Nicolas Freeling became famous for his crime novels, especially his Van der Valk series. His novels have both popular and critical appeal and received awards including an Edgar Award, a French Grand Prix, and a Gold Dagger Award. In later years, he wrote a series of cookbooks and, in keeping with his reputation as a master of suspense, Freeling’s cookbooks are as engaging as a whodunnit mystery.

“Sensitively civilized and very European . . . absolutely delightful to read.”—The London Times“Nicolas Freeling is the author of two of the best books about cooking in the English language. The Kitchen Book and The Cook Book have long been favorites of mine. That they will appear under one cover, with the original illustrations, is fine news indeed.”—M. F. K. Fisher