FICTION

A Serving of Scandal

by Prue Leith
OPUS. (Culinary Fiction). 2013. 352p. ISBN 9781623160203. pap. $14.95. F
COPY ISBN
Kate McKinnon's catering business, Nothing Fancy, is doing pretty well. Her newest client, Britain's Secretary of State Oliver Stapler, enjoys more than just her cooking, spending time in the kitchen with her while she cleans up after dinner parties and giving her rides home. Neither of them sees any problems with their friendship until a gossip rag decides to turn innocent companionship into a scandalous affair. With Leith's background as a food writer, cookbook author, and catering company owner, the story has authenticity (and the segments referring to what Kate cooks are enough to make readers drool on their pages!). However, the narrative feels stilted and difficult to follow for those unfamiliar with British culture, with references to political parties and British slang.
VERDICT Like a cake without baking powder, this novel, which launches the publisher's culinary fiction series, falls flat and fails to satisfy the craving for a light, fluffy, escapist read.
Reviewed by Amber McKee, Cumberland Univ. Lib., Lebanon, TN , Sep 06, 2013
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The Library Thief
by Shenjé, Kuchenga
FICTION

One Cursed Rose
by Zanetti, Rebecca
FICTION

A Punishing Breed
by Frost, DC
FICTION

The Sweet Blue Distance
by Donati, Sara
FICTION

Dreadful
by Rozakis, Caitlin
FICTION

The Guncle Abroad
by Rowley, Steven
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?