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An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #5
The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune
The Goonies meets Charade in the latest Accidental Alchemist Mystery
A blackmailer obsessed with gold. A boyfriend who’s more than he seems. And a treasure hidden on the Oregon coast.
Alchemist Zoe Faust’s mentor Nicolas Flamel is back in her life, but catching up with him will have to wait. An elusive blackmailer has threatened to expose a dangerous alchemical secret. Zoe’s boyfriend is out of town protecting secrets of his own. So when rumors of a treasure map reach Zoe, she turns her back on what sounds like no more than a game.
Zoe’s mischievous living gargoyle best friend Dorian, who thinks of himself as a modern-day Poirot, is convinced the map is real—and that it’s the key to proving himself as valuable to Zoe as her human family. With the help of the neighborhood teenagers, Dorian sets out to find the treasure, risking more than he planned in the process. Rumors, treasures, and secrets intersect to unearth more than Zoe could have dreamed—and could leave her family changed forever.
Can Zoe stop the threat to the family unit she’s created?
A blackmailer obsessed with gold. A boyfriend who’s more than he seems. And a treasure hidden on the Oregon coast.
Alchemist Zoe Faust’s mentor Nicolas Flamel is back in her life, but catching up with him will have to wait. An elusive blackmailer has threatened to expose a dangerous alchemical secret. Zoe’s boyfriend is out of town protecting secrets of his own. So when rumors of a treasure map reach Zoe, she turns her back on what sounds like no more than a game.
Zoe’s mischievous living gargoyle best friend Dorian, who thinks of himself as a modern-day Poirot, is convinced the map is real—and that it’s the key to proving himself as valuable to Zoe as her human family. With the help of the neighborhood teenagers, Dorian sets out to find the treasure, risking more than he planned in the process. Rumors, treasures, and secrets intersect to unearth more than Zoe could have dreamed—and could leave her family changed forever.
Can Zoe stop the threat to the family unit she’s created?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
137 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Pandian
50 books1,582 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 87 reviews
February 22, 2022
3.4 stars
September 3, 2022
Rating: 3.5
Another lovely addition to the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. However, a bit too much info dumping of what happened in previous books for my taste, and not enough Dorian. And the mystery was particularly bland - both of them. I did like Nicholas quite a bit. I'm looking forward to more of him and Dorian in the next book. I also expect things will get more interesting with more people knowing about Dorian.
Another lovely addition to the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. However, a bit too much info dumping of what happened in previous books for my taste, and not enough Dorian. And the mystery was particularly bland - both of them. I did like Nicholas quite a bit. I'm looking forward to more of him and Dorian in the next book. I also expect things will get more interesting with more people knowing about Dorian.
September 4, 2021
ARC Review. Mild spoilers.
Alchemist of Fire and Fortune is the fifth installment in the Accidental Alchemist series. Like its predecessors, the latest book keeps its readers on their toes. She strikes the perfect balance of suspense and progression. With every turning page, a new piece of the puzzle is revealed but each piece brings new questions that paint the bigger picture.
Gigi Advance Reader Copy review.
The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune is the fifth installment of the Accidental Alchemist series.
Like its predecessors, the latest edition strikes the perfect balance of pace and suspense. It keeps you on your toes without ever coming to a standstill. Yet, with close attention, you can race Dorian, the real-life Hercule Poirot, to the finish line.
Zoe rescued her lost family and is looking for a peaceful time. Dorian is having trouble sharing his best friend with people from her past. Max is in China visiting his family post his grandfather's death. Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are adjusting to life in the modern world after being rescued from their prison. All seemed to be going well until Perenelle receives a blackmail note. Dorian starts hunting for a treasure, and Max despite, returning from China, does not return home. The story that follows traces Zoe and Dorian's journey navigating their challenges.
The greatest strength of the Accidental Alchemist is - its characters. They are lively, realistic, and importantly- relatable. Dorian, the living Gargoyle, is as relatable as Zoe Faust, the 400-year-old alchemist.
While the strongly developed characters carry the story forward, Pandian's expert portrayal of Portland allows you to experience their world. Pandian's depiction of Portland goes beyond just the architecture and landscape. She paints an immersive picture indulging all the reader's senses - The distinctive smells, the food, the people, the weather, and the vegetation that Zoe loves more than anything else. We start to understand why Zoe decided to risk it all to make a home in the city.
