To Kill a Cook

Quotes

“[An] engrossing mystery novel.” —Philadelphia Magazine

“I have long thought that ‘food critic’ is an amazing day job for an amateur detective; points already to W.M. Akers for discovering this, as well.” —Crime Reads

“Akers nails 1970s New York’s glitz and grime. . . But the pièce de résistance of this delectable mystery is Bernice herself — a bold, brash feminist who’s trying to figure out her sexuality while being honest with the ones she loves. . . [A] decadent treat, with enough loose ends in Bernice Black’s life and career to leave readers hungry for more.” —Los Angeles Times

“Fans of Akers’s Westside alternate-history series protagonist, Jazz Age detective Gilda Carr, will be delighted to root for another NYC-based, feisty woman protagonist in this madcap foodie mystery. Recommend to those who like their hard-boiled mysteries with a heart.” —Library Journal

“A gritty but hilarious odyssey. . . Akers [constructs] a flawlessly clockwork plot that propels the reader toward the climactic gourmet birthday party that brings together all the suspects for a satisfying reveal of whodunit . . . This is a lightning-fast read that will make the reader hungry for more adventures with its voracious heroine.” —Historical Novels Review

“A delectably unhinged mystery served with wit, bravado, and a generous splash of gourmet chaos.” —Kirkus

“Akers has crafted an excellent story, and the reader will enjoy trying to anticipate its twists, [but] it’s Bernice who’s the big draw here. What a great character: smart as a whip, a straight-shooting, cuss-like-a-truck-driver, take-no-guff-from-anyone woman who is instantly and immensely likable. There have been many mysteries about food writers, but it’s probably safe to say none of them have been anything like this one. Here’s hoping we’ll see more of Bernice Black, and soon.” —Booklist

“[A] witty, fast-paced mystery. . . Akers’s evocation of the grit and glamour of 1970s New York is pitch-perfect, and Bernice is a wonderfully winning protagonist. This is pure fun.” —Publishers Weekly

“A really fun novel, with a strong female lead character. The writing of 1972 is spot on, and this is one I hope will have more adventures with Bernice Black.” —Red Carpet Crash

"From the opening reveal of Bernice finding the body that sets off this food-filled, madcap romp around New York in the 1970s, to the final reveal, you’ll laugh, spiral through various theories, and want to eat everything Bernice describes in fantastic detail. Hungry for a good murder mystery? This one’s for you!" —Catherine Mack, USA Today bestselling author of Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies

"Deliciously entertaining. W.M. Akers serves up a tantalising confection of murder, dark humour, and 70s grit, all seasoned to perfection. If Michelin rated books, this would have all the stars." —Josh Winning, author of Be Still My Unbeating Heart

“I've never been so hungry reading a book, but it's hard to grab a snack when you're glued to the pages. To Kill a Cook is an expertly written, twisty mystery that’s also a love letter to food, and to old New York. If Michelin gave stars to books, this would get one for sure.” —Rob Hart, author of Assassins Anonymous

“Bernice Black is my new favorite heroine: ballsy and brilliant, forever hungry, and willing to dive into gourmet chaos to solve crime. Set in 1970s New York and full of vivid characters, gorgeous meals, and quick-witted conversation, To Kill a Cook should be high up on your menu of scrumptious readerly treats this year.” —Laura Sims, author of How Can I Help You

“W.M. Akers blends murder mystery, vintage New York grit, and feminist screwball comedy this darkly entertaining romp. Bernice Black is the kind of tough heroine readers love—foul-mouthed, street-smart, and brimming with badass bravado—and her messy personal life plays out against the funky glamour of the 1970s Manhattan restaurant scene. Packed with nostalgic detail and razor-sharp wit, To Kill a Cook is as delicious as a perfect soufflé." —Susan Seidelman, director of Desperately Seeking Susan

"Like reading Ruth Reichl, but unhinged, To Kill A Cook is a deranged and utterly delicious romp through New York City’s restaurant scene in seedier times.” —Amy Thomas, author of Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate), and Brooklyn In Love: A Memoir of Food, Family and Finding Yourself