Description

**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 Gerritsen

A 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

Publisher Review

Funny, and at times unexpectedly moving, this thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery is packed with interesting recipe ideas, fascinating culinary facts and some jolly useful cooking hacks * Guardian * With a delightful cast of characters, and seasoned with plenty of acerbic wit, this culinary cosy crime debut is a moreish treat. * HEAT * Our new obsession. A delicious, twisty novel! * THAT’S LIFE! * This fun cosy crime novel is deliciously good! * SUN * An addictive read * Woman’s Own *