Amazon Original Stories scoops MacBride's 'deliciously dark' thriller

Amazon Publishing has scooped The Tasting Menu, Stuart MacBride’s standalone short thriller, for its Amazon Original Stories imprint, which publishes single-sitting reads.

Senior editor Victoria Haslam acquired world English-language rights from Philip Patterson at Marjacq. The Tasting Menu will be published on 1st September 2024 in e-book and audio formats, and will be available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers and Prime members. 

The synopsis says: "In The Tasting Menu, three friends – a crime writer, a detective inspector, and an ex-career criminal – go on a foodie road trip to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, to celebrate the DI’s pending retirement. They’re expecting stunning scenery, excellent food and a chance to reminisce about the good old days.

"When a well-heeled traveller says she can get them into a remote and very exclusive restaurant, set on a private island in Loch Broom, they think they’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. The question is: whose? One of the three friends is a killer, one is a liar, and one will do whatever it takes to survive."

MacBride is the author of the Logan McRae and Ash Henderson novels (HarperCollins). He’s also published standalones, novellas and short stories, as well as a children’s picture book.

He said: “I love that Amazon Original Stories were happy for me to take an idea and just run amok with it. Even better, they’ve let me combine two of my favourite things – food and crime fiction – in a dark and twisted story that couldn’t be further from the usual meat-and-two-veg if it tried.

"It’s always a joy to team up with people so enthusiastic about books and storytelling, so I’m really looking forward to working with Victoria and her brilliant crew."

Mouncif Faqir, director of Amazon Books, Europe, added: “One of the motivations behind Amazon Original Stories is to provide established authors with a creative playground. Stuart has taken that idea and run with it, turning the idea of just deserts on its head in his own uniquely sinister style. We can’t wait for readers to discover The Tasting Menu.”

Haslam commented: “I’m a long-time admirer of Stuart’s tense and twisting tales and I couldn’t be happier that he is the latest author to join the Amazon Original Stories imprint. The Tasting Menu is a deliciously dark read.

"It will satisfy Stuart’s existing fans whilst also introducing new readers to his masterful writing – which is what Amazon Original Stories is all about.”