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Max's Campervan Case Files #1
Campervans, Cooking, and Corpses: A humorous vanlife cozy murder mystery
From Chef’s Whites to Campervan Nights. Max’s Vanlife Adventure Careens into a Shocking Murder Mystery!Burned-out chef, and a bit of a hippy at heart if he's honest, Max Effort, has had enough. He's packed in his job at a swanky Michelin 3-star restaurant, grown his hair, berated his parents yet again for giving him such a "go get 'em" name, accepted he's never going to get his ex-wife back, and he's hitting the road.The house is sold, a VW Campervan bought, and Anxious his trusty Jack Russell Terrier has already picked his spot (the bed, duh!).Max has a plan, and he thinks it's a cunning one. Sick of the sight of joux, defiant in the face of deconstructed trifle, green at the sight of truffles, and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he's about to embark on a tour of the backroads of Britain. He'll weave his way around the country to visit the sights, go to a few festivals, catch up with friends, and just chill out.And every single night without fail, he's going to make his main meal in his cast-iron pot. It's one-pot cooking or bust for Max, and he cannot wait.Freedom at last. The open road with his best friend for company. No hot, sweaty kitchens, shouting chefs, uppity waiters, or demanding customers. Just countryside, campsites, back-to-basics cooking, and the stars at night.Then there was a murder…Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for those on the road, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up! A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery on the open road.
197 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2023
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898 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
February 28, 2024
Not my usual genre and no idea why I chose to read this.
The first few chapters are terrible if I’m honest. I persevered and I’m glad I did because once Max hit the road, things improved.
One thing that utterly confused me was that Max is only 33, yet the conversations with Min, the music choice and the way he’s described in the first few chapters made me think he was around 50/60. He kept calling himself an old man,m. His conversational style was that of an 80 year old.
Dai was an odd character and tbh, he sort of saved the book. Still no idea what he meant by this:
"We aren't Spanish," he growled, giving me the evil eye. "No, I don't suppose you are," I said, having no idea what that meant.
Once I stopped taking it so seriously, and started comparing it to the film ‘Knives Out’ it got better. The conversations are unnatural, it’s not close to reality, the dog supposedly ‘nodding in agreement’ killed me. The names ‘Max and Min Effort’ 😭 and the parents Jack and Jill 😭
If the author didn’t want the book to be taken seriously then they did a good job. For a short book it took me a long time to read.
In terms of the actual plot/murder - it was ok, I suspected one of the murders but didn’t guess the motive so that was a good surprise.
Not sure my rating is entirely fair as it’s not my reading preference. I wasn’t sure of what to expect. Not my cuppa tea
The first few chapters are terrible if I’m honest. I persevered and I’m glad I did because once Max hit the road, things improved.
One thing that utterly confused me was that Max is only 33, yet the conversations with Min, the music choice and the way he’s described in the first few chapters made me think he was around 50/60. He kept calling himself an old man,m. His conversational style was that of an 80 year old.
Dai was an odd character and tbh, he sort of saved the book. Still no idea what he meant by this:
"We aren't Spanish," he growled, giving me the evil eye. "No, I don't suppose you are," I said, having no idea what that meant.
Once I stopped taking it so seriously, and started comparing it to the film ‘Knives Out’ it got better. The conversations are unnatural, it’s not close to reality, the dog supposedly ‘nodding in agreement’ killed me. The names ‘Max and Min Effort’ 😭 and the parents Jack and Jill 😭
If the author didn’t want the book to be taken seriously then they did a good job. For a short book it took me a long time to read.
In terms of the actual plot/murder - it was ok, I suspected one of the murders but didn’t guess the motive so that was a good surprise.
Not sure my rating is entirely fair as it’s not my reading preference. I wasn’t sure of what to expect. Not my cuppa tea
February 1, 2024
The first chapter in this book really annoyed me. It was as though it was written by a child, who didn't know how to present a conversation without including every single tiny remark (sorry). I normally don't think too much about the first chapter, but I seriously didn't think I would have been able to carry on if the next chapter was like that. I'm so glad I persevered though. From chapter two, things started picking up, and I started to really like Max (the main character) and his too good to be true and too well trained Jack Russell, Anxious. A funny book in places, and serious where it needs to be, this is a lovely, light-hearted read.
