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An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #3
The Elusive Elixir
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 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
"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
"
Praise for the Accidental Alchemist
"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
"
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 8, 2017
140 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Pandian
50 books1,545 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
August 9, 2018
4 STARS = a grade of B for me. It was good, but not great. Having read the first two books in the series, I feel that this book was the weakest. If not for the fact that I love "science-y stuff" I don't think I would have liked it at all. The details, fact and fiction, of alchemy were discussed over and over again. And by over and over, I mean repeated. I wanted to shout, How many times are you going to explain the same thing?
Another aspect of the story that probably would have gotten real old real fast for the uninterested was all the talk of herbs. From Zoe's garden, to the teas she (and others) brewed, to the vegan foods created by Dorian, it often felt like "all herbs, all the time". I understand that the herbs were were important in her alchemical pursuits and that they were important to her health, but I think it was overkill.
I will say, though, that I'm glad I finished the series. The story wrapped up satisfactorily. I will miss Dorian. Maybe the author would consider a spin-off???
Another aspect of the story that probably would have gotten real old real fast for the uninterested was all the talk of herbs. From Zoe's garden, to the teas she (and others) brewed, to the vegan foods created by Dorian, it often felt like "all herbs, all the time". I understand that the herbs were were important in her alchemical pursuits and that they were important to her health, but I think it was overkill.
I will say, though, that I'm glad I finished the series. The story wrapped up satisfactorily. I will miss Dorian. Maybe the author would consider a spin-off???
September 9, 2016
I love this series so much. Who'd think that a stone gargoyle with impeccable cooking abilities would be such a lovable character? Dorian is so sweet. He's main motivation is to be able to just live his life, and that's such a human desire.
Zoe at times annoys me. For being so old, she can be incredibly naive and stupid. She's just far too trusting. A little more thought about basic human behaviour and most of the mess in this story would have been avoided. At least it made for entertaining read. There were a few times when I was absolutely dreading what would come next, because I don't want anything bad to happen to Dorian, or Brixton, who is such a sweet teenager.
Overall, this is such a clever and original series, and I love this latest addition. My only suggestion is that you snack before reading, or while reading, because all the food mentions will make you starving. And not just starving for a quick snack, I mean the starving where you go buy a bunch of healthy food you have no idea how to cook because Dorian makes it sound so yummy. You've been warned.
Zoe at times annoys me. For being so old, she can be incredibly naive and stupid. She's just far too trusting. A little more thought about basic human behaviour and most of the mess in this story would have been avoided. At least it made for entertaining read. There were a few times when I was absolutely dreading what would come next, because I don't want anything bad to happen to Dorian, or Brixton, who is such a sweet teenager.
Overall, this is such a clever and original series, and I love this latest addition. My only suggestion is that you snack before reading, or while reading, because all the food mentions will make you starving. And not just starving for a quick snack, I mean the starving where you go buy a bunch of healthy food you have no idea how to cook because Dorian makes it sound so yummy. You've been warned.
April 2, 2022
As usual, Dorian made this book for me. Zoe is still bumbling along 🙄🙄. The books really should be about Dorian with Zoe as the secondary character 😁😁
March 7, 2020
2020 bk 83. Opening in Paris, Zoe is set upon by a woman who swears she knows her - and her secrets. After determining that there is indeed another living gargoyle turned to stone, she cuts her visit short, and returns home not to find the calm she is seeking, but rather chaos. This is a tale of secret societies, good versus evil, duplicity, betrayal, loyal friends, and sacrifice. Gigi Pandian has written a unique trio of fantasy/mysteries that hold the attention and remain after the stories are ended. Speaking of ending, I cannot tell if there will be more to come or if this is the last one.
November 25, 2016
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe, the protagonist of this cozy mystery, is an alchemist. Three hundred years ago, she accidentally found the elixir of life and made herself immortal. Since then, she’s tried to lead a quiet life and help as many people as she could with her healing herbs, infused with her magic, but life keeps throwing hurdles in her way.
This novel, #3 in the series about Zoe, starts with her visit to Paris. Some time ago, her friend, roommate, and gourmet cook, stone gargoyle Dorian, accidentally made himself flesh and blood. Unfortunately, his transformation seems to be reversing its effect. He is slowly turning back to stone, and Zoe is searching for a way to arrest his reverse metamorphosis. She wants him alive and cooking.
Dorian’s predicament seems to be linked to backward alchemy, the branch of alchemy whose adherents cut corners. As lazy and ruthless as they come, backward alchemists wish to be immortal without first going through the discipline and rigorous research of the true alchemists, like Zoe.
