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 uncleâs secretsâincluding the identity of the noblewoman Bartolomeo loved until he died.
When Bartolomeo Scappi dies in 1577, he leaves his vast estateâproperties, money, and his positionâto his nephew and apprentice Giovanni. He also gives Giovanni the keys to two strongboxes and strict instructions to burn their contents. Despite Scappiâs dire warning that the information concealed in those boxes could put Giovanniâs life and others at risk, Giovanni is compelled to learn his uncleâs secrets. He undertakes the arduous task of decoding Scappiâs journals and uncovers a history of deception, betrayal, and murderâall to protect an illicit love affair.
As Giovanni pieces together the details of Scappiâs past, he must contend with two rivals who have joined forcesâhis brother Cesare and Scappiâs former protÊgÊ, Domenico Romoli, who will do anything to get his hands on the late chefâs recipes.
With luscious prose that captures the full scale of the sumptuous feasts for which Scappi was known, The Chefâs Secret serves up power, intrigue, and passion, bringing Renaissance Italy to life in a delectable fashion