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Aphrodesia: A Novel of Suspense
See book trailer under More About the Author.
Great perfumes have always had one purpose: to seduce.
Aphrodesia is a mystery novel that takes place in this world.
Eric Foster, the top student at the world-famous perfume institute in France, creates an aphrodisiac of astonishing potency. But when a critical ingredient of his perfume goes missing from the institute's collection, he is accused of the theft and expelled. Disgraced, he takes a mind-numbing job in New York testing scent additives for supermarket products. The only bright spot in his life comes from moonlighting -- with his three-legged bloodhound Daisy -- as a "forensic smell expert" for the NYPD.
When police call him a crime scene where a woman has killed her lover in a fit of insatiable lust, he is shocked to recognize a familiar smell, his aphrodisiac. The cops tell him they found the same perfume at three similar homicides, and suddenly Eric becomes the prime suspect. Convinced the perfume is a counterfeit, he sets out on a desperate mission to prove his innocence and discover why the knockoff is killing people.
Smell is the most primal of our senses. How it affects us, emotionally and physically, and how experts use it to manipulate us are at the heart of this story.
Aphrodesia was a Quarter-Finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition.
Great perfumes have always had one purpose: to seduce.
Aphrodesia is a mystery novel that takes place in this world.
Eric Foster, the top student at the world-famous perfume institute in France, creates an aphrodisiac of astonishing potency. But when a critical ingredient of his perfume goes missing from the institute's collection, he is accused of the theft and expelled. Disgraced, he takes a mind-numbing job in New York testing scent additives for supermarket products. The only bright spot in his life comes from moonlighting -- with his three-legged bloodhound Daisy -- as a "forensic smell expert" for the NYPD.
When police call him a crime scene where a woman has killed her lover in a fit of insatiable lust, he is shocked to recognize a familiar smell, his aphrodisiac. The cops tell him they found the same perfume at three similar homicides, and suddenly Eric becomes the prime suspect. Convinced the perfume is a counterfeit, he sets out on a desperate mission to prove his innocence and discover why the knockoff is killing people.
Smell is the most primal of our senses. How it affects us, emotionally and physically, and how experts use it to manipulate us are at the heart of this story.
Aphrodesia was a Quarter-Finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2012
About the author
John Oehler
7 books20 followersI began life as an exploration geologist. My work took me to about fifty countries and introduced me to cultures, people, and settings that provide inspiration for my novels. Besides challenging situations, I love science, history, the arts, and animals, all of which figure in my stories.
Since retiring from full-time geology in 2000, I have completed three novels. All have won awards.
APHRODESIA, published in October 2012, is a mystery/suspense story centered on fragrances and focused on one particular perfume that turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so powerful it drives some people to kill their lovers in a fit of insatiable lust. APHRODESIA has received excellent reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon customers. Here is a link to the Amazon page for both paperback and Kindle versions: http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodesia-Nove...
PAPYRUS, an adventure/thriller set to be published in 2013, tells the story of an African woman who, while working on her PhD thesis in the Cairo Museum, discovers hidden writing on a papyrus written by Queen Tiye to her youngest son, Tutankhamun. The secret text shatters conventional wisdom and launches her on a quest to find Tiye’s tomb. PAPYRUS reached the semi-finals of the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition.
TEPUI, an adventure/thriller scheduled for publication in late 2013, follows a burn-scarred botanist who, guided by a 16th-Century Spanish manuscript, treks into the remote highlands of Venezuela in search of a plant thought to have died out with the dinosaurs. What he finds should have been left unfound. TEPUI won 1st Place at the 2004 Pacific Northwest Writers conference.
I am fortunate to be a member of two fine critique groups. And I’m happy to share what I have learned with other writers.
Since retiring from full-time geology in 2000, I have completed three novels. All have won awards.
APHRODESIA, published in October 2012, is a mystery/suspense story centered on fragrances and focused on one particular perfume that turns out to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so powerful it drives some people to kill their lovers in a fit of insatiable lust. APHRODESIA has received excellent reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Amazon customers. Here is a link to the Amazon page for both paperback and Kindle versions: http://www.amazon.com/Aphrodesia-Nove...
PAPYRUS, an adventure/thriller set to be published in 2013, tells the story of an African woman who, while working on her PhD thesis in the Cairo Museum, discovers hidden writing on a papyrus written by Queen Tiye to her youngest son, Tutankhamun. The secret text shatters conventional wisdom and launches her on a quest to find Tiye’s tomb. PAPYRUS reached the semi-finals of the 2009 Amazon Breakthrough Novel competition.