Centuries ago, the backward alchemy rituals were recorded in a mysterious book Dorian has in his possession. Zoe is trying to unlock the secrets of the book – that’s why she traveled to Paris – but no matter how hard she tries, how many questions she asks, she can’t find the cure for Dorian’s malady. She’s managed to decode a small part of the book, but her potions and spells based on her partial understanding only slow down his petrification process and make Zoe herself sick.
Her fumbling in Paris in her quest for the cure for Dorian also brought her to the attention of a bunch of backward alchemists, and they will stop at nothing until they learn all of Zoe’s secrets and recover their long-lost book. They follow her back home, to Portland, they break into her home, they threaten her friends. Their short-cut immortality is as unstable as Dorian’s unnaturally mortal body, but unlike him, they seem evil. Or maybe they just want to stay alive and don’t care who else might suffer to sustain their immortality.
The idea behind this tale is fascinating, but the execution is weak. The plot meanders without a focus. The characters are flat and uninteresting, even the gargoyle. The writing is unprofessional and leans towards telling and explaining instead of showing. And the murder mystery doesn’t conform to any of the mystery genre rules: there are no clues, no suspects, no clever revelations, and no questioning of witnesses. In fact, nobody is a detective in this story. It seems to solve itself.
Also the formatting of this Kindle book was dismal, but that might be because it was an ARC. I hope the publisher at least fixes it before they release this novel in Jan 2017.
Zoe, the protagonist of this cozy mystery, is an alchemist. Three hundred years ago, she accidentally found the elixir of life and made herself immortal. Since then, she’s tried to lead a quiet life and help as many people as she could with her healing herbs, infused with her magic, but life keeps throwing hurdles in her way.
This novel, #3 in the series about Zoe, starts with her visit to Paris. Some time ago, her friend, roommate, and gourmet cook, stone gargoyle Dorian, accidentally made himself flesh and blood. Unfortunately, his transformation seems to be reversing its effect. He is slowly turning back to stone, and Zoe is searching for a way to arrest his reverse metamorphosis. She wants him alive and cooking.
Dorian’s predicament seems to be linked to backward alchemy, the branch of alchemy whose adherents cut corners. As lazy and ruthless as they come, backward alchemists wish to be immortal without first going through the discipline and rigorous research of the true alchemists, like Zoe.
Centuries ago, the backward alchemy rituals were recorded in a mysterious book Dorian has in his possession. Zoe is trying to unlock the secrets of the book – that’s why she traveled to Paris – but no matter how hard she tries, how many questions she asks, she can’t find the cure for Dorian’s malady. She’s managed to decode a small part of the book, but her potions and spells based on her partial understanding only slow down his petrification process and make Zoe herself sick.
Her fumbling in Paris in her quest for the cure for Dorian also brought her to the attention of a bunch of backward alchemists, and they will stop at nothing until they learn all of Zoe’s secrets and recover their long-lost book. They follow her back home, to Portland, they break into her home, they threaten her friends. Their short-cut immortality is as unstable as Dorian’s unnaturally mortal body, but unlike him, they seem evil. Or maybe they just want to stay alive and don’t care who else might suffer to sustain their immortality.
The idea behind this tale is fascinating, but the execution is weak. The plot meanders without a focus. The characters are flat and uninteresting, even the gargoyle. The writing is unprofessional and leans towards telling and explaining instead of showing. And the murder mystery doesn’t conform to any of the mystery genre rules: there are no clues, no suspects, no clever revelations, and no questioning of witnesses. In fact, nobody is a detective in this story. It seems to solve itself.
Also the formatting of this Kindle book was dismal, but that might be because it was an ARC. I hope the publisher at least fixes it before they release this novel in Jan 2017.
March 19, 2021
Entertaining, but too many repetitive narrations within the book and between books in the series.
May 25, 2017
Simply delightful!
November 16, 2024
This series is the perfect, cozy vibe for fall.
In this book, Zoe travels to Paris in search of a cure for Dorian’s quickly deteriorating condition. After running into some unsavory characters, she finds herself in a dangerous and mysterious predicament.
Although this story didn’t have as much action and thrill as the previous installment, I found myself confounded at each twist and turn. The ending was unexpected, and I was elated at the gratifying surprise of the ending. I’m glad there are several more books in this series because I want to experience more stories with these fun, distinct characters.
I mentioned this in my review of the previous book, but Julia Motyka was the best narrator for this audiobook series. She rocks my socks off with her awesome French accent.
In this book, Zoe travels to Paris in search of a cure for Dorian’s quickly deteriorating condition. After running into some unsavory characters, she finds herself in a dangerous and mysterious predicament.
Although this story didn’t have as much action and thrill as the previous installment, I found myself confounded at each twist and turn. The ending was unexpected, and I was elated at the gratifying surprise of the ending. I’m glad there are several more books in this series because I want to experience more stories with these fun, distinct characters.
