BOOK SYNOPSIS
A sinister cook, a cursed cake, and a casual dinner between neighbours that goes murderously wrong.
This debut collection of dark tales and recipes by Karmen Špiljak ascends the jagged culinary heights you’ve hungered to explore but could never find on a map. As the characters swoon over every unforgettable mouthful, and sometimes bite off more than they can chew, you’ll find yourself asking: What would I be willing to pay for the meal of a lifetime?
If feasting on culinary noir leaves you hungry, extend your pleasure by preparing the dishes featured in the stories. All recipes provided are cyanide-free.
Karmen Špiljak writes across different genres. Her short fiction has been awarded and anthologised.
This captivating, addictive book consists of a collection of fourteen stories whose plots cover a wide range of relatable life experiences, issues, emotions and interactions. There was a story that would suit every reader who enjoys a good thriller, some of which had a dash of the supernatural and the cast of realistic characters, a number of whom were not very likeable, were vivid and well rounded. Many of the stories had unexpected cliff hangers, open endings and left you wanting more. I loved the little sketches that were at the end of many of the stories. My favourite stories were The Assistant, Sweet Like Butter, Three Roses, A Fanned Fine Cook, Dash Friend, Moments, My Friend Betty, Let It Rot and The Collectors. A enjoyable, entertaining read that is perfect for curling up with in your favourite reading chair and losing yourself on a cold, damp autumn evening.
The stories were
The Assistant - A business lunch, roast chicken, missing pulls and a dead body before dessert.
Sweet Like Butter - A murder mystery set in both the present day and the past involving a beautiful woman,octopi and burnt paper.
Three Roses - A eerie tale with a dash of the supernatural about two friends, hidden feelings, got chocolate and a mysterious bar that draws in and collects lost souls.
Dark Velvet - A death in the family, a unwanted inheritance, a cake and a family curse. Will Alma regret not heeding Jim's warnings?
A Damned Fine Cook - A tale of two old friends who had reconnected after losing contact, journalism, secrets and spies with a unexpected twist.
Dash Friend - Letting the exclamation marks creep into your sentences could be the catalyst for murder.
Gardener's Sense - Angie loves her garden and always takes care of her lovelies, it was just a shame that the same couldn't be said about her husband.
Moments - Victoria was prepared to pay any price for the perfect meal but in the end was the food worthy of the price she eventually ended up paying?
My Friend Betty - I loved this story about a grief stricken mum, her five year old daughter and her daughter's imaginary friend. Always remember, whatever Betty asks for, don't say no.
The Recipe - Who would have thought that apricots could be so useful or dangerous for your health.
Pass The Ketchup - Sometimes nothing is more important in life than a tasty slice of pizza.
Let it Rot - Revenge is a dish best served cold....In the basement.
The Collectors - A sinister tale about a missing friend, a ghost village, broken shins and schnitzel. This was one of my favourite stories.
Be My Guest - This is a story about a dinner party with a difference, secrets, lies and deception with a connection to one of the other stories in the book.
At the end of the book the author has included some of the recipes that featured in the some of the stories in case you were thinking you liked the sound of one and fancied giving it a go. I love the sound of the hot chocolate. Just please be warned that you do so at your own risk and that
the author, publishers, Rachel Gibley or me will not accept any responsible for any unexpected occurances, curses, ill health or deaths that may occur as a result of your actions.
AUTHOR BIO
Karmen Špiljak is a Slovenian-Belgian writer with a taste for dark and twisty tales. Her short fiction has been awarded and anthologised. Her as yet unpublished thriller was shortlisted and received an honourable mention on 'The Black Spring Crime Fiction Prize 2020'. She writes across different genres , from suspense to horror and science fiction. She currently lives in Brazil with her husband and two cats.
Social Media Links –
Twitter: https:// twitter.com/ karm3ns33ta
Instagram: https:// www.instagram.com/ karmenseeta/
Goodreads: https:// www.goodreads.com/ author/ show/ 6862662. Karmen_piljak
PUBLICATION DATE: 30th September 2021
PURCHASE LINKS....
Amazon
Apple Barnes & Noble
Google Books
Kobo
General purchase link (all the other links are here): https:// www.karmens.net/ books
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