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The Chef's Secret: A Novel

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 bestselling 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.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

STEPHANIE STOREY
STEPHANIE STOREY

"In The Chef’s Secret, Crystal King serves up a delectable read stuffed with passion, danger, and a plot worthy of Dan Brown. This fast-paced, engrossing novel brings Renaissance Rome and the Vatican to life through the eyes of a famous papal chef. You won’t be able to put it down."

Author of Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo

STEPHANIE STOREY
JENNA BLUM
JENNA BLUM

“The Chef’s Secret is a sumptuous buffet, serving up a love story (two of them!); mystery and suspense so thick you could cut it with, well, a chef’s knife; and such a vibrant panorama of Renaissance Rome you’ll feel you’ve walked its streets and inhabited its kitchens. Anyone who loves history, food, a great story—read this novel! Warning: it will make you hungry.”

New York Times and international bestselling author of Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family 

JENNA BLUM
MELODIE WINAWER
MELODIE WINAWER
The Chef’s Secret  is a fabulous immersion in the world of renaissance Italy, full of passion, intrigue, secrets, danger, and of course food. Come hungry!
 
Author of The Scribe of Siena
MELODIE WINAWER
HEATHER WEBB
HEATHER WEBB

"A veritable feast for the senses, The Chef's Secret is part mystery, part love story, and all sumptuous sixteenth century Italy. This tale of one of the world's first celebrity chefs--Bartolomeo Scappi, a DaVinci of Renaissance cuisine--sent me on a quest to know more, and to my kitchen to experiment-- a sign of a great historical novel. Readers will delight in a plot as juicy as Scappi's braised beef!" 

International bestselling author of Last Christmas in Paris.

HEATHER WEBB
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KATE QUINN
“Crystal King's debut is a feast for the senses, bringing ancient Rome to dark, vibrant life. Politics, intrigue, danger, and passion mix deliciously in this tale of a young slave vaulted into the corridors of power as personal chef to the ancient world's greatest gourmet. Not to be missed!” 
 
Author of The Empress of Rome Saga, The Borgia Chronicles and The Alice Network
KATE QUINN
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EPICURIOUS
"Feast of Sorrow is an upstairs/downstairs drama meets food porn meets historical fiction."
 
EPICURIOUS
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LIBRARY JOURNAL
"King’s descriptions of the food and entertainment are exquisite, her characters are beautifully drawn, and events and people of the times are deftly woven throughout . . . A delight to the senses, King’s debut novel is to be savored and devoured."  
STARRED REVIEW
LIBRARY JOURNAL
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