I mentioned this in my review of the previous book, but Julia Motyka was the best narrator for this audiobook series. She rocks my socks off with her awesome French accent.
April 17, 2017
I loved this series and I am sad to see it end. The ending seemed rushed and this disappointed me but maybe I am just saddened by the conclusion. I could easily read further stories featuring the Gargoyle and his friends. I still think this is a wonderful idea for a unique character.
This is an easy listen and such a fun story of a Gargoyle Dorian who must fight time and foes to prevent turning back to stone--permanently! His friends help him on this quest but his presence primarily affects his best friend Zoe. Zoe puts aside her life of solitude to once again care for others. The tale occurs in Portland but encompasses a grand love of Paris and all things French. Since Zoe is a vegetarian and Dorian is a chef hilarity ensures as they try to co-exist in a crumbling home.
This is an easy listen and such a fun story of a Gargoyle Dorian who must fight time and foes to prevent turning back to stone--permanently! His friends help him on this quest but his presence primarily affects his best friend Zoe. Zoe puts aside her life of solitude to once again care for others. The tale occurs in Portland but encompasses a grand love of Paris and all things French. Since Zoe is a vegetarian and Dorian is a chef hilarity ensures as they try to co-exist in a crumbling home.
May 10, 2017
Not bad. Liked the story. But I absolutely hate that the writer is repeating the same points, sometimes even in the exact same words, again and again. I get it!
December 9, 2020
Series Info/Source: This is the 3rd book in the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries. I borrowed this book from the library. There are currently four books in this series.
Story (4/5): Zoe goes back to Paris to track down some leads regarding Dorian’s condition and is hoping to hunt down the other living gargoyle. However, while she is there an old woman recognizes her and threatens her with legal action over the murder of Zoe’s lab assisstant from the 1940’s (Jasper). Zoe ends up having to flee back to Portland but things are going strange in Portland too. Zoe’s friend Ivan is becoming obsessed with alchemy as he gets sicker and sicker, someone is spying on both Zoe and Ivan, and someone from Zoe’s past shows up and shocks her in a big way. As Zoe’s past closes in around her she still struggles to help Dorian; things are looking very dire. I enjoyed the story a lot and absolutely loved the resolution here.
Characters (4/5): I continue to really enjoy the characters in this series. We finally get to meet Brixton’s dad in this volume and also get to meet the second living gargoyle that was made. I like that Zoe is taking more people into her confidence and enjoy getting to see more of Zoe’s past. It’s interesting to watch Zoe grow as a character as she learns to trust people more and works to embrace her past rather than run from it.
Setting (4/5): I enjoyed a lot of the time spent in Paris and continue to really enjoyed all the history around alchemy. This book bounces between Paris and Portland. I also loved the time spent in Paris’s underground.
Writing Style (4/5): This is again mainly a mystery and is a very well done mystery. I really continue to enjoy the history around alchemy and the alchemy performed in the book too. This is very easy to read, and in addition to the excellent mystery, has very endearing characters who are easy to engage with. This is just a very well balanced story and I enjoyed it a lot.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really liked this. This is a fun series with excellent mysteries and lots of interesting alchemical history. I also love the characters a lot. I absolutely love the ending of this book so much….go Dorian!!! I plan on continuing the series. I was disappointed to read that Midnight Ink shut down right after the publication of the fourth book, so it sounds like this series is unfinished.
Story (4/5): Zoe goes back to Paris to track down some leads regarding Dorian’s condition and is hoping to hunt down the other living gargoyle. However, while she is there an old woman recognizes her and threatens her with legal action over the murder of Zoe’s lab assisstant from the 1940’s (Jasper). Zoe ends up having to flee back to Portland but things are going strange in Portland too. Zoe’s friend Ivan is becoming obsessed with alchemy as he gets sicker and sicker, someone is spying on both Zoe and Ivan, and someone from Zoe’s past shows up and shocks her in a big way. As Zoe’s past closes in around her she still struggles to help Dorian; things are looking very dire. I enjoyed the story a lot and absolutely loved the resolution here.
Characters (4/5): I continue to really enjoy the characters in this series. We finally get to meet Brixton’s dad in this volume and also get to meet the second living gargoyle that was made. I like that Zoe is taking more people into her confidence and enjoy getting to see more of Zoe’s past. It’s interesting to watch Zoe grow as a character as she learns to trust people more and works to embrace her past rather than run from it.
Setting (4/5): I enjoyed a lot of the time spent in Paris and continue to really enjoyed all the history around alchemy. This book bounces between Paris and Portland. I also loved the time spent in Paris’s underground.
