May Contain Murder

Chef Paul Delamare Mysteries #2

by Orlando Murrin

Worse things happen at sea.
Paul Delamare has been roped into accompanying his old friend on a luxury cruise aboard the magnificent superyacht Mal de Mer. It’s all plain sailing until his friend’s priceless necklace is stolen, and everyone falls under suspicion.

Every chef for himself.
As Paul races to catch the thief, the ship begins to drift off-course, veering into the storm-lashed mid-Atlantic. Then one of the passengers is found dead in mysterious circumstances, in a pool of coffee and surrounded by cake crumbs.

Voyage of the damned.
It’s all hands on deck to catch the killer, but Paul soon discovers guests and crew are harbouring deadly secrets. And if he can’t get to the bottom of the mystery soon, he’ll be sleeping with the fishes.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

About the author

Orlando Murrin is a food writer, media personality, and author who inherited a fascination with mystery from his grandfather, a Met detective who rose to become a crack MI5 interrogator. A former editor of BBC Good Food, founder of Olive Magazine, and semi-finalist on Masterchef, he currently hosts the BBC Good Food Podcast with TV presenter-restaurateur Tom Kerridge and writes for Waitrose Weekend. He is the author of seven cookbooks, including Two's Company and A Table in the Tarn, and has served since 2020 as President of the Guild of Food Writers.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul Delamere accompanies an old friend on a luxury yacht cruise supposedly to celebrate her new marriage. Paul is an intriguing character, a gay male who has lost the love of his life, a trained and talented chef and a sleuth by nature. Also a very trusting man which gets him into deep water (literally) before he manages to discover the murderer.

Paul's character is what made the book for me. The yacht turned the story into a locked room mystery and Paul's intelligence and experience kept things moving as he investigated. Some of the crew are very suspicious and most of the guests are unlikeable.

Nicely written, frequently humorous with a clever mystery. Four stars. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got the arc for review on Netgally.

I enjoyed this culinary cozy mystery with twist and intruiging plot. its not a 4 star read but it was fun following him around as he looked around for answers and was more twisty than some cozys I've read (but not in a thriller kind of way).

[Grandma Susan]

DNF.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second entry in the series by the professional food writer and podcaster Orlando Murrin is as delectable as the first. This time, Chef Delamare is invited to be a guest on his friend's yacht. The hired chef gets sick and he has to fill in one night, plus they have him in a crew cabin. Not cool. But then disaster strikes, and lives are at stake. It's one calamity after another, somehow expertly walking the line between neither too campy nor too overwrought. There are missing diamonds, a murder, the ocean, and chocolate cake. Oh, and there are recipes at the end - which may be a plug for the print edition over the audiobook, but the audiobook narration is spot-on (and British). I am already licking my chops in anticipation of the next Chef Paul Delamare mystery.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @RBMedia, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #MayContainMurder for review purposes. Publicaiton date: 16 December 2026. Great light holiday reading for the mystery lovers in your life.

[A Dreaming Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing me with an ALC.

I enjoy cozy mysteries, especially the locked room type but sadly this one didn't work for me. I wasn't able to relate to the characters unfortunately and wasn't very invested in the plot. The food parts were nice, especially the recipes at the end. That was definitely a good touch, being able to recreate the recipes from the book. A lot of the stuff felt unrealistic, especially the investigation parts -- it felt too easy. A lot of things just felt like plot devices. I haven't read the first book but I think this can be read as a standalone. It's also possible that I just wasn't in the mood for this genre at this moment. I think it might have worked for me at a different time. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a food themed, nautical, locked room mystery.

The narrator did a good job of bringing the book to life, and definitely improved my experience.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and delightful cozy mystery. I grabbed it as a palate cleanser between thrillers, and it absolutely hit the spot.

I didn’t read book one in the series, but it’s billed as an interconnected standalone, which definitely held true. While Paul—the amateur sleuth and series throughline—clearly has history, the author does a good job weaving in enough background to keep you grounded without it feeling repetitive or info-dumpy. I can’t say with certainty how it compares to book one since I haven’t read it, but you get a strong sense of the characters and dynamics regardless.

I consumed this via audiobook, narrated by Sebastian Humphreys, who did a great job. He has a smooth, relaxing voice and maintains a comfortable pace that worked well at 1x speed.

