What do you think?
Rate this book
Recipe for Murder
THE DEFINITIVE ACCOUNT OF ERIN PATTERSON AND THE MUSHROOM MURDER TRIAL THAT ENTHRALLED THE WORLD
It is the case that has fascinated many.
On 29 July 2023 in Leongatha, a small town in rural Victoria, family and friends of local woman Erin Patterson sit down for Saturday lunch. On the menu, Beef Wellington.
The next day, four of the guests are hospitalised. Doctors suspect death cap mushroom poisoning. Within a week, three of them will be dead.
On 2 November that same year, Erin Patterson is arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Held in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost women's prison until her trial began in April 2025, the case captured media attention around the world.
Did Patterson deliberately poison her estranged husband's parents, aunt and uncle?
Was the lunch a recipe for murder? Patterson insisted no. She was innocent of any crime. Not guilty, she declared to the court.
A jury of her peers have now decided the answer to those two questions. So how did a respected country woman come to find her relationships and behaviour dissected by police and prosecutors?
Bestselling author, investigative journalist and former detective, Duncan McNab has sifted through the evidence, spoken to witnesses and attended the nine-week trial.
In this gripping book, McNab expertly explains the sequence of events that left three people dead, a community and family shattered and brought Erin Patterson to stand trial. With forensic detail he reveals why the verdict fell the way it did. GUILTY!
It is the case that has fascinated many.
On 29 July 2023 in Leongatha, a small town in rural Victoria, family and friends of local woman Erin Patterson sit down for Saturday lunch. On the menu, Beef Wellington.
The next day, four of the guests are hospitalised. Doctors suspect death cap mushroom poisoning. Within a week, three of them will be dead.
On 2 November that same year, Erin Patterson is arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Held in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost women's prison until her trial began in April 2025, the case captured media attention around the world.
Did Patterson deliberately poison her estranged husband's parents, aunt and uncle?
Was the lunch a recipe for murder? Patterson insisted no. She was innocent of any crime. Not guilty, she declared to the court.
A jury of her peers have now decided the answer to those two questions. So how did a respected country woman come to find her relationships and behaviour dissected by police and prosecutors?
Bestselling author, investigative journalist and former detective, Duncan McNab has sifted through the evidence, spoken to witnesses and attended the nine-week trial.
In this gripping book, McNab expertly explains the sequence of events that left three people dead, a community and family shattered and brought Erin Patterson to stand trial. With forensic detail he reveals why the verdict fell the way it did. GUILTY!
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2025
23 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 6, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
It’s so wild to hear all the names of the places mentioned in this book. I grew up in Leongatha and it is a small country town. Very relaxed and quiet. Now it will forever be known as the place of the “mushroom killer”! What a horrible thing to put you on the map 😭 I’m very glad Patterson is in prison where she belongs. The multiple attempts to murder her ex husband is truly diabolical and my heart goes out to the family of those who passed due to her horrible actions. A very thorough and interesting account of this event, a bit long and dragging in it detail at times, but that may be because I already knew quite a lot of the content. If you are interested in this case then this is 100% worth a read!
It’s so wild to hear all the names of the places mentioned in this book. I grew up in Leongatha and it is a small country town. Very relaxed and quiet. Now it will forever be known as the place of the “mushroom killer”! What a horrible thing to put you on the map 😭 I’m very glad Patterson is in prison where she belongs. The multiple attempts to murder her ex husband is truly diabolical and my heart goes out to the family of those who passed due to her horrible actions. A very thorough and interesting account of this event, a bit long and dragging in it detail at times, but that may be because I already knew quite a lot of the content. If you are interested in this case then this is 100% worth a read!
December 28, 2025
On 29 July 2023 in Leongatha, a small town in rural Victoria, family and friends of local woman Erin Patterson sit down for Saturday lunch. On the menu, Beef Wellington. The next day, four of the guests are hospitalised. Doctors suspect death cap mushroom poisoning. Within a week, three of them will be dead.
On 2 November that same year, Erin Patterson is arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Held in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost women's prison until her trial began in April 2025, the case captured media attention around the world.
