Cooking The Detectives: A bite sized guide to the tastiest TV detective shows

When life gets too much, do you shut out the world and settle down on the sofa with a nice cup of tea and an episode of Murder, She Wrote or Columbo? Do you have pangs of nostalgia for Starsky & Hutch, Kojak or Charlie's Angels? Or maybe you are new to this genre of fabulous small-screen entertainment and would like some guidance? Take a peek at my Cop 40. A Top of the Cops countdown of the best TV shows featuring private eyes, amateur sleuths and fully trained police officers who track down the baddies. I propose a taster episode for each series so you can try before you buy. Dip your toe into the crime scene and see if it tickles your fancy.

To elevate your viewing experience, I have selected favourite recipes from the kitchens of the actors and actresses who portray the great and the good of crime-solving. You'll find the signature dishes of Telly Savalas, David Suchet, Raymond Burr, Peter Falk, James Garner, Tom Selleck, Angela Lansbury and many more within these pages. From Dragnet to Vera, I suggest appropriate fodder to accompany your TV detective show viewing. Treat yourself to a classic! With sustenance!

Great gift for any fan of a TV detective show!