A big thank you to Publisher's Weekly for awarding me a copy of this ebook as part of the Grab-a-Galley event! What seemed like a solid premise unfortunately fell flat for me, and I found Paul to be so utterly unlikeable that it was difficult to finish. I especially didn't appreciate various characters making out of pocket comments on other races/ethnicities/cultures, or Paul commenting on women's bodies. While I understand the need to make a group of people unlikeable, for me, there are better ways to go about showing that without it hitting too close to home for readers. All in all this was a solid idea and I really like the concept of a cooking class murder mystery in a big old mansion, and that overarching premise was the strongest part of the book, but unfortunately I wasn't the correct reader for this book.

A nice start to a new series. Paul's in the dumps and could use an infusion of cash so he takes a job teaching at a cooking school in London. But there's the question of what he will be paid and then there's the murder. The murder he's suspected of committing. This is classic cozy in many ways. Since it's the initial outing it's a little light on character development and it might seem a tad hectic, But- there are cooking tips and recipes woven throughout the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Looking forward to the next one.

Present day, London: Chef Paul Delamare is still grieving the loss of his spouse when an old friend asks him out for a drink. He’d gone to school with Christian and later worked with him on Christian’s cooking show. Now Christian had a request: he’d broken his arm (‘Disagreement with an escalator’) and could Paul fill in for him at the next session at the Chester Square Cookery School? Paul initially hesitates, but, encouraged by his friend Julie, decides to help. It’s only a short walk from his house, so he can even sleep at home. Things quickly go off kilter when Christian is killed, stabbed with one of Paul’s cleavers. To make matters worse, Paul was the one who found the body and quickly becomes the primary suspect, leaving him to work to clear his name as he works to teach about tempering chocolate.

I highly enjoyed this book. I love cooking shows and mysteries individually, so it was fun to read a book that involved both. The mystery may have been a little light, but it was still engrossing enough to keep the plot moving. Overall, the combination of cooking and mystery elements were entertaining, especially with the the subtle humor thrown in (as Paul battles the villain during the climax, he notes how, because he’s using a sharpening steel, he’s inadvertently sharpening his opponent’s weapon; when the police ask if anyone can verify that Paul used the cleaver in class, he pulls up the latest social media video of one of the students which clearly shows him demonstrating with it.) I’m looking forward to further adventures of Paul!

Highly recommended. I received a copy of this from netGalley.com that I voluntarily reviewed.

3.75

Both unique and a classic with a catchy title is a solid first novel by a successful food writer and chef.

They say write what you know. I’m going to hope that the author has no personal experience with murder, especially such a gruesome one. He does, however, seem to know enough about food and cooking that it can’t just be a passing interest.

Like any cozy/cozy-adjacent mystery, there are some recipes, but I was more interested in some of the tips thrown into the story as part of his attempt to train a bunch of lonely people there under the guise of wanting to learn classic cooking. I almost whipped out a notepad and started taking notes. I may even go back and do that

This is both a well crafted mystery and a little over baked in a few areas. That means there is a lot going on to distract, but a lot of people and back stories to follow—and not all of them as gripping as others. I wish I knew more about Paul and his life and I love his friend Julie, even though—or maybe especially because—she largely appears via coded emoji text messages.

Most important of all, what does the smallest house in Belgravia look like?

Thank you to Orlando Murrin, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a free advanced copy of this book for my unbiased review.

This was a cozy mystery with a good twist at the end, I enjoyed the premise of the story and the way the author wrote the murderer reveal. I think the characters could have been a little more exciting and developed and there could have been more interesting recipes throughout. However, I think that for a fun read with a satisfying ending it was worth my time to read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes food writing and cozy mysteries.

Fabulous setting, likable protagonist, great dialogue and--best of all--FOOD! There's nothing I didn't enjoy about this book. The recipes look great, too, although I have not tried any of them.

I love British mysteries and regularly search Blackwell's to see what great crime fiction is coming from across the pond. The British do it so well! When I saw this with a mix of mystery and food, I knew I had to read it! This is Orlando Murrin's first novel and looks like it will continue as a series. I liked the characters and the setting with a cookery school in London. I did feel that the plot could have been tighter, but overall I enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy!

