I liked it! More short stories than anything, and I struggle a bit with enjoying the form. But the overarching arc is clever and suspenseful and I didn’t totally understand the end 😭 normally that’s fine for me but this time I tried to google the ending

I loved the premise of this book, and I have to say the visceral, vivid writing was enjoyable to read but did not hide the problematic plot and pacing problems of this book. There were too many characters we spent little time with (and not sure what purpose they served). It was gruesome but also boring - too much exposition, too strange to figure out who was narrating and why. It felt like watching an absurdist murder mystery. Thankful it’s over. Would not recommend. 

Test Kitchen by Neil Stewart is an electrifying exploration of the inner workings of a high-end kitchen in London, capturing the frenetic pace and intensity that goes into every dish. As a foodie, I found the behind-the-scenes look at the culinary world to be both fascinating and eye-opening, reminiscent of Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. Stewart's narrative is dark, tense, and at times, downright horrifying, making it a unique read that stands out in the genre of foodie literature.

The story unfolds over the course of a single day, immersing readers in the high-pressure environment of the kitchen. The characters are vividly drawn, and the meticulous attention to detail brings the setting to life, making you feel as if you are right there amidst the chaos and creativity.

One aspect that struck me was the abrupt ending, which left me with lingering questions. It felt as though some threads were left unresolved, leaving me wondering if I had missed something crucial. Despite this, the novel's immersive experience and the thrill of the culinary world made it a thoroughly enjoyable read.