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 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.

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.

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.

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!

too much porn

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