Overall, I really enjoyed the ride, with its low-stakes twists and turns and the hijinks our MMC gets himself tangled in. I also appreciated the food representation—it added an extra layer of enjoyment—and the slightly grittier prose elevated the story, making it cozy without tipping into fluffy territory.


I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from RB Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[Natalia Farnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I always forget how much I love the locked room mysteries and this one didn’t disappoint!!! And bonus points for giving recipes at the end. This one had some twists and did a great job setting up the who dunnit of it all. Really like the MMC and would actually read more of him if they did a series. So if you love a good mystery and a kooky cast of characters this one is for you!!!

[booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it.ill read more of his.

[Kendra Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable cozy mystery! It’s set on a boat with a slew of fun characters! I’ve never read this author but quite enjoyed his writing style and the depth of the characters! I was not expecting the ending! I also really enjoyed the cooking aspect and all the recipes at the end tied into the story! Very clever and I can’t wait to attempt a recipe or two!

Publishes tomorrow, December 16th!
Thank you RB Media for an ALC!

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and the murder plot is good. And a lot happens—maybe too much happens. So much happens it kinda obscures some of the narrative; it’s busy but perhaps too busy.

I was let down by no one believing the main character. Not only accused of theft, everyone ignores his claims that someone tried to kill him—even the character’s own actions seem to indicate that he basically forgot the attempt on his life just the day before. As bodies pile up it becomes increasingly whacky that everyone isn’t freaking out more and taking the dude seriously. Similarly, that he’s both a guest and a de facto member of the crew seemed to stretch credulity, clearly done so that he could serve the plot demands of interacting with both sets of characters. Both of these things made him feel less like a person and more like a device for moving the story forward.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

many thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing me with an early audiobook copy of May Contain Murder by Orlando Murrin in exchange for my thoughts and honest review.

the main character, chef Paul, is traveling on a super yacht with a friend and soon finds himself scrambling to uncover a thief and murderer. this is a smartly crafted story and there are plenty of suspicious supporting characters that kept me guessing! Paul is a character that i could easily root for. with his caring and thoughtful personality, and the curiosity that drives him through the investigation, the journey he endured to uncover the truth was a joy to read.

although this is the second book in a series, and since i haven’t read the first book, i felt the story was strong. the mystery is clever and engaging, and is suitable to be read as a standalone. i enjoyed this cozy mystery and how the humor kept the nature of the plot on the lighter side. the mystery is well written and i thought the audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Sebastian Humphreys. he performs many accents of the various characters who also range in ages and genders. the cherry on top is that the book includes recipes!

May Contain Murder will be available on December 16, 2025.

[JJ Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review at www.NerdyNerdyBookBook.com

[Jason Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Publishing and A John Scognamiglio Book for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of May Contain Murder by Orlando Murrin. The hardcover is to be published on December 16, 2025.

Chef turned author, Paul Delamare is invited by his close friend, Xéra de Sully, onto the private superyacht, Maldemer, for an all-expense paid trip where he will help her write her memoir. Xéra’s priceless new necklace, a gift from her husband, goes missing and Paul becomes a suspect. Then, one of the passengers dies. Was that an accidental death or something more sinister?

This novel was very much like an onion with multiple layers containing an eccentric cast of characters. The mystery revolves around the stolen necklace and the death as Paul peels back layer after layer until he gets to the root of the mystery. If this was a movie, it would be very similar to the Knives Out series. At times, the antics in the book felt very chaotic like an early episode of Hell’s Kitchen when the kitchen just has to be shut down for the evening but I say that in a very endearing way. Chaotically wild and fun!

It was an absolutely fun voyage though the length could make one seasick. Paul makes for a great narrator even if he was pulled away from playing detective to assist the chef and staff with kitchen duties.

One spoiler: He does make dessert for one of the dinner services, a cake – Gâteau Reine de Saba. Thankfully, that recipe is included in the book.

Like a bowl of Lucky Charms, this was a magically delicious read!

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a tremendous fan of Orlando Murrin's delectable Culinary Mysteries since the opening pages of KNIFE SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS. In fact, I credit that Debut novel with inspiring my fascination for Culinary Cozies (and subsequently, Cooking shows).

