Dorian Robert-Houdin, the three-and-a-half-foot gargoyle chef who fancies himself a modern-day Poirot, is slowly turning into stone, and it’s up to Zoe Faust to unravel the alchemical secrets that can save him. When they discover that a long-lost stone gargoyle with a connection to Dorian has reappeared in Europe, the stakes are even higher. From Portland to Paris, Zoe searches for the hidden … hidden knowledge she needs, but a cold case that harkens back to 1942 throws her off course. With an ailing friend desperately trying to discover his own elixir of life and a new romantic interest offering the first chance at love she’s had in nearly a century, Zoe is torn between a dangerous form of alchemy and her desire for a safer life.
Praise for the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries:
“A cast more fun than an episode ofPortlandia.”-RT Book Reviews(1/2)
“Hits high marks for a modern twist on an ancient practice. Amusing supporting characters and historical details solidify this engaging mystery.”-Library Journal
” A] lighthearted supernatural mystery.”-Publishers Weekly
”more
Gigi Pandian just keeps getting better. Enjoyed this one quite a bit. Lots of vegan recipes and alchemical concepts on top of a fun mystery with good action.
When I read a description of Gigi Pandian’s Accidental Alchemist series, I have to admit that I wondered whether it would be something I’d like—a paranormal mystery series featuring an alchemist and a living gargoyle that likes to cook. I’m so glad that I gave into my curiosity and picked up a copy of The Accidental Alchemist, the first in this hugely popular series by award-winning Gigi Pandian. Who could resist a book the author once described as, “a female version of The Highlander TV show mashed up with Scooby Doo.” Readers loved it, and the awards and acknowledgements came rolling in.
I recently completed THE ELUSIVE ELIXIR, and this book proves that Gigi Pandian’s books get better and better. She gives more information about alchemy and the dangers of dabbling in alchemy, especially backwards alchemy. In this book, Gigi has her characters reaching into the past and discovering people Zoe, the main character thought were long gone. The book takes the reader on quite an adventure. I highly recommend it and the whole series for something a little different but definitely worth reading.
Centuries-old protagonist Zoe Faust, the accidental alchemist, is traveling between Portland, Ore. and Paris, France in search of an Elusive Elixir that can help her friend and sidekick, Dorian the 3-foot-tall gargoyle chef. He is facing a dire dilemma as he is slowly turning into stone. As you can imagine, Dorian has to keep a low profile around Portland to avoid scaring the residents, although his innate talents and humor are truly a delight. Only Zoe can unravel the alchemical secrets that may save him. During her distraught search, she is also confronted by a cold case murder from one of her previous lives that she’s compelled to solve. As you can deduce, this inventive author has raveled some supernatural and paranormal elements around an irresistible mystery.
As Zoe explains, “Alchemy is a personal transformation. Its core principle is transforming the impure into the pure, be it lead into gold or a dying body into a thriving one.” She is dedicated with a deep passion to her science. She’s also a loyal friend and struggles with her extraordinarily lengthy life in the social ties she makes. In this book she revels in the joys of romance, while still shuddering as she contemplates the secrets she’s keeping from him. The reader is treated to almost the feeling of time travel as Zoe recalls adventures of her previous lives. The author writes in such gorgeous details, as different eras are magically brought to life.
Gigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling author with three books in the Accidental Alchemist series. She’s received the Left Coast Crime’s Lefty and Rose awards, as well as short listed for the Macavity and Agatha Awards. She spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her cultural anthropologist parents, undoubtedly enriching her writing by bringing depth to her settings and brilliance to her characters. She is also an enthusiastic, almost vegan health food dynamo. She treats her readers to delicious, easy-to-make recipes in her books as well.
This is truly an original mystery, laced with supernatural components, and a modern twist on an ancient science. Will that Elusive Elixir be found in time to save Dorian from a horrific nightmare, trapped alive within stone? Will the cold case murder be solved to Zoe’s satisfaction, before she is herself accused of the murder from her past life? And can romance thrive through it all? You’ll enjoy reading about it all.
And if you want to hear more from the author listen on YouTube to Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Gigi Pandian.
I took a chance on “The Elusive Elixir” from the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series by Gigi Pandian, because it sounded so different from any other. I’m glad I did. The main character, Zoe, is an alchemist who is hundreds of years old, but you’d never know it. She’s made a new life for herself in a charming Portland craftsman house she is restoring, and tends to the healing plants in her garden. You’d also never know that her sidekick is Dorian, a Notre Dame gargoyle come to life, and a master French chef who delights in whipping up vegan treats for Zoe. The plot has many twists and turns, with other, not always friendly, alchemists popping up (including a dead one), trips to Paris, danger of Zoe’s true identify being discovered, plus the urgency of finding the cure for Dorian, who is reverting to stone. In between the danger and drama, there is Dorian’s delightfully mischievous personality, Zoe’s budding romance, and her friends at the charming local bakery that, you guessed it, Dorian bakes for too. The vegan recipes at the end of the book are a wonderful extra bonus.
It’s a race against time for accidental alchemist Zoe Faust to save her gargoyle friend Dorian from turning to stone forever. Her research leads to Notre Dame in Paris and to a mysterious bookseller who might have a text with the knowledge she needs. But then people connected to her start dying, and she realizes she’s not the only one who wants the forbidden book. Mythology mingles with murder in this unusual mystery. Recipes and cooking details add to the appeal.