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gemloukay's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This debut novel is a cosy murder mystery set around a cookery school in London. As you would expect from a master chef semi-finalist and food editor, the cookery detail (and included recipes) are a major feature of the story. There’s a diverse cast of possible murderers in the guise of the students and staff and the plot twists and turns throughout. There’s plenty of red herrings scattered throughout the real details leaving you guessing whodunnit.
Paul Delamare is asked to cover the tutoring of cookery students at an exclusive london residential school, when his old friend, the famous Christian, breaks his arm and can no longer cook. When Christian is found dead the day after, his head lopped off with a cleaver, Paul is looking like a likely suspect.
At times the overly complex and slightly pompous phrases that Paul uses and Julie’s emoji speak detracted a bit from the story, but I’m sure they were carefully considered character quirks.
I enjoyed the story, which had me guessing almost to the end, even though I’d spotted a lot of the clues as to the culprit. I’ve given it 4.5/5 and I’d be more than happy to read any follow up stories. Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
Paul Delamare is asked to cover the tutoring of cookery students at an exclusive london residential school, when his old friend, the famous Christian, breaks his arm and can no longer cook. When Christian is found dead the day after, his head lopped off with a cleaver, Paul is looking like a likely suspect.
At times the overly complex and slightly pompous phrases that Paul uses and Julie’s emoji speak detracted a bit from the story, but I’m sure they were carefully considered character quirks.
I enjoyed the story, which had me guessing almost to the end, even though I’d spotted a lot of the clues as to the culprit. I’ve given it 4.5/5 and I’d be more than happy to read any follow up stories. Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Mental illness, Suicide, Death, and Homophobia
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