As did KNIFE SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS, MAY CONTAIN MURDER features our delightful Feckless Hero, food writer/sometimes chef/culinary expert Paul Delamare of London, a gentle Gay individual whose devotion to his friends and loved ones is without compare. Struggling to maintain the London cottage left him by his late, lamented, life partner Marcus against the depredations of Marcus' wayward son and reputation-assassin ex-wife, Paul must cope with a (suspiciously) flooded basement so accepts the offer of long-term friend Xera, a descendant of Louis Quatorze's mistress Madame Pompadour, to ghostwrite her memoir. Unfortunately the venue is a Master Yacht sailing from England to the Caribbean, which renders this a "locked-room" situation. Unfortunately, fatalities are unavoidable. Unfortunately, greed is rampant and Secrets are rife. Fortunately, Paul is like a bulldog when detection is involved; and he will never back down this side of death.

[Davena · Rating 3 out of 5]

May Contain Murder: A Chef Paul Delamare Mystery, Book Two by Orlando Murrin

I requested this book based solely on its cover art, but sadly, the sharks swimming lazily in a bowl of bisque are actually red herrings; no one is eaten by a shark. Although some recipes are included at the end, there's no bisque recipe included. I read the first book in this series, Knife Skills for Beginners, as homework and in that, Chef Paul Delamare agrees to help a friend by teaching at an exclusive cooking school. In this book, Chef Paul is roped into accompanying an old friend on a cruise aboard a superyacht.

An expensive necklace goes missing, and Chef Paul races to catch the thief (because he is the leading suspect) and then one of the passengers is found dead, surrounded by crumbs of the cake he'd baked the night before *gasp!*

The setting is interesting, on board a superyacht, which means this is a locked-room mystery (I do love a locked-room mystery!). The yacht is filled with wealthy (and mostly tedious) passengers, and Paul is also roped into helping in the galley, so he has access to those who work below deck as well. The more he looks, the more he discovers about the dark secrets the yacht is hiding.

Paul does have some 'off yacht' help, in the form of emails from his friend who draws him a daily tarot card, and later, emails from her police man boyfriend when things turn ugly on board.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with this e-ARC. May Contain Murder by Orlando Murrin will be out in the USA on December 16 2025.

Sidebar: In other regions, the same book, under the title "Murder Below Deck: A Chef Paul Delamare Mystery," is available now.

👍 Mild thumbs up.

Body count = 1

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! Who knew traveling on a boat, sorry super yacht could be so eventful and I loved every minute. There is a lot going on with a murder, theft and storms and that's just a few of the goings on that I can mention without giving away to much of the plot or the twists. Let's just say it moves at a fast pace and stays entertaining all the way through. I had guessed a few of the twists but there was still plenty of surprises. I liked the characters, Paul was a great main character whether he was investigating, cooking, writing or fighting for his life, he managed to do it with style and grace. The fact that everybody was trapped on the boat was a lot of fun and lead to some interesting situations. I will be looking out for more books by this author and definitely in this series.

Chef turned writer Paul is asked to write the memoirs of his closet friend, by joining her and her new husbands family on a super yacht as it travels to the Caribbean. Things don't go to plan and Paul ends up getting roped into helping out in the galley, preparing the food for the others guest. Then when the brides bridal necklace goes missing the fingers start pointing in his direction. Can he clear his name? Even worse can he find a killer? When his friend is found dead, Paul knows it's murder but cut off from the outside world he has no help coming and no way to prove it. With a killer on board, a storm about to hit and the other passengers keeping secrets is time about to run out for Paul?