December 14, 2025
This is my second read of the Campervan (Max's Campervan Case Files #1). I am surprised to be enjoying this series so much, but the wacky setting, characters, scenery are just what I find so fun and enjoyable. Not far from a laugh, and the cutely named Max Effort, ex-wife but best friend Min, and adorable dog Anxious. Love them all.
Max is one talented guy. He can cook like no one's business. Finds details that others miss in murder cases, is a great friend. He also lives in a bright orange and other colors campervan and loves the less complicated life it leads for him. Min, though divorced from Max, still comes to visit and have best friend time.
They work together and are able to solve this mysterious crime. I really enjoyed it. Rated 4 stars.
Max is one talented guy. He can cook like no one's business. Finds details that others miss in murder cases, is a great friend. He also lives in a bright orange and other colors campervan and loves the less complicated life it leads for him. Min, though divorced from Max, still comes to visit and have best friend time.
They work together and are able to solve this mysterious crime. I really enjoyed it. Rated 4 stars.
July 12, 2025
This feels like the start of a USA Network comedy crime show. I'm committed.
December 7, 2023
What a lovely book to read and get engrossed into with Max as main character and his smart adorable side kick Anxious.
A fun collection of characters, environment and of course a murder mystery to be solved as Max is first to stumble across a body just as he begins his new adventure into van life.
Lots of good scenes of fun, humour and great ensemble of eccentric and interesting characters. Was a great feel good, enjoyable who dunnit with right mix of intrigue, humour, narrative and curiosity to keep the story moving at nice pace.
Look forward to Max's next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fun collection of characters, environment and of course a murder mystery to be solved as Max is first to stumble across a body just as he begins his new adventure into van life.
Lots of good scenes of fun, humour and great ensemble of eccentric and interesting characters. Was a great feel good, enjoyable who dunnit with right mix of intrigue, humour, narrative and curiosity to keep the story moving at nice pace.
Look forward to Max's next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2025
Cooking and Corpses is the first in Rhodes Campervan Case Files series. It's a cosy mystery featuring the oddest duo ever, goofy chef Max Effort and his dog Anxious.
The characters are fun and definitely not to be taken too seriously. They're written with humour and wit, and I can't wait to fully invest into Max's character in the subsequent books.
It comes in at novella size, so it was a quick and easy to relish in one sitting book. It's lighthearted, cosy and I found it quite the fun read.
I assume the author has a campervan of his own because his descriptions of the vans were spot on...my partner has a VW campervan.
I've recently discovered a love for chickpeas, so I'm looking forward to trying the recipe for the Cozido de Grao (chickpea stew) at the back of the book.
Overall, it's an enjoyable and entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
The characters are fun and definitely not to be taken too seriously. They're written with humour and wit, and I can't wait to fully invest into Max's character in the subsequent books.
It comes in at novella size, so it was a quick and easy to relish in one sitting book. It's lighthearted, cosy and I found it quite the fun read.
I assume the author has a campervan of his own because his descriptions of the vans were spot on...my partner has a VW campervan.
I've recently discovered a love for chickpeas, so I'm looking forward to trying the recipe for the Cozido de Grao (chickpea stew) at the back of the book.
Overall, it's an enjoyable and entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
September 18, 2025
I kind of roll my eyes at well-off #vanlife people who are influencers, as well as mid-life crisis white men stories, but this was fun and funny. It's an enjoyable cozy mystery setup that is slightly different from those that I often read, in a good way. I especially enjoyed the loving and quirky family banter.
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February 19, 2025⭐️⭐️ This was not for me. It was a goofy murder mystery and I’m not sure the narrator of the audiobook helped me enjoy it any more. I kept reading because it was about a campervan and had a fun Jack Russell as one of the main characters, but really wasn’t interested in the story.
