The Perfumer's Challenge: A Regency Mystery

Regency Alchemists #1

by M.C. Dulac

Enter a world of mystery, secrets, magnificent gardens, and exquisite perfumes. A new series from the author of The Alchemist of Paris.

For hundreds of years, the owners of Elysium House and Hespero Hall have held a challenge to create a mysterious perfume. No one knows when the contest will be held, and no one knows the prize. Nor can anyone say what happened to the previous contenders.

In the year 1812, London is abuzz with rumours the challenge is being held again. All England’s perfumers are desperate to receive an invitation.

Violet Langford has arrived at Elysium House to assist Lady Eleanor Harcourt and hopes to find clues to her father’s past.

But when Violet receives a scented letter, she realises Eleanor has other intentions. Violet has been chosen to compete.

The Perfumer’s Challenge is about to begin.

Regency Alchemists is a complete standalone trilogy best read in order.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2025

About the author

M.C. Dulac lives in Sydney, Australia, where she daydreams far too much. She is the author of the Alchemist’s Passage series, the Regency Alchemists series (a complete trilogy) and six Unusual Stories (a set of short reads). She enjoys writing and reading books with historical settings, dual timelines, and mysterious turns, often with a dash of alchemy.
To find out more about M.C. Dulac and her books, please visit http://mcdulacauthor.com
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Reviews

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful beginning for a new series! As a reader who waited impatiently for each new book in The Alchemist series, I am thrilled that the author chose to start a new series set in the Regency period. The main character, Violet, is a strong young woman who grows in many ways throughout the story. The element of mystery and touch of the paranormal that are a strength of the author’s writing are seen in full force in this book as well.
I received an eARC copy from the author. My only regret in reading this book so early is that I’m going to have a long wait for the next book!

[John Diamond-Nigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The importance of memory, the sensual attractions of the past, dream-like atmosphere and imagery, conflicts between imagination and reality, questions about the supernatural, the nature of truth, the continuum of time. The Perfumer’s Challenge offers all of these, and leaves the reader in a no-man’s land partway between the past and the present, the real and the possible. What do we know for certain? Who are the villains and who are the heroes? Who lies and who tells the truth? Is there even such a thing as the truth?

Violet wonders the same. After the death of Violet’s father, a family friend, Eleanor, brings her to Elysium, named after a legendary place of myth and imagination, a supposedly ideal refuge, and the name of Eleanor’s estate where the Perfumer’s Challenge takes place, and has been for centuries. But Violet knows nothing of the contest until after she arrives, and agrees to embark upon the contest to create the best transcendent perfumes. In that beautiful and unsettling place the story unravels, with dukes and butlers and apprentices, murder and thievery, deception and mazes and labyrinths, stone figures, rose women, a potential love interest, all under the rule of ambiguity. We will have to continue the series to find out if clarity comes later.

I read this in one night, and found myself wanting to know more about the characters, and understand exactly what was happening. I had many hypotheses, seemingly wrong, unless further novels in the series prove I am not entirely off the mark. Violet, in particular, seems elusive to me, and I look forward to knowing her better. Many strong and interesting characters, waiting to be fleshed out, lovely language, tantalizing story lines.

I received an eARC copy from the author.

[Kim Naxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was already a fan of M.C. Dulac's Alchemist series and The Perfumers Challenge promises to be another exciting and mysterious adventure. It's easy to imagine the world in which the story takes place with M.C's descriptive writing style which evokes very clear imagery. The mystery unfolds slowly but the pace of the book feels quick leaving you impatient for the next installment. I received an eARC copy from the author.

[Grandmother Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

A wonderful plot, mystery, young love, magic, hope, and adventure all in one book! Where else can you go to a magical world for under $30?

[Joan Smolinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somerset, England, 1792: Mina is running to a friend, Charles Langford, for help, but he appears to be the 4th person who has disappeared from her life. Twenty years later, Charles (a scientist and botanist) departed the world leaving his 23-year-old daughter, Violet, with his research papers. They had been living a “quiet, happy life” for many years in Norfolk, after Charles packed up and left Somerset the night before Mina went looking for him. We know something is definitely wrong!

