Reading is a passion that many of us share as it opens up so many different worlds. As we dive headlong into a new book we empathise with our protagonists and twitch with anger at their antagonist. We visit the rooms they inhabit and travel on the boats they sail. But what makes a great story?

Perhaps writing from your own passion gives you an advantage for drawing us readers in. Orlando Murrin has done just that. He first made a name for himself by reaching the semi finals of Master Chef. One thing led to another and Orlando found himself editing The BBC Good Food Guide for some years. His writing skills were trying to find their way out even then because he went on to start the magazine Olive before becoming a hotelier and chef in South West France as well as Somerset.

Finally settling in Exeter gave him the time to combine his passion for food with a fascination with crime. Believed to have come from his grandfather who was a detective with the metropolitan police force, Orlando let his imagination find a way onto the page.

His books, which can be purchased at our own in-house bookshop, are ‘Knife Skills for Beginners’ and ‘Murder Below Deck’ – thrillers, both of them with a definite culinary theme!

Orando is a popular guest at food fairs and literary festivals and has appeared on both TV and radio so we are delighted to welcome him on Saturday 5 April at 2 pm for an interactive discussion on the bringing your passion to the books.

Book your Free Tickets here