I was really excited after reading the premise of this one, but it left me feeling so bored, like it was a chore to read it. The characters were underdeveloped and it was very slow-paced. Not my style unfortunately:(

"Knife Skills for Beginners" was basically just okay for me. I do watch a fair number of baking shows ("Nailed It" is my fav!) so this sounded fun, especially given that the author had done so himself. But it just wasn't quite the cozy that I expected. Still, I did keep reading, so there is that. overall, it was fine & a solid start. My thanks to Net Galley & the publisher for my advance readers copy - much appreciated it!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Orlando Murrin’s debut crime novel, Knife Skills for Beginners, is a masterful blend of culinary arts and gripping mystery. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious cookery school in Belgravia, this novel introduces readers to Paul Delamare, a talented chef whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes entangled in a gruesome murder investigation.

The story begins with a bang as Paul discovers a body in the kitchen, setting off a chain of events that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Murrin’s pacing is impeccable, balancing the tension of the murder mystery with the intricate details of culinary life. The plot twists are well-timed and unpredictable, ensuring that the suspense never wanes.

Paul Delamare is a well-rounded protagonist, portrayed with depth and authenticity. His passion for cooking and his determination to clear his name make him a compelling character. The supporting cast, including fellow chefs and students, are equally well-developed, each adding their own flavor to the story. Murrin excels at creating characters that feel real and relatable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their fates.

The cookery school setting is vividly described, immersing readers in the world of high-stakes culinary competition. Murrin’s background as a food writer shines through in his detailed descriptions of cooking techniques and kitchen dynamics. The atmosphere is both glamorous and cutthroat, reflecting the dual nature of the culinary world.

Knife Skills for Beginners explores themes of ambition, trust, and the quest for truth. Murrin delves into the pressures of the culinary industry, the complexities of mentorship, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation. The novel also touches on the idea of second chances and personal redemption, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

Murrin’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a keen eye for detail. His experience as a food writer enriches the narrative, making the culinary aspects of the story both informative and fascinating. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, further enhancing the authenticity of the characters and their interactions.

Knife Skills for Beginners is a delectable treat for fans of crime fiction and culinary arts alike. Murrin’s debut novel is a testament to his storytelling prowess, combining a thrilling mystery with the rich, sensory experience of the culinary world. It’s a book that will leave readers hungry for more, both in terms of plot and the mouth-watering descriptions of food.

Whether you’re a seasoned mystery reader or a foodie looking for a new kind of culinary adventure, Knife Skills for Beginners is a must-read. Orlando Murrin has crafted a novel that is as satisfying as a perfectly cooked meal, and I eagerly await his next literary offering.

Paul Delamare is a down-on-his-luck chef with a dwindling bank account. When his friend Christian, an arguably more successful (not to mention famous) chef contacts him to help teach the latest round of students at The Chester Square Cookery School, Paul reluctantly agrees and finds himself trapped in a murder mystery.

This has the feel of a cozy mystery, making it a pleasant read with a slightly slower buildup. Paul is a likable main character and adding in the recipes is a fun conceit I enjoy. The twist at the end is a bit convoluted, but this would make a good beach read.

I'm not usually a mystery reader, but the title was so wonderful that I had to give it a chance, and it did not disappoint.

We follow Paul, a chef, as he temporarily takes over a resident cooking class in a mansion in Belgravia and of course there is a murder. Amongst the clues and discoveries, we get his opinions on food and technique, a few recipes, a cast of amusing characters, and a well-designed mystery.

Though most of the action is inside the mansion, the bits around Belgravia felt accurate. We stayed there on a vacation several years ago.

One review said the main character wasn't drawn in a lot of detail. I could agree with that, though I think it is an intentional technique to make it easier to identify with him. It is told in first person, so too much character detail could reduce the reader's connection to the narrator.

