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This page lists novels and non-fiction by Janet Laurence. Non-mystery novels published using the pen name Julia Lisle are also included.

Cover images, when possible, are for the first UK edition and a recent paperback or digital edition.

By Janet Laurence
- novels (Janet Laurence)
- novels (Julia Lisle)
- non-fiction

A Deepe Coffyn

Janet Laurence

1989

A Darina Lisle novel.

"The Society of Historical Gastronomes is gathering for a weekend symposium on food from the past. Darina Lisle has been asked to cater for the occasion and has prepared a multitude of exquisite dishes – from salmagundis to a deepe coffyn - culled from ancient recipe books. But when the chairman is found stabbed to death with a boning knife, the professional pique of the attendant foodies takes on a more sinister meaning. Discarded lovers, jealous colleagues and a plagiarised author have good reason to resent the victim's success. Darina, too, is under suspicion and determines to clear her name by revealing the murderer's true identity."

A Tasty Way to Die

Janet Laurence

1990

A Darina Lisle novel.

"When Darina Lisle agrees to help out in her old schoolfriend's rapidly expanding catering company, The Wooden Spoon, she expects to be kept frantically busy, with cookery demonstrations, cocktail parties and elaborate private dinners. But she doesn't expect to be involved in death ... Even a simple case of food poisoning would be bad for business and once the story leaks to the press The Wooden Spoon sees bookings fall. But when insinuations of murder begin to surface, Darina is drawn further into the web of intrigue. Natural curiosity leads to her own investigations, and when Detective Sergeant William Pigram ridicules her amateur sleuthing, Darina is more determined than ever to solve the mystery herself."

Hotel Morgue

Janet Laurence

1991

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Darina Lisle is lunching at the Hotel Morgan – nicknamed Hotel Morgue for its dilapidated condition - when she seizes the chance to save the dying West Country hotel from ruin. William Pigram cannot believe she is serious and, as the hotel takes up more and more of her time, begins to regret ever inviting her to lunch there. But Detective Sergeant Pigram is soon distracted by the murder of a local waitress and by the arrival of a new recruit, in the petite form of Detective-Constable Pat James. Darina sets about turning the Hotel Morgan into a hive of activity and soon she has it fully booked for Christmas. But as she gets to know her employer, Ulla Mason; the attractive but infuriating Alex; and the other local hotelier, Adam Tennant, owner of the luxurious Manor Park Hotel, she becomes increasingly suspicious of their involvement in the killing of Sharon Fry. And, when another murder is committed, Darina decides it is time to polish up her sleuthing skills."

Recipe for Death

Janet Laurence

1992

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Parted from her detective boyfriend William Pigram, cookery writer Darina Lisle is helping judge a cookery competition. Shades of the Great British Bake Off and all its stresses and strains accompany the judging process. In the chaos that follows the winning announcement, Darina accepts an invitation from Somerset chef Simon Chapman to his restaurant. Soon she is involved with the Fry family, their organic farm, the winner of the competition, and with Natasha, the haunted cousin of renowned cookery writer Natalie Duke. All too soon death arrives at the Fry's and Darina, without William, employs all her detective instincts in delving into the past to solve the present - for there's a killer upsetting the culinary ambitions of several people."

Death and the Epicure

Janet Laurence

1993

A Darina Lisle novel.

"When cordon bleu cook Darina Lisle is commissioned to write a cookery book for Finer Foods – a family firm importing gourmet delicacies from the Far East among other places – it comes as an exciting challenge. But Darina soon discovers that Finer Foods is in deep trouble. Profits are plummeting and the managing director, epicure Joe Madoc, is at loggerheads with the board both personally and professionally. Then tragedy strikes in the demonstration kitchen. But was it an accident or a brilliantly planned murder? While a police enquiry proceeds, Darina becomes more and more closely involved in the doings at Finer Foods, and the quick thinking of her detective fiancé, William Pigram, narrowly averts a second death. As the misfortunes of the company mount, Darina finds herself out of a job. Unable to investigate further, she accompanies William’s sister on a trip to Hong Kong, hoping to increase her knowledge of oriental cuisine. And it is there that an unexpected encounter finally enables Darina to unravel deep secrets surrounding Finer Foods."

Death at the Table

Janet Laurence

1994

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Cookery writer Darina Lisle’s great chance comes along with a place on a weekly food and wine TV programme. Charismatic Australian wine expert, Bruce Bennett, also comes along bringing trouble. Tensions rise till there seems hardly an aspect of the programme unaffected and even Darina’s relationship with her detective partner is under strain. Then death occurs on camera. It’s a suspected heart attack but Darina receives a call that claims it was murder. More death follows. Suspects are everywhere and Darina is fighting to prove her suspicions at the same time as coping with her performance on the programme, and her relationship with William. Then someone tries to break into her home. Suddenly she is face to face with a killer who has nothing to lose."