Did Patterson deliberately poison her estranged husband's parents, aunt and uncle?
Was the lunch a recipe for murder? Patterson insisted she was innocent, not guilty. A jury decided otherwise. So how did a respected country woman come to be found guilty of three counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder?
Bestselling author, investigative journalist and former detective, Duncan McNab has sifted through the evidence, spoken to witnesses and attended the nine-week trial.
If you are interested in the Erin Patterson case then this book is 100% worth a read! When the media were covering the case I deliberately steered clear of the coverage as I wanted to wait for a book that laid the evidence out in a clear, concise timeline from start to finish. McNab has expertly done this by explaining the sequence of events that left three people dead, a community and family shattered and the evidence that brought Erin Patterson to stand trial. I was surprised to learn that Erin had previously attempted to murder her ex-husband in multiple attempts. I also found it baffling that, despite becoming seriously ill and being hospitalised three times after eating Erin’s cooking, her ex-husband did not warn his parents or express any concerns.
McNab also examines the evidence that was withheld from the jury. While I can understand the desire to keep the charges relating to Erin Patterson’s alleged attempts to murder her ex-husband separate from this trial. It is far more difficult to understand why internet searches for death cap mushrooms and hemlock on her devices were not presented to the jury. Equally baffling is the decision to prevent jurors from knowing that Erin went to the tip immediately after her lunch guests left, despite her household bins being virtually empty. Although it could not be proven exactly what she disposed of, possibly the plates from the meal, which were never recovered by police, surely assessing the significance of this information should have been left to the jury instead of being excluded.
Recipe for Murder by Duncan McNab is a gripping and meticulously researched deep dive into one of Australia’s most disturbing true-crime cases. McNab blends his background in policing and journalism to create a narrative that is both sharply analytical and highly readable, turning court documents and interviews into a story that unfolds with cinematic clarity.
On 2 November that same year, Erin Patterson is arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Held in custody at Dame Phyllis Frost women's prison until her trial began in April 2025, the case captured media attention around the world.
Did Patterson deliberately poison her estranged husband's parents, aunt and uncle?
Was the lunch a recipe for murder? Patterson insisted she was innocent, not guilty. A jury decided otherwise. So how did a respected country woman come to be found guilty of three counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder?
Bestselling author, investigative journalist and former detective, Duncan McNab has sifted through the evidence, spoken to witnesses and attended the nine-week trial.
If you are interested in the Erin Patterson case then this book is 100% worth a read! When the media were covering the case I deliberately steered clear of the coverage as I wanted to wait for a book that laid the evidence out in a clear, concise timeline from start to finish. McNab has expertly done this by explaining the sequence of events that left three people dead, a community and family shattered and the evidence that brought Erin Patterson to stand trial. I was surprised to learn that Erin had previously attempted to murder her ex-husband in multiple attempts. I also found it baffling that, despite becoming seriously ill and being hospitalised three times after eating Erin’s cooking, her ex-husband did not warn his parents or express any concerns.
McNab also examines the evidence that was withheld from the jury. While I can understand the desire to keep the charges relating to Erin Patterson’s alleged attempts to murder her ex-husband separate from this trial. It is far more difficult to understand why internet searches for death cap mushrooms and hemlock on her devices were not presented to the jury. Equally baffling is the decision to prevent jurors from knowing that Erin went to the tip immediately after her lunch guests left, despite her household bins being virtually empty. Although it could not be proven exactly what she disposed of, possibly the plates from the meal, which were never recovered by police, surely assessing the significance of this information should have been left to the jury instead of being excluded.
Recipe for Murder by Duncan McNab is a gripping and meticulously researched deep dive into one of Australia’s most disturbing true-crime cases. McNab blends his background in policing and journalism to create a narrative that is both sharply analytical and highly readable, turning court documents and interviews into a story that unfolds with cinematic clarity.
December 11, 2025
I intend reading all of the books published about this trial, this is the second.
