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Paris Was Ours: Thirty-two Writers Reflect on the City of Light
By Penelope Rowlands. 2011
Paris is “the world capital of memory and desire,” concludes one of the writers in this intimate and insightful collection…
of memoirs of the city. Living in Paris changed these writers forever. In thirty-two personal essays—more than half of which are here published for the first time—the writers describe how they were seduced by Paris and then began to see things differently. They came to write, to cook, to find love, to study, to raise children, to escape, or to live the way it’s done in French movies; they came from the United States, Canada, and England; from Iran, Iraq, and Cuba; and—a few—from other parts of France. And they stayed, not as tourists, but for a long time; some are still living there. They were outsiders who became insiders, who here share their observations and revelations. Some are well-known writers: Diane Johnson, David Sedaris, Judith Thurman, Joe Queenan, and Edmund White. Others may be lesser known but are no less passionate on the subject. Together, their reflections add up to an unusually perceptive and multifaceted portrait of a city that is entrancing, at times exasperating, but always fascinating. They remind us that Paris belongs to everyone it has touched, and to each in a different way.
A Thousand Days in Tuscany: A Bittersweet Adventure
By Marlena De Blasi. 2005
American chef Marlena de Blasi and her Venetian husband, Fernando, married rather late in life. In search of the rhythms…
of country living, the couple moves to a barely renovated former stable in Tuscany with no phone, no central heating, and something resembling a playhouse kitchen. They dwell among two hundred villagers, ancient olive groves, and hot Etruscan springs. In this patch of earth where Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio collide, there is much to feed de Blasi's two passions--food and love. We accompany the couple as they harvest grapes, gather chestnuts, forage for wild mushrooms, and climb trees in the cold of December to pick olives, one by one. Their routines are not that different from those of villagers centuries earlier.They are befriended by the mesmeric Barlozzo, a self-styled village chieftain. His fascinating stories lead de Blasi more deeply inside the soul of Tuscany. Together they visit sacred festivals and taste just-pressed olive oil, drizzled over roasted country bread, and squash blossoms, battered and deep-fried and sprayed with sea-salted water. In a cauldron set over a wood fire, they braise beans in red wine, and a stew of wild boar simmers overnight in the ashes of their hearth. Barlozzo shares his knowledge of Italian farming traditions, ancient health potions, and artisanal food makers, but he has secrets he doesn't share, and one of them concerns the beautiful Floriana, whose illness teaches Marlena that happiness is truly a choice.Like the pleasurable tastes and textures of a fine meal, A Thousand Days in Tuscany is as satisfying as it is enticing. The author's own recipes are included.
A Thousand Days in Venice: An Unexpected Romance
By Marlena De Blasi. 2002
Fernando first sees Marlena across the Piazza San Marco and falls in love from afar. When he sees her again…
in a Venice café a year later, he knows it is fate. He knows little English; she, a divorced American chef traveling through Italy, speaks only food-based Italian. Marlena thought she was done with romantic love, incapable of intimacy. Yet within months of their first meeting, she has quit her job, sold her house in St. Louis, kissed her two grown sons good-bye, and moved to Venice to marry “the stranger,” as she calls Fernando. This deliciously satisfying memoir is filled with the foods and flavors of Italy and peppered with culinary observations and recipes. But the main course here is an enchanting true story about a woman who falls in love with both a man and a city, and finally finds the home she didn’t even know she was missing.