January 14, 2024
Excellent read, at times you feel sorry for Max who is trying to relax and enjoy his new life. But you end up being an active participant in his and Anxious’ adventures. Looking forward to reading his next adventure!
June 26, 2024
so you're telling me the only reason there was any mystery at all is because NO ONE could tell the difference between blood and fruit juice?? or did any sort of forensics on it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2024
I was hoping for a quick and fun read but this book was just too silly and poorly written. It was a waste of time
September 29, 2025
Series: Max’s Campervan Case Files - Book 1 of 15
Book released: 2023
Started: 26 September 2025 / Completed: 28 September 2025
Format: Libby, borrowed – do not own
Listening time: 6 hours / Total pages: 197 pages
Star rating: 3.25
Book synopsis/review:
This read is very light-hearted about a chef who quit his job and went on the road with his dog, Anxious, making one-pot meals, no stress, and getting back to a simple life. The life of a chef cost him his marriage and, at times, his sanity.
Max (MMC) Effort (note the pun) was a chef at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and he has a plan, and he thinks it's a cunning one. Sick of preparing high-class food and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he embarked on a tour of the backroads of Britain.
When he realized that he was not winning back his ex-wife, Min, he sold his house and bought a VW campervan. He heads out on the road with his dog, Anxious (a Jack Russell terrier – having had one for a dog, the name completely fits this breed of dog. It’s the dog that played Eddie on the Frasier TV show).
His goal is to create only one-pot meals and tour the back roads of the British countryside. He and his dog, Anxious, arrive at the first campsite only to run headlong into a murderer who rolled up in a tent placed in the middle of the road.
The local Constable is named BethAnn. She is enthusiastic, very young, and wants to solve the case. Bring in her grandfather, Dai, a grumpy farmer and campsite owner, with some nasty characters who wish to buy the farm to turn it into a holiday park, plus other family members, possibly up to no good, and there's a complex set of stories going on. There is an awful lot of 'living in a camper', which is fun and true, and there is too much about Max's hippy parents, ex-wife, and how he really wants to get back with her. The story also includes two detailed one-pot cast-iron recipes.
It was a fun palate cleanser to get back into reading. This is a light and easy read. I really enjoyed it; the characters are good, and the story continued at a good pace, with some nice twists and turns. I can see myself reading the next book in the series (“Slaughter At The Seaside”) if I get into another reading rut. There are 15 books in this series (Max’s Campervan Case Files).
Book released: 2023
Started: 26 September 2025 / Completed: 28 September 2025
Format: Libby, borrowed – do not own
Listening time: 6 hours / Total pages: 197 pages
Star rating: 3.25
Book synopsis/review:
This read is very light-hearted about a chef who quit his job and went on the road with his dog, Anxious, making one-pot meals, no stress, and getting back to a simple life. The life of a chef cost him his marriage and, at times, his sanity.
Max (MMC) Effort (note the pun) was a chef at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and he has a plan, and he thinks it's a cunning one. Sick of preparing high-class food and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he embarked on a tour of the backroads of Britain.
When he realized that he was not winning back his ex-wife, Min, he sold his house and bought a VW campervan. He heads out on the road with his dog, Anxious (a Jack Russell terrier – having had one for a dog, the name completely fits this breed of dog. It’s the dog that played Eddie on the Frasier TV show).
His goal is to create only one-pot meals and tour the back roads of the British countryside. He and his dog, Anxious, arrive at the first campsite only to run headlong into a murderer who rolled up in a tent placed in the middle of the road.
The local Constable is named BethAnn. She is enthusiastic, very young, and wants to solve the case. Bring in her grandfather, Dai, a grumpy farmer and campsite owner, with some nasty characters who wish to buy the farm to turn it into a holiday park, plus other family members, possibly up to no good, and there's a complex set of stories going on. There is an awful lot of 'living in a camper', which is fun and true, and there is too much about Max's hippy parents, ex-wife, and how he really wants to get back with her. The story also includes two detailed one-pot cast-iron recipes.
