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Patricia V. Davis
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Cooking for Ghosts: Book I in The Secret Spice Cafe Trilogy Kindle Edition

by Patricia V. Davis (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 208 ratings
See all formats and editions
Do hearts broken long ago forever leave a tangible trace?

A Vegas cocktail waitress. An Indian herbalist. A British chemistry professor. An Italian-American widow. Four unique women with one thing in common: each is haunted by a tragedy from her past.

Cynthia, Rohini, Jane, and Angela meet on a food blogging site and bond over recipes. On impulse, they decide to open The Secret Spice, an elegant café on the magnificent ocean liner, the RMS Queen Mary, currently a floating hotel in Long Beach, California. Rich in history and tales of supernatural occurrences, the ship hides her own dark secrets.

The women are surrounded by ghosts long before they step aboard, but once they do, nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people they meet, not their brooding chef’s mystic recipes, and not the Queen Mary herself. Yet the spirits they encounter help them discover that there’s always a chance to live, as long as one is alive.

Nominated for the prestigious Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction, Cooking for Ghosts is an unforgettable tale of love, redemption, and divine female power.
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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Secret Spice Cafe
  2. Print length
    301 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    October 7, 2016
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. File size
    779 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review


"An exquisitely written story about four dynamic women who confront the ghosts from their past, with vivid imagery that shines a light on the majestic legacy of the RMS Queen Mary." ─Mary Rohrer, Executive Director, QMI Foundation

"In Cooking for Ghosts, Patricia V. Davis manages to combine an exuberant lust for the good things in life with an eerie sense of foreboding. This is an exceptional, uniquely gratifying novel. Make yourself something tasty to eat, put your feet up. You're going to be reading for a while." ~David Corbett, award-winning author of The Mercy of the Night


"Davis's patient hand at storytelling threads itself into a perfect and suspenseful character of its own in this wonderfully dark and moody tale brimming with beautiful juxtapositions: modern technology with old world tastes and scents, surface interactions with deep, ghostly otherworldliness, and the common narratives around women and friendships with the ethereal, the intuitive and the feminine." ~ Amy Guth, Host, WGN Radio, President, Association for Women Journalists Chicago --Association for Women's Journalists, Chicago


"...A complex, rich, and satisfying read... Especially recommended for mystery enthusiasts looking for something different in the way of setting, feisty and strong female characters...and a story line brimming with revelations and intrigue that aren't easily predictable. " -- Midwest Book Review


"Ghosts, romance, friendship, and food…what a great combination. From the very first page, I was drawn to the characters and their lives aboard the Queen. A bit of history, woven through a newly formed partnership, wrapped in mystery and intrigue. A wonderfully delightful story." ~ Kim Henry --Books or Books

From the Author

      Cooking for Ghosts is what the publishing industry calls 'magical realism.' It's many things, but one thing is it not is a straight-up mystery, so if you're looking for that, you might be disappointed. Does it have mysterious elements? Yes. Are there ghosts in the story? Definitely, but it's not a ghost story, either. Is there a love story? There certainly is, but again, that's only a part of the whole. Does it contain historical facts about the RMS Queen Mary? You bet it does, and I think you might find those facts as fascinating as I did when I first discovered them.        But at its heart, Cooking for Ghosts is the story of friendship, of how four females of very different backgrounds --- some of them wealthy, some of them marginalized --- come together and discover their commonalities. It's a story of fear and loneliness that's overcome. It's a story of relationships, it's a story of growth and change. It's a story of how being in a certain place and time with certain people can make for a wonderful difference in one's life. It's a story of daring, and of belief in oneself and one's friends.       All the men and women in the story are based on people I've met and experiences they've had and I've had. And the ship - the wonderful, majestic, RMS Queen Mary ... well, I fell in love with her. She is another remarkable woman, like the women in the story. She too has an extraordinary background, an extraordinary past.       I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please read the Author's Note for historical references, and you might also enjoy the Reader's Guide which contains videos and other fun tidbits that inspired me. I present this story with respect and affection and thanks to anyone who chooses to spend several hours reading something I have written. It's an honor and a pleasure. Happy reading. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01ILAYW6S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HD Media Press; 2nd edition (October 7, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 779 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 301 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 208 ratings