In Sardinia: An Unexpected Journey in Italy
By Jeff Biggers. 2022
"At last, a grand companion to the mysterious and enchanting island of Sardinia. Known to most travelers for its beaches,…
Sardinia's complex archeological heritage extends back to Neolithic times. Written with verve and love, In Sardinia is the book I'll be taking on future trips." -Frances Mayes, New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun Award-winning historian Jeff Biggers opens a new window into the hidden treasures of Sardinia in a groundbreaking travel narrative that crisscrosses one of the most enigmatic places in ItalyAfter three decades of living and traveling in Italy, Jeff Biggers finally crossed over to Sardinia, uncovering a treasury of stories amid major archaeological discoveries rewriting the history of the Mediterranean.Based in the bewitching port of Alghero, guided through the island&’s rich and largely untranslated literature, he embarked on a rare journey around the island to experience its famed cuisine, wine, traditional rituals and thriving cultural movements. &“Sardinia is something else. Enchanting spaces and distances to travel,&” D. H. Lawrence wrote in 1921. On the 100th anniversary of Lawrence&’s visit, Biggers opens a new window into the history of the island, chronicling how new archaeological findings have placed the island as one of the cradles of the Bronze Age. From the Neolithic array of Stonehenge-like dolmens and menhir stone formations to the thousands of Bronze Age "nuraghe" towers and burial tombs, the vastness of the uninterrupted cycles of civilizations and their architectural marvels have turned Sardinia into the Mediterranean's "open museum." Beyond its fabled beaches, reconsidering how its unique history and ways have shaped Italy and Europe today, Biggers explores how travelers must first understand Sardinia and its ancient and modern history to truly understand the rest of Italy.In the tradition of Mark Kurlansky&’s Basque History of the World, Peter Hessler&’s Oracle Bones: A Journey Through in China, and Frances Mayes&’ and Tim Parks&’ narratives on Italy, In Sardinia is a major new addition to travel writing and literature in Italy.
The Woman on the Bridge
By Sheila O'Flanagan. 2023
A stunning historical novel from multi-million-copy bestselling author Sheila O'FlanaganDublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people…
are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy - and the hardest of choices.In a country fighting for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it.Joseph's family shelter fugitives and transport weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come?Ireland's tumultuous independence struggle is the backdrop for an unforgettable story of courage and heartbreak, in which heroes are made of ordinary people. Inspired by the story of Sheila O'Flanagan's grandmother, The Woman on the Bridge is the unmissable, compulsive new novel from a bestselling author.Readers love Sheila's books'Do I rejoice when a new Sheila O'Flanagan book hits the shelves? I do' Roisin Meaney'One of my favourite authors' Marian Keyes'Sheila writes with such verve and positivity and emotional intelligence' Veronica Henry(P)2023 Headline Publishing Group Limited
Jimi Hendrix Live in Lviv: Longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2023
By Andrey Kurkov. 2023
"Both a pleasure and a testament to life in Ukraine, before" Sunday Times"Ukraine's greatest living novelist" New European"A Ukrainian Murakami"…
GuardianA love letter to the beautiful city of Lviv, by the author of Death and the Penguin and Grey Bees.Strange things are afoot in the cosmopolitan city of Lviv, western Ukraine. Seagulls are circling and the air smells salty, though Lviv is a long way from the sea . . . A ragtag group gathers round a mysterious grave in Lychakiv Cemetery - among them an ex-KGB officer and an ageing hippy he used to spy on. Before long, Captain Ryabtsev and Alik Olisevych are teaming up to discover the source of the "anomalies".Meanwhile, Taras - who makes a living driving kidney-stone patients over cobblestones in his ancient Opel Vectra - is courting Darka, who works nights at a bureau de change despite being allergic to money.The young lovers don't know it, but their fate depends on two lonely old men, relics of another era, who will stop at nothing to save their city. Shot through with Kurkov's unique brand of black humour and vodka-fuelled magic realism, Jimi Hendrix Live in Lviv is an affectionate portrait one the world's most intriguing cities.Translated from the Russian by Reuben Woolley
'Of all literary fakes this is surely the most impudent, ingenious, and successful. The Comtesse D'Aulnoy was never in Spain…
(but) she was a born traveller. Not without reason have the editors of The Broadway Travellers included her fiction in their library of fact. For, despite its falseness, it is intellectually the real thing.' Saturday ReviewHowever her work is judged today, it seems certain that Madame D'Aulnoy was one of the most widely-read and most popular authors of her time. Seeing Spain at a strange moment in her history, it is the end of a great age. The last descendent of Charles V is king; after him the nation is destined to enter upon a new phase, under a new dynasty. After reading this journey we see and touch Spain and the reader can judge the Spanish character from a witness who saw it.
