I loved this story and spending time in the world that Lavelle created. The characters were great (I think Frankie was my favourite), the world-building/lore exquisitely crafted, the sense of place in NYC fantastic, the pacing perfect, and the theme of grief, life, and love evocative. The writing was fantastic with realistic (sometimes laugh-out-loud funny) dialogue, beautiful turns of phrase, and food writing that I could taste.

This was the first book in a long time that felt like it took a unique and new path. The story truly offered up something fresh.

I love genre-spanning books and this is like *chef's kiss* of culinary/literary with a sprinkling of horror and magic. Ya girl didn't even mind the romance component (I know!). If you wish books like The Chibineko Kitchen went a bit harder, this is the book for you!

Magnifique. No notes.

What meal would connect you to somebody you had lost? A chef can taste a meal that can bring somebody back from death whilst you eat it, but does bringing the dead back have consequences? A wonderful story following Kostya as he copes with the death of his father and learns of his new abilities. A story that makes you think of the connections food has with your happiest moments, and consider the memories that food would cost. With a writing style reminiscent of "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow", and an intriguing plot line that left me wanting more, this is the best supernatural/urban fantasy debut I've read!

Aftertaste serves up a feast for the senses with a side of the supernatural. This debut by Daria Lavelle is a flavourful mix of food, ghosts, and emotional baggage, blending humour and heartbreak

Lavelle’s descriptions are so evocative you’ll almost taste the dishes yourself. A pinch of grief, a dash of love, and a simmering pot of unresolved emotions, and you’ve got this delicious tale that’s rich and satisfying.

That said, the switching between Kostya’s full name and nickname might leave some readers feeling like they’ve got two characters on their plate instead of one.

This story is part Ratatouille, part ghost story, and all heart,

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

A book to be devoured (pun intended). It is a heartwarming tale that will tug at your heartstrings and left me asking myself questions about loved ones I’ve lost.
Has the same feel as Marigold Mind Laundry.

A wonderful debut I look forward to reading more from this author.