About the author

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Patricia V. Davis

Patricia V. Davis

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PATRICIA V. DAVIS's SECRET SPICE CAFE TRILOGY is a magical realism/paranormal mystery series set aboard the historic RMS Queen Mary. Research for these novels took her far and wide, from meeting with a genuine voodoo priestess to chatting with the world's greatest magician, David Copperfield. The trilogy is available in paperback, eBook, audiobook, audio CD, and hardback. Her first feature film, LYVIA'S HOUSE, a psychological thriller in the spirit of Get Out-meets-Twin Peaks, is soon to be on streaming. Patricia lives with her poker player/rice farmer husband. They divide their time between southern Nevada and northern California. Represented by Gordon Warnock at FUSE LITERARY.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
208 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story delicious, engaging, and fun to read. They also find the characters nicely developed, endearing, and intimate. Readers describe the book as an interesting cross of history with mysteries around every corner. They praise the writing style as well-written, intelligent, and passionate. They appreciate the visual style, which is beautiful and clearly inspired by its setting. Customers also find friendships uplifting, life-affirming, emotional, and dramatic.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentIntrigueWriting styleVisual styleFriendshipEducation valueCooking content
52 customers mention "Readability"52 positive0 negative

Customers find the story intriguing, fun, and enjoyable. They also appreciate the vibrant and engaging plot. Readers mention the book is hauntingly delicious and suspenseful.

"...WOW! WOW! WOW! “COOKING FOR GHOSTS” BY Patricia V. Davis is a hauntingly delicious and entertaining novel!!..." Read more

"...to use an omniscient point of view, meaning that the narrative shifts point of view constantly, from one character to another...." Read more

"...may have hooked me, but everything else—Davis' writing, characters, story, dialog, conflict, suspense, surprises, and a sprinkling of well-timed..." Read more

"...and the first thing I loved about this book was the way the words tasted as I read them...." Read more

29 customers mention "Character development"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters nicely developed, endearing, and intimate. They also appreciate the combination of history, paranormal, and modern characters.

"...The characters are complex and complicated and each have secrets, and something tragic in their past...." Read more

"...This book has great characters, more than a few romances, and a really bad badguy. I recommend it highly." Read more

"...So the ship may have hooked me, but everything else—Davis' writing, characters, story, dialog, conflict, suspense, surprises, and a sprinkling of..." Read more

"...The conflicts not only made sense, and were also a good character reveal (as one would expect) but they were also handled very deftly by the author,..." Read more

29 customers mention "Intrigue"26 positive3 negative

Customers find the book has intrigue, lots of laughs, and a nice combination of historical fiction, paranormal, and mystery. They say it's an interesting cross of history with mysteries around every corner. Readers also mention the book is well-written with rich, complex, and realistic characters.

"...The RMS Queen Mary has much historical detail, and is rumored to hold secrets, and spirits and ghosts, para normal activity...." Read more

"...This book has great characters, more than a few romances, and a really bad badguy. I recommend it highly." Read more

"...else—Davis' writing, characters, story, dialog, conflict, suspense, surprises, and a sprinkling of well-timed humor—reeled me in and kept me riveted..." Read more

"...The conflicts not only made sense, and were also a good character reveal (as one would expect) but they were also handled very deftly by the author,..." Read more

14 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive2 negative

Customers find the writing style well-written, intelligent, and passionate. They say the book is an easy read that is handled deftly by the author. Readers also mention the book has a decent story without sacrificing detail for dialogue.

"...reveal (as one would expect) but they were also handled very deftly by the author, leading to an arc of personal growth for the characters that was..." Read more

"...Intelligently written with more twists and turns than I thought possible within the confines of a single book – you’ll be hooked from page one and wo..." Read more

"...Davis’s novel, Cooking for Ghosts in one of the most interesting, well written, and creative books I have read in the last year..." Read more

"Wonderfully written, with rich, complex, and realistic characters, particularly the strong females leading the story and their uplifting friendships..." Read more

13 customers mention "Visual style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the visual style beautiful, vibrant, and engaging. They appreciate the well-drawn characters and dreamy descriptions. Readers also mention the ghostly parts are beautifully done.