Le Coq: A Journey to the Heart of French Rugby
By Peter Bills. 2023
From French rugby's origins in Le Havre, (as an English export in the late nineteenth century) to the Catalan coast,…
acclaimed rugby writer Peter Bills travels the length and breadth of this vast country visiting not only the big cities but those regional heartlands of the game such as Toulouse, Bordeaux and Clermont as well as clubs in the Basque country, to reveal a country whose deep love of rugby has created a culture and playing style like no other. Featuring exclusive interviews with many of the greatest international players to have played club rugby in France, from Jonny Wilkinson to Dan Carter, as well as French legends of the sport, from Serge Blanco and Jean-Pierre Rives to Antoine Dupont, Le Coq: A History of French rugby brings to life the passion, colour, excitement, characters, anecdotes, locations and great moments of French rugby's near 150 years of existence, just as it prepares to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.Former French Grand Slam captain Jacques Fouroux talked of 'Rugby; the game, the life': this book will show you exactly what he meant.
Rick Steves Switzerland (Rick Steves Ser.)
By Rick Steves. 2023
Cross the Alps in a cable car, cruise Lake Geneva, and tour a medieval château: with Rick Steves, Switzerland is…
yours! Inside Rick Steves Switzerland you'll find:Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Switzerland Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from bustling Zürich to the cozy small-town atmosphere of Appenzell How to connect with culture: Chat with friendly Swiss locals at a mountain retreat, swim in the alpine waters of the Aare River, and treat yourself to delicious cheese fondue Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax over wine and Swiss chocolate Self-guided walking tours of lively neighborhoods and mountain towns Detailed maps for exploring on the goScenic railroad journeys such as the Golden Pass, Gotthard Panorama Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and Chur Useful resources including a packing list, German, French, and Italian phrase guides, a historical overview, and recommended reading, plus tips for visiting Switzerland in the winter Over 400 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Zürich, Luzern, Central Switzerland, Bern, Murten, Avenches, Gimmelwald and the Berner Oberland, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Appenzell, Lausanne, Château de Chillon, Montreux, Gruyères, Lugano, Pontresina, Samedan, St. Moritz, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Switzerland.
Made in Spain: A Shopper's Guide to Artisans and Their Crafts by Region
By Suzanne Wales. 2023
A distinctive, sumptuous, and informative guide to the craftspeople and artisans of Spain, with a focus on ceramics, jewelry, leather…
goods, clothing, textiles, and shoes.A celebration of artisanal craft, Made in Spain pulls back the veil on independent craftspeople and handmade artisans throughout Spain. From jewelers to furniture makers, textiles to footwear, this unique guide takes us on a bountiful journey, exploring each craft and maker in depth.Turn these gorgeous pages to learn more about some of Spain's well-known and hidden-gem art and artisans, including: Dazzling Huguet tiles handmade since 1933Fashion designer and multi-disciplinary textile artist Adriana MeuniéCapas Seseña, designer of high-fashion capes for women and menCarmina Shoemakers, family manufacturers on the island of Mallorca since 1866Helena Rohner's handmade jewelry inspired by natureJosé Ramírez, carrying on the tradition of handcrafted classical and flamenco guitars through five generationsPart art guide, part travelogue, each chapter includes lush color photographs that explore each featured artisan from various regions of Spain, including Barcelona and Catalunya, Balearic Island, Valencia, Madrid, the Basque region, Galicia, and Andalucía.
