The Gigolo Chef

By: Harter, Kathy

A story of love, loneliness, and the aftermath of murder; what quietly desperate people are willing to believe, and how one person can fool them by validating their existence.

A handsome stranger arrives in a quiet commuter village outside London. Rex appears unannounced at Lurline's Cafe, brought by a casual remark months previously, and brings his offer of help. Soon his looks, his charm, along with his cooking skills, bring new life to the struggling diner. Lonely women foment dreams of an exciting future, as each believes he is theirs alone. Secrets erupt, of jealousy and expectations, resulting in his murder.

Rex caters a celebration honoring Lady Cumberson's step-daughter, Daisy, off to Oxford. Each waits expectantly for his arrival; they will celebrate a new future together. The morning after, Millie awakens without Rex in her bed. At first, panic. Calming herself, she will turn the tables; he will find her in his bed. Instead, she finds his bloodied body.

An ambitious officer from the Met, DC Winleigh, is reassigned to the little village after arresting a minister's son for dealing drugs to minors. Her expectation of a dull penance is brightened on her first day: a murder solved means a return to London in good stead. To the local DCI Jones, the motive seems simple: a past that includes separating women from their money. Finding the right suspect proves more than elusive.

Lurline and Fiona, her daughter, are grateful for the success Rex brought to their business. Lurline thinks of him as the son she lost in an abusive marriage; and for Fiona, the brother she never had. The investigation proceeds; more secrets are exposed.

Rex creates dreams for lonely women. Pauline, a neglected wife, swoons as he teaches her to cook. Lady Cumberson, the ex-actress, beds him as her husband spends time in the City. He is blackmailed by Rex for his silence in keeping his wife's name free of scandal. Daisy's impending inheritance means she and Rex will be married. He will study in Paris; they will be the toast of the town. She waits in his bed after the party. Pauline has evolved from dull to delightful with Rex, and doesn't hear her husband returning from the pub. Seeing Rex, arms around his wife, he slashes a knife, intending to threaten the bounder.

Each woman has offered to pay his tuition to a top Parisian culinary institute, expecting to partner with him. All believed in him as their future. Who would be desperate enough to murder?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H1RSLPSV
• ISBN13: 9798196837739
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.1" x 7.8"