It was a fun palate cleanser to get back into reading. This is a light and easy read. I really enjoyed it; the characters are good, and the story continued at a good pace, with some nice twists and turns. I can see myself reading the next book in the series (“Slaughter At The Seaside”) if I get into another reading rut. There are 15 books in this series (Max’s Campervan Case Files).
January 4, 2025
3.5 stars
I picked this book up at my local library because the cover grabbed my attention. I was surprised to find it there once I discovered it is a self-published work. I'm glad I picked it up though!
Max Effort (and yes, he's very annoyed that his parents named him that) has decided to transform his life. Once a successful chef, Max's life and marriage fell apart because he put his work in front of everything else. He decides to quit his job, buy a camper van, and travel.
Max (and his dog Anxious) sets out for adventure and on the very first day, he discovers a corpse on the road at the place where he intends to camp. From there, Max works with a local policewoman in an effort to discover who killed the man he found. While aiming to discover who the murderer possibly could be, Max also starts to reinvent himself. He wants to live life to the fullest and begins to recognize that having a ton of money isn't the key to happiness for himself.
This is a cute, easy to read, short story. It's a bit quirky and definitely has some strange moments. It also has some laugh out loud moments. The book has an important takeaway message as well! Overall, I found Max and the cast of characters to all be very likable and I'd be interested to see where life takes Max and Anxious next.
I picked this book up at my local library because the cover grabbed my attention. I was surprised to find it there once I discovered it is a self-published work. I'm glad I picked it up though!
Max Effort (and yes, he's very annoyed that his parents named him that) has decided to transform his life. Once a successful chef, Max's life and marriage fell apart because he put his work in front of everything else. He decides to quit his job, buy a camper van, and travel.
Max (and his dog Anxious) sets out for adventure and on the very first day, he discovers a corpse on the road at the place where he intends to camp. From there, Max works with a local policewoman in an effort to discover who killed the man he found. While aiming to discover who the murderer possibly could be, Max also starts to reinvent himself. He wants to live life to the fullest and begins to recognize that having a ton of money isn't the key to happiness for himself.
This is a cute, easy to read, short story. It's a bit quirky and definitely has some strange moments. It also has some laugh out loud moments. The book has an important takeaway message as well! Overall, I found Max and the cast of characters to all be very likable and I'd be interested to see where life takes Max and Anxious next.
January 29, 2025
2.5 for me. Quick, cute but nothing great.
March 18, 2024
Really cute book! I found it a bit jumpy and hard to follow at times, but all in all, it’s a cozy read
May 9, 2025
Not your typical cozy murder mystery but it was a fun book to read. Especially for me, since I live in a camper full time. The characters are quirky and give the story life, love his dog, Anxious 😂
September 17, 2024
Light hearted amateur murder mystery. A bit simplistic in its writing but some funny moments.
A heart warming view of life in a camper van.
I probably won't be reading any more in the series
A heart warming view of life in a camper van.
I probably won't be reading any more in the series
August 22, 2025
I want to know what this subgenre is so I am assured not to accidentally read it again. I finished and thought to myself...are you kidding me??? This reads like a middle school mystery and maybe it is... if I find out it is I will change or remove my star rating.
Anxious (the dog) basically able to lead whole conversations without words cracked me up. I am a sucker for a cute pup in a book!
Anxious (the dog) basically able to lead whole conversations without words cracked me up. I am a sucker for a cute pup in a book!
November 30, 2023
Vintage VW and Villans Make for an Excellent Read!
This book is the first in the Max's Campervan Case Files series, and I will definitely be reading the others as they are published. I really enjoyed this story, and there were plenty of quirky characters, fun anecdotes about van life, and lovely moments with an adorable doggo! I can't wait to see what is in store for Max as he continues his travels. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book is the first in the Max's Campervan Case Files series, and I will definitely be reading the others as they are published. I really enjoyed this story, and there were plenty of quirky characters, fun anecdotes about van life, and lovely moments with an adorable doggo! I can't wait to see what is in store for Max as he continues his travels. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 28, 2024
There was a few things I didn’t care for in this book.
first one being how I felt like they were disrespectful Min when Bethan showed up, in the way both Max and his dad acted.
