“Utterly captivating. Marks the emergence of a tremendously wise and talented novelist.”—Andrew Solomon, Pulitzer Prize finalist, National Book Award winner
“A beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that left a lasting impression.”—Readers’ Favorite, FIVE STARS
“Brilliantly written, compelling, and profoundly sensual. A tour de force!”—Carole Bumpus, Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur
A feisty documentary maker turns her lens on a legendary French perfume house and must choose whether to tell the truth—even if it could ruin many lives around her. A mesmerizing novel set in France, for fans of women’s fiction about difficult ethical choices.
Zandy Watson, a thirty-year-old documentary maker from New York with a scumbag father and a broken past, is a social justice warrior, hell-bent on making movies that will expose important truths. Except she has to pay the bills, and her boss insists she go to the South of France to make some puff piece about a 300-year-old perfume house.
In Grasse—the perfume capital of the world, rich in delicate flowers—Zandy is seduced by the perfumer’s art. And by Dominique Severin, a secretive, debonair heir who is battling to preserve his honor by keeping his family business alive. But behind the glamorous façade, Zandy discovers a shameful secret. Holding a glittering chance to do what’s right by telling the truth, she faces a heartbreaking choice. Will she betray the lover who has trusted her with his secrets? And will she destroy thousands of innocent lives along the way?
The Perfumer’s Secret is an enchanting journey through the captivating world of perfume with an indomitable young woman who in her darkest moment discovers the wisdom and courage to improve countless lives—and change her own life forever.
Industry Reviews
“Utterly captivating and hugely insightful. Marks the emergence of a tremendously wise and talented novelist.”—Andrew Solomon, Pulitzer Prize finalist and National Book Award winner
“A beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that left a lasting impression.”—Readers’ Favorite, FIVE STARS
“As original and complex as the finest perfumes . . . compelling.” —Mary Kay Zuravleff, author of Oprah’s Spring Reading List selection, American Ending
“Brilliantly written, compelling, and profoundly sensual. . . a tour de force!”—Carole Bumpus, author of Adventures on Land & Sea: Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur
“Captivating. Blending the allure of a love story with a dark secret and a heartrending choice.”—Louisa Treger, author of The Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year Madwoman
“Current, sophisticated, and sexy. A high-octane romp.” —Gretchen Cherington, author of The Butcher, The Embezzler, and the Fall Guy, winner Maine 2024 Book Award Nonfiction
“A well-crafted tale of self-discovery with a compelling protagonist.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Strong characters and a deep knowledge of France’s perfume culture make this a delightful escape read.”—Sujata Massey, author of The Widows of Malabar Hill one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Best Mystery and Thriller Books of All Time
“A deftly plotted suspense, a sexy love story, a fascinating, insider guide to the secret business of perfume. An ending that will keep me thinking for a very long time.” —Sheri T. Joseph author of Edge of the Known World Winner 2024 Best New Fiction, American Fiction Awards
“So sassy, so relevant, and yet a classic. Hooked from page one.” —Julia Hobsbawm OBE, author of The Simplicity Principle
