I adored this book. It's taken me a few days to sit down and write this review, as I was still savouring it, rolling its various emotions round my head and my tongue. I know I love a book when I want to go back and read it again immediately, as I did with this.

I won't rehash the synopsis here, but, in brief, it involves protagonist Konstantin losing his dad early in his life then experiencing "after tastes", hits of the food that belong to the dead, starting with his dad's favourite Ukrainian chicken livers dish.

I love food, I love the theatre of restaurant kitchens and eating out. I love a dash of magic realism and a hint of Ghostbusters. So, this book had all the ingredients (ok, enough with the food puns) for a great book. But it was the heart of this book that truly grabbed me; the way food, grief and love in all its forms are woven together. Yes, it's a story of grief and death, but also love, family, finding your path and figuring out what really matters to you. Life in all its flavour.

After a slew of reading so-so debuts, this one shone out as a true pearl. I will definitely be looking out for further books by this author.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for a review copy of this excellent book.

“a recipe could tell you who someone had been, what they had loved, the things that sustained them. It was a way for others to carry them along, to bring them back, to keep them close once they had gone. A way to never really die”

WOW !!! I got to read this book as part of the readathon for Bloomsbury’s Big night and I loved every single part of it!! I loved how it explored the bond between food and the process of grief, I myself started thinking of the way I remember my loved ones through special foods we shared together. it was also so beautifully written and fast paced I couldn’t take my eyes off the pages, a true masterpiece!!

This book was fantastic. It was so heartwarming and gripping, I’ve not read anything like this before and I just had such a good time with it.

The writing was fantastic. The writing style was just perfect and it kept me just turning the page.

Loved it! Would definitely read more from this author.

This is a book like nothing else I have ever read. It’s a love story and a story of loss and grief and of friendship. Thoroughly engaging pulling you into the life of Kostya and his encounters in life and death. What an exquisite read. Just beautiful and endearing

The story explores themes of food, love, self-doubt, ambition, wisdom and folly, cruelty and compassion, the allure of the unknown, and the steadfastness of friendship—essentially, all the qualities that define the human experience. For food enthusiasts, residents of New York (or those with a deep affection for the city), and aficionados of speculative fiction, this work is particularly gratifying. The writing is outstanding: the depictions of food are so vivid they will leave one craving more, and there are several poignant moments that will resonate deeply with readers. New Yorkers will find familiar neighborhoods and dining spots, while others will appreciate the various nods to baristas, video game enthusiasts, immigrants, food show fans, and many more. Additionally, for those who have experienced loss, there is a hopeful undertone suggesting that, perhaps, things may ultimately resolve favorably.

Aftertaste is one of the most food-obsessed novels I’ve ever read—in the best possible way. The descriptions are rich, sensory, and transportive, making this a perfect read for anyone who loves the connection between food and memory. Plus, who doesn't love a ghost story?!

That said, a couple of plot points stretched believability a bit too far for me, making parts of the story harder to connect with. But overall, this was a deliciously inventive read—equal parts love story, ghost story, and foodie dream.

The tagline said "The Bear" meets "before the coffee get's cold" and only one of the mentioned titles spoke to me. During a holiday I started this one on a whim and couldn't believe it when I finished this book the next day.
The story of Kostya and his regrets and abilities to bring back loved ones for one meal was exactly what was advertised and nothing I expected from it. You follow along a young man discovering ghostly powers and trying to find a way to use it for good. For one meal you can join a passed loved one and help them with their unfinished business. But every action has consequences... I was surprised by how sad and tragic this was while being this entertaining. Be prepared to cry frequently. After the midway point it get's also a bit dark with horror elements which I highly approve of. The twists and ending really was a highlight.
Aftertastes surprised me and I cannot wait to recommend to to my customers.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle is a deeply imaginative and emotional journey that combines elements of magical realism, romance, and grief, set against the high-stakes world of New York’s culinary scene. The novel follows Konstantin "Kostya" Duhovny, a man haunted by ghosts since the death of his father when he was just ten years old. While Kostya cannot see these ghosts, he experiences them through their favourite foods, tasting meals he’s never eaten as a sign that a spirit is nearby.