Another part of the book, how Max was naked and just walks out to pee at a camp ground think no one will see him. How his fellow camper came out in his boxers and scratching his unmentionables. I personally don’t feel it was necessary to write these part, me feeling like the writer perved up, and it showed up in his writing.
I will not waste my time on anymore books from Tyler Rhodes.
first one being how I felt like they were disrespectful Min when Bethan showed up, in the way both Max and his dad acted.
Another part of the book, how Max was naked and just walks out to pee at a camp ground think no one will see him. How his fellow camper came out in his boxers and scratching his unmentionables. I personally don’t feel it was necessary to write these part, me feeling like the writer perved up, and it showed up in his writing.
I will not waste my time on anymore books from Tyler Rhodes.
March 29, 2024
Light reading.
Found it very difficult to get into this book. So much about him and his ex wife which could’ve been explained in a page. Several times I thought of giving up - but I stuck with it. Pleasant enough light reading in the end but plot was fairly predictable.
Found it very difficult to get into this book. So much about him and his ex wife which could’ve been explained in a page. Several times I thought of giving up - but I stuck with it. Pleasant enough light reading in the end but plot was fairly predictable.
February 14, 2025
I think I’ve been generous with the two stars. It was like it had been written by a child for a school project. It could have been brilliant but the writing style was very poor I’m afraid and has put me off 🙁
May 21, 2024
I've wanted to read this book for quite a while and unfortunately it was only so so. 😕
November 19, 2024
Just couldn't get into the book.
February 24, 2025
This is a light and easy read I really enjoyed the characters are good and the story continued at a good pace some nice twists and turns.
January 16, 2025
4 stars
I grabbed this on a recent Audible sale, mostly due to the cover, because that's how I pick most of my sale titles. The premise intrigued me - after a successful, but stressful, career as a chef, Max and his dog Anxious have sold everything and are hitting the road to experience van life, only to discover a body at their very first stop.
Cozy mysteries on their own are pretty unrealistic when you think about them - there's usually a murder in every town the protagonist visits, or the local little old lady solving crimes; situations that would never happen in real life. Because of the mildly fantastical nature of them in and of themselves, I really enjoy the books that don't really take themselves too seriously and add in quirky relatives and humorous situations along with the investigations. This book had a lot of that and it worked really well.
I will admit, the first chapter was a rough start for me. It starts off with mostly dialog and very little character description, and there were areas where I had to go back and listen to it again to really get what was going on. I muscled through, and once the book got going, it was just a lot of fun.
I really liked Max and I'm really interested in van life in general, so I'm excited to read more in this series and see how that plays in to his adventures. I also liked the parts of the book where his parents and ex wife, Min show up at his campsite to check on him after not hearing from him for a day - Max's mom bringing him extra underwear to make sure he had enough was peak Mom behavior and I'm here for it.
I also read a lot of romance novels about the beginning of relationships, so I'm excited to see something a bit different in this series, with a potential future love interest that's an ex wife.
Listening to this book on audio was a great experience. It's on the shorter side, but I really enjoyed Gareth Richards' narration, especially his Welsh accents. Definitely looking out for the rest of the books in this series!
I grabbed this on a recent Audible sale, mostly due to the cover, because that's how I pick most of my sale titles. The premise intrigued me - after a successful, but stressful, career as a chef, Max and his dog Anxious have sold everything and are hitting the road to experience van life, only to discover a body at their very first stop.
Cozy mysteries on their own are pretty unrealistic when you think about them - there's usually a murder in every town the protagonist visits, or the local little old lady solving crimes; situations that would never happen in real life. Because of the mildly fantastical nature of them in and of themselves, I really enjoy the books that don't really take themselves too seriously and add in quirky relatives and humorous situations along with the investigations. This book had a lot of that and it worked really well.
I will admit, the first chapter was a rough start for me. It starts off with mostly dialog and very little character description, and there were areas where I had to go back and listen to it again to really get what was going on. I muscled through, and once the book got going, it was just a lot of fun.
