The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark (a review)

The Book of Unholy Mischief: A Novel
2.5 out of 5: The Book of Unholy Mischief is historical fiction with a mysterious twist. A street orphan in early-Renaissance Venice lucks into an apprenticeship in the kitchen of a high-ranking city official. The city is obsessed with finding a secret book rumored to contain the secrets to eternal life, everlasting love, and alchemy. Political intrigue ensues. Sumptuous descriptions of the city's markets, neighborhoods, and festivals, along with descriptions of the executive chef's dishes, comprise this books primary pleasures. There's not enough action to build much suspense, but you'll be so busy thinking about your next meal or planning a trip to Venice that you won't care. This is a nice airplane or vacation book when you don't want to worry about remembering complicated plot lines or deciphering a challenging writing style.