I liked the narrator. He made the story come to life and so how made it even more entertaining.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Transworld Digital and NetGalley for the earc. This mystery novel follows Paul Delamare aboard a luxury yacht accompanied by his wealthy friend Xera, her new man, and a small group of other stuck up, wealthy passengers. Paul is quickly looked down upon and ignored for his status, but he quickly becomes a person of interest when his friend Xera’s priceless necklace goes missing from her cabin, followed by a horrifying, mysterious death. Although Paul is is considered suspicious, he knows he would never hurt his dear friend and quickly gets down to detective work to uncover which of the passengers is a murderer, and whether the theft is related in anyway. As Paul discovers more clues, he finds out the yacht is hiding some dark secrets and he may be on a boat heading for danger. I rated this novel three stars. I enjoy a whodunnit mystery, especially when it’s on a small space with only a small group of suspects. I think the writing in this book was not a style that I particularly enjoyed because it was affecting my ability to focus and be present in the novel. It’s just not the style I’m used to. It also took some time trying to remember each characters name and who they were as there were quite a few people on board the yacht. I was absolutely not expecting what Paul discovered about the yacht and its passengers but it made it all the more darker. I also enjoy the little addition of the emails as it makes a book more interesting. I did notice a couple of odd grammatical mistakes and sentence structures that were very odd. Some sentences switches the order of words so it sounded a bit backward and I couldn’t tell if this was actually a normal way of speaking in other parts of the world, but it made it seem like it was inserted by a robot. For example, a sentence might read: the boy to the pool had arrived at. Ultimately I think what made me less invested was that the mystery revolved around money, jewels, and rich people being bad, which isn’t typically isn’t the most interesting concept for me. I do love a little Hercule Poirot moment when Paul announces what happened and who did it. Overall it was a decent novel.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a long one nearly 100 short chapters so be ready to settle in and really dive deep. The story leans heavily into mystery and whodunit territory, keeping you guessing as layers slowly unfold. If you enjoy authors like Freida McFadden, The Woman in Cabin 10–style suspense, or even Anthony Horowitz, this will likely be right up your alley.

Overall, I found this book engaging and genuinely interesting. It held my attention, kept me curious, and delivered a solid mystery experience. The audiobook narration was especially well done the narrator brought the story together nicely and made the listening experience enjoyable and easy to follow.

The only thing that held this back slightly for me was the inclusion of tarot card references. While it wasn’t a major focus of the story and was easy enough to brush past, it felt a bit unnecessary for my personal taste. That said, it’s handled lightly, and even the main character isn’t portrayed as a strong believer, so it won’t be an issue for most readers.

One fun surprise I really enjoyed was the bonus recipe at the end a thoughtful, cozy touch that added a little something extra to the overall experience.

All in all, May Contain Murder is a solid, entertaining mystery and a strong second installment in the series. If you’re in the mood for a layered, slow-burn whodunit with plenty of intrigue, this one is worth checking out.

Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review

[Rebecca Bridson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of Orlando Murrin's latest novel 'May Contain Murder' in exchange for my review.

Unfortunately this book almost made it on my DNF list, the only reason it didn't was because I had to know who the murderer was.
The story is burdened by too many unnecessary plot devices and the only character that was remotely interesting got killed off very early on. I found it hard to connect with the main character Paul and I can't say that I grew to like him. The story revolves around the murder of Paul's friend on a super yacht filled with rich, snobby people with serious personality issues and financial problems - and a dog. The crew are a motley bunch of characters who, again, are not likeable. Thrown into the mix is Paul's other friend Julie who sends him regular emails informing him of his daily tarot card reading. Thankfully the chapters are tiny so you can pick up and put down the book as you lose interest in the convoluted plot. Every now and then the author remembers the main character's personality revolves around food and we are treated with some culinary tips and tricks.
You'd have to read it to fully understand how tedious and unnecessary this book is. It's a shame because Murrin's previous book was very well received in the murder mystery community.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the super yacht trip. In the Maldemer this book written in Paul Delamare’s perspective - he was invited by the host Xéra and one of his closest friends and her husband sir Billy. Paul is still grieveimg the loss of his partner Marcus. The trip is a much needed get away. And Xera wants to do an autobiography having Paul to write it.

other characters on the boat -

Sir Billy daughter Elise and her husband Shaun ( ex- tennis pro)
Marje Mayham- Sir Billy sister . A talent agent
Judith and her husband Russell Tate ( he is the lawyer/ money manager for Sir Billy
Karol- Kate - dog handler/ walker for Elise and Shaun
Blue Aspray- ? assistant to Marje , plays piano

Challis - back of house maid
Captain Romer - captain
Aimee - navigator co-captain
Bernie- chef?

We can’t forget Paul’s BFF at home and her boyfriend Declan their/her emails and her attempts at tarrot card readings, and the back and forth to Paul during his time on the yacht.

From expensive necklaces stolen to an unexpected death, stowaways, and people falling over board either pushed or “accidentally falling over”…

I really enjoyed this story. Wasn’t sure who did what until the end. Felt like an Agatha Christie story. Paul was like inspector Piorot.

