Book Review: The Collector Of Dying Breaths by M.J. Rose + Best Summer Reading Draw

mj rose  the collector of dying breaths

There have been quite a few perfume books released over the past few years.  Some have been great reference books for the serious collector and some have been auto-biographical journeys. The Reincarnation Series by M.J. Rose is in its own category; thoroughly researched, entertaining novels of suspense, mystery and passion with plenty of perfume to appeal to fragrance devotees and with enthralling historical plots that have broader appeal to a general audience.

catherine de medici as a teen

Catherine De Medici as a young woman around the time she would have met Rene le Florentin

M.J. Rose spent two decades researching reincarnation and as in The Book of Lost Fragrances and Seduction, A Novel of Suspense it is central to the plot of The Collector of Dying Breaths. The book opens in a monastery, not just any monastery, but Santa Maria Novella in Florence, where René le Florentin, a perfumer and loyal apprentice to a dying monk who is the Chief of the Apothecary at SMN, has pledged to carry on his master’s alchemic experiments to collect, bottle and someday reanimate dying breaths. Accused of murder, he is locked away until his client, a young Catherine de Medici frees him and takes him away to France, where she would soon become Queen. Of course as a Medici, Catherine’s interest is in both perfume and poison, and her cunning manipulations to find the perfect scent puts any obsessed perfumista I ever met to shame.

vintage costume melinoe m j rose

Photo: From M.J. Rose's Pinterest board; a costume Melinoe might wear

Flash to the present, where we are reunited with Jac Etoile, the troubled mythologist and heir to The House of Etoile who has fought her visions of past lives since she was a young girl. Her brother Robbie (modeled after Perfumer Olivier Durbano who recently stayed at a monastery) is gravely ill (which upset me to no end and I know Managing Editor Tama Blough was also distraught although it's only fiction).   Robbie leaves a message for Jac that she must go meet the heiress Melinoe Cyprus in Barbizon France. The past meets the present as Jac learns that Melinoe, the daughter of a shipping magnate and a modern day “Medici” is intent on unlocking the secret of reanimating dying breaths centuries later. She is one of the most fascinating characters in the novel and while not quite evil, disturbing. She lives in an estate “Le Belle Fleur”, has a penchant for vintage fashion, jewelry and fragrances and dresses dramatically in costumes.

entrance to the dungeon m j rose

Entrance to the Dungeon at Le Belle Fleur

The Collector of Dying Breaths is fast paced and easier to follow than the past two novels, as there are only two time lines; 16th century France and the present day. Although Robbie isn't physically present for most of the novel, Jac catches whiffs of his scent and feels his presence. "Jac knew  that the olfactory center in the brain was next to the memory center.There was a scientific reason for scent and memory to be connected…And now, suddenly, in front of these strangers, not quite in the room, not quite in her mind, she heard her brother's voice. I haven't left you. I won't leave you".  For all of us who have raised a flacon of a lost one's perfume to our nose and felt as if  they were instantly with us, I found this particularly poignant; I teared up as I put the novel down and smelled my grandmother's Youth Dew bottle that I kept these years.

Throughout the novel, there are many olfactive twists and turns  including an alleged alchemical tutty from a momie taken from the brain of emblamed Egyptian corpse and aphrodisiac potions redolent of  King Henri II of France's mistress Diane de Poitier's underclothing (created so that Catherine De Medici could seduce her reluctant royal spouse).  I enjoyed references that only perfumistas would know, for example Jac has a friend named Octavian who writes a blog and that Melinoe wears JAR Golcanda. The novel is more erotic than in the past two books and the love scenes between René le Florentin and his beloved Isabeau are Rated R and at times explicit, which distracted me of course. As in past novels in this series, quite a bit of the action took place underground in catacombs, dungeons, hidden tunnels and cellars which I know M.J. Rose must have experienced herself and since I suffer from mild claustrophobia she has my respect.

