Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Chef’s Secret” By Crystal King, Atria Books, February 12, 2019

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Chef’s Secret” by Crystal King, Atria Books, February 12, 2019

Crystal King, Author of “The Chef’s Secret” has written an intriguing, entertaining, captivating and unique novel. The Genres for this story are Fiction , Historical Fiction with the author’s interpretation, and Romance. The timeline for this story is around the Renaissance and the 16th Century in Italy. The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex, and complicated.

Bartolomeo Scappi is the first major chef that has served  Popes and others in Italy, and also has written a cookbook. Upon his death, he leaves most of his wealth to his nephew and  apprentice, Giovanni. Bartolomeo’s last wishes are that Gioavanni burn his papers and journals. Unfortunately, just like Pandoras’ box, Giovanni can’t leave well enough alone, and starts to read his Uncle’s journals and papers. What is inside, is extremely dangerous and can cause devastating consequences to a number of people, including Giovanni. Giovanni also has the threat of his brother and a former apprentice, who both want what Giovanni has inherited.

Crystal King has vividly described many of the feasts and foods and banquets of the time. I appreciate the author’s writing style. There is suspense, mystery, romance, betrayal and loyalty. I would recommend this book for those readers who enjoy the marriage of fiction and history. I received n ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.