The Cook

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

The gripping new novel from the award-winning author of the Sunday Times Book of the Month, THE WAITER.

Kamil Rahman is a cook in a Brick Lane restaurant. But he used to be a detective back in Kolkata. And somehow trouble still knows how to find him.

When a young woman Kamil knows is murdered the police are convinced her boyfriend is the culprit. Kamil isn't so sure and feels he has no choice but to start his own investigation. Meanwhile, his friend and restaurant manager, Anjoli, is troubled by a rise in the number of homeless deaths in their local area.

The cases seem unrelated and as the duo dig deeper, discovering tentacles that stretch from Lahore to London, they find themselves in grave danger.

Together they take on the indifference of the authorities to the homeless and the casual racism that pervades the investigation of killings of Muslims - all while a supremely intelligent murderer is manipulating events to stay several steps ahead of them.

Praise for The Waiter:

'A hugely entertaining first novel, taking us from Kolkata to Brick Lane' Ann Cleeves

'An outstanding debut' Sunday Times Book of the Month

'A rip-roaring mystery that's engrossing from start to finish... a refreshing and welcome addition to the world of detective fiction. One of my favourite reads of the year' Abir Mukherjee

© Ajay Chowdhury 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

  • A real surprise… It is not just the descriptions of food that leave you hungry for more

    The Times

  • Thrilling… This is a terrific series, a vivid portrait of the East End where a thriving economy is overshadowed by the effects of inequality

    Sunday Times

  • Chowdhury’s portrait of multicultural London is as effective as his portrayal of the mixed feelings of his characters, who may enjoy aspects of their lives but still long for the pleasures they have left behind

    Literary Review

  • Kamil and Anjali are a terrific team. Chowdhury makes the murder mystery feel like a brand-new invention. His second thriller is chockfull of authentic flavours and tasty surprises that will leave readers wanting more.

    Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May Mysteries

  • Marvellous! A vivid romp through the Londoner’s London, seen through the sharp eyes of a recent arrival. The only thing that induced me to put it down was the fact that it made me so hungry…

    Alex Marwood

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