To Kill The Past

Janet Laurence

1994

"After a terrifying car crash in which her two closest relatives are killed, Felicity Frear comes to in a Devon hospital blinded, burned and amnesiac. Even the news that she has been left Kingsleigh, the historic and beautiful family home of the Dashwoods, means nothing to her. Discharged from hospital, Felicity heads straight for her new home, hoping that the sight of a place she’s apparently known since childhood might bring her memory back. It doesn’t. Felicity finds herself alone and vulnerable, unable to understand her hostile reception. Then her nightmare begins as the phone rings and a cold, detached voice says: ‘Now you’re back, I want what what’s mine’... Bit by bit, Felicity learns of the horrific sequence of events which took place at Kingsleigh the week before her accident. In a desperate attempt to make sense of the mysteries which surround her, Felicity sets about uncovering her past. But even in her worst imaginings she could never have guessed what might confront her there."

Death a la Provencale

Janet Laurence

1995

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Cookery expert Darina Lisle and her Detective Inspector husband, William Pigram, are honeymooning in the south of France. Entertained to lunch by another cookery expert, Helen Mansard, her partner, Bernard Barrington Smythe a retired Lloyd’s member and agent, shows them the olive oil mill he hopes will make a fortune. Soon Darina and William find themselves meeting a series of interesting ex-pats enjoying the sunshine life in the south of France. Then death arrives at the oil mill and Darina and William find themselves a team investigating murder."

Diet for Death

Janet Laurence

1996

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Darina Lisle is accompanying her recently widowed mother for a reviving stay at the Conifers Spa health farm, hoping it will enable her to lose some of the weight gained since her honeymoon in the south of France. Weight is not the only challenge being faced by an entertaining and varied collection of guests: what is healthy eating? Is being overweight something to worry about? The spa itself, run by a friend of Darina’s, is in a severe financial crisis, and there are staff troubles. Darina’s husband, William, is part of the investigating team called in when death is discovered. Possible motives multiply. Darina herself is faced by personal and career challenges that force her to reassess some long held preconceptions as she tries to sort out the puzzles surrounding the murder, then finds that she is confronting an unexpectedly strong and violent killer."

Canaletto and the Case of Westminster Bridge

Janet Laurence

1997

A Canaletto novel.

"It’s 1746 and Canaletto arrives in London to rescue his painting career. The continent is at war and the aristocracy no longer flock to Venice to buy his pictures. London, though, is full of activity and interesting personalities; fortunes are being made every day, and corruption is everywhere. Canaletto’s arrival signals danger to a variety of Londoners, amongst them an aristocrat eager to mend his fortunes, an ambitious young man who fears failure, an avaricious alderman, a socially ambitious merchant, and an ageing beauty. Canaletto is attacked and robbed, his life saved by apprentice engraver Fanny Rooker, the one person who offers him help. Soon Canaletto is forced by Paymaster General Pitt to employ his Venetian investigative talents in discovering why the completion of Westminster Bridge is so delayed. Canaletto is still seeking a painting commission and the danger to his life increases as he embarks on the task."

Appetite for Death

Janet Laurence

1998

A Darina Lisle novel.

"Darina Lisle is surprised to hear from an old school friend, even more when she discovers why. Jemima Ealham wants her to find out who the father of her toddler nephew is. Sophie, Rory’s mother, died giving birth without revealing her son’s parentage. Basil Ealham, Jemima and Sophie’s multi-millionaire father, dismisses it as unimportant and Darina’s investigation, taken on out of loyalty to her friend, soon runs into trouble. Meanwhile, her husband, DCI William Pigram also comes up against Basil Ealham. A fire in a food factory has killed a security guard, and the owner is Basil’s girlfriend. It’s not long before the millionaire is the prime suspect for murder. And for Darina, her involvement with Rory becomes much closer than she’d ever imagined."

Canaletto and the Case of the Privy Garden

Janet Laurence

1999

A Canaletto novel.

"In 1747 Canaletto, the acclaimed Italian vedute artist, stumbles across the body of a stabbed girl in a London alley. He can’t shake off the mystery of her end or the violent mutilation of her face. Perhaps because she reminds him of his apprentice, young Fanny Rooker, who, to his distress, now seems to be spreading her wings. Preparing to paint a view over the Privy Gardens from the Duke of Richmond’s house in Whitehall while trying to find out more about the dead girl, leads Canaletto and Fanny into the path of a serial killer. There is also the matter of the foundling boy dragged into a life of crime plus a headstrong girl’s beautiful African slave."