mj rose rene's box of formulas and potions

 René le Florentin's potions and formulas Photo: M.J. Rose Pinterest

The line between passion, poison and potion blur as Jac finally uncovers the truth about reanimating dying breaths and fulfills her own romantic and karmic destiny.  As in the previous two novels, you can read this book out of sequence and The Collector of Dying Breaths  is a great summer read. It would be a spoiler to reveal the ending although all loose ends from previous novels are neatly tied and the wonderful idea that each of us have a soulmate, an âme sœur, is realized.  So is the alchemical reincarnation potion created? I won't spoil the ending, but if it is or is not, in M.J.’s words:"We don't need a magical elixir to reanimate a dying breath and bring someone back to life. We don't need meditation tools or ancient formulas or hypnosis. The secret, which is not so secret, after all, is that the people who we love live on in our hearts, in the beat of our blood. The dead live as long as someone who loves them lives."

m j rose author

M.J. Rose, Author

I asked M.J if this is the final book in the Reincarnation series and she wrote me, “The end is another beginning but not of a story that will tell right away… Jac and her family need some time before I go back to them. My next novel is a stand alone – THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS. It takes place in 1894 Paris and will be out March 31, 2015”.

Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

mj rose thomas edison dying breath

The last breath of Thomas Edison was bottled as he passed away

Editor’s Note: While the idea of collecting dying breaths may seem fictional, M.J was inspired by the bottling of Thomas Edison’s dying breath with his friend Henry Ford at his bedside.

Thanks to M.J. Rose we have a signed hard cover copy or a kindle version of The Collector of Dying Breaths for one USA reader. To be eligible please leave a comment indicating why you want to read this book or if you have read any of M.J. Roses other novels. Draw ends 6/26/2014

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

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40 comments

  • I so enjoyed the first book. It had been a long time since I read a book that kept me up, could not put down. Looking forward to reading all of her books.

  • I had only heard about her first book and thought it would be an interesting read, but have not gotten around to it yet. Would love to read this one, especially since you say that reading them out of order is ok.

  • What could be more delicious than smelling perfume? Smelling it while reading about that perfume and the inspiration behind it. It’s my favorite thing. I got to read both of the first two MJ Rose books. It was great fun. Hope to win this new book. I’m in the US.

  • Kim Morgan says:

    This sounds like such a compelling book! It reminds me of a Babylon 5 episode about a man who collects the souls of dying people to keep them safe…but, if memory serves, this man betrays his order by precipitating the untimely demise of those whose souls he collects.

  • This statement made me laugh ” Catherine’s interest is in both perfume and poison, and her cunning manipulations to find the perfect scent puts any obsessed perfumista I ever met to shame.” 🙂 I have love M.J.s Rose’s books. I love how this one made you reach for your grandma’s YD bottle, Michelyn. Ok I must admit I have this book but oh would I love a signed copy. Thanks for the review and Thanks to M.J. for the draw…

  • I have not read MJ’s books, but I quite like the idea of a perfume-centered fiction. I need to catch up with the series!

    As always, thank you for the draw. I’m in the US.

  • I love fragrances, essential oils and working with them. I enjoy reading books based on perfumes. I would love to win this book.

  • This sounds like such a good mystery! I haven’t read any of the author’s other books, but they will go on my list.

    Thank you for the opportunity! I live in the U.S.

  • Due to a recommendation, I read “The Book of Lost Fragrances” just last month and really enjoyed it. Living in the USA, having a signed copy of Ms. Rose’s third Fragrance/Reincarnation themed book would be something to treasure.

  • I own The Book of Lost Fragrances, and totally enjoyed it! I love her subject matter of history and suspense. I would love to win a signed copy of of this book! Thanks for this amazing opportunity!

  • Marguerite says:

    I am collecting books on perfume and I have many of M. J. Rose’s books. Would love a signed copy. Thank you

  • Bonnie Franks says:

    I read The Book of Lost Frangrances and loved it. I then read Seduction and fell totally in love. I love the mystery, the characters, the writing in general. Would love to read this book!

  • Sadly, I have never read any of M.J. Rose’s works, but I can’t wait to start! This book sounds so good! The inspiration for the book is very interesting, as well.

