An Appetite for Violets

Starred review from December 1, 2014

Biddy Leigh, a poor fatherless cottager, has reached the pinnacle of happiness in life as undercook at Mawton Hall with marriage to the handsome Jem in her future, but her plans go awry with the unexpected arrival of Lady Carinna, the absent old master's very young, very demanding new wife. Not only is Lady Carinna impetuous and imperious, she is also abruptly seized with a sudden desire to travel to her uncle's estate in Italy and insists on Biddy's accompanying her, plunging that unflappable young lady into mysteries and adventures that challenge her to the utmost of her considerably resourceful nature. As we follow Biddy and her companions on their continental travels, we are treated to her gastronomic journal filled with sensual and revealing details. VERDICT Debut novelist (and award-winning amateur cook) Bailey whips up a tasty confection of history, mystery, and intrigue. Fans of such 18th-century writers as James Boswell, Tobias Smollett, Henry Fielding, and Samuel Richardson will savor this delicious read. [See Prepub Alert, 7/21/14.]--Cynthia Johnson, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, MA

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2014
Set in the 1770s, Bailey's first novel centers on Biddy Leigh, undercook at Mawton Hall in Cheshire, England. When Biddy is made to join the handful of servants accompanying the master's new young wife, Lady Carinna, on a sudden trip to Italy, she carries with her the household recipe book in which to record her encounters with continental cuisine. In addition to sampling delicacies and learning new cookery techniques, Biddy finds herself entangled in Carinna's secrets and swept up in a murderous plot involving a jewel known as the Mawton Rose. She also falls in love with an Italian chef. Much of the novel unfolds in the form of entries in Biddy's journal, each headed by an authentic recipe ( a brandy possett, farcemeat pudding ). Other chapters are presented from the point of view of Loveday, a slave who serves as footman and dreams of returning to his home in the East Indies. Though the novel seems to have too many ingredients, everything is kneaded together at the end. This is a delectable dish that will appeal to readers with a taste for historical mysteries as well as fiction about food.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)