Scan barcode
A review by trivial_reads
Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
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!
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!