Writing Style (4/5): This is again mainly a mystery and is a very well done mystery. I really continue to enjoy the history around alchemy and the alchemy performed in the book too. This is very easy to read, and in addition to the excellent mystery, has very endearing characters who are easy to engage with. This is just a very well balanced story and I enjoyed it a lot.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I really liked this. This is a fun series with excellent mysteries and lots of interesting alchemical history. I also love the characters a lot. I absolutely love the ending of this book so much….go Dorian!!! I plan on continuing the series. I was disappointed to read that Midnight Ink shut down right after the publication of the fourth book, so it sounds like this series is unfinished.
September 30, 2016
"The Elusive Elixir" by Gigi Pandian is the latest book in the Gargoyle series and it comes out January 8, 2017. I love this series, it's so wonderfully creative. The previous books are: "The Accidental Alchemist" and "The Masquerading Magician", just click the links to read my reviews on these previous books.
Zoe Faust is and alchemist, she uses plants and herbs to make healing elixirs. Her best friend is a gargoyle named Dorian who has come to life but now is inexplicably turing back into stone. Zoe has been trying desperately to find a cure to save Dorian before he is trapped in his own stone shell.
This time Zoe travels back and forth from Portland to Paris looking for answers to cure her friend and solve another murder that seems connected to alchemy. Zoe feels watched and wonders if she has a stalker who is interested in the dangerous backward alchemy she's researching to cure Dorian. Is it possible her stalker is also the murderer? It will take all her "little grey cells" to winnow out what is happening and she just might have to sacrifice herself to save her friends.
I love this series. I have rated both previous books as an excellent romp through a unique mystery that combines magic, alchemy, cooking and the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Before I started this series I knew nearly nothing about Veganism but since I've gone Paleo in the last several years, I eagerly devoured the side themes in this mystery series. Dorian is not only a living gargoyle but he is also a professionally trained french chef. His mentor was a famous chef who went blind and so without knowing Dorian was a gargoyle, the blind chef taught all he knew to the "strange, deformed little man".
I also loved how the author weaves alchemy into her wonderfully imaginative mysteries. I would love it if magic were true so reading about alchemical possibilities imbues the mystery within Pangian's book with a sprinkling of magical whimsy.
I would highly recommend that if you haven't picked up this series, that you start at the beginning before reading "The Elusive Elixir" as you just wouldn't enjoy it as much without all the background. This latest book brings many of the open story lines to a satisfying close, although I'm sure there will still be more gargoyle books. We are left hanging about finding the person who is stalking Zoe and weather she is in danger from him. As I said previously, I have loved this series for it's unusual and unique story line. I do have to admit though that this latest book was only a 3.5 out of five for me. I did really enjoy finally getting answers to questions from the last two books though so if you have read previous gargoyle books you'll love getting conclusions from this book. It's just fun to read a less serious mystery that is full of whimsy and great food! I recommend that you suspend your disbelief, buy this series and curl up with a good book. You'll be so glad you did.
Zoe Faust is and alchemist, she uses plants and herbs to make healing elixirs. Her best friend is a gargoyle named Dorian who has come to life but now is inexplicably turing back into stone. Zoe has been trying desperately to find a cure to save Dorian before he is trapped in his own stone shell.
This time Zoe travels back and forth from Portland to Paris looking for answers to cure her friend and solve another murder that seems connected to alchemy. Zoe feels watched and wonders if she has a stalker who is interested in the dangerous backward alchemy she's researching to cure Dorian. Is it possible her stalker is also the murderer? It will take all her "little grey cells" to winnow out what is happening and she just might have to sacrifice herself to save her friends.
I love this series. I have rated both previous books as an excellent romp through a unique mystery that combines magic, alchemy, cooking and the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. Before I started this series I knew nearly nothing about Veganism but since I've gone Paleo in the last several years, I eagerly devoured the side themes in this mystery series. Dorian is not only a living gargoyle but he is also a professionally trained french chef. His mentor was a famous chef who went blind and so without knowing Dorian was a gargoyle, the blind chef taught all he knew to the "strange, deformed little man".
I also loved how the author weaves alchemy into her wonderfully imaginative mysteries. I would love it if magic were true so reading about alchemical possibilities imbues the mystery within Pangian's book with a sprinkling of magical whimsy.
I would highly recommend that if you haven't picked up this series, that you start at the beginning before reading "The Elusive Elixir" as you just wouldn't enjoy it as much without all the background. This latest book brings many of the open story lines to a satisfying close, although I'm sure there will still be more gargoyle books. We are left hanging about finding the person who is stalking Zoe and weather she is in danger from him. As I said previously, I have loved this series for it's unusual and unique story line. I do have to admit though that this latest book was only a 3.5 out of five for me. I did really enjoy finally getting answers to questions from the last two books though so if you have read previous gargoyle books you'll love getting conclusions from this book. It's just fun to read a less serious mystery that is full of whimsy and great food! I recommend that you suspend your disbelief, buy this series and curl up with a good book. You'll be so glad you did.