Happy 📖 Reading

[LauraBeach123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely contains murder but that’s just the beginning! Orlando Murrin piles on trafficking, theft, fraud, and every sort of terrible indulgence rich people can get up to, all while sailing across the Atlantic on a luxury yacht. It’s part mystery, part social satire, and very entertaining.

What I loved most was luxury yacht setting, it is full money and excess, and I kept pausing to Google all the over-the-top brands, décor, and accessories that Murrin casually drops in. It’s like getting a peek into a world that’s equal parts glamorous and rotten.

The chef element was a fun too, just like his last murder mystery, Knife skills for Beginners, plays a major role in the story, and the recipes at the end were a delicious bonus. I enjoyed the way the culinary details balanced out the darker crimes, giving the book both flavor and bite and a nod to Julia Child and Salt, fat, acid, Heat.

Overall, this is a sharp, darkly funny look at the ultra-rich behaving very badly. If you like your closed room mysteries served with champagne, caviar, and a side of moral corruption, this is a good book for you!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder aboard a luxury yacht makes for an unusual locked room scenario.
Paul Delamare has been invited by his dearest friend Xera, to an all expenses cruise to help her write her memoirs. She assures him that he will not be required to cook, but we don’t believe that, do we?!!
Paul is aghast at the standard of cooking that first night, hardly 5 star, all dragged out of a freezer and he agrees to help. Bernie is the chef, she was only hired to cook for the crew and she admits she is out of her depths( sorry!)
When an expensive necklace goes missing, Paul becomes the prime suspect and he sets off to catch the thief and clear his name.
This is a very busy novel with so many sub plots. There is the missing necklace, electronic failures, patchy satellite reception, episodes of “ man overboard” and a Captain with almost no nautical knowledge.
An interesting voyage. The guests are mainly obnoxious hangers on and are not deserving of any sympathy.
The best parts are the snide and sarky comments exchanged throughout the book, and the recipes, who knew there were so many ways to cook eggs?
The cover of the book is misleading, no sharks, but plenty of red herrings to create tension and confusion, which leads to a very satisfying conclusion.

[KC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: May Contain Murder by Orlando Murrin

May Contain Murder promises a luxe yacht, gourmet cuisine, and a murder mystery to die for and it delivers… sometimes. Chef Paul Delamare is charming, the recipes are a fun bonus, and the yacht setting is undeniably glamorous.

But let’s be real. The plot meanders more than a drunken dinghy, and the cast of characters is so crowded you would need a seating chart just to keep track. Paul’s role as both guest and “crew” strains credulity, conveniently surfacing only when the plot demands it. The other guests turn on him in record time and no one actually listens to him. The twists are fine, the humor lands occasionally, and the foodie flair is delightful, but the whole thing feels like a soufflé that did not quite rise.

The audiobook narrator Sebastian Humphreys does a solid job bringing Paul and the eccentric guests to life, helping smooth over some of the story’s unevenness, though it cannot entirely fix the credibility issues.

Worth a skim for cozy mystery fans, but do not expect a full-course thrill.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio ARC. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

May Contain Murder is an intriguing and mostly entertaining murder mystery set entirely on a yacht, told through a queer lead with a sharp, memorable perspective. I really enjoyed his inner monologue — thoughtful, funny in unexpected ways, and always observant. There were a few moments where I thought I had the mystery pinned down, but the ending still managed to surprise me.

I’m giving this one three stars because the story did feel longer than necessary, and the large cast made it hard to keep track of who was who. On top of that, there were just so many plot threads: the trafficked women, the stolen necklace, the murdered girl, the insurance fraud, and then the final twist on top of it all. It was a bit too much for one book, and I think narrowing it down to one or two major arcs would’ve made the story even stronger.

I enjoyed the author’s style overall, but I’m not sure yet if I’ll keep exploring their work. If you like yacht-set mysteries with queer representation and plenty of drama packed into tight quarters, this one is still worth checking out.

[Coca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is for the audio version of the book, narrated by Sebastian Humphreys (this was my 1st experience with this narrator and it was amazingly good.

Chef and author, Paul Delamare has been given a rare opportunity to join an old friend on a super yacht as it travels to it's off season port. Once on board he's surrounded by wealth and luxury but finds the other guests, mostly wealthy, to be just as rude and off putting as everyone else can be.