"...me, the Queen Mary isn’t just the setting; she’s fully one of Davis’ well-drawn, satisfying, and complex characters...." Read more

"...growth for the characters that was satisfying to me, and also very natural and realistic.The food!..." Read more

"...Davis as an author weaves an incredible tapestry together, bringing out the best elements of each genre she courts without getting dragged down..." Read more

"...manages to make intelligent use of the English language and what unfolds is beautiful and brought to life in characters who are flawed and beautiful..." Read more

7 customers mention "Friendship"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the friendships in the book uplifting, captivating, and life affirming. They also say the book is spooky, emotional, and dramatic.

"...spoilers, and others here have said it better, but it was extremely life affirming...." Read more

"...particularly the strong females leading the story and their uplifting friendships; vibrant and engaging plot that is sure to capture the interest..." Read more

"Spooky, emotional, and dramatic, Cooking with Ghosts reminded me of the magical realism novels that I loved in the 1980s, but with a decidedly..." Read more

"...They develop tight and meaningful friendships, as they confront the ghosts and secrets of the ship...." Read more

6 customers mention "Education value"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and educational. They appreciate the author's discussion of relevant topics, trivia, and the importance of family. Readers also mention the book has interesting characters and personal issues.

"...I love that the author deals with many relevant topics: the importance, independence and power of women...." Read more

"...It gives trivia and the answers which to many, including myself, is always fun...." Read more

"...When I find a book that is both entertaining and imparts knowledge about a subject that I didn't know, well that is a book that delivers!..." Read more

"...As promised, it delivers both cooking and ghosts; with romance, troubled families, and ultimately triumphant women added to the mix...." Read more

5 customers mention "Cooking content"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun and satisfying. They say it makes them want to cook. Readers also mention the book delivers both cooking and ghosts.

"...By the last page I felt like I'd finished a deliciously satisfying multi-course meal, that I didn't want to end...." Read more

"Cooking for Ghosts is a fun read and a strong start to Patricia V. Davis' trilogy...." Read more

"...A read full of life and history. It also makes you want to cook, or at least eat something fabulous." Read more

"Cooking for Ghosts is a fun read! I don't usually go in for ghost stories, but this is so much more than a ghost story...." Read more

Great read well written
4 out of 5 stars
Great read well written
We just read Cooking For Ghost for our book club (and Patricia did a live video chat with us) and I was very pleased. The characters are intriguing and well rounded. The strong female characters of different cultures was one of my favorite things about this book. I was also impressed with how well it all came together fluidly by the end. I also really loved that it took place on a real ship i could go visit! I will be purchasing the second one soon.
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Top reviews from the United States