TEPUI, an adventure/thriller scheduled for publication in late 2013, follows a burn-scarred botanist who, guided by a 16th-Century Spanish manuscript, treks into the remote highlands of Venezuela in search of a plant thought to have died out with the dinosaurs. What he finds should have been left unfound. TEPUI won 1st Place at the 2004 Pacific Northwest Writers conference.
I am fortunate to be a member of two fine critique groups. And I’m happy to share what I have learned with other writers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2013
In all the years I've been reading mysteries, I seldom encounter a book that ranks way up there in unique subject matter and plot. The story centers on protagonist Eric Foster, a graduating student in ISIPCA, a prestigious French institute for scents and perfume. Foster is blessed with a golden nose, meaning that his olfactory gland is so sensitive he has a dog-like ability of sniffing out scents and tell you their makeup and origin. His primary ambition is to be regarded as one of the foremost perfumers in the world. With the talent God has given him, he knows he can achieve it by creating a scent that acts both as a perfume and aphrodisiac, inciting a person's lust and sensuality with a mere dab of the perfume.
Foster's creation is called Balqueen, named after the legendary Queen of Sheba, a project still in the process of completion and something that his professor/mentor dismisses as a waste of time and talent. But Foster is an obsessed man. When he starts mixing an extract from a rare Yemeni wood into the Balqueen concoction, he knows he has achieved his perfect scent. He begins to test Balqueen on his fellow students in ISIPCA. Overnight, he becomes a sought-after celebrity in the university, for indeed once one smells Balqueen's scent, he or she is overtaken with intense and seemingly insatiable lust that creates explosive climaxes. Like a popular university drug pusher, Foster gets invited to various parties. Simple student get-togethers quickly turn into orgies.
But then, an extract in ISIPCA's vault goes missing, the same rare wood extract Foster uses in Balqueen. Foster is unjustly expelled from the perfume institute and we find him eleven months later working the inconsequential job of testing scents for a chemical company that manufactures extracts for fabric softeners while sidelining as a forensic scent expert for the NYPD. When a crime of sexual passion happens and Foster is called in to help detect the strange scent originating from the murder scene, he immediately identifies the scent as his creation, Balqueen. This is when the story really takes off, and becomes gripping, as a mystery-thriller should.
Aphrodesia's narrative prose is excellent and perfectly complements its unique plot. The sexual scenes are well done and quite sensual. One gets a picture of the intense desire a character feels when given a dab of the perfume. From the opening pages, readers are given a taste of what it feels like to be able to sniff out scents, most of which are sensually-focused. Descriptions of Foster sniffing out various scents are excellent. I do, however, feel that too much of the same thing, no matter how good, can get tiresome. In the first seventy or so pages, readers are treated to various types of scent-sniffing scenes to build the back story on the evolution of Balqueen. The book redeems itself when the narrative moves to New York and the Balqueen-related murders start happening. Overall, not perfect but still an entertaining read of a story with a unique plot. With a good amount of pruning, it would have generated five stars from this reader.
Foster's creation is called Balqueen, named after the legendary Queen of Sheba, a project still in the process of completion and something that his professor/mentor dismisses as a waste of time and talent. But Foster is an obsessed man. When he starts mixing an extract from a rare Yemeni wood into the Balqueen concoction, he knows he has achieved his perfect scent. He begins to test Balqueen on his fellow students in ISIPCA. Overnight, he becomes a sought-after celebrity in the university, for indeed once one smells Balqueen's scent, he or she is overtaken with intense and seemingly insatiable lust that creates explosive climaxes. Like a popular university drug pusher, Foster gets invited to various parties. Simple student get-togethers quickly turn into orgies.
But then, an extract in ISIPCA's vault goes missing, the same rare wood extract Foster uses in Balqueen. Foster is unjustly expelled from the perfume institute and we find him eleven months later working the inconsequential job of testing scents for a chemical company that manufactures extracts for fabric softeners while sidelining as a forensic scent expert for the NYPD. When a crime of sexual passion happens and Foster is called in to help detect the strange scent originating from the murder scene, he immediately identifies the scent as his creation, Balqueen. This is when the story really takes off, and becomes gripping, as a mystery-thriller should.
