Zola Washington is recovering from a failed and unsavory relationship. She is looking to open a café in Toronto with her gay roommate, Pierre Jackson, who has suffered a similar fate in his personal life. The complexity of the journey begins when a French-fusion bistro that is popular in the area catches news of the upcoming restaurant. Moreover, Darshan Singh, a renowned food critic who has cemented his reputation reviewing Michelin-starred restaurants also enters the fray. He meets Zola and falls for her but his next review is of her restaurant which creates a difficult situation for both. Can Zola navigate the complex situation, find love and bring her business to success?

Black Truffle & Spice by Mathis Bailey is a witty yet dramatic commentary on a society that is multicultural, and a tale that features memorable and likable characters. The setting is a beautiful canvas of a detailed society and the complex, oftentimes, fragile threads that bind the characters together. It explores various arenas where food, family, and love become entangled in different ways serving up a unique meal with some vibrant ingredients. The story keeps readers at the edge of their seats as they ponder how the competing bistro will play a role in damaging the reputation of the restaurant that is yet to open. They also think about whether Darshan and his relationship with Zola will influence his review or will the critic remain unbiased in his commentary.

Mathis Bailey creates a captivating plot for the readers and infuses it with suspense. Having been born in Toronto himself and having lived his entire life in the city, the author understands how the city functions and what goes in the streets and weaves these elements intelligently into the fabric of this enthralling tale. He has beautifully developed a story where the characters are faced with complex interactions in their personal as well as professional lives. The plot, characters, settings, and general atmosphere that the book creates are unique in their own right, providing readers with the opportunity to enjoy the events as they unfold exquisitely. This book is deftly plotted, fast-paced, and psychologically exciting.