May Contain Murder - (A Chef Paul Delamare Mystery) by Orlando Murrin (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Nita Prose, Benjamin Stevenson, and Jessa Maxwell, this delightfully witty and tightly-written new locked room culinary mystery from the MasterChef semi-finalist, cookbook writer, and bestselling author of Knife Skills for Beginners features a charming chef, delicious original recipes, and a killer cruise aboard a luxurious superyacht.

"If it weren't for all the terrible things that have been happening, I'd consider myself the luckiest man alive . . ."

While his flooded house undergoes repairs, chef-turned-writer Paul Delamare has been offered an accommodation upgrade--an all-expenses-paid trip aboard a private superyacht in the company of Xéra, one of his dearest friends. Paul will help Xéra work on her memoirs as Maldemer glides its sumptuous way to the Caribbean. The scenery is stunning, the luxury is unparalleled, and the food...well, at least the dishes that Paul is roped into preparing are delicious. The hired chef, meanwhile, seems completely out of her depth.

She's not the only one. Much as Paul adores Xéra, a Parisian socialite who he was introduced to by his late lover, Marcus, he has little in common with the other guests, a motley crew consisting of Xéra's new husband and his grasping family.

When Xéra's priceless new necklace goes missing, Paul falls under suspicion. But there's far worse in store, as one of the passengers is found dead in mysterious and grisly circumstances. The stormy weather matches the threatening mood onboard, and as Maldemer veers off course, every semblance of order goes with it.

Above and below deck there are secrets and dangerous alliances. And as he untangles the truth, it becomes clear that Paul's sharing close quarters with a killer eager to make this his final voyage . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for Knife Skills for Beginners:

"A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery." ―Chris Whitaker

"There are many culinary mysteries, but this character-driven series opener is a cut above the rest." ―Kirkus Reviews STARRED REVIEW

"The culinary world makes for a fun setting, and the red herrings and misdirects lead to a compelling whodunit. Fans of stories in which everyone is a suspect will enjoy this clever take on the locked-room mystery." ―Booklist

"MasterChef semi-finalist Murrin puts his culinary expertise to good use in this charming debut mystery... Murrin delivers a brisk, funny variation on the classic closed-circle formula." ―Publishers Weekly

"This novel speaks to budding foodies, who will appreciate the recipes and culinary setting, as well as readers who favor a neatly tied-up mystery." ―Library Journal

"Smooth and delicious." ―Shelf Awareness

"Lots of fun to be had, especially with the characters Murrin creates." ―firstCLUE

"Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin slices into the world of culinary mysteries with sharp wit and deadly intrigue...Witty, surprising and packed with cozy cuisine charm, this delicious whodunit will keep you guessing -- and craving a sequel." ―The Seattle Times

"If you enjoy Iron Chef and The Great British Bake Off, but often think to yourself, this would be so much better if only there was a murder or two tossed in, why I've got the book for you." ―Parade

"Knife Skills for Beginners is an auspicious, creative, colorful, and mouth-watering debut." ―Thomas Grant Bruso, The Press-Republican (Plattsburgh, NY)

"Delicious fun! Knife Skills for Beginners is both intriguing and mouth-watering, starring a charming hero you'll want as your best friend." ―Tess Gerritsen, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Spy Coast

"Knife Skills for Beginners is a joy, packed full of fabulous culinary tips and recipes you'll want to make, alongside a decent dollop of murder and mystery. Orlando Murrin is an established chef and cookery writer, and it shows. I loved TV chef Paul Delamare. I think we should be friends." ―S. J. Bennett, award-winning author of the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates Series

"If Ruth Rendell had teamed up with Delia Smith they'd have produced something like this." ―J. M. Hall, bestselling author of A Spoonful of Murder

"Dazzlingly sharp with a wit that sparkles off the page." ―Jane Corry, Sunday Times bestselling author

"Fresh, engrossing and deliciously irreverent, Orlando Murrin's debut blends murder, intrigue, larger-than-life characters and mouth-watering recipes in a literary feast for the senses. Think Wodehouse meets Christie with a side order of Delia!" ―Tammy Cohen

"If Agatha Christie were to go on Masterchef, this novel would be the result. A deliciously fun murder mystery - I loved it." ―Clare Pooley

"A real treat, as sharp as the best kitchen knife with a wonderfully acerbic protagonist who I'd be very happy to spend more time with. It has all the ingredients of the best cosy crime." ―Trevor Wood

"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." ―The Guardian

About the Author

Orlando Murrin is a food writer, media personality, and author who inherited a fascination with mystery from his grandfather, a Met detective who rose to become a crack MI5 interrogator. A former editor of BBC Good Food, founder of Olive Magazine, and semi-finalist on Masterchef, he currently hosts the BBC Good Food Podcast with TV presenter-restaurateur Tom Kerridge and writes for Waitrose Weekend. He is the author of seven cookbooks, including Two's Company and A Table in the Tarn, and has served since 2020 as President of the Guild of Food Writers. Born in America, he lives in domestic bliss in Exeter, England and can be found online at OrlandoMurrin.com.