Again it brings up my pet hate in jury trials, how much is withheld from the jury, but known by the judge, the prosecutor and the defence. The jurors are not given enough respect for their ability to decide what is, and what is not, important in a trial.
I can understand the desire to hold back the trial of Erin Patterson on charges of thrice attempting to murder her husband, keeping the issues separate arguably has merit. But why were searches for death cap mushrooms and hemlock on her devices not put before the jury? To ban the jury's knowledge that Erin went to the tip immediately after her lunch guests left, even though her own bins were virtually empty, defies explanation. It couldn't be proven what she'd dumped (though likely it was the plates from the meal which were never discovered by police in their searches). But surely that is up to the jury to work out, not for the judge to hide as she falsely claimed to have been at home then, gorging on leftover cake from the lunch.
The book is a worthwhile contribution to the discussion of this baffling case. It did cause me to consider whether the victims' deaths were what she intended. If in fact she did poison her husband three times and he survived, perhaps her intent was to punish, rather than kill, his close relatives. It was fascinating that when he was seriously ill in hospital on those occasions, Erin cleaned his house, paid his bills and even had his car serviced, subsequently looking after him at her home while he recovered.
Again it brings up my pet hate in jury trials, how much is withheld from the jury, but known by the judge, the prosecutor and the defence. The jurors are not given enough respect for their ability to decide what is, and what is not, important in a trial.
I can understand the desire to hold back the trial of Erin Patterson on charges of thrice attempting to murder her husband, keeping the issues separate arguably has merit. But why were searches for death cap mushrooms and hemlock on her devices not put before the jury? To ban the jury's knowledge that Erin went to the tip immediately after her lunch guests left, even though her own bins were virtually empty, defies explanation. It couldn't be proven what she'd dumped (though likely it was the plates from the meal which were never discovered by police in their searches). But surely that is up to the jury to work out, not for the judge to hide as she falsely claimed to have been at home then, gorging on leftover cake from the lunch.
The book is a worthwhile contribution to the discussion of this baffling case. It did cause me to consider whether the victims' deaths were what she intended. If in fact she did poison her husband three times and he survived, perhaps her intent was to punish, rather than kill, his close relatives. It was fascinating that when he was seriously ill in hospital on those occasions, Erin cleaned his house, paid his bills and even had his car serviced, subsequently looking after him at her home while he recovered.
December 24, 2025
Took me so long to get through this book, having to renew it like 3 times from the library. You can clearly tell that this was a rush job trying to capitalise on the interest in the case (I started reading in October, the last event mentioned in the book was September 2025). The book could have gone through another round of editing, in my opinion. This book reads like an old man waffling on to meet the word count. Ironically, on page 205, he wrote, "When he [Justice Beale] speaks, it's both concise and precise- words aren't wasted." Yeah buddy, you could learn a thing or two about that. You just said the same thing twice.
Certain things in the book that I thought was unnecessary. For example, he mentioned at one point that he didn't know/see if Erin was wearing shoes or sandals. Why was this important, guess we'll never know. He also referenced the Daily Mail way too often for my linking. If you know the Australian news landscape, the Daily Mail is not exactly scoring stellar marks for reliability or credibility.
The author also seemed to be enamoured by the police, describing them as if there were favours being exchanged under the table. We get it, the police are the good guys and Erin is the big bad wolf. For a crime that shook the nation and seemingly captured the interest of the world, McNab's recount of it made it seems like a cold burrito made with unseasoned chicken. If I wasn't so desperate to finish it for my reading goal, I would have abandoned it ages ago.
Certain things in the book that I thought was unnecessary. For example, he mentioned at one point that he didn't know/see if Erin was wearing shoes or sandals. Why was this important, guess we'll never know. He also referenced the Daily Mail way too often for my linking. If you know the Australian news landscape, the Daily Mail is not exactly scoring stellar marks for reliability or credibility.
The author also seemed to be enamoured by the police, describing them as if there were favours being exchanged under the table. We get it, the police are the good guys and Erin is the big bad wolf. For a crime that shook the nation and seemingly captured the interest of the world, McNab's recount of it made it seems like a cold burrito made with unseasoned chicken. If I wasn't so desperate to finish it for my reading goal, I would have abandoned it ages ago.