teachlz
5.0 out of 5 stars A Hauntingly Delicious Novel
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
MY REVIEW OF “COOKING FOR GHOSTS” by Patricia V. Davis
WOW! WOW! WOW! “COOKING FOR GHOSTS” BY Patricia V. Davis is a hauntingly delicious and entertaining novel!! I love the way that Patricia V. Davis has done the historical research and how she weaves her story, characters, and timeline together.
The story takes place on the RMS Queen Mary, the beautiful ocean liner which is now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California. The RMS Queen Mary has much historical detail, and is rumored to hold secrets, and spirits and ghosts, para normal activity. During World War Two, the ocean liner was painted steel gray and transported soldiers, and was involved in the war.
The timeline of the story goes back in history and forward to the present, I love the way the author describes the luxury ship in such artistic detail. The Genres for this story are Fiction, Para-Normal, Mystery, and references to Historical fiction. The author uses Poetic License in combining the history and the fiction.
The author describes her characters:”The main characters are diverse in birthplace, socio-economic status and life experience.” Four women meet on a food blogging site and decide to open “The Secret Spice Cafe. The characters are complex and complicated and each have secrets, and something tragic in their past. The Chef also is temperamental at times and has secrets. The characters seem dysfunctional in many ways, and their strengths and weaknesses make them work together.
Most of the crew is familiar with para normal activity. Many strange and questionable sounds and sights are seen.At times the ship seems possessed, and certain things have a mind of its own. The mysteries to past murders and deaths causes an intense edge, and the past characters and present are pieces of a puzzle that have to fit.
I love that the author deals with many relevant topics: the importance, independence and power of women. Each of the characters is held back by their past. The author discusses how some women are oppressed in certain cultures, and not given respect. In addition, some of the character’s rigid upbringing conflicts with their growth. Patricia V. Davis also brings up the topics of forgiveness and redemption. I appreciate that the author mentions the importance of family, hope, faith and love.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a lighthearted story with para-normal activities. I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
3 people found this helpful
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R. Reed
5.0 out of 5 stars Charming, ghostly story about the Queen Mary.
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2021
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I enjoyed this story very much. Four women with a little experience in life meet online and band together to open a restaurant. Not just any restaurant, they choose to put it on the Queen Mary, a ship with an amazing history, now permanently docked in Long Beach, CA. Each woman brings trouble from her earlier life and relationships with her, but the friendship of the four helps them deal with those issues.
Then there is the Queen Mary herself, and some past passengers who have never left. The little girl who drowned in the pool, the soldier who never went home, and others. The owners of The Secret Spice Cafe begin to see these apparitions but don't think the others will believe them. That is until they all see them at the same time.
This reviewer once spent a weekend in the hotel on the Queen Mary, and can attest to the fact that it is a magnificent ship. I can't personally tell you any ghost stories, unless whoever rattled the doorknob in the middle of the night on the door that lead to the next stateroom was other than human.
This book has great characters, more than a few romances, and a really bad badguy. I recommend it highly.
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Amber Lea Starfire
4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining story
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2017
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I thoroughly enjoyed Cooking for Ghosts, which starts strong with the introduction of the main characters — four strong women, each with their own quirks and backstories, with the common goal of starting a high-end restaurant together. It's apparent that the author has a love for the Queen Mary and thoroughly researched its history, so that this could *almost* be categorized as a historical novel — if it weren't for the paranormal activities. I'm not a foodie, and thought I wouldn't be interested in that aspect of the story, but the restaurant is such a core part of the narrative I found myself engaged anyway. I also could have done without the romance aspects (everyone is super good looking and they fall in love too fast for my taste), but then I'm not a fan of romance novels.

As a writer, I was interested by the author's choice to use an omniscient point of view, meaning that the narrative shifts point of view constantly, from one character to another. In many cases, this technique doesn't work and can be confusing for readers, but Davis manages to make the transitions seamless. So kudos to the author for successfully pulling this off.

All in all, an entertaining story and a good vacation read.
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Impy
5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful and Very Filling Meal!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2018
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To be upfront, I’m neither a foodie nor particularly a fan of the magical realism genre. I eat to live and not the other way around, and generally you’ll find me with my nose in books about Old Hollywood or the great ocean liners of the 20th century. It was my obsession with the latter that first drew me to Cooking For Ghosts, given its unique setting aboard the dowager of great passenger ships, the storied RMS Queen Mary—not just during her heyday as one of the premiere options for crossing the pond or her time as a formidable troop carrier in WW2, but also her post career present day incarnation as a permanently moored hotel, museum, entertainment and convention venue in Long Beach, California. So the ship may have hooked me, but everything else—Davis' writing, characters, story, dialog, conflict, suspense, surprises, and a sprinkling of well-timed humor—reeled me in and kept me riveted from start to finish. Davis has a deft touch when it comes to blending the very real and relatable personal stories with the paranormal, supernatural, and thriller elements. Added bonus for me, the Queen Mary isn’t just the setting; she’s fully one of Davis’ well-drawn, satisfying, and complex characters. I was so bewitched by Cooking For Ghosts that I ordered the second book, Spells & Oregano, before reaching the last chapter. A delightfully fun read.
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Top reviews from other countries