Aphrodesia's narrative prose is excellent and perfectly complements its unique plot. The sexual scenes are well done and quite sensual. One gets a picture of the intense desire a character feels when given a dab of the perfume. From the opening pages, readers are given a taste of what it feels like to be able to sniff out scents, most of which are sensually-focused. Descriptions of Foster sniffing out various scents are excellent. I do, however, feel that too much of the same thing, no matter how good, can get tiresome. In the first seventy or so pages, readers are treated to various types of scent-sniffing scenes to build the back story on the evolution of Balqueen. The book redeems itself when the narrative moves to New York and the Balqueen-related murders start happening. Overall, not perfect but still an entertaining read of a story with a unique plot. With a good amount of pruning, it would have generated five stars from this reader.
November 12, 2013
"In the flickering light of a hundred oil lamps, Balquees stood in her bath trying to conceal her anxiety from the servant girls washing her.
…
“We have come prepared, my queen.” Stepping forward, the vizier produced a golden flask from his robes.“Provided you are willing to endure a rapture so powerful it could consume both of you in its fire.”
“I am willing.”
He hesitated. “Are you certain?”
Balquees held out her hand. “Give me the fragrance.”
So begins Aphrodesia, a scented story by John Oehler. After such a portentous beginning I was so disappointed when the tale moved into the 21 century and stayed there. The disappointment lasted a chapter or two then I became fully engaged in the perfume action which moved like lightening from Versailles to New York, Yemen, Marseilles, Grasse, Nice, and Cap d’Ail.
Eric, a talented student of perfume making, perfects a perfume that acts as an aphrodisiac. His perfume formula, based on The Queen of Sheba’s "scent of the night" when she met King Solomon, is stolen along with a crucial ingredient. A plagiarised perfume is then launched with world wide commercial success. Unfortunately the copycat version enflames not just passion but murder which thankfully is not expressed in gory detail in the style of Süskind (“Perfume”).
Top perfumery school ISIPCA, the Osmothèque, a perfume launch in a palace, police departments, forensic chemistry labs, an ingredient distillery, and a jail are meticulously described. This novel is extremely well researched and full of perfume knowledge and terms. The author has explored perfume and its associated industries for 29 years. His interest took him to the French perfume museum and repository, the Osmothèque where he meet Jean Kerléo, the founder and president. Prior to founding the museum Jean spent 30 years as the Master Perfumer for Jean Patou. This man became the inspiration for John’s novel. John wanted to write a story that would honor the perfume profession. He has achieved this goal with considerable aplomb in his third novel. This fumey fiction is a thriller.
I wanted to be annoyed about the exotic and erotic typecasting of the Chinese Lesbian Flavourist but I couldn’t be. Her character was so engaging and her razor sharp mind continuously moved the plot forward to a breathtaking climax, in a library. Aspects of human nature are explored as Abby, the Chinese Lesbian Flavourist, and Tanya, the forensic chemist assist Eric in finding the formula thief.
There are sensual scenes which are easy to skim if, like me, you prefer to make love rather than reading about it.
Hopefully John will complete the Queen of Sheba story in an upcoming novel.
When John was studying perfume he realized his scent preferences were Oriental. Orientals are also his wife’s preferred notes, a fact which he says has contributed to their lifelong compatibility. Sweet.
One of the premises of the book is that
"Great perfumes have always had one purpose: to seduce." – John Oehler
I disagree. I scent for personal pleasure and on some occasions to create atmosphere. But maybe is he is right because I am often seduced by the juice, the flacon, the notes, the perfumer and the story long before I have encountered it’s sillage on another being. But this is fiction and it makes a great premise for a perfumed thriller.
Author Interview
…
“We have come prepared, my queen.” Stepping forward, the vizier produced a golden flask from his robes.“Provided you are willing to endure a rapture so powerful it could consume both of you in its fire.”
“I am willing.”
He hesitated. “Are you certain?”
Balquees held out her hand. “Give me the fragrance.”
So begins Aphrodesia, a scented story by John Oehler. After such a portentous beginning I was so disappointed when the tale moved into the 21 century and stayed there. The disappointment lasted a chapter or two then I became fully engaged in the perfume action which moved like lightening from Versailles to New York, Yemen, Marseilles, Grasse, Nice, and Cap d’Ail.
Eric, a talented student of perfume making, perfects a perfume that acts as an aphrodisiac. His perfume formula, based on The Queen of Sheba’s "scent of the night" when she met King Solomon, is stolen along with a crucial ingredient. A plagiarised perfume is then launched with world wide commercial success. Unfortunately the copycat version enflames not just passion but murder which thankfully is not expressed in gory detail in the style of Süskind (“Perfume”).