December 25, 2017
This is the third in a trilogy starting with The Accidental Alchemist. What a wonderful trilogy. It ended with enough of loose ends, once can hope that there will be more. Eva Faust is many many years old, an alchemist, having accidentally discovered the Elixir of Life. She abandoned her practice centuries ago and is now living in contemporary Portland Oregon. Not one to develop attachments, she has developed many in her short stay here. Solving mysteries, finding friends, and maybe love. As well as danger.
It started with unpacking her long stored things and discovering a gargoyle. And he's alive But he's also dying...... he wants her to find the antidote to his decline. Does she, what happens to him. Over the course of three books, the reader learns to love the characters including this gourmet chef of a gargoyle.
Highly recommended, read in order. P.S. The vegan recipes sound mouthwatering...even to this carnivore......
It started with unpacking her long stored things and discovering a gargoyle. And he's alive But he's also dying...... he wants her to find the antidote to his decline. Does she, what happens to him. Over the course of three books, the reader learns to love the characters including this gourmet chef of a gargoyle.
Highly recommended, read in order. P.S. The vegan recipes sound mouthwatering...even to this carnivore......
March 20, 2020
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.
February 23, 2025
Third book in the series wraps up the story arc that has been going through the last two books Though best to read in order, the author does good job of recapping enough so you are not lost, but not giving away details that would spoil some of the first book. Best part of the story is the gargoyle and his antics, but all the characters are well done, and some of the story gives twists that make the plot interesting. Recommend.
January 19, 2021
I didn't see that coming
I'm pretty good at figuring out who the bad guy is. I totally didn't see it coming in this book. I really need to read these books slower, because I'm moving on to book 4 and five won't be out until later this year. (Or, we could convince Gigi to write faster.)
I'm pretty good at figuring out who the bad guy is. I totally didn't see it coming in this book. I really need to read these books slower, because I'm moving on to book 4 and five won't be out until later this year. (Or, we could convince Gigi to write faster.)
January 23, 2025
I really want to like this series, it has so many fun ingredients. But Zoe is just not a character I warm too. She feels a little holier-than-thou with her vegan lifestyle and I have a really hard time believing she has 300 years of wisdom and living in her history. It is also very repetitive in its descriptions. This is the last of the series I will be reading/listening to.
February 24, 2019
Enjoyable story, but a bit too much explaining about the "science" of alchemy and details about vegan food and drink. Also the heroine was quite gullible and overshared information with untrustworthy people. Still, the gargoyle was endearing.
February 19, 2023
#nailasbooklist2023
Book 11 was The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian... continuing the Accidental Alchemist series. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I'm so invested in this story line and the characters now ... the books just consume me. Already grabbed the next book in the series 😂😂
Book 11 was The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian... continuing the Accidental Alchemist series. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I'm so invested in this story line and the characters now ... the books just consume me. Already grabbed the next book in the series 😂😂
April 6, 2017
I love these books. they are light and fun and I even learn new things not to mention great receipts in them!
April 24, 2020
Read the whole trilogy in a month. Funny, exciting, eventful and unpredictable this is definitely one of the best new authors I've discovered this year.
January 31, 2017
This, the third book of the Accidental alchemist series, takes us out of Portland Oregon to begin in Paris. I do have to open by saying that I feel Zoe Faust is a little slow on the uptake when it comes to figuring out things, and much of the time the other characters are what keep me loving these books so much.
The author can really bring to life the personalities of gargoyles, teens, unaging alchemists and a police detective, and make it not only work? But it's enjoyable.
Part of what makes this even more enjoyable is the recipes and descriptions of Dorian's decadent vegan recipes. I found this book to be a treat to read.
The author can really bring to life the personalities of gargoyles, teens, unaging alchemists and a police detective, and make it not only work? But it's enjoyable.
Part of what makes this even more enjoyable is the recipes and descriptions of Dorian's decadent vegan recipes. I found this book to be a treat to read.
March 6, 2017
Dorian and Zoe make for a delightful team, as ever. Zoe's alchemical background comes into play here as she has to unravel a mystery in two times. Meanwhile, Dorian's situation continues to deteriorate as he comes closer and closer to turning to stone.
The interlocking mysteries are masterfully created and the personal interactions are top notch. Also, there are recipes!
Pandian is a truly admirable mystery writer and manages the rare genre of cozy mystery fantasy with skill.
The interlocking mysteries are masterfully created and the personal interactions are top notch. Also, there are recipes!
Pandian is a truly admirable mystery writer and manages the rare genre of cozy mystery fantasy with skill.
