Murder on the Pilgrims Way by Julie Wassmer

Pearl receives a surprise present from her mother, Dolly - an early summer break at a riverside manor house that has been recently transformed into an exclusive hotel - the newly named Villa Pellegrini.

Pellegrini - the Italian word for pilgrims - reflects the fact that the building lies on the old Pilgrims Way into Canterbury, and Pearl is looking forward to the break, not least because DCI Mike McGuire has been neglecting her due to his work. But when she discovers that she's actually booked in for a cookery course from the Italian celebrity chef, Nico Caruso, she begins to think again . . .

Pearl doesn't welcome instruction on cookery at the best of times, and certainly not from an arrogant chef like Caruso. She goes along, intent on challenging Caruso's egotism - and a long tradition of men dominating gastronomy - but soon finds herself distracted, not only by her enchanting surroundings but by the disparate selection of guests.

She even begins to enjoy Caruso's attentions - and his cookery - until one of the guests goes missing and it becomes clear that murder is on the menu.

Praise for Julie Wassmer's Whistable Pearl mysteries . . .

'Thoroughly enjoyable with a host of wonderful characters - I adore Dolly! - and evocative descriptions of Whitstable. Perfect for foodies too. Pearl is great and the ongoing will they/won't they love story with McGuire is compelling. Comforting, cosy and entertaining with excellent Agatha Christie-style reveals. I love these books!' Jane Wenham-Jones, author of Mum in the Middle

'A tried-and-tested crime recipe with Whitstable flavours that makes for a Michelin-starred read' Daily Mail

'My new favourite author in the genre' George Galloway

'While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl' Daily Mail
Review
While Oxford had Morse, Whitstable, famous for its oysters, has Pearl . . . True to the tradition of classic crime, [Julie Wassmer] weaves a strong story into a setting that has more to offer than murder and mayhem―Daily Mail

If you enjoy cosy crime fiction and you still haven't picked this series, then you are missing out―Alba in Bookland

This is just straightforwardly excellent cosy crime ... Julie Wassmer really knows how to tell a story―Victoria Best, Shiny New Books on Murder-On-Sea

A tried-and-tested crime recipe with Whitstable flavours that makes for a Michelin-starred read―Daily Mail

If you enjoy cosy mystery stories and good, solid whodunits, without gruesome details or gratuitous violence, Murder on Sea may be just your cup of tea―Bec Stafford

If you like the TV series 'Midsomer Murders', then May Day Murder should be right up your alley―The Crime Warp on May Day Murder

About the Author
Julie Wassmer is a a professional televison drama writer, working on various series including ITV's London's Burning, C5's Family Affairs and BBC's Eastenders - which she worked on for 20 years. In 2010, her autobiography More Than Just Coincidence was published by Harper Collins/True.