’s good with a blade, was first on the scene – and everyone knows it doesn’t take much to push a chef over the edge. To prove his innocence, he must find the killer. Could it be one of his students? Or the owner of the school – a woman with secrets and a murky past?It all boils down to murder.If Paul can’t solve the mystery fast – as well as teach his students how to make a perfect hollandaise sauce – he’ll be next to get the chop.Readers love Knife Skills for Beginners!‘The perfect blend of The Great British Baking Show and Agatha Christie.’‘A fun mystery full of quirks and fun characters that will leave you guessing.’‘A welcome addition to the cosy crime genre.’‘Sharp, incisive, cutting - and that’s just the prose!’

Richard Osman meets MasterChef. In this cookery school, murder is on the menu...'Delicious fun!' Tess Gerritsen'Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy.' S. J. Bennett'A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery.' Chris Whitaker'If Ruth Rendall had teamed up with Delia Smith they'd have produced something like this.' J. M. Hall'Dazzlingly sharp with a wit that sparkles off the page.' Jane CorryA recipe for disaster.When chef Paul Delamare takes a job teaching at an exclusive residential cookery school in Belgravia, the only thing he expects his students to murder is his taste buds. But on the first night, the unthinkable happens: someone turns up dead...The school rests on a knife-edge.The police are convinced Paul is the culprit. After all, he's good with a blade, was first on the scene - and everyone knows it doesn't take much to push a chef over the edge. To prove his innocence, he must find the killer. Could it be one of his students? Or the owner of the school - a woman with secrets and a murky past?It all boils down to murder.If Paul can't solve the mystery fast - as well as teach his students how to make a perfect hollandaise sauce - he'll be next to get the chop.

'Delightful...packed with wit and culinary digressions.' Sunday Times'Orlando Murrin knows exactly how to satisfy a reader’s appetite!' Lesley Kara'A cocktail of wit, spicy observation, intrigue and the delicious unknown.' Jane Corry'Should give Richard Osman a run for his money!' C.J. CarverWorse things happen at sea…Paul Delamare has been roped into accompanying his old friend on a luxury cruise aboard the magnificent superyacht Maldemer. It’s all plain sailing until his friend’s priceless necklace is stolen, and everyone falls under suspicion.As Paul races to catch the thief, the ship begins to drift off-course, veering into the storm-lashed mid-Atlantic. Then one of the passengers is found dead in mysterious circumstances, in a pool of coffee and surrounded by cake crumbs.It’s all hands on deck to catch the killer, but Paul soon discovers guests and crew are harbouring deadly secrets. And if he can’t get to the bottom of the mystery soon, he’ll be sleeping with the fishes.Praise for Orlando Murrin:'If Agatha Christie were to go on MasterChef, this novel would be the result.' Clare Pooley'A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming' Chris Whitaker'I loved the combination of crime and cookery - and how Orlando uses the one to enrich the other (and vice versa).' Andrew Taylor

Worse things happen at sea.Paul Delamare has been roped into accompanying his old friend on a luxury cruise aboard the magnificent superyacht Mal de Mer. It's all plain sailing until his friend's priceless necklace is stolen, and everyone falls under suspicion.Every chef for himself.As Paul races to catch the thief, the ship begins to drift off-course, veering into the storm-lashed mid-Atlantic. Then one of the passengers is found dead in mysterious circumstances, in a pool of coffee and surrounded by cake crumbs.Voyage of the damned.It's all hands on deck to catch the killer, but Paul soon discovers guests and crew are harbouring deadly secrets. And if he can't get to the bottom of the mystery soon, he'll be sleeping with the fishes.Praise for Orlando Murrin:'If Agatha Christie were to go on MasterChef, this novel would be the result.' Clare Pooley'A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming' Chris Whitaker'I loved the combination of crime and cookery - and how Orlando uses the one to enrich the other (and vice versa).' Andrew Taylor

