Knife Skills for Beginners

At this cookery school, murder is on the menu...A locked-room cosy crime novel with a culinary twist. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and S. J. Bennett.SHORTLISTED FOR THE VAL McDERMID DEBUT AWARD 2024Richard 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 Rendell 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.

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
A stylish cosy crime novel … Colourful, entertaining and full of social observations, the account of Paul’s odyssey also has some moments of genuine emotion Literary Review
(Orlando's) talent for British mystery is every bit as stellar as his culinary prowess. Globe and Mail
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
A deliciously dark slice of murder and mystery. Funny and fun, frightening and charming. Chris Whitaker
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. S. J. Bennett

After being flung into the culinary limelight as a semi-finalist on Masterchef, Orlando Murrin edited Woman and Home, BBC Good Food and founded Olive magazine; then he switched track to become a chef-hotelier in SW France and Somerset.He has written six cookbooks and received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Guild of Food Writers, its highest accolade. A popular guest on TV and radio, and food and literary festivals, he is also a regular podcaster and podcast host.From his grandfather, a Met detective who rose to become a crack MI5 interrogator, he inherited a fascination with crime and mystery. He lives in domestic bliss in Exeter, Devon, and has written two culinary crime novels- Knife Skills For Beginners (shortlisted for the McDermid Debut and Crime Fiction Lover Debut Awards) and Murder Below Deck.You can find Orlando on Facebook and Instagram @orlandomurrinauthor, and @orlandomurrin.bsky.social on BlueSky. His website is

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