I really liked Max and I'm really interested in van life in general, so I'm excited to read more in this series and see how that plays in to his adventures. I also liked the parts of the book where his parents and ex wife, Min show up at his campsite to check on him after not hearing from him for a day - Max's mom bringing him extra underwear to make sure he had enough was peak Mom behavior and I'm here for it.
I also read a lot of romance novels about the beginning of relationships, so I'm excited to see something a bit different in this series, with a potential future love interest that's an ex wife.
Listening to this book on audio was a great experience. It's on the shorter side, but I really enjoyed Gareth Richards' narration, especially his Welsh accents. Definitely looking out for the rest of the books in this series!
October 8, 2025
The only reason I'm giving this two stars is for the creativity of the names.
When I read the title, I expected this to be some sort of humorous zombie apocolypse traveling book, but it's not. Little disappointed about it, honestly. That would have been a good premise.
There's not much 'murder mystery' in this book. I expected it to have a little more but it was boring. Also, why the hell is a CHEF dealing with a murder? I would understand if the guy was an ex cop or detective, but a CHEF? Nah.
I think the author is trying to be humorous in the book, but it's coming off as arrogant and a little incel-ish. There were a few instances where the character was like "I'm over 6 feet tall and gorgeous", which was so cringy and almost made me DNF the book. The only reason I kept it going was because it was in audiobook form and only 6 hours long. It made me feel like I was reading about a character that thought himself an absolute catch. I don't mind what a character describes themselves, but this came off a little... gross.
There was also a LOT of winking going on. Like, could the author not think of anything else for the character to do? I got to the point that I rolled my eyes every time I heard the word 'wink'. Another thing that kept getting on my nerves was the character being awkward when he's in his 40s. I understand that sometimes you don't grow out of the awkwardness, and sometimes it can be cute, but it just came off as pathetic and immature, honestly.
All in all, it wasn't a book I'd read/listen to again and I likely won't read anything else by this author. It felt like I was reading two different books smashed together badly. It was so bad that once we got to the point where the killer is 'revealed', I found that I didn't care and just wanted the story over with.
When I read the title, I expected this to be some sort of humorous zombie apocolypse traveling book, but it's not. Little disappointed about it, honestly. That would have been a good premise.
There's not much 'murder mystery' in this book. I expected it to have a little more but it was boring. Also, why the hell is a CHEF dealing with a murder? I would understand if the guy was an ex cop or detective, but a CHEF? Nah.
I think the author is trying to be humorous in the book, but it's coming off as arrogant and a little incel-ish. There were a few instances where the character was like "I'm over 6 feet tall and gorgeous", which was so cringy and almost made me DNF the book. The only reason I kept it going was because it was in audiobook form and only 6 hours long. It made me feel like I was reading about a character that thought himself an absolute catch. I don't mind what a character describes themselves, but this came off a little... gross.
There was also a LOT of winking going on. Like, could the author not think of anything else for the character to do? I got to the point that I rolled my eyes every time I heard the word 'wink'. Another thing that kept getting on my nerves was the character being awkward when he's in his 40s. I understand that sometimes you don't grow out of the awkwardness, and sometimes it can be cute, but it just came off as pathetic and immature, honestly.
All in all, it wasn't a book I'd read/listen to again and I likely won't read anything else by this author. It felt like I was reading two different books smashed together badly. It was so bad that once we got to the point where the killer is 'revealed', I found that I didn't care and just wanted the story over with.
December 12, 2024
Tyler Rhodes introduces us to former 3-star chef Max Effort. He fully admitted his profession as a high-end che made him very rich but a miserable husband. Although he desperately still loved his wife, Min, they are amiably divorced.
Max is now determined to literally get back down to basics and reinvent himself. He buys a 1966 VW camper and starts a new van life.His plan is to circumvent the coast of Wales.
As with most cozy mysteries, Max and his adoring terrier stumble upon a dead body. What was different was Max's fascinating personality adapting from a highly stressful adrenaline filled career to a carefree hippie lifestyle.