The ending promises another book, I might pick that up.

recipes, mystery-fiction, thriller, foodie, suspense, cookin-lessons, cooking, friends, friendship, London, investigation, cozy-crime, friction, twisty, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth, police-detectives, snarky, verbal-humor, situational-humor*****

Chef Paul Delamare makes the mistake of agreeing to take over for a friend and cover the teaching at an upscale cooking school held in a private home. The adult students are something else, but it's when Paul discovers his friend's body with a meat cleaver in his head that things really get sticky. The detectives are more than just irritating and seem to have stopped looking for the murderer and focused on Paul. Paul has to do his own investigating and does a fine job, but the very best thing about this book is the laugh your sox off humor!
I requested and received a temporary e-book from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!

I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel, but the premise was intriguing enough that I wanted to read it.
Thanks to an early copy from NetGalley, I was able to.

What starts as a favour to his long-time friend, Christian, ends up as a fight to prove his own innocence in a murder.
Set in London, with an eclectic cast of characters, this book is engaging and makes you want to not put it down.

There is a lot of cooking jargon that some may not be familiar with, but the setting, scenes and people are enjoyable.
I honestly did not suspect who was the killer until it was revealed. It was written well in that I could not figure it out and I usually am able to have a pretty good clue before the big reveal.
Here I was left guessing the whole time.
Paul, the main character, is often trying to get the other members of his cooking class alone so he can ask them questions, which seems a little off, until you remember that Paul is suspected of a murder and he is doing his level-best to find something, anything to exonerate him.
There were some characters that I thought would be more involved in the book as they were brought in, but it looks as though they will be saved for future books. There definitely is a few that need to be developed further.

An enjoyable read, I recommend.

First off- I loved the recipes! Those were a fun touch. As for the story, the plot was intriguing and the writing style kept the story moving. I didn't feel much of anything for any of the characters though as they just didn't seem believable. The pace definitely picks up in the second half of the book so don't feel like the entire thing is going to drag!

Interesting culinary setting. Characters not particularly believable or consistent. Excellent twist at end. Well written

This stylish, witty, fast-paced novel sees chef Paul Delamare taking on a brief stint at an upscale cooking school held in a private home in Belgravia. The luxurious setting provides lots of luscious detail and some tasty-sounding recipes, but the job is not all it's cracked up to be.

A murder is just one of the dramas swirling through the story. Paul is charming, but he's also a bit of a hot mess. His trusty work buddy supports him through the shenanigans, but he also has family, friends, and former flames bringing extra drama to his life. He also can't stay out of everyone else's drama, so things get very dramatic.

It's a rollicking jaunt with a great puzzle, snappy dialogue, and a film-worthy ending. I look forward to more from this author.

Paul Delamare agrees to do a favor for on old friend, Christian, by teaching at The Chester Square Cookery School while Christian recovers from a broken arm. Christian was once the toast of the cooking world, earning two Michelin stars, having his own show, and having a chain of restaurants. The last several years have not been kind to Christian and Paul feels like he could help him out. The students seem to be more interested in rubbing shoulders with Christian rather than learning cooking skills. Paul finds himself starting to enjoy the act of teaching as he ventures away from the plans Christian made and seems to be hitting his stride when someone ends up dead at the school. Now Paul is trying to clear his own name while also trying to figure out who committed the murder. A really well-crafted mystery with a slow burn to finding the killer.

The title of the book had me intrigued in a second, loved how it all starts with a recipe. While the book felt like a light hearted cosy mystery , the characters felt a little one dimensional and were not able to hold my attention. It surely felt like many of them were hiding a lot of secrets and I had my guesses and was left surprised in the end. Overall a good read, moderate start and the pace picks up in the second half. And I surely learned a few tricks to use for my next cook!

I cannot wait until Paul Delamare 's next adventure arrives!

Paul is a chef - a very, very good chef who is down on his luck. As he tells his backstory, we also tune in when he helps out a friend and acts as a stand in for a celebrity chef at the The Chester Square Cookery School. The students are disappointed but the celebrity chef does pop in Christian is Paul's oldest friend and may be able to help him in his time of need - if he gets a chance to speak to him.

Rushing around is the motley crew of the staff mixed in with some very interesting cooking students. Paul's outlook on life and his text conversations with his best friend bring in more hilarity. Orlando Murrin includes plenty of real recipes, cooking stories and tips amidst a perfectly plotted mystery!
I hope Paul visits a Chateaux next !
#kensington #knifeskillsforbeginners #orlandomurrin