There are many things to love in the Alchemist of Fire and Fortune, yet, there is one moment when I truly appreciated it. The scene comes about halfway through the book and has nothing to do with the story itself. It is, however, the most relatable moment of all. On page 169, Victoria, Brixton's friend says, "there’s no way either of our phones would fit in my front pocket without falling out. I don’t understand why Brixton’s clothes have pockets that are so much better than mine." As a woman forced to carry purses for no reason other than the absolute lack of practical pockets, the emphasis on them throughout the story made it all the more relatable. Perenelle gets them custom stitched into her gowns. Maybe I should follow her example and start opting for flowy clothes for the pockets they can accommodate.
All the good I have to say about the Alchemist of Fire and Fortune would be in vain for readers who have not caught up with the first four books. The series as a whole is worth every second spent with it. While no story is without its shortcoming, the Accidental Alchemist series does not ever disappoint.
Alchemist of Fire and Fortune is the fifth installment in the Accidental Alchemist series. Like its predecessors, the latest book keeps its readers on their toes. She strikes the perfect balance of suspense and progression. With every turning page, a new piece of the puzzle is revealed but each piece brings new questions that paint the bigger picture.
Gigi Advance Reader Copy review.
The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune is the fifth installment of the Accidental Alchemist series.
Like its predecessors, the latest edition strikes the perfect balance of pace and suspense. It keeps you on your toes without ever coming to a standstill. Yet, with close attention, you can race Dorian, the real-life Hercule Poirot, to the finish line.
Zoe rescued her lost family and is looking for a peaceful time. Dorian is having trouble sharing his best friend with people from her past. Max is in China visiting his family post his grandfather's death. Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are adjusting to life in the modern world after being rescued from their prison. All seemed to be going well until Perenelle receives a blackmail note. Dorian starts hunting for a treasure, and Max despite, returning from China, does not return home. The story that follows traces Zoe and Dorian's journey navigating their challenges.
The greatest strength of the Accidental Alchemist is - its characters. They are lively, realistic, and importantly- relatable. Dorian, the living Gargoyle, is as relatable as Zoe Faust, the 400-year-old alchemist.
While the strongly developed characters carry the story forward, Pandian's expert portrayal of Portland allows you to experience their world. Pandian's depiction of Portland goes beyond just the architecture and landscape. She paints an immersive picture indulging all the reader's senses - The distinctive smells, the food, the people, the weather, and the vegetation that Zoe loves more than anything else. We start to understand why Zoe decided to risk it all to make a home in the city.
There are many things to love in the Alchemist of Fire and Fortune, yet, there is one moment when I truly appreciated it. The scene comes about halfway through the book and has nothing to do with the story itself. It is, however, the most relatable moment of all. On page 169, Victoria, Brixton's friend says, "there’s no way either of our phones would fit in my front pocket without falling out. I don’t understand why Brixton’s clothes have pockets that are so much better than mine." As a woman forced to carry purses for no reason other than the absolute lack of practical pockets, the emphasis on them throughout the story made it all the more relatable. Perenelle gets them custom stitched into her gowns. Maybe I should follow her example and start opting for flowy clothes for the pockets they can accommodate.
All the good I have to say about the Alchemist of Fire and Fortune would be in vain for readers who have not caught up with the first four books. The series as a whole is worth every second spent with it. While no story is without its shortcoming, the Accidental Alchemist series does not ever disappoint.
September 27, 2022
I love listening to this series and all of the characters. I rated this one a 3 because the author repeats the same portions back story several times. I understand why and sometimes the refreshers are helpful but it seems like certain parts get repeated over and over, it’s just not necessary. Instead I think we could have learned more about the newer characters.
September 1, 2021
More shenanigans in Portland with Zoe and co. (4.5 stars)
The latest book in the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries series pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me curious and interested all the way thru. The bits of recap thru the book to remind readers about elements from the previous books were helpful although I'd suggest if you have the time to re-read the entire series or The Alchemist's Illusion at the very least before delving in to The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune, to do so in order to have plot threads that carry over between books fresh in mind. Having read all the other books previousy (but none recently) I did have some questions while reading this book that the recaps didn't answer for me so it was a minor distraction more than anything else. This series is an ideal one to binge read and more so if you have snacks and a good cup of tea handy because the numerous scenes and conversations that revolve around food and cooking are bound to whet your appetite if the recipes at the end of each book don't do it for you.
