And now for something completely different…

The nice folks at Quirk Books – providers of the Nick & Tesla series and The Last Policeman series – asked me to take a look at this one. The Mystery Writers of American Cookbook. Roughly 100 crime writers (and one fake one) have contributed their favourite recipes to this collection, produced to support the MWA, helping to promote the members work. So it’s all in a good cause.

With many well known (and, to me at least, some less well known) authors contributing, it’s an impressive collection. But how am I supposed to review a cookbook? Let’s see…

First off, it’s an impressive looking book. A very high quality production that would adorn any coffee table (or, more appropriately, any kitchen table). The recipes are categorized under Breakfast, Appetizers (or Starters for us Brits), Soups & Salads, Entrees (i.e. Main Course), Sides, Desserts and Puddings. Each recipe comes with an introduction from the author, usually giving some insight into the author’s work – especially useful for the authors that are new to the reader.

The recipes are varied – one mild caveat for the UK reader is that some ingredients are more common in the US – decent shrimp for example – but there’s still plenty to have a go at. It’s a shame that this wasn’t available before Christmas, as it would make an excellent present for the mystery-loving friend or family member. Still, I’m sure they’ll have a birthday coming up…

So, not the usual fare for the blog, but well worth a look. And it’s all in a good  cause.