This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
The Fragrance of Death by Leslie Karst is the fifth book in the Sally Salori Mystery series. Sally is known for her skilled nose in the kitchen and for solving a good mystery. Her recent time has been a balanced diet of food and murder while her romantic life has slowly been heating up with the handsome Martin. Her luck stumbles as the artichoke-themed cook-off approaches and she suddenly finds herself minus her keen sense of smell. The competition takes a murderous twist when someone Sally knows is found dead. Once again she finds herself putting on a sleuthing hat and seeking out clues that could lead her to a killer.
Food has played a significant part in the series through each book which often has a specific and delicious theme. Leslie Karst puts in a new twist for Sally to deal with – a loss of smell. This loss is woven throughout the plot as it adds conflict because food is her passion. The mystery takes center stage with a murder, suspects, and clues with Sally placed in the middle of it all as the curious and opinionated sleuth. Karst crafts engaging mysteries that draw you in from the beginning and get better with each installment. Sally Salori is a charming and witty sleuth that has grown since the first book and she has honed her skills both in the kitchen and with solving mysteries. The rich writing style comes to life thanks to the lovely phrases Karst chooses that paint vivid images. These lovely images are paired with humor and Sally's delightful voice which stems from her attitude and headstrong nature.
The story isn't without some romance as her relationship with Martin has been slowly developing since they first met. Described as being in the stage of pre-dating, she has found some solace and joy in their dynamic as he has brought laughter into her life. The book features some mouth-watering recipes that include Steak Diane, fresh Brussels Sprout Salad, and Decadent Blondies for dessert. Another dazzling and delicious read, The Fragrance of Death is a humorous treat that hits all the right notes with a cooking competition that enters a deadly landscape, tasty recipes, and the delightfully layered Sally.