The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune brings back many familiar faces and adds some new ones; if there are additional books set to continue this series (and the ending does that leave possibility on the table while not leaving the reader hanging) I'll happily read them all. It's a fun series with plenty of humor, adventure and intrigue to add to the mystery element. I read the book quickly thanks in part to the chapter endings that enticed me to keep reading rather than putting the book down for the day. I was invested in the story and characters, never solving the mysteries before their reveals; the plot twists and turns kept me guessing and surprised me more than once.
If you like reading about good food and want to see the numerous applications there are for alchemy enacted while solving a mystery and visiting a bunch of Portland sights along the way this is a book to read as part of the series since it's not written as a standalone story. It is the kind of series that's good for binge reading and sinking into for a few days or longer. Even if you're not a fan of mysteries it's a great story to lose yourself in for the characters and their shenanigans. I look forward to reading more by Gigi Pandian in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The latest book in the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries series pulled me in from the first chapter and kept me curious and interested all the way thru. The bits of recap thru the book to remind readers about elements from the previous books were helpful although I'd suggest if you have the time to re-read the entire series or The Alchemist's Illusion at the very least before delving in to The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune, to do so in order to have plot threads that carry over between books fresh in mind. Having read all the other books previousy (but none recently) I did have some questions while reading this book that the recaps didn't answer for me so it was a minor distraction more than anything else. This series is an ideal one to binge read and more so if you have snacks and a good cup of tea handy because the numerous scenes and conversations that revolve around food and cooking are bound to whet your appetite if the recipes at the end of each book don't do it for you.
The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune brings back many familiar faces and adds some new ones; if there are additional books set to continue this series (and the ending does that leave possibility on the table while not leaving the reader hanging) I'll happily read them all. It's a fun series with plenty of humor, adventure and intrigue to add to the mystery element. I read the book quickly thanks in part to the chapter endings that enticed me to keep reading rather than putting the book down for the day. I was invested in the story and characters, never solving the mysteries before their reveals; the plot twists and turns kept me guessing and surprised me more than once.
If you like reading about good food and want to see the numerous applications there are for alchemy enacted while solving a mystery and visiting a bunch of Portland sights along the way this is a book to read as part of the series since it's not written as a standalone story. It is the kind of series that's good for binge reading and sinking into for a few days or longer. Even if you're not a fan of mysteries it's a great story to lose yourself in for the characters and their shenanigans. I look forward to reading more by Gigi Pandian in the future.
I received an advance reading copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2021
The Accidental Alchemist novels are a unique mystery series. They are anything but traditional, simply by virtue of their main characters. Zoe is an alchemist who has lived for 300+ years but stopped aging at 28. Her husband-and-wife mentors, Nicolas and Perenelle, were born in the 1300s and are recuperating from a recent imprisonment for their "crimes." Dorian is a gargoyle who was carved of stone, gifted to a magician when it was decided he was too small for Notre Dame cathedral, and given life through the dangerous reverse-alchemy procedure. He lives with Zoe and is a talented (and egotistical) French chef who also "fancies himself a modern-day Poirot." What mystery lover can resist a premise like that?
It is the characters who make the books irresistible, and the fifth in the series is no exception. But the mystery plot is also engaging. Perinelle is being blackmailed, and the blackmailer has demanded pieces of gold--has someone seen her performing alchemy at the artists' studio where she rents space? At the same time, Dorian's teenage friend Brixton and his buddies have found what they believe to be a pirate's treasure map and have enlisted Dorian's help in finding the treasure.
What I particularly appreciate about the book is that Zoe describes alchemy as more than creating gold, which makes it easier for readers to accept. It can also involve transforming plants, cooking, art, and inventions into something magical.
It is the characters who make the books irresistible, and the fifth in the series is no exception. But the mystery plot is also engaging. Perinelle is being blackmailed, and the blackmailer has demanded pieces of gold--has someone seen her performing alchemy at the artists' studio where she rents space? At the same time, Dorian's teenage friend Brixton and his buddies have found what they believe to be a pirate's treasure map and have enlisted Dorian's help in finding the treasure.
What I particularly appreciate about the book is that Zoe describes alchemy as more than creating gold, which makes it easier for readers to accept. It can also involve transforming plants, cooking, art, and inventions into something magical.
September 10, 2021
This was a wonderful installment in Zoe an Dorian's adventures! The story pulled me in from the start and the twist at the end was a great surprise. I enjoyed the alternating story lines and look forward to seeing how their story continues. This is such a fun series to dive in to!