MrsPeel
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome settings, wonderful food, amazing characters, can't wait for the next!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2017
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I have loved everything Patricia writes since I discovered her over 10 years ago in a blogging site. Her first book, Harlot Sauce, the history of her life so passionately vivid, I found myself in the places she described, with the amazingly described characters and learning every time a little bit more about life, or a confirmation of ideas I had but wasn't quiet sure... every piece she has written is delightful, thought provoking or funny, and I gave as presents a couple of her Harlot Sauce and a few copies of the Diva Doctrine as I thought (think!) every woman should read it, and maybe every man also will benefit to understand us a bit more.
With Cooking for Ghosts, there are two major reasons why I was delighted, amazed and loved this first book of the trilogy: Patricia wrote to us to ask to "borrow" our names for her new book, a novel. Needless to say both my daughter and I were more than happy with being, even if slightly, an inspiration to compose a mother and daughter duo for her novel. I'm even happier because she made me very tall, driving a super car and rich!!!! LOL The other reason is the one that, for me, means I will make each and every one of my friends and relatives read it.... my daughter, the real Sarita,who just turned 21, isn't a reader. I felt that somehow I failed in her education as I am an avid reader, but in times of instant technology, I kind of understand. The only 2 books book my daughter read and follow to the end falling in love with, first Jayne Eyre, then Cooking for Ghosts. She loved every minute of the book and keeps asking when Patricia will give us the next! To me, Cooking for Ghosts was, as it is when Patricia is writing, a trip into a marvelous world, none the less than the Queen Mary. I love boats, small medium, large, and being able to be inside the Queen Mary in such a vivid, awesome way through Patricia words filled my heart with joy. Then there are these awesome characters whose lives cross paths in a way that changes each and every one of them in amazing ways. The mother daughter relationship is so well written, that even though the book's Cynthia & Sarita are not us , I found myself & my daughter' Cooking for Ghosts: Book I Secret Spice Cafe Trilogy (Secret Spice Cafe Series) s way of speaking, of thinking and acting. The rest of the characters are build with the same emotion and so awesomely well, that I could even hear those voices, clearer and clearer as the book progresses. Every part of the book is a world of discovery, I am not a good writer and also wouldn't like to give spoilers, but can for sure recommend this as a beautiful, amazing read, not only entertaining but touching issues of great importance in this day and age, at the same time that travels to the past and lives the present, Cooking for Ghosts has the awesome setting of the Queen Mary, the delightful aromas of amazing food, the difficulty and the the beauty of the relationships and discoveries of each and everyone of the characters, the paranormal and the mystery...this last one beautifully surprised me when it was solved! In not so many words (which I know I, as a Latina, write too many for the English language) this is an amazing book and I can't wait to read the next one!!!!
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Megan
4.0 out of 5 stars ... go about the rest of my day I felt disappointed. All throughout the day when my mind wandered ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 28, 2017
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I don't know what it was about this book but I read my first few chapters in the morning and when I eventually put it down to go about the rest of my day I felt disappointed. All throughout the day when my mind wandered I caught myself thinking about the characters and what their stories were, until I could finally pick the book back up and dive in. In the end I finished the whole thing within 24 hours.

I'm not sure where to place this book. It could be a mystery - there are secrets, and puzzles and even murders. It might be a cozy - it leans into a very a common cozy theme (cooking) and isn't intense or explicit. It's definitely a paranormal as there are ghosts and psychics. It could be a chick lit with the four different protagonists whose stories unwind and fold in together. Or maybe it's a romance, there's lots of falling in love, though only a little bit of sex. In the end I decided it's just one of those books that can't be categorized and I'm really ok with that.

I loved the diversity of characters. I loved having four female protagonists over 35. I loved the way the stories were unwound and pulled free at just the right pace. There were no annoying tropes and the lack of clear genre meant most of the frustratingly common plot stereotypes (except for the "Happily Ever After") were avoided. While the book had a clear beginning, middle and end (as all great stories must) it wasn't one of those where you could practically read the road signs pointing us through the plot along the way. Instead, I was surprised when the end came because I was so immersed in the lives of these women.

