Skip to Main Content

The Perfumer's Secret

Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

For fans of women’s fiction about difficult ethical choices, The Perfumer’s Secret is a mesmerizing novel set in France in which a passionate documentary maker must choose whether to tell the truth—even if it could ruin the lives around her.

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, a heavenly garden 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.

About The Author

Neroli Lacey has been training to write delicious fiction for clever women her whole life. As a journalist, she wrote for all the great British newspapers: The TimesThe Daily TelegraphThe IndependentThe Sunday TimesThe GuardianThe Evening Standard and for VogueTatler, and The New Statesman. She’s also been an investment banker and commodity futures trader. She’s traveled all through Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. She’s the proud mother of two wildly spirited daughters and an adventurous stepson. She and her husband divide their time between New York City and a medieval village in the South of France. 

Product Details

  • Publisher: She Writes Press (February 11, 2025)
  • Length: 256 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781647427658

Raves and Reviews

“Will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Captivating . . . blending the allure of a love story with a dark secret and a heartrending choice.” —Louisa Treger, author of Madwoman and The Dragon Lady

“As original and complex as the finest perfumes! Weighing morality against honesty and honesty against consequences, this compelling book examines whether a family’s legacy enhances the truth or masks it.” —Mary Kay Zuravleff, author of American Ending

“I LOVE this book. So sassy, so relevant, and yet a classic. Hooked from page one.” —Julia Hobsbawm, writer, speaker, and broadcaster

“A love of France’s centuries-old craft of making perfume shines bright throughout Lacey’s fast-paced debut. Questions of love, justice, and betrayal—and a dark family secret —will keep readers turning the pages of a novel sure to delight fans of women’s fiction.” —Sue Mell, author of A New Day

“I adored Zandy and couldn’t put the book down. For those who love pithy but elegant writing and who enjoy suspense when it is served up with sophisticated characters, an international flavor, and a taste of social commentary.” —Jude Berman author of The Vow and The Die

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images