Anthony Bourdain Was a Chef, a TV Host — And a Crime Novelist. How to Read His Books Before Watching “Tony”

**Anthony Bourdain’s Crime Novels to be Released as a Collection Ahead of Biopic Premiere**

Anthony Bourdain, renowned chef and television personality, known for his captivating memoir ‘Kitchen Confidential’, is set to have his lesser-known works celebrated with the upcoming release of ‘Three Crime Novels’ on July 28. This new paperback compilation brings together his earlier fiction, featuring the novels ‘Bone in the Throat’, ‘Gone Bamboo’, and ‘The Bobby Gold Stories’, originally published between 1995 and 2002.

Readers will discover Bourdain’s talent for crafting engaging crime stories long before his rise to fame in the culinary world. His debut novel, ‘Bone in the Throat’, released in 1995, dives into the gritty underbelly of New York’s Little Italy. The narrative revolves around an aspiring chef, Tommy Pagana, whose new job at his uncle’s restaurant leads him into a dark tale of mob violence.

The following year, Bourdain introduced ‘Gone Bamboo’, a unique story of intrigue set in the Caribbean. This novel follows married couple Henry and Francis as they attempt to enjoy a tranquil retirement. However, their idyllic life is disrupted when Henry, a CIA assassin, finds himself in conflict with a mob boss intent on settling unresolved scores.

Bourdain’s last entry in the fiction realm, ‘The Bobby Gold Stories’, published in 2002, follows a violent enforcer named Bobby Gold who navigates the chaotic club and restaurant scene in New York. The story intensifies as Bobby’s life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Nicki, a chef outside his sphere, placing him in a precarious situation that could lead to his downfall.

The compilation arrives alongside the anticipated biopic titled ‘Tony’, which premieres in theatres on August 7. This film has been officially endorsed by Bourdain’s estate and explores a significant summer in his life, portraying him as a 19-year-old working at a Massachusetts restaurant in 1975.

In a statement from Bourdain’s estate, they expressed support for ‘Tony’, emphasizing its distinctive approach that deviates from traditional biographical storytelling. “It does not attempt to summarise a life,” they noted, highlighting its focus on one transformative summer instead. The estate hopes the film illustrates the beginnings of a journey that helped shape Bourdain into a figure celebrated for encouraging exploration and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

The film, directed by Matt Johnson, features an ensemble cast that includes Dominic Sessa as young Bourdain, along with Emilia Jones, Leo Woodall, Dagmara Domińczyk, Rich Sommer, Stavros Halkias, and the acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas. With its focus on a pivotal time in Bourdain’s formative years, ‘Tony’ aims to shed light on how his experiences influenced his later works and public persona.

Tragically, Bourdain’s life was cut short in June 2018, when he died by suicide at the age of 61 while filming an episode of his series ‘Parts Unknown’ in Kaysersberg, France. His legacy, however, continues to resonate through his literature and television programmes, which reflect his passion for food, travel, and human connection.

Fans of Bourdain and newcomers alike can look forward to ‘Three Crime Novels’, which will soon be available for purchase or pre-order in bookstores and online platforms. This collection offers a chance to experience a different facet of the multifaceted man who became a voice for culinary adventure and cultural exploration.

In a culture that celebrates diverse storytelling, Bourdain’s fiction reveals his imaginative capabilities beyond the kitchen. As the release date approaches, both the compilation and the biopic promise to reignite interest in his compelling narratives, ensuring that Anthony Bourdain’s literary contributions remain appreciated well into the future.

The release of ‘Three Crime Novels’ is a fitting tribute to Bourdain’s enduring influence, coinciding with a film that aims to reflect the man behind the legend, revealing the early challenges and triumphs that paved the way for a remarkable journey.