More than 65 original and delicious recipes, written with panache and authority and offering both practical advice and inspiration for anyone cooking at home for two people. Two’s Company is a book with a positive message that cooking for two is exciting, fun and worthwhile. More than that – free from the demands of family or guests, liberated from a strict timetable, you can follow your mood, whether you fancy something homey, a fake-away or a creative culinary adventure. There is a major gap in the market for a mainstream cookbook for two, providing inspiration for couples, friends and flat-sharers who enjoy cooking and eating at home. Most of those cooking for two are forced either to scale down recipes or repeatedly contend with a fridge full of leftovers. Supermarkets have identified this trend, and provide a lavish choice of ready meals aimed at twosomes. But there is still a lack of inspiration for those of us who want to cook something fresh from scratch for a partner or friend. Here Orlando Murrin not only brings you original recipes but sets out the different ‘rules’ to consider when cooking for two. He suggests ways to shop sensibly to minimize waste and shares ingenious tips for shortcuts and techniques, gleaned from working with professional chefs and food stylists.

‘We’re all looking for quick routes to great dishes and Orlando Murrin does it so well in this beautiful cookbook.’ Tom Kerridge ‘Two’s Company is a wonder and having a version that is “simple” is just even more appealing. Perfect for people who love great food but want less stress in the kitchen.’ Georgina Hayden 75 deliciously simple recipes, offering advice and guidance on the easiest and quickest ways to feed two people without missing out on flavour or excitement Following the success of Two’s Company, this time Orlando Murrin turns his attention to super simple food designed for two people to share. He brings 75 more recipes to the table, encompassing everything from week-night quick fixes and easy-yet-impressive mains, to indulgent desserts. These speedy, often all-in-one, recipes have been carefully created so that there are minimal leftovers or half-finished packets of ingredients, making cooking for two easier and more cost effective than ever before. Whether you’re craving comfort or looking for something special, need a ‘store-cupboard winner’ or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, Two’s Company: Simple is the perfect resource for anyone who wants to make cooking for a pair both stress-free and enjoyable.

**SHORTLISTED FOR THE VAL McDERMID DEBUT AWARD 2024**Richard Osman meets MasterChef in this gripping cosy murder mystery. In this cookery school, murder is on the menu...'If Agatha Christie were to go on Masterchef, this novel would be the result.' Clare Pooley'Delicious fun!' Tess GerritsenA recipe for disaster.When chef Paul Delamare takes a job teaching at an exclusive residential cookery school in Belgravia, the only thing he expects his students to murder is his taste buds. But on the first night, the unthinkable happens: someone turns up dead...The school rests on a knife-edge.The police are convinced Paul is the culprit. After all, he’s good with a blade, was first on the scene – and everyone knows it doesn’t take much to push a chef over the edge. To prove his innocence, he must find the killer. Could it be one of his students? Or the owner of the school – a woman with secrets and a murky past?It all boils down to murder.If Paul can’t solve the mystery fast – as well as teach his students how to make a perfect hollandaise sauce – he’ll be next to get the chop.Readers love Knife Skills for Beginners!‘A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery.’ Chris Whitaker'If Ruth Rendell had teamed up with Delia Smith they’d have produced something like this.’ J. M. Hall‘The perfect blend of The Great British Bake Off and Agatha Christie.’ ***** Reader Review‘A fun mystery full of quirks and fun characters that will leave you guessing.’ ***** Reader Review‘A welcome addition to the cosy crime genre.’ ***** Reader Review‘Sharp, incisive, cutting - and that’s just the prose!’ ***** Reader Review

Worse things happen at sea…Paul Delamare has been roped into accompanying his old friend on a luxury cruise aboard the magnificent superyacht Maldemer. It’s all plain sailing until his friend’s priceless necklace is stolen, and everyone falls under suspicion.As Paul races to catch the thief, the ship begins to drift off-course, veering into the storm-lashed mid-Atlantic. Then one of the passengers is found dead in mysterious circumstances, in a pool of coffee and surrounded by cake crumbs.It’s all hands on deck to catch the killer, but Paul soon discovers guests and crew are harbouring deadly secrets. And if he can’t get to the bottom of the mystery soon, he’ll be sleeping with the fishes.Praise for Orlando Murrin:'If Agatha Christie were to go on MasterChef, this novel would be the result.' Clare Pooley'A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming' Chris Whitaker'I loved the combination of crime and cookery - and how Orlando uses the one to enrich the other (and vice versa).' Andrew Taylor