October 11, 2023
So fortunate to have been given an ARC. Not sure I could have waited till October. If you’ve read the rest of the series, pre-order or get on your library’s waitlist. If you haven’t read the previous entries in the series, savor them first; these should be read in order.
**SPOILER ALERT
Zoe Faust is an alchemist with over 300 years’ experience transforming plants. Despite her age, the people she considers parental figures, Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel, have just moved in with her (after she saved them in the last book). Oh, and her friend, Dorian, also an alchemist but whose specialty is food transformation, lives there, too, hiding from the public but making clandestine forays into the world to (what else?) bake sumptuous baked goods for the local tea shop. So...all’s normal in Portland.
Brixton, Veronica, and Ethan become embroiled in a treasure hunt that seems to run parallel to a blackmailing scheme being pulled on Perenelle. Meanwhile, Dorian is feeling pushed aside with Perenelle and Nicholas returning to Zoe’s life, but Max went to China for his grandfather’s funeral and seems to be hiding something from Zoe. Classic misdirects lead to misunderstandings that could lead to more danger for Zoe and her pals if they don’t sharpen their wits and keep what Dorian would call their little grey cells in top shape. We’ve all felt what Zoe and Perenelle feel when they make decisions based on preconceptions that turn out to cost them valuable time when solving the mystery.
Obviously the characters of Perenelle and Nicholas are developed herein, but Dorian, Brixton, and Max make strides in their own rights.
Dorian’s read so many detective novels, surely this tripwire would have set off red flags for him:
‘“Zut!” Dorian cried as he tripped over something blocking his path. A string? What an odd place for such a thing. He spread out his wings to steady himself.’ (p.315)
This quote is so Dorian. He’s definitely one who expects compliments, but unlike egotists, he actually deserves them. Wouldn’t we all love a seat at his table, if for just one meal?
‘Dorian blinked back at him. “I am not generally one to shy away from accepting deserved accolades, but I must confess you have me at a disadvantage.”’ (p.340)
“Dorian savored a challenge, be it using his little gray cells to catch a criminal or unraveling a culinary mystery.” (p.95)
I received an advance copy from the publisher for review purposes.
**SPOILER ALERT
Zoe Faust is an alchemist with over 300 years’ experience transforming plants. Despite her age, the people she considers parental figures, Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel, have just moved in with her (after she saved them in the last book). Oh, and her friend, Dorian, also an alchemist but whose specialty is food transformation, lives there, too, hiding from the public but making clandestine forays into the world to (what else?) bake sumptuous baked goods for the local tea shop. So...all’s normal in Portland.
Brixton, Veronica, and Ethan become embroiled in a treasure hunt that seems to run parallel to a blackmailing scheme being pulled on Perenelle. Meanwhile, Dorian is feeling pushed aside with Perenelle and Nicholas returning to Zoe’s life, but Max went to China for his grandfather’s funeral and seems to be hiding something from Zoe. Classic misdirects lead to misunderstandings that could lead to more danger for Zoe and her pals if they don’t sharpen their wits and keep what Dorian would call their little grey cells in top shape. We’ve all felt what Zoe and Perenelle feel when they make decisions based on preconceptions that turn out to cost them valuable time when solving the mystery.
Obviously the characters of Perenelle and Nicholas are developed herein, but Dorian, Brixton, and Max make strides in their own rights.
Dorian’s read so many detective novels, surely this tripwire would have set off red flags for him:
‘“Zut!” Dorian cried as he tripped over something blocking his path. A string? What an odd place for such a thing. He spread out his wings to steady himself.’ (p.315)
This quote is so Dorian. He’s definitely one who expects compliments, but unlike egotists, he actually deserves them. Wouldn’t we all love a seat at his table, if for just one meal?
‘Dorian blinked back at him. “I am not generally one to shy away from accepting deserved accolades, but I must confess you have me at a disadvantage.”’ (p.340)
“Dorian savored a challenge, be it using his little gray cells to catch a criminal or unraveling a culinary mystery.” (p.95)
I received an advance copy from the publisher for review purposes.
September 2, 2021
Once again Ms. Pandian has invited us into her version of Portland with its unique inhabitants.
There is the question of where her boyfriend is? Still in China or...not?
Is it safe to add more people in the network of those who know who she (they) really is(are)?
Are the Flamels OK?
I loved it all. My only disappointment is that because I was lucky enough to get an ARC, there were no recipes yet.
Anything she publishes, I love.
There is the question of where her boyfriend is? Still in China or...not?