Top perfumery school ISIPCA, the Osmothèque, a perfume launch in a palace, police departments, forensic chemistry labs, an ingredient distillery, and a jail are meticulously described. This novel is extremely well researched and full of perfume knowledge and terms. The author has explored perfume and its associated industries for 29 years. His interest took him to the French perfume museum and repository, the Osmothèque where he meet Jean Kerléo, the founder and president. Prior to founding the museum Jean spent 30 years as the Master Perfumer for Jean Patou. This man became the inspiration for John’s novel. John wanted to write a story that would honor the perfume profession. He has achieved this goal with considerable aplomb in his third novel. This fumey fiction is a thriller.
I wanted to be annoyed about the exotic and erotic typecasting of the Chinese Lesbian Flavourist but I couldn’t be. Her character was so engaging and her razor sharp mind continuously moved the plot forward to a breathtaking climax, in a library. Aspects of human nature are explored as Abby, the Chinese Lesbian Flavourist, and Tanya, the forensic chemist assist Eric in finding the formula thief.
There are sensual scenes which are easy to skim if, like me, you prefer to make love rather than reading about it.
Hopefully John will complete the Queen of Sheba story in an upcoming novel.
When John was studying perfume he realized his scent preferences were Oriental. Orientals are also his wife’s preferred notes, a fact which he says has contributed to their lifelong compatibility. Sweet.
One of the premises of the book is that
"Great perfumes have always had one purpose: to seduce." – John Oehler
I disagree. I scent for personal pleasure and on some occasions to create atmosphere. But maybe is he is right because I am often seduced by the juice, the flacon, the notes, the perfumer and the story long before I have encountered it’s sillage on another being. But this is fiction and it makes a great premise for a perfumed thriller.
Author Interview
November 21, 2014
Aphrodesia is a fantastic story that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery and doesn’t mind a few fairly explicit sex scenes. The book’s blurb from Amazon describes the story as follows:
Eric Foster had a dream — to become a master perfumer. While a student at the world’s top perfume school, he created an aphrodisiac fragrance of astonishing potency, the Holy Grail of the perfumer’s art. His future seemed assured. But when his creation is tied to a rash of passion-driven homicides, he becomes the prime suspect, facing a charge of serial murder.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Eric reluctantly teams up with Tanya Cole, a forensic chemist who seems born to exasperate him. Their quest takes them to Yemen and France and plunges them into the dark realms of organized crime, child labor, and Third World interrogation. Against increasingly violent adversaries, Eric’s only advantage is his extraordinary sense of smell.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the depth to which the author described the perfume industry and all things olfactory. I don’t read fiction to gain an education so I really don’t care if an author takes the time to research his subject matter or not, but I always enjoy a book that seems like it could be true. Having read some of this author’s blog posts, I know that he has extensively researched this field to make his story more authentic – and it definitely shows.
Another portion of this story that was interesting was the sexual content. A few of the negative reviews for this book cite the explicit sex scenes as reasons they didn’t like the story. This novel is about a man who created an aphrodisiac – of course there should be sex scenes in this story. If the sexual content from this book were put into one of the Aliens movies, then yes, it would be totally out of place and uncalled for. However, in the context of this story, I think the scenes were necessary. They were also done in a way that was explicit but not pornographic or gratuitous. I generally read science fiction or action books, I definitely don’t go for books in the Fifty Shades of Grey genre, but I found myself enjoying the very short sex scenes and not dreading them when I knew they were coming.
The characters were also very well written. I honestly hated the cop character, Fawcett, not because he was poorly written, but there are certain character types that I won’t ever like no matter how well they are written. I’ve been a cop for over fourteen years and whenever a cop is written as a brute who violates people’s rights and the law, I just can’t get behind the character. Without spoiling anything, I will say that Fawcett redeemed himself – a little – and I didn’t hate him as much towards the end.
All in all, this was a great story and I look forward to reading more from this author. I have been using the Kindle Unlimited program to choose my books lately, so I’ve already downloaded his other novel Papyrus and will read it after I get through the three others that are in front of it in my queue.
Eric Foster had a dream — to become a master perfumer. While a student at the world’s top perfume school, he created an aphrodisiac fragrance of astonishing potency, the Holy Grail of the perfumer’s art. His future seemed assured. But when his creation is tied to a rash of passion-driven homicides, he becomes the prime suspect, facing a charge of serial murder.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Eric reluctantly teams up with Tanya Cole, a forensic chemist who seems born to exasperate him. Their quest takes them to Yemen and France and plunges them into the dark realms of organized crime, child labor, and Third World interrogation. Against increasingly violent adversaries, Eric’s only advantage is his extraordinary sense of smell.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the depth to which the author described the perfume industry and all things olfactory. I don’t read fiction to gain an education so I really don’t care if an author takes the time to research his subject matter or not, but I always enjoy a book that seems like it could be true. Having read some of this author’s blog posts, I know that he has extensively researched this field to make his story more authentic – and it definitely shows.
Another portion of this story that was interesting was the sexual content. A few of the negative reviews for this book cite the explicit sex scenes as reasons they didn’t like the story. This novel is about a man who created an aphrodisiac – of course there should be sex scenes in this story. If the sexual content from this book were put into one of the Aliens movies, then yes, it would be totally out of place and uncalled for. However, in the context of this story, I think the scenes were necessary. They were also done in a way that was explicit but not pornographic or gratuitous. I generally read science fiction or action books, I definitely don’t go for books in the Fifty Shades of Grey genre, but I found myself enjoying the very short sex scenes and not dreading them when I knew they were coming.
The characters were also very well written. I honestly hated the cop character, Fawcett, not because he was poorly written, but there are certain character types that I won’t ever like no matter how well they are written. I’ve been a cop for over fourteen years and whenever a cop is written as a brute who violates people’s rights and the law, I just can’t get behind the character. Without spoiling anything, I will say that Fawcett redeemed himself – a little – and I didn’t hate him as much towards the end.
All in all, this was a great story and I look forward to reading more from this author. I have been using the Kindle Unlimited program to choose my books lately, so I’ve already downloaded his other novel Papyrus and will read it after I get through the three others that are in front of it in my queue.
December 28, 2012
a good, solid story. there were some moments that were obvious and a bit thin, and I think the end was a bit too tidy but the story line and premise were very different and made for an intriguing plot.
May 16, 2021
Slow start, but hang on for the ride!!
This is maybe the third books I’ve read by this author and I’ve never been disappointed. Though it did start out slow but builds to a wild race with all kinds on twists and turns. Enjoy the ride and give it a chance to grab you. I did an wasn’t disappointed!!
This is maybe the third books I’ve read by this author and I’ve never been disappointed. Though it did start out slow but builds to a wild race with all kinds on twists and turns. Enjoy the ride and give it a chance to grab you. I did an wasn’t disappointed!!
July 14, 2024
On the Scent
A cleverly crafted tale with all the mystery and seduction of a great perfume. The top note is a look behind the curtain of perfume creation, setting the scene and introducing the characters. The mid note builds the plot through the swirling emotions of Eric,the protagonist, and his constantly shifting relationships with friends and foes. And the end note delivers a perfect finish, leaving the reader satisfied and mildly intoxicated. Loved it!
A cleverly crafted tale with all the mystery and seduction of a great perfume. The top note is a look behind the curtain of perfume creation, setting the scene and introducing the characters. The mid note builds the plot through the swirling emotions of Eric,the protagonist, and his constantly shifting relationships with friends and foes. And the end note delivers a perfect finish, leaving the reader satisfied and mildly intoxicated. Loved it!
March 24, 2023
Terrific
Terrific plot. Unlike any other I've read. Couldn't put it down. If I had any criticism, I would say that I disliked Eric's lack of faith in everyone but Abby. I wished the story went longer & told the story of post SF (not just hinted at it).
Terrific plot. Unlike any other I've read. Couldn't put it down. If I had any criticism, I would say that I disliked Eric's lack of faith in everyone but Abby. I wished the story went longer & told the story of post SF (not just hinted at it).
June 1, 2017
Fun read
N ice summer reading,fun to take a peek into the world of scent. Not serious,but well written,characters are fun,and light.
N ice summer reading,fun to take a peek into the world of scent. Not serious,but well written,characters are fun,and light.
December 7, 2017
I loved this story. A fantastic concept, extremely well written with numerous twists and turns. It inspired me. Get it a copy. You will love it!
March 11, 2017
Knowledge, intrigue, romances and a dog
Starts a little slow but builds to a frantic pace filled with action. A little of a stretch at times, it's a great story. Don't miss the authors other two books. Can't wait for a 4th.
