The Perfumer's Secret

by Neroli Lacey

“Utterly captivating. Marks the emergence of a tremendously wise and talented novelist.”—Andrew Solomon, Pulitzer Prize finalist, National Book Award winner

“A beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that left a lasting impression.”—Readers’ Favorite, FIVE STARS

“Brilliantly written, compelling, and profoundly sensual. A tour de force!”—Carole Bumpus, Searching for Culinary Pleasures in Provence and along the Côte d’Azur

A feisty documentary maker turns her lens on a legendary French perfume house and must choose whether to tell the truth—even if it could ruin many lives around her. A mesmerizing novel set in France, for fans of women’s fiction about difficult ethical choices.

Zandy Watson, a thirty-year-old documentary maker from New York with a scumbag father and a broken past, is a social justice warrior, hell-bent on making movies that will expose important truths. Except she has to pay the bills, and her boss insists she go to the South of France to make some puff piece about a 300-year-old perfume house.

In Grasse—the perfume capital of the world, rich in delicate flowers—Zandy is seduced by the perfumer’s art. And by Dominique Severin, a secretive, debonair heir who is battling to preserve his honor by keeping his family business alive. But behind the glamorous façade, Zandy discovers a shameful secret. Holding a glittering chance to do what’s right by telling the truth, she faces a heartbreaking choice. Will she betray the lover who has trusted her with his secrets? And will she destroy thousands of innocent lives along the way?

The Perfumer’s Secret is an enchanting journey through the captivating world of perfume with an indomitable young woman who in her darkest moment discovers the wisdom and courage to improve countless lives—and change her own life forever

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Elizabeth Harlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entranced by the mastery of Neroli Lacey's storytelling, The Perfumer’s Secret held me in its grip from start to finish. Drawing on gifts of exquisite observation and lavish literary description, Lacey gives life to the fabled French perfume industry, the sensory splendors of the South of France, and a cast of sympathetic and unforgettable characters. Reader beware: this is an all-nighter you won’t be able to put down!
Elizabeth Harlan, author of Becoming Carly Klein

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

The absolute worst book I have ever read. If you want climate change rammed down your throat this is the book for you! The story itself would have been wonderful had it not been for, no plastic for me, I turned my backpack around and put in a plastic water bottle I found way up on a mountain. I read to escape, if I wanted to read about climate change I would purchase a book on it. Very deceiving to not mention it at all in the preview of the story.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Neroli Lacey's The Perfumer's Secret, serious journalist Zandy is forced to film a "fluff piece" on a centuries-old French perfumery to save her real project, a documentary on climate change. The perfumery's handsome heir, Dominique, is hiding its dire financial state, hoping the documentary will revive his family's legacy. Applying her journalistic instincts, Zandy uncovers a dark and ugly secret in the company's history. The central conflict ignites when her professional relationship with Dominique deepens into a sensual affair, leaving her caught in an impossible moral dilemma. She must choose between exposing a devastating truth—upholding her integrity but destroying the man she's falling for—or burying the story and betraying her principles. Lacey's expertly plotted narrative is a sophisticated exploration of where personal ethics and passionate romance meet. It is a deeply compelling read for anyone who loves a story rich with atmosphere and fraught with high-stakes moral questions.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to like this book as it's about a young woman who is sent to a French perfumer's in France to film a documentary about it. I was excited about the story as I've been to a real perfume manufacturer in France multiple times (located just outside of Monaco) and loved it! Although there was the storyline about the perfumery, I felt the main character (Zandy) was very whiny and the references to climate change, carbon footprints and her attitude towards anyone who wasn't an over-the-top recycler, or who she felt was leaving too large of a carbon footprint, was too much in my face kind of presence. I'm all for saving the planet but this author just made Zandy seem like she felt she was better than most people and thus, not very likable.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most about The Perfumer's Secret was the author's eloquent writing. Her gorgeous prose transported me into a virtual reality alongside the characters. The plot featured sharp twists and turns, much like the roads the author describes in the small villages of the Maritime Alps. Each character came alive in a unique way--either through their voice or action. I loved the seamless blending of locations between New York and Southern France. As the story progressed, I never got
jet-lagged but was deeply immersed in the characters' journeys, both through external adventures and internal conflicts. Bravo, Neroli Lacey!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

The Perfumer's Secret transports the reader to the lavender fields of southern France via the cutthroat world of the movie industry and the challenges faced by family run businesses. There is a lot going on as we learn of the family secrets of Zandy the filmmaker as well as the shocking history of the Severin family's perfume business.
Neroli weaves in a few steamy scenes while keeping the reader guessing as to the future of a new perfume and Zandy's chance to make an impactful documentary about climate change. Fashion, families, and moral choices abound in this delightful pageturner!

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the parts of the book that described into the fascinating world of the perfume industry.
The setting was also gorgeous and added a lot of charm to the story. However, something was missing... I struggled to connect with the main character, who came across as overly immature, and her decisions often felt frustratingly unrealistic. The ending felt rushed compared to the slower pace of the rest of the novel, and it all resolved a bit too quickly for my taste. Overall, it's not a bad book, but it just wasn't for me.

[C. Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book and enjoyed the pacing and story development. I agree with some of the other reviews that the protagonist was annoyingly moralistic, however, I live in Portland so this is a real thing. I found it a bit far-fetched that she could completely ruin his family‘s legacy with her immaturity and thoughtlessness, and then bring them back together in the end of the novel. It does satisfy a genre though. Sweet but distracting nods to the podcaster Savannah Gilbo. Yes, none of our books would be written without her.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zandy, a documentary film maker, is sent to make a film about a French perfume house when she passionately wants to do a film about climate change. She proceeds to France, having no choice if she wants to keep her job. As she investigates the perfume house she learns a secret that could damage the perfumer’s business’s future. She must decide whether to use the information she has gained even if it could destroy the business and family she has come to know.

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being transported to Frances' spectacular countryside (especially on a cold winters afternoon) and having my senses heightened through the authors vividly elegant writing. This novel touched on many important social and emotional struggles within it's characters and their past history...which weighs heavily and makes for an exciting journey.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfumer’s Secret is a captivating read that had me hooked from the first page! The way the author captures the scent of the flowers, the essence of the perfume, and the heartache of the characters is nothing short of brilliant. Highly recommend it for anyone who loves a story with depth and heart!

[Jude Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for those who love pithy but elegant writing and enjoy mystery and suspense served up with sophisticated characters, an international flavor, and a taste of social commentary. I couldn’t put it down until I knew how she uncovered the secret and what she decided to do about it.

[Zelly Ruskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A skillful, fun and sexy page-turner! The Perfumer's Secret, an enchanting debut, artfully layers buried secrets, moral dilemmas, and matters of the heart, with the complexities of truth on a clever journey of redemption. A sensational and fast-paced read.

[Graciela Kenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written, fast-paced story that charms the senses and offers surprising twists. It features a fully developed and appealing protagonist who knows what she wants and must make a tough decision. Her ultimate choice is inventive and fitting of the person the reader comes to know.

[Denise Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Perfumer’s Secret

Not a fan of this book at all. I felt like I was reading about 14 year olds! Not that there is anything wrong with stories about 14 year olds but when you are reading about people in their 30’s, well I expected more mature conversations and thoughts.

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmm what to say… i read books to relax, for a good story and sometimes possible to learn something….
The prose , the graphic details(do i want to know how and where she washes herself?) and generally the self absorbed “hero” of the story made it very difficult for me to warm to this book. Pity.

[Garden Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zandy is a journalist and she travels to Paris to talk to the owners of a very famous perfume.]
While she is doing research she uncovers a major secret that could ruin the reputation of the perfumer. This is well written and the outcome is surprising.

[Beverly Ellsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

Fun book to read with lots of interesting tidbits about the perfume industry now and then! Takes place in beautiful Grasse France and the beautiful village of Tourette Sur Loup ….

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter a world of fragrance from the perspective of a documentary maker, seeking the secret that will make her film stand out. Excellent character development, and a story that pulls you in, from the fragrant flower fields of Southern France to the bustling streets of New York.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story, although I had some difficulty to some European terms. But then again, it set in France. The perfumer's secret stunned me, and I didn't think the author would be able to have the protagonist right the ship. The ending was satisfying.

[Lindsey Salatka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astounding debut. Loved reading The Perfumer’s Secret.

[Smc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An edible delicious gem to hold and smell. Neroli Lacey excellent story.

[Romi]

The writing here felt too dramatic and the characters very stereotypical. I stopped at about 20%. Interesting how high the rating is for this book.

[Andrea Ezerins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Lovely Story

The descriptions of France and the fragrances were stellar. I felt I was there in that beautiful spot. The struggle with truth and morality was compelling.

[Barbara Fight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Every time I left the story I couldn’t wait to get back to it. Great characters and plot development.

[Beth Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining, but it felt hurried, like the author couldn't wait to get the story told so she could get on to better things.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious writing and a gripping tale. Loved it!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the descriptions of the beauty of France - with the flowers and scenery - I wanted to be there.

[Mary Moos · Rating 1 out of 5]

GAWD awful

It's a a waste of time. Poorly written. Predictable story line. Trite analogies. I only got it because someone in my book club knows her. Couldn't finish it. Too many good books to read.

[Ellen Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a skilled writer, deftly handling the story’s two points of view. Characters are neatly drawn, and dialogue is pitch perfect. I love a book with a strong woman protagonist, particularly one who is struggling against stereotypes. A great book-club choice, perfect for a relaxing yet enriching read.