The Chef's Secret

A Novel

By: Crystal King

Narrated by: Jacques Roy

A captivating novel of Renaissance Italy detailing the mysterious life of Bartolomeo Scappi, the legendary chef to several popes and author of one of the best-selling cookbooks of all time, and the nephew who sets out to discover his late uncle’s secrets - including the identity of the noblewoman Bartolomeo loved until he died.

When Bartolomeo Scappi dies in 1577, he leaves his vast estate - properties, money, and his position - to his nephew and apprentice Giovanni. He also gives Giovanni the keys to two strongboxes and strict instructions to burn their contents. Despite Scappi’s dire warning that the information concealed in those boxes could put Giovanni’s life and others at risk, Giovanni is compelled to learn his uncle’s secrets. He undertakes the arduous task of decoding Scappi’s journals and uncovers a history of deception, betrayal, and murder - all to protect an illicit love affair.

As Giovanni pieces together the details of Scappi’s past, he must contend with two rivals who have joined forces - his brother, Cesare, and Scappi’s former protégé, Domenico Romoli, who will do anything to get his hands on the late chef’s recipes.

With luscious prose that captures the full scale of the sumptuous feasts for which Scappi was known, The Chef’s Secret serves up power, intrigue, and passion, bringing Renaissance Italy to life in a delectable fashion.

©2019 Crystal King (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

Excellent!

Great narration of a beautifully researched story involving history, mystery, love, and intrigue. Lots of plot twists keep this one interesting from beginning to end!

Narration Error

Besides the author‘s misunderstanding of Catholicism the narrator is lacking mostly because he seems like just an average non Italian guy portraying a Renaissance Italian and his Latin was horrific. The culinary research is really great though. I think it’s worth a listen if you don’t know Latin.

Another masterpiece from the author!

Well written and well narrated! the second book from this author I listened and I'm pleases with both. if you liked this book, listen to Feast of Sorrrow!

Come for the Mystery, Stay for the Food"

I have to admit that I often impulsively chose wine and books by their labels or covers. This is true with this book, whose title and cover art grabbed me right away. I love historical fiction from these older time periods and this one was very good. Imaginative writing setting the scenes in rich tapestries. Love, murder, secrets and fantastic feasts! The details on the food were a great treat as I love food, cooking and pageantry. I want to tell every reader to stick around for the author's notes. Big explanations there of what research went into the cuisine and customs of the time. Very helpful. Some of the food made me gag but in a laughable way. Others sounded great to this day. I liked this book very much. Not great art but a solid story, performance and held my interest throughout.

too much porn

Why can't an author this good simply write a well researched historical mystery novel without the explicitly descriptive sex?

Too close to romance for me

Good story and creative imagery. The sex scenes were a little too detailed. I'm no prude but it is a little gross to have it come on when you start your car at the gas station with the windows down.

Historical in setting; contemporary in story

I thoroughly enjoyed King’s 16th Century Italy, specifically the Vatican intrigue. King does an excellent job of sharing just enough detail to authenticate the time and place without bogging down the story with facts that serve only to beat the reader over the head with the author’s research. This is a must read for the foodies in your life. I wasn’t a foodie when I picked this as my next read, but I may be one now!

Wonderful story!

The story was so interesting, you felt yourself going deeper into the lives of the characters. The level of historical knowledge and research was impressive and after spot checking a few items I never questioned it again. Wonderful, captivating, well crafted writing. Ms King doesn’t get overly verbose or dramatic and I so admire that. Very much looking forward to her next novel.