  • I think it would be very interesting to read as the sweet perfume overflows the room im in and transports me to a wonderful world you’ve created.I know i will thoroughly enjoy reading your book

  • Dave Johnson says:

    As an avid reader and perfume collector myself, I would love to read this! I think my wife would love this too!

  • I am a huge fan of M.J. Rose. I am currently reading The Book of Lost Fragances and have The Collector of Dying Breaths on my TBR list.

  • Deborah Serrano says:

    I loved The Book of Lost Fragrances which I heard on disc, so I know I would love this one. I am also fascinated with all good smells. I once found a restaurant in Brussels by following the scent of soup around two street corners!

  • I love M.J. Rose! We’ve met at a book signing and I have a couple autographed books by her. I’d love to win a copy of The Collector of Dying Breaths, but if I don’t, I’ll pick up a copy to read. Thanks for the opportunity!

  • This concept reminds me of sin eaters. somehow in their last breath remains something so quintessential to the soul, it can encompass the entirety of a person’s life and affect them still in the afterlife.

  • Calli Hoffman says:

    I can’t wait to read this MJ Rose novel! I have most of her books. I have always been fascinated with alchemy and the idea of reincarnation.

  • Joann Hunter says:

    I have read most all of M.J.’s books. I love the history of the scents. I’ve been fascinated with scents since i was old enough to wear perfume.

  • I have been following M. J. Rose on Facebook for ages and so want to read this book as well as all of her other books. I am on a waiting list at my public library for the book but the list is very long due to its popularity. The book seems to have everything that I look for in a book–I really wasn’t to read this book and have been thinking of it for a long time. I’ve even asked for the book as a present!

  • I want to read this book because I love novels exploring the underground catacombs and the story sounds intriguing!

  • Bonnie K. says:

    I saw a movie about collecting people’s scent though in this movie it was pretty dark–people were murdered for their scent. I have been following M.J. Rose but sadly haven’t read her books yet. I do love reading historical fictions.

  • Lucile A. says:

    This is the only book by M.J. Rose that I haven’t read. I am anxious to read it and it would be especially meaningful if I didn’t have to return it–ever.

  • Nancy Knows says:

    Michelyn, this sounds like the perfect summer reading. 🙂 I would love to take it on vacation and get lost in the Medici world.

  • Sharlene Moore says:

    All of the books are on my TBR list, just have to find the time. I love the covers and I have never read a book I did not love, if the cover was fabulous.

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    I have not read any MJ Rose novel so far but i have been familiar with her for quite a while. She is the first name that comes to mind when i think of American authors who explore the subject of perfumery as fiction writers..i still remember how i first came across her blog..i was looking for info on Houbigant’s Le Ideal which is a classic of early 20th century perfumery and came across her article on Le Ideal…MJ Rose novels have been on my wishlist . this article does a great job of summarizing collector of dying breaths and has piqued my interest. its French setting makes the novel a cousin to Suskind’s novel. i am in the US

  • I would love to win this book. i read “Seduction” also a book from this amazing author. Love them al!

  • I’d love to win this book because I am in awe as I’m reading “Seduction”. I’m reading it slowly and don’t want it to end!

  • Lovely review! I have not read the other books of the series, but I have oh so close to buying them from Amazon … I love the idea of weaving mystery, soulmates, destiny, and fragrance together. Can’t wait to read this!

  • I read the Book of Lost Fragrances. I love her titles! How does she come up with them? It was a great read and I am looking forward to this one.

  • Oh this sounds like a fantastic summer read ! I love books that take a storyline through many twists and turns and finally come a to a conclusion with some unfinished business to keep up hanging on until the next one. I’ve never read any of her book before but I intend on reading more if her work !

  • Cynthia Richardson says:

    I would love to win the Kindle version. Sounds like a great summer read. First I have to hit the library and get caught-up on the Reincarnationist series. Sounds like a fun premise.

  • I want to read this, because I’m already drawn into it just reading the synopsis! I’d love the hardcover and I’m in the U.S. Thanks!