The Mermaid's Feast

Janet Laurence

2000

A Darina Lisle novel.

"A free luxury cruise to advise the chef on Scandinavian food seems a wonderful chance to Darina Lisle: it means two weeks away enjoying every comfort with her husband, DCI William Pigram. The ship has an interesting assortment of passengers and a crew dedicated to their entertainment amongst the glories of Norway’s spectacular fjörds. All seems set fair for a wonderful time. Then one of the ship’s officers disappears and the question is asked: could he have thrown himself overboard, or was he pushed? William is enlisted to help investigate, spending time questioning the crew and officers. An abandoned Darina becomes involved with the other passengers and finds unexpected tensions amongst them: mischief-making, prejudice, ambition, and greed, all threaten scandal, and produce another tragedy."

Canaletto and the Case of Bonnie Prince Charlie

Janet Laurence

2002

A Canaletto novel.

"Canaletto is commissioned by the Duke of Beaufort to paint Badminton, his Gloucestershire seat. Canaletto is delighted to leave London as he fears a smallpox epidemic. He is less delighted to be enlisted as a spy by William Pitt, Paymaster General. There is a danger Prince Charles Edward, the Young Pretender, could be visiting his old friend, the Duke, to enlist his support for another attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne. There is the threat of civil war. Canaletto and his apprentice, Fanny, arrive in Gloucestershire to find that Bonnie Prince Charlie is not the only danger. Arson and murder are going to require the painter’s investigative skills."

Deadly Inheritance

Janet Laurence

2012

An Ursula Grandison novel.

"Accompanying American heiress Belle Seldon on a visit to her ancestral family home in Somerset, Ursula Grandison soon discovers that the decaying stately Mountstanton House and its inhabitants has many secrets, including a crumbling marriage and a missing dowry. When Ursula discovers the drowned body of the nurserymaid, she is determined to reveal the killer and, in doing so, reveals a tangled web of deception and adultery that threatens the reputation of the house of Mountstanton."

A Fatal Freedom

Janet Laurence

2015

An Ursula Grandison novel.

"London 1903: American Ursula Grandison is once again involved with murder. As she struggles to make a living in a society where women have few rights and little freedom, she teams up with old friend and private investigator Thomas Jackman, who soon finds himself drawing on Ursula’s investigative abilities as they battle to save an innocent woman from the noose. Set against a background of Edwardian constraints and the fight for women’s suffrage, can Ursula and Jackman disentangle a bewildering web of motive and opportunity and prevent a subtle yet dangerous killer striking again?"

A Perfect Match

Julia Lisle

1996

"After her husband's tragic death, Olivia devoted herself totally to her daughter. She now wonders what life will be like when her daughter leaves home, but the unexpected happens and Olivia falls in love again. When she remarries her new found love is put to the test by family and friends."

The Changing Years

Julia Lisle

1996

"A novel exploring the lasting bonds of friendship and life in the changing eras of the '60s and '70s."

Journeys from Home

Julia Lisle

1997

"When Louise's children decide to embark on a round the world trip between school and university, she finds that after eighteen years of putting her family first, she can now concentrate on herself, but to her dismay feels a lack of purpose in her life until she is spurred into action."

A Little French Cookbook

Janet Laurence

Appletree Press

1989

A Little Scandinavian Cookbook

Janet Laurence

Appletree Press

1990

A Little Coffee Cookbook

Janet Laurence

Appletree Press

1992

Just For Two: The Cookery Book For Two People

Janet Laurence

1992

The Craft of Food and Cookery Writing

Janet Laurence

1994

Writing Crime Fiction: Making Crime Pay

Janet Laurence

2007

"In this book you will learn: how to start writing crime; how to layer your novel with clues; how to find a market for your work; and, how to be a professional crime writer."

The Food and Cooking of Norway: Traditions, Ingredients, Tastes, Techniques and Over 60 Classic Recipes

Janet Laurence

2007

The Food and Cooking of Scandinavia: Sweden / Denmark / Norway

Anna Mossesson, Janet Laurence and Judith H. Dern

2011

A Taste of Scandinavia: The Real Food and Cooking of Sweden, Norway and Denmark

Anna Mossesson, Janet Laurence and Judith H. Dern

2013

The Scandinavian Cookbook: Fresh and Fragrant Cooking of Sweden, Denmark and Norway

Anna Mossesson, Janet Laurence and Judith H. Dern

2014

Classic Recipes of Norway: Traditional Food and Cooking In 25 Recipes

Janet Laurence

2015

A Taste of Scandinavia: The Real Food and Cooking of Sweden, Norway and Denmark

Anna Mossesson, Janet Laurence and Judith H. Dern

2017