The Woman on the Bridge
By Sheila O'Flanagan. 2023
A stunning historical novel from multi-million-copy bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan'Winnie is a great character . . . she's always real…
- she's always human' Roddy Doyle'A riveting rollercoaster of drama, tragedy, triumph and love' Patricia Scanlan 'Unputdownable, full of poignancy, warmth and real and relatable women' Kate ThompsonDublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy - and the hardest of choices.In a country fighting for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it. Joseph's family shelter fugitives and smuggle weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come? Ireland's tumultuous independence struggle is the backdrop for an unforgettable story of courage and heartbreak, in which heroes are made of ordinary people. Inspired by the story of Sheila O'Flanagan's grandmother, The Woman on the Bridge is the unmissable, compulsive new novel from a bestselling author. Readers love Sheila's books'Do I rejoice when a new Sheila O'Flanagan book hits the shelves? I do' Roisin Meaney'One of my favourite authors' Marian Keyes'Sheila writes with such verve and positivity and emotional intelligence' Veronica Henry
The Woman on the Bridge
By Sheila O'Flanagan. 2023
A stunning historical novel from multi-million-copy bestselling author Sheila O'Flanagan'Winnie is a great character . . . she's always real…
- she's always human' Roddy Doyle'A riveting rollercoaster of drama, tragedy, triumph and love' Patricia Scanlan 'Unputdownable, full of poignancy, warmth and real and relatable women' Kate ThompsonDublin. The 1920s. As war tears Ireland apart, two young people are caught up in events that will bring love, tragedy - and the hardest of choices.In a country fighting for freedom, it's hard to live a normal life. Winnie O'Leary supports the cause, but she doesn't go looking for trouble. Then rebel Joseph Burke steps into her workplace. Winnie is furious with him about a broken window. She's not interested in romance. But love comes when you least expect it. Joseph's family shelter fugitives and smuggle weapons. Joseph would never ask Winnie to join the fight; but his mother and sisters demand commitment. Will Winnie choose Joseph, and put her own loved ones in deadly danger? Or wait for a time of peace that may never come? Ireland's tumultuous independence struggle is the backdrop for an unforgettable story of courage and heartbreak, in which heroes are made of ordinary people. Inspired by the story of Sheila O'Flanagan's grandmother, The Woman on the Bridge is the unmissable, compulsive new novel from a bestselling author. Readers love Sheila's books'Do I rejoice when a new Sheila O'Flanagan book hits the shelves? I do' Roisin Meaney'One of my favourite authors' Marian Keyes'Sheila writes with such verve and positivity and emotional intelligence' Veronica Henry
To the Lake: A Balkan Journey of War and Peace
By Kapka Kassabova. 2020
The celebrated author of Border explores a mysterious, ancient, and little-understood corner of EuropeLake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Two ancient…
lakes joined by underground rivers. Two lakes that seem to hold both the turbulent memories of the region’s past and the secret of its enduring allure. Two lakes that have played a central role in Kapka Kassabova’s maternal family. As she journeys to her grandmother’s place of origin, Kassabova encounters a historic crossroads. The lakes are set within the mountainous borderlands of North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece, and crowned by the old Via Egnatia, which once connected Rome to Constantinople. A former trading and spiritual nexus of the southern Balkans, this lake region remains one of Eurasia’s most diverse corners. Meanwhile, with their remote rock churches, changeable currents, and large population of migratory birds, the lakes live in their own time.By exploring on water and land the stories of poets, fishermen, and caretakers, misfits, rulers, and inheritors of war and exile, Kassabova uncovers the human destinies shaped by the lakes. Setting out to resolve her own ancestral legacy, Kassabova locates a deeper inquiry into how geography and politics imprint themselves upon families and nations, one that confronts her with universal questions about human suffering and the capacity for change.