Except, his lifestyle may be minimalistic; it is certainly not on a minimal budget. It is obvious his previous earnings is allowing him to eat well.
It was an interesting description of camper life enough for me to know that this lifestyle would only work for me if it were temporary.
The book was well written, and every page helped the plot a d character development.
Max is now determined to literally get back down to basics and reinvent himself. He buys a 1966 VW camper and starts a new van life.His plan is to circumvent the coast of Wales.
As with most cozy mysteries, Max and his adoring terrier stumble upon a dead body. What was different was Max's fascinating personality adapting from a highly stressful adrenaline filled career to a carefree hippie lifestyle.
Except, his lifestyle may be minimalistic; it is certainly not on a minimal budget. It is obvious his previous earnings is allowing him to eat well.
It was an interesting description of camper life enough for me to know that this lifestyle would only work for me if it were temporary.
The book was well written, and every page helped the plot a d character development.
June 30, 2024
see note
Amazon synopsis:
Burned-out chef, and a bit of a hippy at heart if he's honest, Max Effort, has had enough. He's packed in his job at a swanky Michelin 3-star restaurant, grown his hair, berated his parents yet again for giving him such a "go get 'em" name, accepted he's never going to get his ex-wife back, and he's hitting the road.
The house is sold, a VW Campervan bought, and Anxious his trusty Jack Russell Terrier has already picked his spot (the bed, duh!).
Max has a plan, and he thinks it's a cunning one. Sick of the sight of roux, defiant in the face of deconstructed trifle, green at the sight of truffles, and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he's about to embark on a tour of the backroads of Britain. He'll weave his way around the country to visit the sights, go to a few festivals, catch up with friends, and just chill out.
And every single night without fail, he's going to make his main meal in his cast-iron pot. It's one-pot cooking or bust for Max, and he cannot wait.
Freedom at last. The open road with his best friend for company. No hot, sweaty kitchens, shouting chefs, uppity waiters, or demanding customers. Just countryside, campsites, back-to-basics cooking, and the stars at night.
Then there was a murder…
Amazon synopsis:
Burned-out chef, and a bit of a hippy at heart if he's honest, Max Effort, has had enough. He's packed in his job at a swanky Michelin 3-star restaurant, grown his hair, berated his parents yet again for giving him such a "go get 'em" name, accepted he's never going to get his ex-wife back, and he's hitting the road.
The house is sold, a VW Campervan bought, and Anxious his trusty Jack Russell Terrier has already picked his spot (the bed, duh!).
Max has a plan, and he thinks it's a cunning one. Sick of the sight of roux, defiant in the face of deconstructed trifle, green at the sight of truffles, and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he's about to embark on a tour of the backroads of Britain. He'll weave his way around the country to visit the sights, go to a few festivals, catch up with friends, and just chill out.
And every single night without fail, he's going to make his main meal in his cast-iron pot. It's one-pot cooking or bust for Max, and he cannot wait.
Freedom at last. The open road with his best friend for company. No hot, sweaty kitchens, shouting chefs, uppity waiters, or demanding customers. Just countryside, campsites, back-to-basics cooking, and the stars at night.
Then there was a murder…
October 13, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, read by Gareth Richards, which put me off slightly! I don’t know why, I just wasn’t expecting his voice(I can’t put it into words). After a while, I became accustomed, but not necessarily accepting of it.
The trouble is, I couldn’t properly focus on the story and therefore cannot adequately rate it! This is a first for me, where the narration was so off putting that it totally detracted from the content of the story. Even the recipe at the end was uninteresting.
I shan’t be reading the rest of this series. I didn’t experience any humour within it, or engage in the mystery (which seemed pretty random). This certainly gives “Cozy Mystery” a bad name.
The trouble is, I couldn’t properly focus on the story and therefore cannot adequately rate it! This is a first for me, where the narration was so off putting that it totally detracted from the content of the story. Even the recipe at the end was uninteresting.
I shan’t be reading the rest of this series. I didn’t experience any humour within it, or engage in the mystery (which seemed pretty random). This certainly gives “Cozy Mystery” a bad name.
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