November 16, 2025
Recipe for Murder by Duncan McNab is a gripping and meticulously researched deep dive into one of Australia’s most disturbing true-crime cases. McNab blends his background in policing and journalism to create a narrative that is both sharply analytical and highly readable, turning court documents and interviews into a story that unfolds with cinematic clarity.
What sets this book apart is McNab’s ability to honour the victims while exposing the dark psychology behind the crime and the complexities of the investigation. The pacing is tight, the insights are compelling, and the storytelling never loses momentum. For true-crime readers who value accuracy as much as atmosphere, Recipe for Murder is an outstanding and unforgettable read.
What sets this book apart is McNab’s ability to honour the victims while exposing the dark psychology behind the crime and the complexities of the investigation. The pacing is tight, the insights are compelling, and the storytelling never loses momentum. For true-crime readers who value accuracy as much as atmosphere, Recipe for Murder is an outstanding and unforgettable read.
November 5, 2025
An interesting read with enough back story and courtroom evidence to make it interesting without becoming boring or overly full of minutiae.
November 6, 2025
Very detailed account of the murders and the surrounding issues.
November 11, 2025
His career in policing gives Duncan McNab a well rounded knowledge of the court process.
This book explained the legalities of the evidence and summed up the case well
This book explained the legalities of the evidence and summed up the case well
December 12, 2025
This book is well researched and informative and does an excellent job of laying out the facts. That said, I personally did not find the narrative flow and writing style very interesting.
December 24, 2025
decent clear discussion of the events of the mushroom murder s
December 26, 2025
Duncan McNabb never disappoints
December 27, 2025
Well written and compiled. This case is intriguing and has gripped the world. This book does it justice
October 20, 2025
Just ten minutes later, the judge and jury had departed and the courtroom was slowly clearing, with everyone trying to snatch a glance at the ordinary looking middle-aged woman who’d just been convicted of mass murder. Erin Patterson was now that rarest of creatures: a female mass murderer. - Duncan McNab
When Beef Wellington made headlines around the world in July 2023, it wasn’t because it was Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish. It was because of a tragic family lunch in the quiet town of Leongatha that ended in the deaths of three guests and turned host Erin Patterson into one of Australia’s most talked-about figures.
Recipe for Murder was exactly what I was wanting from a book about Erin Patterson and The Mushroom Murders. A sharp, fact-driven look into the woman at the centre of the “mushroom lunch” case. Duncan McNab gives readers a clear, compelling look at Erin’s life, her relationship with her estranged husband Simon, including those original alleged attempt murder charges and the series of events that led to tragedy.
The book captures the courtroom tension, highlighting the key moments and evidence that defined the trial.
McNab delivers respectful coverage of the victims and their families, while still peeling back the layers of Erin’s complex story. Engaging, well-researched and grounded in fact, this is true crime done right.
Out of all the books so far published on this case, this would be my go to.
When Beef Wellington made headlines around the world in July 2023, it wasn’t because it was Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish. It was because of a tragic family lunch in the quiet town of Leongatha that ended in the deaths of three guests and turned host Erin Patterson into one of Australia’s most talked-about figures.
Recipe for Murder was exactly what I was wanting from a book about Erin Patterson and The Mushroom Murders. A sharp, fact-driven look into the woman at the centre of the “mushroom lunch” case. Duncan McNab gives readers a clear, compelling look at Erin’s life, her relationship with her estranged husband Simon, including those original alleged attempt murder charges and the series of events that led to tragedy.
The book captures the courtroom tension, highlighting the key moments and evidence that defined the trial.
McNab delivers respectful coverage of the victims and their families, while still peeling back the layers of Erin’s complex story. Engaging, well-researched and grounded in fact, this is true crime done right.
Out of all the books so far published on this case, this would be my go to.
October 26, 2025
Very well told - I couldn’t put it down.
October 23, 2025
a pretty bare-bones telling of the story. An easy-breezy read that I wish had a bit more flair
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews