Killer Sillage

by Kat LaGue

Clare Buchowski wanted to be a perfumer when she grew up, but after an accident altered her sense of smell, she did the next best open a perfume shop in her hometown of Baltimore. A death following the launch party for an independent perfumer's latest release has Clare following a trail of secrets, rivalries, and one unforgettable scent. In a city steeped in history and ambition, this fragrance left a killer scent trail, and Clare’s about to track it to the source.

With an atmospheric sense of place, a cast of memorable characters, and a mystery that lingers like the perfect drydown, Killer Sillage is a cozy debut that’s as smart as it is scented.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

About the author

Kat LaGue is a perfume-obsessed, pastry-fueled mystery writer with a background in graphic design and an unapologetically weird creative streak. A nonfiction author turned cozy crime conjurer, she writes stories where scent matters, secrets unravel slowly, and you probably shouldn’t trust the ingredients list. She lives in Baltimore, where she makes jewelry by hand, collects niche fragrances, and smells great doing it.

Reviews

[Kathy Patterson]

I can't review this book, because I wrote it. But I am excited to share it with you.

I've been asked why I chose to write a cozy mystery, and the answer is simple: cozies have always felt like home. I love the mix of comfort and intrigue—stories where the world feels warm and inviting even as the characters untangle secrets. They’re books where you can curl up with a cup of tea, enjoy the puzzle of the crime, and still come away feeling like the good in the world shines brighter.

With Killer Sillage, I wanted to bring together two of my favorite things: the coziness of a small community and the sensory magic of perfume. Scents are so tied to memory, emotion, and atmosphere, just like the best cozy mysteries. Writing this book gave me the chance to blend those passions into something new, and I hope it gives you that same “curl up and escape” feeling that drew me to the genre in the first place.

If you love amateur sleuths, a close-knit shop setting, a dash of humor, and a whiff of intrigue (literally), I’d be honored if you’d give Killer Sillage a try. Thank you for being here on this journey with me!

[Jen Michalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really delightful surprise, and it's impressive as LaGue's first attempt at fiction (cozy mystery, at that). I was drawn to its setting, the Fells Point neighborhood in Baltimore, as well as its Polish inhabitants (of which I used to be one). Aside from the familarity, I was equally drawn to the unfamilar parts, particularly the world of perfume. LaGue appears knowledgable on the subject and even made me long to begin wearing perfume again (or at least find an independent scent store and sample some of the intriguing descriptions). Finally, the mystery was plotted and paced well. It felt solveable and also believable that there was more than one suspect. My only wish was more Vetiver, Claire's dog!

[Debora Kick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The setting in a fragrance shop in funky Fells Point in Baltimore is unique. I learned a lot about fragrance. There’s a great group of characters, some unpleasant, some quirky, and some sad. The detective, Clare is relatable and some one you’d want to have as a friend.

I didn’t figure out the killer and the killing method is unique.
I’m looking forward to the next visit at the shop. Since it features feuding bakers I’m sure the book will keep me as hungry as Killer Sillage did. The food descriptions are great.

Thanks, Kat.

[Melissa Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story and learned a lot

This was recommended by a friend of mine, and I loved it!

Loved the mystery and the characters. I learned much about perfumes I never knew. And her descriptions of scents are sublime.

I live in Baltimore and she nailed Fells Point. I liked the real restaurants she mentioned, and she mentions a new musician I had never heard of, who is pretty awesome. I plan to pre-order the 2nd one as soon as possible.

[Pamela Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a cozy mystery - the characters, settings and creative themes. Kat Lagrue delivers the best cozy mysteries offer in Killer Sillage. Clare, Guillermo, Efraim, Ivy and other characters have depth and just the right amount of quirkiness. I enjoyed the Charm City details and Clare’s family history woven throughout which provide a rich and satisfying reading experience. Learning more about perfumery was an unexpected bonus! I’m very much looking forward to the next book in this series!

[Trish Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love murder mysteries and this book did not disappoint. I didn't know whodunit until the big reveal. I loved learning about perfume and wish that I could grab a coffee and pastry and visit Clare and Ivy for a perfume consult at their cozy little shop in Baltimore. I loved all of the references to my hometown as well. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I miss them already.

[Gwendolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good cozy mystery, and this one takes place in my town. Set in the Baltimore neighborhood of Fells Point, the protagonist runs a boutique perfume store. I love perfume, but do not know a ton about it. This book actually inspired me to try out some independent fragrances, as most of mine are pretty pedestrian. The sensory details in the book really add to the windswept, hot cocoa-drinking feeling of a good mystery. The author is a food writer by trade, so she really understands the power of description and details to make the settings and actions feel real and appealing.