For most of his life, Kostya has kept this unusual ability to himself. However, one night, he decides to embrace it and, in doing so, discovers he can reunite people with their deceased loved ones by preparing a meal that reconnects them through taste. This realisation sets him on a journey to help grieving strangers find closure, leading him into the fiery world of New York’s culinary scene, where he hopes to hone his skills and make a difference.

As Kostya’s talents grow, so does his ambition, but he fails to recognise the growing danger in the Afterlife that threatens to undo everything he’s worked for. Meanwhile, the one person who understands the catastrophic consequences of his actions also begins to fall in love with him, complicating the emotional landscape of his already turbulent life.

Aftertaste is an evocative story that blends food, grief, and love in a way that resonates deeply with readers. Lavelle’s writing is rich with mouthwatering food descriptions, creating a synesthetic adventure that allows readers to "taste" the emotions, memories, and connections tied to each meal. This debut novel is a multi-layered exploration of how we hunger for connection, closure, and love, and the lengths we are willing to go to in order to find satisfaction, even in the face of loss.

With its unique concept and heartwarming, heart-wrenching themes, Aftertaste is a deliciously immersive read that will satisfy even the most discerning of readers.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle is a hauntingly beautiful and utterly unique novel that blends the magic of Under the Whispering Door with the culinary intensity of Sweetbitter. Part love story, part ghost story, and part dark comedy, this debut is a multi-layered exploration of grief, love, and the ways we seek connection—both with the living and the dead.

The story follows Konstantin “Kostya” Duhovny, a man haunted by the loss of his father and the ghosts that have lingered in his life ever since. Kostya has a peculiar gift: he can taste the favourite foods of the dead, a synesthetic ability that signals the presence of a spirit. For years, he’s kept this secret to himself, but one night, he decides to act on the flavours flooding his mouth. What begins as an experiment leads to a life-changing discovery: Kostya can reunite the living with their deceased loved ones, if only for the time it takes to share a meal.

Determined to use his gift to bring closure to others, Kostya throws himself into the fiery world of New York’s culinary scene, honing his skills as a chef while navigating the complexities of his newfound purpose. But as he grows closer to mastering his craft, Kostya remains oblivious to the chaos brewing in the Afterlife—and to the fact that someone who knows his secret is falling in love with him.

One of the standout features of Aftertaste is its rich and evocative prose. Lavelle’s descriptions of food are nothing short of mouth-watering, capturing the textures, flavours, and emotions tied to each dish. The culinary world is brought to life with vivid detail, from the high-pressure kitchens to the bustling dining rooms, creating a backdrop that is as vibrant as it is immersive.

Kostya is a deeply compelling protagonist, whose grief and longing make him both relatable and sympathetic. His journey of self-discovery—and his struggle to balance his gift with the demands of the living world—is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic figure who falls for Kostya, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making the relationships feel authentic and layered.

Thematically, Aftertaste delves into the nature of grief, the power of memory, and the ways we seek to hold onto those we’ve lost. The novel also explores the idea of connection—how food, love, and shared experiences can bridge the gap between the living and the dead. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding emotional weight and resonance.

The pacing is excellent, with the narrative shifting between moments of quiet reflection and high-stakes drama. The blend of romance, humour, and supernatural elements creates a story that is as unpredictable as it is satisfying. The final act is both poignant and thrilling, tying together the threads of the story in a way that feels earned and deeply moving.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the supernatural elements and the rules of Kostya’s gift a bit abstract at times. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Aftertaste is a stunning debut that will appeal to fans of magical realism, culinary fiction, and stories that explore the complexities of love and loss. Daria Lavelle has created a novel that is as nourishing as it is unforgettable, offering readers a feast for the senses and the soul.

A hauntingly beautiful and deeply satisfying novel, Aftertaste is a must-read for anyone who loves stories that blend magic, food, and the enduring power of love.

Aftertaste has such an original premise, and it had me captivated. A feast for all the senses, I found it incredibly emotive and affecting. I can't wait to read more by Lavelle.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

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.