Spencer Blaine is part-owner of an apothecary's shop in Greenwich Village. After his divorce, he moved from Vermont to New York on the suggestion of his school friend Leo, who's an artist. One day as he's serving in the shop, Leo comes to see him enquiring about a rather delicate matter. Unfortunately, Spencer doesn't quite catch all of what Leo says, thanks to a noisy drunk who enters the shop demanding coffee. Spencer thinks Leo has problems with wind, and for privacy he tells Leo in Italian that he needs fennel seed as a cure.

Except the Italian word for fennel has another meaning, and Leo-who's wanted Spencer for a long time-is overjoyed at the response. Spencer unwittingly brings his cure to Leo's apartment and is startled-but very pleased-to be the recipient of ardent lovemaking. The misunderstanding is almost cleared up when Leo's niece and nephew arrive with puppies, followed by various neighbours and other characters who add to the general chaos. Will Spencer and Leo ever find a quiet ten minutes to talk about their future?

A Fine Cure From Fennel Seed is the first story I've read by Lucius Parhelion, and on the basis of this I'll be looking for more books. The writing is strong and flowing, the historical touches just enough to ground the reader in the time period without being overwhelming, and the dialogue is sharp and witty. The opening scene in the apothecary's shop is hilarious as the misunderstanding draws out with precise timing. Though the later chapters with the family and neighbours continued the comedy, I felt they over-egged the pudding a little and detracted from the main thrust of the story. Nevertheless, this is a very witty short story and well worth a read.

Reviewed by: Maija