The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King

When I learned Crystal King was writing another book set in Renaissance Italy I knew I wanted to get copy. Her first book, Feast of Sorrow, made me a lifelong fan. That was a great foodie book filled with intrigue and politics and plotting. Well, this new book, The Chef’s Secret, won’t disappoint in any of those areas.

The story is told by Giovanni, Bartolomeo Scappi’s nephew and protégé. Bartolommeo was a chef for several Popes and when he died, his estate went to his nephew. It was instructed that Giovanni burn Scappi’s journals without reading them but honestly, would you? There are recipes, secrets and the hint of a long lost love. You have to try and decipher that!

As in the author’s previous book, Feast of Sorrow, we are treated to menus and delicious descriptions of meals. If you like historical fiction, foodie books, the Renaissance period and political intrigue – you’ll want this book.

Unfortunately I was stricken by influenza and while slowly recovering from that mess, I am unable to conjure up a suitable culinary pairing for this book. There is much inspiration here.

The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King came out February 12, 2019. Much thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy.

Linking up with Girlxoxo’s Monthly Motif challenge for the theme Cover Love.