Violet ends up as an assistant to Lady Eleanor, a highly successful and wealthy perfumer. But there are lots of secrets and mysterious happenings on her estate. Before long, Violet finds herself in a 6-person challenge to create new perfumes.

This is a mystery with plenty of twists and turns and it really kept my interest. I’m excited to read Book 2 to complete Violet’s story and to connect all the pieces. I’ve enjoyed reading this author before (The Alchemist of Paris), and am now inspired to read more of her books.

I received an eARC copy from the author.

[Santina Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant escape! Truly enjoy Dulac's writing and escape to The Perfumer's Challenge. Eleanor and the Duke are the orchestrator's of the Challenge. They seemingly have had a relationship that transports time. Both being neighbors living in separate castles dream like estates surrounded by gardens. Eleanor arrives at Violet's home after Violet's father passed away leaving her homeless. Eleanor tells Violet she's an old friend of her father's, and invites her to be her companion of sorts. Violet's father was a scientist. Something went wrong. Her father escaped middle of the night when she was a little girl to a remote secret place. Eleanor offers Violet a home. With nowhere to go Violet accepts. During their departure Violet meets Tristan during a stop along their journey to Eleanor's estate. Upon arriving at Eleanors estate Violet is in awe at the beautiful atmosphere and gardens all around her. Eleanor is a perfumist and teaches Violet a few of her ways. Violet loves the science of perfume. However, all thru this there's a lingering secret, and something doesn't seem right. Violet finds out Tristan, like her, works with the Duke in the estate/manor house near Eleanor's. What Violet and Tristan soon find out they are part of a Perfume Challenge. The Perfume Challenge has happened before. Both Violet and Tristan being groomed for the Challenge. They both separately are set up to be challenged against renowned perfumer's in 3 different challenges. The loser is asked to leave the Estate and will forget most of what took place after their departure which is part of the Challenge. The contestants memory is deleted of what occurred. Violet and Tristan have developed a secret strong bond/friendship They both won their seperate challenge and left with having to compete against each other should they decide to stay. There's also a dark force who was a friend and co/author of a famous book of Violet's father. This is one of the reason they had to escape and hide since she was little.
To be continued. I'll look forward to the sequel and what happens to Violet and Tristan.
I received an e arc copy from the author

[LORNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of Dulac's previous novels in this series. I knew what to expect. Was I wrong! This novel was so different. We wandered dreamily through places, viewing flowers, but nothing ever seemed to happen as it had in the past. Then I realised: we were being given a totally different experience this time, and were made to think about it. I could smell the flowers too. Dulac had totally immersed me in her story, albeit in a very different way. I am still thinking about the story, days later.

[Di Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the Alchemist's Passage series by M.C. Dulac, so when the opportunity to read the first novel in her new series came up, I jumped at the chance. And I wasn't disappointed. Written in a similar vein to the Alchemist's Passage, the characters are intriguing and likeable, and the mystery is captivating. Definitely worth reading if you enjoy light fantasy mixed with a little bit of history. I received an eARC copy from the author, for which I'm most grateful.

[Pam Zentmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfumer’s Challenge is another great read by M. C. Dulac! This is the first in a new series and leaves you wanting more. In the same style as her Alchemists Series, M. C. has you wanting more. Mystery and intrigue are just the beginning. The wonders of perfume creation and science combined with rich characters and a touch of fantasy in the imagination those that have not been given all the details make this an enjoyable escape.
"I received an eARC copy from the author”

[Peg Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received Advanced Review Copy and delighted to be able to read early! I have so enjoyed reading M.C. Dulac's books and this yet again was a jewel!

The chapters kept me not only at suspense but anxious to continue to read with the many twists and turns having no idea where the author was delightfully holding my attention. Needless to say highly recommend this book and look forward to Book Two to follow Violet's story to continue in The Perfumer's Trials.

[Kelly Janne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!
True to this authors style, the word imagery was wonderful, the characters came to life and the mystery kept me interested and intrigued. I was immediately engaged from the first few pages and felt satisfied yet curious about what comes next as this series continues.
I received an eARC copy from the author.

[Andy Pryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

M. C. Dulac's book The Perfumer's Challenge reminds me of The Alchemist's Passage series. The characters are interesting and the story is full of mystery and suspense right to the end. I would recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received an eARC copy from the author for which I am grateful.