Starts a little slow but builds to a frantic pace filled with action. A little of a stretch at times, it's a great story. Don't miss the authors other two books. Can't wait for a 4th.
August 26, 2013
I should not have been surprised with a title like Aphrodesia, but ironically, I was. I had half a mind to add Erotica to the genre line, but I wasn’t quite sure if the shoe fit. Oehler’s book is definitely erotic, but there’s a story and a purpose to his rated R material, so I found myself drawn in by things that would normally repulse me. If that’s not good writing, I don’t know what is.
Oehler has managed to capture the world of perfuming in a pretty intense way. I’ve never read anything like it, and highly doubt I’ll ever find or read anything like it again. It’s truly unique.
I’ve read foodie books, coffeehouse style with baked goods, travel books with exotic cooking recipes… nothing has tickled my nose so that I could smell the story so well. It would not surprise me to discover that the author develops fragrances in his spare time as well. His descriptions are gritty, a little dirty, and down right accurate; which, for me, made the whole reading experience a little disconcerting.
It's a great book...
Read my full review here: http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
Oehler has managed to capture the world of perfuming in a pretty intense way. I’ve never read anything like it, and highly doubt I’ll ever find or read anything like it again. It’s truly unique.
I’ve read foodie books, coffeehouse style with baked goods, travel books with exotic cooking recipes… nothing has tickled my nose so that I could smell the story so well. It would not surprise me to discover that the author develops fragrances in his spare time as well. His descriptions are gritty, a little dirty, and down right accurate; which, for me, made the whole reading experience a little disconcerting.
It's a great book...
Read my full review here: http://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2...
June 2, 2016
Starts a bit slowly but builds nicely. It is worth the short wait.
I picked this because I read Tepui and really enjoyed it. The plot seemed thin.... an irresistible aphrodisiac based on an ancient formula does not sound like a thriller. But the subtle use of characters who themselves are starkly vivid provides a foil for the real subject of the book, namely Eric. Overall, enjoyable and satisfying.
I picked this because I read Tepui and really enjoyed it. The plot seemed thin.... an irresistible aphrodisiac based on an ancient formula does not sound like a thriller. But the subtle use of characters who themselves are starkly vivid provides a foil for the real subject of the book, namely Eric. Overall, enjoyable and satisfying.
February 23, 2016
This is a fine novel. The story of Eric Foster, a young man who wants to become a master perfumer. He has the gift of a nose that can discern any scent. He re-invents a true aphrodisiac, only to have the formula stolen and then counterfeited. But it's worse than that, the thief may be someone he knows who may even want him dead.
June 30, 2016
Great read
I chose this rating because of the characters and the story line. The main characters were normal people not the super superior characters in most thrillers, the lead character Eric had some silly logic I would have liked to slap out of him though. This is a great read for mystery / thriller fans.
I chose this rating because of the characters and the story line. The main characters were normal people not the super superior characters in most thrillers, the lead character Eric had some silly logic I would have liked to slap out of him though. This is a great read for mystery / thriller fans.
June 11, 2016
Pro: gripping story, interesting premise, and I learned stuff.
Con: Our Hero is unrealistically dense about trust and accusation. For all I know the chemistry and perfumery is fine, but the key medical point near the end is not believable. Rated R-ish.
Con: Our Hero is unrealistically dense about trust and accusation. For all I know the chemistry and perfumery is fine, but the key medical point near the end is not believable. Rated R-ish.
June 22, 2016
This book is a glimpse into the world of perfumery and what happens if the Holy Grail of perfumery is reached. Combine France, USA and mythology into a single book and the outcome is this-albeit a bit low on the mythology piece. The book had a great start yet fizzled out in the middle/end.
Read
November 12, 2013Very good
June 28, 2016
Another winner!
Another fabulous read from Mr Oehler. I read this nearly nonstop, taking only a few hours to sleep - it's that good!
Another fabulous read from Mr Oehler. I read this nearly nonstop, taking only a few hours to sleep - it's that good!
August 4, 2016
good read
like his style of writing .gave it away before the end .interesting and I love books that entertain and teach .
like his style of writing .gave it away before the end .interesting and I love books that entertain and teach .
April 17, 2017
Have really enjoyed this book
Mr. Koehler is becoming quite an accomplished author. I also, just as all his books, learned a lot about the setting of the book and the history of the topic. Well done once again.
Mr. Koehler is becoming quite an accomplished author. I also, just as all his books, learned a lot about the setting of the book and the history of the topic. Well done once again.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews