Slow to start, you don't really know anything about the mystery until its is almost solved. The first 3/4 of the book is a strange mix of irrelevant details about characters and tangents about food. The whole thing comes across a bit stilted and awkward and then the ending feels like something out of Pretty Little Liars. The actual writing was solid, so perhaps this one was just suffering a bit of growing pains as the author tries to set up the next book in the series.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3

First off the narrator did an absolutely amazing job as all the various characters! They were clear, distinctive and fun.

This was a fab albeit not overly adventurous thriller. The plot was pretty basic but was done in a way that is was still very entertaining. There were plenty of twists and turns with lots of red herrings thrown on.

At times it did feel like there were one two many characters however I did like the main character and found him a fun narrator.

As a first book in a series this was a fun way to pass the time and I'd definitely read more featuring this main character.

I don't think this book was bad but it wasn't quite for me. I really enjoyed the overall premise of it taking place at a cooking school and the addition of recipes and whatnot in the story. I also enjoyed learning about cooking within the book a little too! But overall the story didn't captivate me to want to keep reading. Because of who I am, I just kept reading to find out whodunnit but I almost skipped ahead to find that out. I know it may sound like an overall negative review but I can see other people probably still enjoying this!

2.75 stars. This book definitely caught me at the title. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read a cooking-class-inspired murder mystery? Unfortunately, the blurb led me astray, and my expectations were set a little too high. I finished feeling underwhelmed by a story that seemed undercooked.

The premise follows chef Paul, who reluctantly agrees to stand in for his friend Christian to oversee lessons at a cookery school. While Paul and Christian have their own history, in much need of money, Paul reluctantly steps in for his friend. While initially apprehensive, Paul begins to enjoy his new role. Only until Christian is found beheaded with the cleaver everyone last saw Paul with. As Paul is wrongly accused, he begins a twisty hunt to uncover the real culprit behind this hack of a crime.

While the premise is seemingly fun, the story felt bogged down by unnecessary characters and meandering subplots, such as Johnny and Marcus, who added little to the narrative. Their inclusion felt like a bid for extra drama, but it didn’t land. I had hoped the author would lean more into the culinary world with bold, campy risks—something like a darkly humorous version of Top Chef where contestants are literally “cut out” of the competition. Even with all its happenings, the chances the author took weren’t bold enough or explored enough to really captivate me.

I was glad to have the audiobook, provide by NetGalley & RB Media, for this read. The narrator had charisma and truly put forth an effort. Though with such an onslaught of characters and plot choices, I believe a full cast would have better distinguished the characters and made them more memorable. Additionally, the humorous aspects had there moments, but overall, it missed the mark for me and was just a bit too cozy.

This debut was alright. It will likely appeal to cozy mystery fans, and I’d definitely recommend it to my dad—it has the same vibe as those classic British mystery shows he loves.

I love a cozy mystery and there is almost nothing cozier to me than the Food Network. So, when I came across Orlando Murrin's Knife Skills for Beginner--in which seasoned chef Paul Delamare takes over a cooking school gig for his old pal TV chef Christian--I knew I had to pick it up.

The struggling cooking school Paul agrees to help out with contains a lovely cast of characters, all of whom have some relationship--mostly fanatic--to the celebrity chef Paul is replacing, so when Christian turns up dead, the meat cleaver from butchery class clean through his neck, the pool of suspects is simultaneously deep and crystal clear.

From there, Knife Skills for Beginners is a joyously formulaic cozy mystery with twists, turns, and just enough bread crumbs left for the reader to make a passable panzanella of the whodunnit. The recipe journal left behind by the victim adds extra flavor to the novel and the characters not immediately involved in the murder--including Paul's best friend Julie and the other staff at the food magazine he works at--are delightful additions that Murrin has smartly set himself up to return to in future installments.

The ending is Agatha Christie in the best way, with a reveal that--if you're paying attention and have eliminated suspects as clues have been provided--feels simultaneously ridiculous and satisfying. And who doesn't love solving the crime a few pages, or chapters, before the author tells you exactly what occurred?

5/5 stars. Absolutely looking forward to Murrin's next.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the review copy. This was a fun chef centered murder mystery from an author who was a former contestant on Top Chef. He even sprinkles in a few recipes and cooking tips. I thought it was a quick, easy, and fun read. I'd pick up more from this author, for sure.

Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin is a compelling culinary mystery that blends sharp wit with even sharper knives. When chef Paul Delamare is asked to step in as an instructor at a London cooking school, he expects a week of teaching basics like poaching chicken and perfecting pastry. But the class takes a deadly turn when a student is murdered using one of Paul's own knives. Now, he must solve the mystery while staying one step ahead of the police and his eccentric group of students.

The descriptions of the cooking process, from knife techniques to delicate desserts, provide a fun backdrop to the murder mystery. The characters, though colorful, can occasionally feel a bit hard to differentiate due to the large cast, and the pace of the plot sometimes leaves little room for deeper character development.

Still, Knife Skills for Beginners is an intriguing read for fans of culinary crime fiction, especially those who enjoy a bit of suspense with their soufflé. The overabundance of characters might detract from the overall experience for some readers, but those who can keep track of the various suspects will enjoy the twists and turns that keep the tension simmering.

The book offers an enjoyable read, highlighted by its creative inclusion of recipes that reflect the author’s culinary expertise, adding a unique layer to the storytelling. While the witty remarks sprinkled throughout bring a light-hearted charm, the plot occasionally meanders from its main trajectory, making it feel a bit unfocused at times. The slow pacing in the first half might test readers' patience, but the narrative picks up significantly after the midpoint, delivering a satisfying conclusion.

Character development, however, leaves room for improvement. The MMC's frequent focus on his best friend Julie, without giving her much of her own voice until the climactic ending, feels unbalanced. Despite some confusion with the underdeveloped characters, the inclusion of Christian's POV adds depth to the story. For fans of mysteries, the clever clues scattered throughout make for an engaging "whodunit" puzzle. Overall, while not without its flaws, the book is an entertaining and worthwhile read.

A fun murder mystery at a week-long, residential cooking school, narrated by a friend of the soon-to-be-deceased celebrity chef, pressed into service as the instructor. A couple of recipes and numerous cooking tips are sprinkled throughout. I especially like the narrator’s slightly snarky voice and that of his best friend (a clarinetist and avid astrology buff) who works with him at a lifestyle magazine. The cooking school attendees made an interesting set of possible murderers!
The narrator does voices well, making this an enjoyable and engaging listening experience. It is currently available in print from @RBMedia and via @RecordedBooks.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #KnifeSkillsForBeginners for review purposes.

Orlando Murrin's KNIFE SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS is a light laugh-out-loud cozy mystery. Paul Delamare is depressed and unemployed and is now teaching a cooking class at a London Culinary School after his old friend, Christian, reaches out to him to fill in as a teacher. But when Paul discovers Christian's body with a bloody meat cleaver, he is immediately very much a person of interest to the police. And if Paul doesn't solve the mystery, he just might find himself in jail for murder.

This book is a fun read that keeps you guessing. All the characters are rather quirky and strange in their own way, but Paul tries to give them a good experience and actually teaches them some culinary skills—I ended up learning a few culinary tips and recipes myself!

Sebastian Humphreys, the audiobook's narrator, used his voice masterfully, delivering a delightful performance.

I sincerely thank Netgalley and RBmedia/Recorded Books for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I also extend my gratitude to Orlando Murrin for the book; I look forward to the next book in the series!

When exhausted and almost broke chef, Paul Delamare, is asked to fill in as a teacher at a London culinary school by one of his oldest friends, he can't refuse. Although Paul isn't sure about taking the job, he quickly begins to enjoy teaching the students, and then his friend turns up dead. All signs point to Paul as the murderer, so it is up to him to solve the murder, and try not to become the next victim. This was just ok for me. The narrator was great, but this was a little dry in parts, and had way to much culinary instruction, in my opinion. Lots of food talk, so prepare for this book to make you hungry! However, there just wasn't enough character development.

Knife Skills for Beginners 🔪

Rating: ⭐️
Genre: Mystery
Pub Date: December 24, 2024

The premise of this story really hit the mark for me. A murder takes place at a cooking school with its hodgepodge of unique characters. Even the title really drew me in. And that’s about all I have to say about my enjoyment of this book.

The characters were all pretty underwhelming. I couldn’t keep track as to who was who, and gosh don’t get me started on the main character Paul. To keep it short, he was arrogant and annoying as hell. I truly couldn’t care what happened to any of these characters. I had a hard time even being invested in the plot. This one wasn’t for me, but I appreciate the thought and effort behind this debut novel.

Paul, still grieving after the loss of his partner and not in a steady job, takes over a cookery class from his old friend, Christian, who has broken his arm. It’s a residential cooking school held in an old mansion in Belgravia, just a short walk from Paul’s own house. Paul is not thrilled with the situation, not only because he has no idea what he’ll be paid, but all of the students are major Christian fans and are disappointed that Paul has taken his place. And then he discovers Christian’s body, clearly murdered, and Paul becomes one of the main suspects.

The mystery’s good enough. Each of the students and even the cooking school owner have secrets and possible motives for wanting Christian dead. We have several clues and a few red herrings. It’s a bit like a house party mystery, especially when Paul ends up having to stay there too. The suspects are limited to those in the house at the time and all the individuals are only loosely connected. I like Paul. He was funny and real. I also liked his best friend, Julie, who works for a lifestyle magazine and sends him daily horoscope texts. The other characters are appropriately quirky.

This is a culinary mystery, so you might pick up some skills, bits or trivia or even a recipe you want to try out. Paul finds Christian’s diary and the entries contain details about his life and several of his recipes. It’s a good way to get to know Christian better and gives a bit of variety to the narrative.

Towards the end, it did go off the rails a bit. And the wrap up, with Paul telling Julie everything that happened was sooo long and detailed. I was listening to the audio – the narrator does an excellent job – and the book ended up finishing at 106% so that might have thrown off my expectations too.

I think this is the first in the series. I will definitely pick up the second when it come out.

This is billed as top chef meets knives out and it really intrigued me since I love both. I didn't really feel like it was a locked room mystery but it was close. I also didn't feel like the cooking aspect was super relevant to the story. It was there to include recipes and a setting but didn't contribute to the story as much as I would have expected. The mystery aspect was really interesting, I kind of predicted the solution but it all panned out in an unexpected way which was interesting. There were a lot of characters but we didn't get a full view of them since most of them were just here to be additional suspects. I felt there were a few loose ends that weren't wrapped up but I wasn't so invested that I felt let down by this. Overall it was a fun read and the mystery aspect was good but don't go in expecting a lot of character development.

Thanks to Netgalley, Orlando Murrin and Kensington Publishing and RB media

I'm the target audience for this as an Anglophile, mystery lover, and fan of the Great British Baking Show. But I'm so tired of plot twists that are just too, too much.



Review copy provided by publisher.

"Knife Skills for Beginners" by Orlando Murrin is a gripping culinary mystery that follows Paul, a chef grappling with loss, who agrees to teach a class at a renowned cooking school. Things take a sinister turn when Paul’s friend Christian—who convinced him to step in—ends up dead under mysterious circumstances. What starts as a simple teaching job quickly escalates into a murder investigation, with Paul trying to solve the crime while navigating the suspicion surrounding him.

The concept of a chef becoming an amateur detective is an intriguing one, and the plot keeps readers hooked. What begins as a lighthearted culinary drama swiftly morphs into a suspense-filled mystery. Initially, Paul’s reasons for getting involved in solving the crime aren’t clear, but as the tension builds and he becomes a suspect, his motivations begin to make sense.

The characters are generally well-crafted, with Paul standing out due to the emotional complexity of his grief. However, the students in the class feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters, which is a bit of a missed opportunity. That said, the setting is wonderfully atmospheric—the old cooking school building adds just the right mix of charm and eerie tension.

Murrin’s writing is smooth, though there are moments, particularly in the scenes between Paul and the students, where the pacing slows down. Tightening up these sections could improve the overall flow of the story. While the themes of grief and trust are woven into the narrative, they could be explored more thoroughly in future installments of the series.

The audiobook performance by Sebastian Humphreys is top-notch, bringing the story to life with a rich vocal delivery that heightens the suspense and emotional depth.

If you enjoy culinary mysteries with a good mix of heart and intrigue, this book is definitely worth checking out. It sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and captivating series.

A book that should be on every "Knives Out' fan's TBR. I have recommended it to several people who have loved that movie and/or "Everyone in My Family has Killed Someone." Very enjoyable, great voice.

First a huge thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book and flew through it. Paul is an extremely lovable character and I was so attached to him and the weird crew of the students. I often find that there is not a lot of nuance when it comes to these amateur sleuths’ and the killers’ morality, but that wasn’t the case at all with the victim or killer in this book. The diary and the recipes were devices I have seen before, but they had never worked great for my investment in a book. This book, though, used the devices in a way that definitely added to the narrative instead of distracting from the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

3.5 🌟

"Knife Skills for Beginners" by Orlando Murrin is a captivating culinary mystery centred on Paul, a grieving chef who steps in to teach a course at a prestigious cooking school. Things take a dark turn when his friend Christian—who encouraged him to fill in—is found murdered. Suddenly, Paul is not just teaching knife skills; he's trying to solve a murder while keeping himself out of trouble.

The premise of a chef turned amateur detective is refreshing, and the plot is engaging. It begins as a cozy culinary drama but quickly evolves into a tense whodunit. At first, Paul's motivations for getting involved in the investigation seem unclear. Still, they become more logical as the stakes rise, and he becomes a suspect.

The characters are generally well-developed. Paul stands out with his emotional baggage and grief, adding depth to his character. However, I wish the students in the cooking class were more fleshed out, as they mainly serve to advance the plot. On a positive note, the setting is superb: the cooking school, housed in an old, atmospheric building, creates a perfect blend of cozy and ominous.

Murrin's writing is smooth and engaging. While the pacing is good, some scenes—particularly Paul's interactions with the students—drag a bit. Streamlining these sections would improve the overall flow. Themes of grief and trust are present but could be explored more deeply; I am hopeful that future books will flesh them out further.

Sebastian Humphreys delivers an excellent performance in the audiobook narration, infusing it with personality and maintaining the tension throughout. His voice work significantly enhanced the listening experience for me.

If you enjoy culinary mysteries infused with emotional depth and a side of suspense, this book is definitely worth a read. It's a solid start to what promises to be an exciting series!

This book is now available for purchase! Thank you to Orlando Murrin, RBmedia, Recorded Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Murrin ( a Brit chef) has crafted a very decent debut about a chef who helps out a celebrity chef and ends up knee deep in the soup. Touches of humor lighten the story and I found myself thoroughly enjoying this clever Who-Done-It. A quick, fun mystery, and a perfect after the holidays read. Audiobook Narrator Sebastian Humphreys does a super job!