The Fragrance of Death

At the start of Karst’s enjoyable fifth outing for Santa Cruz, Calif., chef Sally Solari (after 2019’s Murder from Scratch), Sally realizes that a sinus infection has left her without a sense of smell. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the annual Artichoke Cook-Off about to begin. Sally hopes her artichoke salad recipe will place her in the winner’s circle, but a chef who can’t taste her own cooking is a liability in the kitchen. Cutthroat competition pits Sally against friends and family, including former high school classmate Neil Lerici, an artichoke grower, and her father, restaurateur Mario Solari. When the discovery of Neil’s body—with an artichoke wedged in his mouth—cuts short the awards ceremony, the motives for Neil’s murder are as abundant as the suspects. Unable to keep her nose out of the investigation, Sally uncovers troubling family secrets, including her father’s romance with Neil’s mother. Meanwhile, Sally’s efforts to ignore her feelings as ex-boyfriend Eric is consumed by his new relationship with another woman adds some emotional depth. This well-done culinary cozy should win new fans for the ever enterprising Sally. Agent: Erin Niumata, Folio Literary Management. (Aug.)