January 12, 2017
The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian is the third book in The Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. Zoe Faust is in Paris hoping to find answers to help her gargoyle friend, Dorian Robert-Houdin. Dorian was changed from a stone gargoyle at Notre Dame Cathedral’s Gallery of Gargoyle’s into a live gargoyle. But over the last few months he has slowly turning back into stone. Dorian will be alive but trapped in his stone exterior. Zoe wants to save him and has come to Paris for answers. Another gargoyle was recently spotted alive in Prague and it was turned over to the Paris University (Zoe has not been able to get access). Before Zoe can get some answers, Blanche Leblanc approaches her. Blanche claims to have known Zoe in 1942. The woman then has her nephew, a police officer, talk with Zoe regarding the fire of Elixir (the herbalist shop Zoe owned in Paris) and the death of Jasper Dubois. Zoe cannot risk her secrets coming to light and flees Paris. Back in Portland, Ivan Danko, Zoe’s neighbor and friend, is busy trying to discover the Elixir of Life (he does not wish to die). Zoe soon realizes that someone has followed Zoe back to Portland. They want Dorian’s book Non Degenera Alchemia, which talks about backward alchemy. Life has taken a very dangerous turn for Zoe. Will she be able to rescue Dorian and keep the book safe?
The Elusive Elixir is well-written, easy to read, and fascinating. There are a lot of details and it can be hard to keep them all straight. I have not read the previous books in this series, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of The Elusive Elixir (the author provides the necessary background information on Zoe and Dorian). I give The Elusive Elixir 4.25 out of 5 stars (I really liked it). I did find some information to be repeated several times (that Max Liu is Zoe’s “sort of” boyfriend, the basics about backward alchemy, and information about Zoe’s past). Zoe Faust is a great main character. She is intelligent, strong, and resourceful. I appreciated Dorian. He is humorous and entertaining (and an excellent chef). I found the mystery fascinating, but I did figure it out (it is wonderfully complex). I am looking forward to reading the other novels in The Accidental Alchemist series.
The Elusive Elixir is well-written, easy to read, and fascinating. There are a lot of details and it can be hard to keep them all straight. I have not read the previous books in this series, but it did not hinder my enjoyment of The Elusive Elixir (the author provides the necessary background information on Zoe and Dorian). I give The Elusive Elixir 4.25 out of 5 stars (I really liked it). I did find some information to be repeated several times (that Max Liu is Zoe’s “sort of” boyfriend, the basics about backward alchemy, and information about Zoe’s past). Zoe Faust is a great main character. She is intelligent, strong, and resourceful. I appreciated Dorian. He is humorous and entertaining (and an excellent chef). I found the mystery fascinating, but I did figure it out (it is wonderfully complex). I am looking forward to reading the other novels in The Accidental Alchemist series.
February 10, 2017
THE ELUSIVE ELIXIR by Gigi Pandian
The Third Accidental Alchemist Mystery
Shocking truths from the past are revealed as Zoe travels to France to hunt for a cure for Dorian who continues to turn into stone. As Zoe copes with these revelations upon her return to Portland, even more secrets are revealed and the dangers of not untrue alchemy prove deadly. Will Zoe be able to save Dorian without sacrificing herself, or anyone else? Will Max be able to accept all that Zoe is?
In this third book in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series Zoe is faced with multiple trials. In trying to find the key to save Dorian, while keeping her identity as an alchemist quiet, she is confronted with information that challenges what she believed and believes to be true.
Ultimately, this novel is about sacrifice. What are you willing to do to save someone else, or yourself?
THE ELUSIVE ELIXIR is a tautly written mystery that combines the vagaries of truth with sacrifice. Gigi Pandian has the ability to transport you into her world with visceral details. I believed I was actually climbing the steps of Notre Dame, watching the bees swarm with the scent of honey and cloves in the air, and feeling the desperation of her characters. Yet everything is not all dark and dire, there is humor here as well, especially as we get to know Leopold. This third book in the series held me captivated and left me satisfied with an intriguing whiff of things to come.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The Third Accidental Alchemist Mystery
Shocking truths from the past are revealed as Zoe travels to France to hunt for a cure for Dorian who continues to turn into stone. As Zoe copes with these revelations upon her return to Portland, even more secrets are revealed and the dangers of not untrue alchemy prove deadly. Will Zoe be able to save Dorian without sacrificing herself, or anyone else? Will Max be able to accept all that Zoe is?
In this third book in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series Zoe is faced with multiple trials. In trying to find the key to save Dorian, while keeping her identity as an alchemist quiet, she is confronted with information that challenges what she believed and believes to be true.
Ultimately, this novel is about sacrifice. What are you willing to do to save someone else, or yourself?