A Line in the World: A Year on the North Sea Coast
By Dorthe Nors. 2021
A celebrated Danish writer explores the unsung histories and geographies of her beloved slice of the world. Me, my notebook…
and my love of the wild and desolate. I wanted to do the opposite of what was expected of me. It’s a recurring pattern in my life. An instinct. Dorthe Nors’s first nonfiction book chronicles a year she spent traveling along the North Sea coast—from Skagen at the northern tip of Denmark to the Frisian Islands in the Wadden Sea. In fourteen expansive essays, Nors traces the history, geography, and culture of the places she visits while reflecting on her childhood and her family and ancestors’ ties to the region as well as her decision to move there from Copenhagen. She writes about the ritual burning of witch effigies on Midsummer’s Eve; the environmental activist who opposed a chemical factory in the 1950s; the quiet fishing villages that surfers transformed into an area known as Cold Hawaii starting in the 1970s. She connects wind turbines to Viking ships, thirteenth-century church frescoes to her mother’s unrealized dreams. She describes strong waves, sand drifts, storm surges, shipwrecks, and other instances of nature asserting its power over human attempts to ignore or control it. Through a deep, personal engagement with this singular landscape, A Line in the World accesses the universal. Its ultimate subjects are civilization, belonging, and change: changes within one person’s life, changes occurring in various communities today, and change as the only constant of life on Earth.
Moon Croatia & Slovenia: Beaches & Waterfalls, Coastal Drives, Castles & Ruins (Travel Guide)
By Shann Fountain Alipour. 2023
Sun-drenched villages and warm beaches, thick forests and snow-capped mountains: Immerse yourself in a postcard come to life with Moon…
Croatia & Slovenia. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries from one week in each country to two weeks in both, including a side trip to Montenegro, plus how to make the most of short stays in Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Ljubljana Suggestions for a Dalmatian Islands getaway and other day trips to escape the city crowds Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Go truffle hunting in Istria or taste homemade vintages on an ancient wine route. Walk along the creamy stone and red-tiled roofs inside Dubrovnik's 15th-century walls or wander through Ljubljana's historic Tivoli Park. Leave crowded beaches behind and hire a boat to explore lesser-known islands. Wind your way up snowy Mount Sljeme, hike to caves and waterfalls in Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park or go rafting in Slovenia's Soca River Expert insight on when to go, what to do, and where to stay from former Zagreb local Shann Fountain Alipour Full-color photos and detailed maps throughoutBackground information on the landscape, history, and cultural customs of each country Handy tools such as visa information, Croatian, Slovenian, and Montenegrin phrasebooks Experience Croatia & Slovenia your way with Moon's practical tips and local insight. Looking for more sunshine? Try Moon Amalfi Coast. Heading east? Check out Moon Prague, Vienna & Budapest. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.
Rome as a Guide to the Good Life: A Philosophical Grand Tour
By Scott Samuelson. 2023
A unique, portable guidebook that sketches Rome’s great philosophical tradition while also providing an engaging travel companion to the city.…
This is a guidebook to Rome for those interested in both la dolce vita and what the ancient Romans called the vita beata—the good life. Philosopher Scott Samuelson offers a thinker’s tour of the Eternal City, rooting ideas from this philosophical tradition within the geography of the city itself. As he introduces the city’s great works of art and its most famous sites—the Colosseum, the Forum, the Campo de’ Fiori—Samuelson also gets to the heart of the knotty ethical and emotional questions they pose. Practicing philosophy in place, Rome as a Guide to the Good Life tackles the profound questions that most tours of Rome only bracket. What does all this history tell us about who we are? In addition to being a thoughtful philosophical companion, Samuelson is also a memorable tour guide, taking us on plenty of detours and pausing to linger over an afternoon Negroni, sample four classic Roman pastas, or explore the city’s best hidden gems. With Samuelson’s help, we understand why Rome has inspired philosophers such as Lucretius and Seneca, poets and artists such as Horace and Caravaggio, filmmakers like Fellini, and adventurers like Rosa Bathurst. This eclectic guidebook to Roman philosophy is for intrepid wanderers and armchair travelers alike—anyone who wants not just a change of scenery, but a change of soul.
Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life
By Ajiri Aki. 2023
Embrace the joy of Paris wherever you live with American expat Ajiri Aki, founder of the French lifestyle brand Madame de…
la Maison.&“More than being a terrific guide to the city, it&’s a thoroughly comprehensive guide to better living.&”—Chioma Nnadi, editor of VogueThe French are known for their joie de vivre—celebrating the simple things—a philosophy that tastemaker Ajiri Aki embraced all of her American life. As a child, she frequently tried to convince her Nigerian-Jamaican mother to pull out the fine china for everyday meals or when hosting friends. Her mother always said she was waiting for a special occasion, which sadly never came before she passed away when Ajiri was only twelve. Ajiri promised herself she would never hesitate to use her treasured pieces. When she moved to Paris, France, as an adult, she learned how central that idea is to French life, and she also began to absorb other essential lessons from her new friends: treat yourself to fresh flowers just because, take time to source the best baguette, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy être—just being.In this beautifully photographed volume of everything French, Ajiri shares what she&’s learned about living in Paris—from hosting the perfect apéro (happy hour) to lingering around town like a flâneur (loafer) to thrifting for antiques at the market. While exploring the prettiest cafes and shops, you&’ll be inspired to reclaim your right to leisure as the French have, so you, too, can savor the spontaneous, joyful moments that happen every day.
Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent (Rick Steves)
By Rick Steves, Gene Openshaw. 2022
Stroll through medieval squares with soaring bell towers and along quiet canals: experience Belgium with Rick Steves! Inside Rick Steves…
Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent you'll find:Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more exploring Belgium Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the European Parliament and Flanders Fields to wafel trucks and popular breweries How to connect with local culture: Lose yourself in the art of the Flemish masters, taste fish fresh from the North Sea at the Vismarkt, and sip Trappist ales with friendly locals Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax while you indulge in a chocolate truffle (or two) Self-guided walking tours of lively town squares and inspiring museums Detailed mapsfor exploring on the goUseful resources including a packing list, Dutch and French phrase books, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 300 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Belgium: Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp & Ghent.
Foul Deeds and Fine Dying: A Pellegrino Artusi Mystery
By Marco Malvaldi. 2020
Pellegrino Artusi, the great gastronome and amateur detective, is back. It is 1900 and Pellegrino's famed cookbook is in its…
fifth edition. Flushed from his fortune and success, our hero joins a weekend party at the Tuscan castle of the wealthy agricultural entrepreneur, Secondo Gazzolo. In this castle of winding corridors, secret passageways and clandestine meetings, Pellegrino finds a curious collection of guests, each with their own purpose for being there.But when one of the party is found dead in his locked bedroom, seemingly the victim of suffocation, it is up to Pellegrino and his old friend, the detective Ispettore Artistico, to solve what really happened, for the science of food is every bit as complex, rigorous and tantalising as the sublime art of investigation.A perfect "locked room mystery" that will have your brain and your tastebuds tickled.Translated from the Italian by Howard Curtis
Foul Deeds and Fine Dying: A Pellegrino Artusi Mystery
By Marco Malvaldi. 2020
Pellegrino Artusi, the great gastronome and amateur detective, is back. It is 1900 and Pellegrino's famed cookbook is in its…
fifth edition. Flushed from his fortune and success, our hero joins a weekend party at the Tuscan castle of the wealthy agricultural entrepreneur, Secondo Gazzolo. In this castle of winding corridors, secret passageways and clandestine meetings, Pellegrino finds a curious collection of guests, each with their own purpose for being there.But when one of the party is found dead in his locked bedroom, seemingly the victim of suffocation, it is up to Pellegrino and his old friend, the detective Ispettore Artistico, to solve what really happened, for the science of food is every bit as complex, rigorous and tantalising as the sublime art of investigation.A perfect "locked room mystery" that will have your brain and your tastebuds tickled.Translated from the Italian by Howard Curtis