25 February 2025
Murder Below Deck - the new culinary crime novel from Orlando Murrin
We're delighted to see that the fabulous food and crime writer, Orlando Murrin, will be publishing his next cosy crime novel on 6th March. We've had a sneak preview plus a look at some of the tasty recipes which we'll be sharing with you over the next few weeks. We also had a lovely chat with Orlando about the new book and his latest #mythbuster series on Instagram...
Q1. Your first book Knife Skills for Beginners introduced the hero Paul Delamare in a Belgravia cookery school. It sounds as though the new book sees him set sail for pastures new. Could you set the scene for us please?
Poor Paul. Having survived his decidedly difficult experience at Chester Square Cookery School, he's asked by his Parisian friend Xéra to join her and her new husband on a Transatlantic voyage on a superyacht. He's somewhat intimidated by his fellow guests, including a hunky tennis pro and a ball-busting Hollywood casting agent, but the yacht is fabulous and there's a cute little Bichon Frisé to make friends with.
Q2. Do we see the return of any of the other characters from Knife Skills or is it a whole new cast?
One reason Paul agrees to join the party is because his terrible stepson Jonny has flooded his house, so Paul has that hanging over him. On the other hand, despite communications on the voyage being erratic, he and his best friend Julie manage to keep up a lively email correspondence.
Q3. Do recipes and culinary top tips feature in this book too? If so, do you have any favourites?
Before embarking, Paul tells Julie 'no way am I setting foot in the galley on this trip' but needless to say, he finds himself roped in to save the day. The plot of Murder Below Deck revolves around a chocolate cake, the recipe for which has been a closely guarded secret for centuries, and some unbelievably light vanilla cookies; obviously I can't torture my readers, so in the epilogue Paul shares the recipes, as well as one for a cool cocktail called The Poseidon Adventure.
By the way, if you like to cook from photographs, as many people do, you'll find pictures of the finished dishes on my website - orlandomurrin.com/recipes.
Q4. We hear that the dried herb blend Fines Herbes may have a crucial role to play in the plot line this time. Are you able to tell us more….?
Ha! This is a cheeky sub-plot. The yacht's chef, a strange Irishwoman called Bernie, flies off the handle when she can't find her Fines Herbes. They later turn up in Paul's cabin and get him into serious trouble. In no way is this a criticism of Steenbergs Fines Herbes, which I use all the time and make the world a better place.
Q5. We’re loving your #mythbuster series on social media and can’t wait for the next instalment. Can you give us any insight relating to herbs and spices?
I've already done #mythbusters on weighing scales and cooking dried pasta, and there's one about sifting flour in the works. But I'm planning a piece on herbs, to encourage cooks to use and enjoy dried herbs liberally, and not treat them as 'second best' to fresh. They're simply different - and in some cases, superior.
Q6. Can you tell us when Murder Below Deck will be published and if you’ll be doing a national book tour? We’re hoping Yorkshire will be on the list…
Thursday 6 March. Although I'd be up for a Yorkshire tour, the only northern date in my diary is the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival (17-20 July). Also, in case it's of interest, Parisian Xéra's millionaire husband is a Yorkshireman with a house in Kirkby Overblow. I've never been to Kirkby Overblow but would love an excuse to visit!
Q7. Any other plans or info that you’d like to share with us…
My first book, Knife Skills For Beginners, was shortlisted for the highly prestigious McDermid Debut Award at last year's Theakston Old Peculiar Festival, which was an amazing honour. If you're not a big reader, both that and Murder Below Deck are available as audiobooks, and Sebastian Humphreys, the actor who reads them, puts in a magnificent performance.
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Published by Transworld Publishers Ltd, available 6th March
For more information please visit: https://www.orlandomurrin.com/