THE ELUSIVE ELIXIR is a tautly written mystery that combines the vagaries of truth with sacrifice. Gigi Pandian has the ability to transport you into her world with visceral details. I believed I was actually climbing the steps of Notre Dame, watching the bees swarm with the scent of honey and cloves in the air, and feeling the desperation of her characters. Yet everything is not all dark and dire, there is humor here as well, especially as we get to know Leopold. This third book in the series held me captivated and left me satisfied with an intriguing whiff of things to come.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
January 2, 2017
I received a copy of The Elusive Elixir courtesy of NetGalley, who unfortunately didn't mention this was the third book in a series. I got the feeling this was the case almost as soon as I started reading: there were many little asides in the narrative explaining things that had happened before. At first I thought "oh this is useful, I can still understand this without reading the previous two books". Unfortunately these little asides carried on and on until I got to 30% of the way through and had to put it down. The asides started not only to recap on (what I assume is) past books, but on stuff that happened a couple of chapters, or pages, or paragraphs ago.
Honestly, this felt like watching a sensationalist documentary where they tell you what happened five minutes ago, what will happen five minutes in the future, and then give you five minutes of new content. I don't watch TV like that, and I'm not going to start in fiction.
It's a real shame, because the five minutes of original content is actually pretty fun. Zoe's a 300 year old woman who discovered alchemy and the Elixir of Life. She's trying to save her best friend from reverting to the stone gargoyle he was 150 years ago. She's also been recognised as someone who doesn't age, and implicated in a murder in Paris. Lots of interesting stuff with potential, just frustrating to read.
I guess if you have a bad memory or don't get the chance to read more than a chapter or two at a time, you might love this book.
Honestly, this felt like watching a sensationalist documentary where they tell you what happened five minutes ago, what will happen five minutes in the future, and then give you five minutes of new content. I don't watch TV like that, and I'm not going to start in fiction.
It's a real shame, because the five minutes of original content is actually pretty fun. Zoe's a 300 year old woman who discovered alchemy and the Elixir of Life. She's trying to save her best friend from reverting to the stone gargoyle he was 150 years ago. She's also been recognised as someone who doesn't age, and implicated in a murder in Paris. Lots of interesting stuff with potential, just frustrating to read.
I guess if you have a bad memory or don't get the chance to read more than a chapter or two at a time, you might love this book.
February 6, 2017
This is a mystery series that I have always been pleased to read. It is different--unusual. I love the characters. Characters that the author has described so well that I can actually see them. And although I know that I will never be vegan, I find that in this book, the aspects on hearing how the food has been enjoyed I know that I will (and have) try the food.
The mystery in this story wasn't too hard to solve. This didn't bother me as the story contained so many more elements than mystery. There is fantasy, a bit of history, some wonderful descriptions of Paris, and of course, the vegan part. The mystery just tied everything together and made the storyline flow. I would definitely recommend this story (and the whole series) to all mystery readers that like to try something different.
The mystery in this story wasn't too hard to solve. This didn't bother me as the story contained so many more elements than mystery. There is fantasy, a bit of history, some wonderful descriptions of Paris, and of course, the vegan part. The mystery just tied everything together and made the storyline flow. I would definitely recommend this story (and the whole series) to all mystery readers that like to try something different.
August 27, 2021
It feels like a different author wrote this book, as compared to the first two. There was a lot more backstory, the characters had some element of depth here in this book. Overall, this was enjoyable. However, if you haven't read the earlier books in the series, this one will feel like it concludes things rather easily. So, I recommend you reading the earlier books to get proper context of this one.
This one was so much better than the first two books. Forget the murder but there actually was an element of mystery in this, there was a lot more plotting and story involved in this as compared to the first two books. Even then, I feel the ending was rushed and some things do manage to get themselves sorted rather conveniently. But it was a good read and so much better than the first two books, that I feel like reading the next two in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This one was so much better than the first two books. Forget the murder but there actually was an element of mystery in this, there was a lot more plotting and story involved in this as compared to the first two books. Even then, I feel the ending was rushed and some things do manage to get themselves sorted rather conveniently. But it was a good read and so much better than the first two books, that I feel like reading the next two in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 31, 2019
I absolutely love this series and its quirky characters- Zoe and Dorian, the gargoyle! Alchemy is one of my favorite subjects to read about and this series has plenty of it. Zoe is still trying to find the alchemical secret that will stop the process that's slowly turning Dorian into stone.
This book starts off with Zoe in Paris. She doesn't think she'll be recognized in such a big city but of course she is. That's how it always go isn't it- when you don't want to be seen, you see everyone under the sun...After that encounter, it's a non-stop adventure from there.
If you start this series, be prepared to read all of the books because you can't help but fall in love with Dorian and Zoe.