I'd happily read the next books (when do they come out again), or even this one again.
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William Donelson
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant fun! A quite wonderful paranormal mystery melodrama, set aboard the current Queen Mary.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2016
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A quite wonderful paranormal mystery melodrama, set aboard the current Queen Mary (permanently docked near the wonderful Spruce Goose exhibit) in Long Beach, CA. Davis provides four main characters, along with a strong set of supporting ones. Each of the main characters has flaws and history and some inner conflict to be resolved.

The balance of elements and characters is perfect, the paranormal and the mystery adding spice, and the scenes aboard ship in modern day and in the past are nicely done. Only one personal history is a bit belaboured, and the clichés are few.

The story starts with the central mystery to set up the paranormal elements, and the main characters are introduced at a good pace. As the book progresses, more characters and scenes are added to create a wonderful "seafood gumbo" which is delicious.

The characters are human and mostly appealing, the past tragedies poignant and familiar, and Davis cleverly uses the Queen Mary herself as a delightful, mischievous character!

There is a rousing conclusion, a big splash of love and delight and resolution.

My favourite line (not repeated here) is the last line in Chapter One. Brilliant! Wonderful! A true reflection of the beautiful heart of the author! Well done!

The book also has an extraordinary and fun Reader's Guide!

[...]
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Fat Kitten
4.0 out of 5 stars Serving up an intriguing first course...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2016
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In the interests of full disclosure, I will begin this by saying I do know the author personally and have long admired her non-fiction writing. So I was especially excited to read her first foray into full fiction - an original tale inspired by a real-life visit aboard a famous vessel said to be alive with ghosts.

This book focuses on the place where the past meets the present and where figurative ghosts may or may not be encountering the real thing. Four very different women come together to launch an enterprise - The Secret Spice Cafe - and bring with them their baggage, from violent exes to tragic bereavements. As they pull together for the maiden voyage of their restaurant, they're forced to confront their fears, pain and prejudices both together and individually.

Davis has made an appreciable - and appreciated - effort to build a diverse cast, including central and important Indian and South American characters such as Rohini and Cynthia (plus Cynthia's daughter Sarita). Sarita excepted they're also all over 40, and it's a rare pleasure to see fully developed older female characters who - even when they are parents - aren't just The Mother or The Wife. They have complex relationships, enthusiastic sex lives, continuing life and work ambitions and concerns both about and beyond family life. Davis also draws on her own Italian-American upbringing and a strong familiarity with always having a foot in two cultures to bring depth to the women, whom she clearly loves - Angela's characterisation in particular carries a raw vein of truth as her arc reaches its climax and the impact of her upbringing comes tumbling out. The modern stories of the women interplay deftly with different periods of the ship's history, and the Queen Mary herself thus becomes another character playing a distinct part. One of the most tragic central narratives is sadly based on a true story, and the others are spun from genuine occurrences, such as the Queen Mary's military history.

Davis keeps the suspense to the supernatural elements; while romance is intermittently in the air it tends to come to fruition quickly, which definitely works in the book's favour. In spite of some deeply dark moments, the tone is actually very light overall. She has a clear vein of humour - spot the celebrity guests at the restaurant opening and the pleasingly frank way the women talk about sex and relationships - and the fact that it's an ensemble piece means that no one story ever gets too unbearably depressing or upsetting, because there isn't time to linger.

That is perhaps the one thing I would have liked more of - time to linger! I don't know what the author's plans are for her second volume in this piece, and whether any of the characters will continue on (other than the ship), but I seriously hope so. I really wanted to dig a little deeper into some of the stories, and would have happily read another 100 pages to give them that space. At times, Cooking for Ghosts really reads like a tightly, smartly scripted play and I could see it easily being adapted for stage or screen. My familiarity with Davis's non-fiction work means I recognise her fluid, succinct voice from that genre coming into play here, and I feel intrigued for how her fiction voice will continue to develop and become ever more markedly different, as I think there's still a voice emerging here, and confidence building. I very much look forward to the next chapter, and would recommend this for keen readers of the relevant genres (mainly, separately, supernatural and romance) and anyone keen to barrel through a pacy read with some properly nuanced female characters.
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