When a priceless necklace is stolen, followed by an unexpected death, Paul finds himself digging into the lives of those on board trying to find the thief and the murderer.

This was a charming book. It's my 1st by this author and I binged it in a single day. It moved at a good clip and was delightfully complex. I did not expect the ending we got from it (mostly).

The cast of characters were lovely. I adored Paul and his wit. He was funny and humble and the dry sarcastic humor was done very well.

I enjoyed this and it was worth the time to read.

[Rachael Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I love a good cozy mystery. If this is a genre you enjoy, then this is a pretty fun read to add to your list

I did not know prior to reading this book that it was book 2 in the series, though there were a few references to a past mystery. It is not required to read the other before this one as it is self-contained and can stand alone.

Paul Delamare has been asked by his friend to come aboard a super yacht and help her write her story and celebrate her recent wedding. Paul is a chef by trade but seems to enjoy solving mysteries as well. He's a pretty likable character and I enjoyed following him through the hallways of the yacht as he runs down clues and tries to discover who the killer and thief are. We have missing jewelry, a dead body, and a storm brewing on the horizon. We also have a locked room mystery as the cast of characters is stuck on the boat until they make port.

It's got a few more twists and turns than many cozy mysteries. However, in my opinion it is worth the read as it does go quickly and keeps you engaged.

[Tory · Rating 4 out of 5]

May Contain Murder is the second in a fun mystery series staring a struggling food writer who finds himself involved in murder cases. Paul Delamare isn’t sure how to feel about getting stuck on a luxury yacht with an old friend while trying to write her memoir, but he’s willing to give it a shot because he could really use the money. However, a thrift of precious jewelry followed by a suddenly death that only he seems to think is murder, has really got Paul feeling down. He’ll have to get himself together if he’s going to solve this locked “room” mystery and get everyone to shore safely.

Paul is still his snarky, but sweet self. Though if you haven’t read the first book, you won’t miss any of the plot in this one. While the plot takes some wild twists and turns, if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief and get caught up in the silly capers, this book is a joy. It’s got a whole crew of interesting characters, upstairs/downstairs drama, and a dog who might help save the day. Mystery fans, jump right into this adventurous romp.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

“May Contain Murder” is the 2nd book in the Chef Paul Delamare series. This time around, we have a missing item and a dead body. And that’s about all I can say about this audiobook. It was just there. There was nothing egregiously wrong with it. There are several implausible scenarios, but in Cozy style mysteries, that is the norm these days. No harm, no foul.

But the book just doesn’t connect. The mystery felt like it should have been solved in about half the time. I caught myself wanting to fast forward several times. It just wasn’t riveting. Nothing to make you want to “turn the next page”.

Is it bad? Not really. I wouldn’t qualify it as good either. Just something to listen to when you need some mindless fun. But honestly, there are a lot of audiobooks/novels out there that I would qualify as good or great to monopolize your time.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think maybe the name of the vessel being MalDeMer is a clue? The whole story is far out funny and a real hoot. Chef Paul gets roped into this wacky trip that winds up with murder, jewel theft, and worse.
Paul does his own investigating and does pretty well, but the very best thing about this book is the laugh your sox off humor!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital galley from Kensington Publishing | A John Scognamiglio Book via NetGalley. Pub Date Dec 16, 2025
#MayContainMurder by @orlandomurrinauthor #AChefPaulDelamareMystery @kensingtonbooks
#recipes #mysteryfiction #foodie #suspense #friendship #cozycrime #lawenforcement #secrets #amateursleuth #snarky #humor #LGBTQIA #toogoodtobetrue #jeweltheft

[Jen Ryland (jenrylandreviews & yaallday)]

I grabbed this because I was intrigued by the setting (a luxury yacht) and the locked room premise. The main character is Paul Delamere, a food writer who has been invited by Xera (aka Lady Hardcastle, one of the yacht's owners) to join her honeymoon trip and work on her memoir. There are around 10 passengers and a small crew.

Immediately, Xera's priceless necklace is stolen and Paul starts snooping around.

The book had a partial epistolary format which added some variety. But even with the passenger manifest, I had trouble keeping all the characters straight and just wasn't that gripped by the story. This was just not the right book for me!

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!