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book starts off with Zoe in Paris. She doesn't think she'll be recognized in such a big city but of course she is. That's how it always go isn't it- when you don't want to be seen, you see everyone under the sun...After that encounter, it's a non-stop adventure from there.
If you start this series, be prepared to read all of the books because you can't help but fall in love with Dorian and Zoe.
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
August 30, 2017
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
Ah...finally. The story develops, is focused and we get the read that we've been looking for through three volumes.
Zoe Faust is a 300 year old alchemist. Her specialty is creating potions of healing, But all her knowledge and years of experience aren't helping her heal her good friend Dorian. Dorian is a living gargoyle, but he is slowly converting back to stone and Zoe is his only hope or he'll be alive but trapped in his stone form forever.
Zoe's been on the hunt for a cure for some time now, but she's gotten a few leads and she believes the secret may lie in some ancient alchemical volumes - the sort you can only find in old book stores, not digitized online.
Zoe makes a trip to Paris to seek out a particular book from a secret society of 'backward alchemists' but while there she is approached by a very old woman who thinks she recognizes Zoe. Though Zoe claims she often gets comments for her likeness of her grandmother, the woman isn't convinced and attempts to get Zoe to admit that she's found the secret of longevity. The woman frightens Zoe, and she's always feared that someone would recognize her. The woman threatens to sic her gendarme relative on her because there is no statute of limitations on murder and the woman is convinced that Zoe, some 60-odd years ago, once killed her assistant by burning her shop down.
The encounter rattles Zoe, but she continues her quest to save Dorian.
This book answers a lot of the unanswered questions from the previous books but I'm not sure that you need to know those questions before reading this volume. While it might be nice to know a little more of the history of the characters, the story really doesn't develop until this third volume.
But just as Zoe gets closer to finding the answer to helping Dorian, members of the backward alchemist coterie are closing in on Zoe, hoping to take the secret for themselves.
Meanwhile Dorian is making the most of what time he has left and is whipping up some fabulous foods. Dorian is a superb chef, learning from a master chef who had gone blind, thus his not knowing that Dorian was made of stone.
This is a very clever mystery series, and Pandian is a talented author, but somehow this particular series hasn't quite lived up to my hopes. This third volume finally falls just where I'd hoped all the books would take me. If you haven't read the others in the series, consider reading just this volume. If you have read the others, then you'll want to top them off with this volume.
Looking for a good book? The Elusive Elixir is the third volume in Gigi Pandian's Accidental Alchemist Mystery series and manages to provide a strong story and a resolution to a three-book mystery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Ah...finally. The story develops, is focused and we get the read that we've been looking for through three volumes.
Zoe Faust is a 300 year old alchemist. Her specialty is creating potions of healing, But all her knowledge and years of experience aren't helping her heal her good friend Dorian. Dorian is a living gargoyle, but he is slowly converting back to stone and Zoe is his only hope or he'll be alive but trapped in his stone form forever.
Zoe's been on the hunt for a cure for some time now, but she's gotten a few leads and she believes the secret may lie in some ancient alchemical volumes - the sort you can only find in old book stores, not digitized online.
Zoe makes a trip to Paris to seek out a particular book from a secret society of 'backward alchemists' but while there she is approached by a very old woman who thinks she recognizes Zoe. Though Zoe claims she often gets comments for her likeness of her grandmother, the woman isn't convinced and attempts to get Zoe to admit that she's found the secret of longevity. The woman frightens Zoe, and she's always feared that someone would recognize her. The woman threatens to sic her gendarme relative on her because there is no statute of limitations on murder and the woman is convinced that Zoe, some 60-odd years ago, once killed her assistant by burning her shop down.
The encounter rattles Zoe, but she continues her quest to save Dorian.
This book answers a lot of the unanswered questions from the previous books but I'm not sure that you need to know those questions before reading this volume. While it might be nice to know a little more of the history of the characters, the story really doesn't develop until this third volume.
But just as Zoe gets closer to finding the answer to helping Dorian, members of the backward alchemist coterie are closing in on Zoe, hoping to take the secret for themselves.
Meanwhile Dorian is making the most of what time he has left and is whipping up some fabulous foods. Dorian is a superb chef, learning from a master chef who had gone blind, thus his not knowing that Dorian was made of stone.
This is a very clever mystery series, and Pandian is a talented author, but somehow this particular series hasn't quite lived up to my hopes. This third volume finally falls just where I'd hoped all the books would take me. If you haven't read the others in the series, consider reading just this volume. If you have read the others, then you'll want to top them off with this volume.
Looking for a good book? The Elusive Elixir is the third volume in Gigi Pandian's Accidental Alchemist Mystery series and manages to provide a strong story and a resolution to a three-book mystery.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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