The Chef’s Secret

This sumptuous story by King (Feast of Sorrow), set in Renaissance Italy, features Giovanni Brioschi, a 30-year-old chef and apprentice to his uncle and master chef, Bartolomeo Scappi. After Bartolomeo dies, Giovanni continues in his uncle’s role as private chef to the pope. In addition to leaving Giovanni his fortune, home, and name, Bartolomeo also leaves Giovanni a trove of coded journals. Parts of the narrative follow Bartolomeo’s life as Giovanni discovers it in the journals, where he reads about Stella, his uncle’s great and secret love, and learns that Bartolomeo and Stella are, in fact, his parents. In Giovanni’s present of 1577, he falls in love with Isabetta Palone while facing the rivalry of Domenico Romoli, another former student of Bartolomeo. Luckily, Giovanni has the backing of his good friend, Valentino Pio da Carpi, scion of a wealthy family. King supplies all of the elements historical fiction fans expect in a juicy Renaissance tale, including luscious meals, erotic interludes, and deaths by poison and blade. This rich tale should satisfy the appetites of fans of historicals. (Feb.)