Is it safe to add more people in the network of those who know who she (they) really is(are)?
Are the Flamels OK?
I loved it all. My only disappointment is that because I was lucky enough to get an ARC, there were no recipes yet.
Anything she publishes, I love.
August 24, 2021
The latest book in The Accidental Alchemist series doesn't disappoint! While Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are staying with Zoe to recover from their rescue earlier in the series, Zoe's boyfriend Max is in China for his grandfather's funeral and Dorian works to protect his privacy, things seem to be fine. Dorian continues to bake for the café, Zoe's antique business is doing well and she speaks with Max every day. Then a gold theft, blackmail and buried treasure have Zoe and her friends at cross purposes trying to investigate different mysteries. If you're already a fan, keep on reading; if not, the there's time to catch up on the earlier books before this one comes out in October!
April 17, 2022
The last book in The Accidental Alchemist series will not disappoint! While Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel are staying with Zoe to recover from their rescue earlier in the series, Zoe's boyfriend Max is in China for his grandfather's funeral and Dorian works to protect his privacy, things seem to be fine, but the kids walked in and found Dorian.
Dorian continues to bake for the café, Zoe's antique business is doing well and she speaks with Max every day. Then a gold theft, blackmail and buried treasure have Zoe and her friends at crossroads trying to investigate different mysteries, of the blackmail, kids running away to find the treasure, but keep reading it gets better.
Dorian continues to bake for the café, Zoe's antique business is doing well and she speaks with Max every day. Then a gold theft, blackmail and buried treasure have Zoe and her friends at crossroads trying to investigate different mysteries, of the blackmail, kids running away to find the treasure, but keep reading it gets better.
March 29, 2022
I love this series, but talk about hard to summarize! Zoe is an ages-old alchemist whose best friend is a living gargoyle whose life she saved. But he is jealous of her new/old friends, her alchemist mentor and his wife, whom she recently saved from an evil wizard, and who are living with her while they regain their strength. So when a treasure map comes to his attention, he shares it with the neighborhood teenagers, not Zoe. She, meanwhile, is trying to identify a blackmailer who mistakenly things that it's easy for alchemists to make gold (note: it isn't). Zoe is also worried about her policeman-boyfriend, who went to China for his grandfather's funeral, and has never called her when he got back.
September 28, 2021
Alchemist of Fire and Fortune is book #5 in the Accidental Alchemist series. I have to say....I LOVE these stories. On the list of cozy mysteries, these stories make you feel for the characters SO quickly that you're deeply invested in what they are doing. Zoe is fun and makes you feel like you could be her. Dorian is, well, easily better than any "pet" or roommate. The addition of culinary prowess to the stories just makes you hungry for more. It's so hard to review this without giving anything away other than - PICK them up if you haven't already. The entire series is worth it, even in re-reads.
September 26, 2021
If you are a fan of the Accident Alchemist Mysteries, you will really enjoy this book. There are lots of new characters to get to know including Nicholas and Perenelle from the last book in the series. I was very excited to read an advanced copy. As always, we find Dorian and Brixton getting themselves in all kinds of trouble and Zoe and Max are on hand to save the day. My love for all the characters in this series is what entranced me while reading this book, and the author did not disappoint. We get to know more about Zoe’s ever increasing “family”. I did at times find the story was not as compelling as the previous books but since it is always more about the characters, I found it not too disappointing. As a fan of Gigi Pandian, this is a must read as it once again takes us to a fantastic world of alchemy and the most lovable gargoyle ever created.
October 1, 2021
Please Note: I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.
Gigi Pandian is the author who got me excited about reading mystery novels! There are so many things to love about this series. There's the hip Portland, Oregon setting filled with wonderful characters. There's the twisty mystery that doesn't involve murder. And there's the infusion of gourmet vegan cooking, and fantasy in the form of Dorian, a living gargoyle. All of this makes for a fun reading experience, and will keep me looking forward to each installment of this series.
Please read my complete review on my blog www.ponderingtheprose.blogspot.com
Gigi Pandian is the author who got me excited about reading mystery novels! There are so many things to love about this series. There's the hip Portland, Oregon setting filled with wonderful characters. There's the twisty mystery that doesn't involve murder. And there's the infusion of gourmet vegan cooking, and fantasy in the form of Dorian, a living gargoyle. All of this makes for a fun reading experience, and will keep me looking forward to each installment of this series.
Please read my complete review on my blog www.ponderingtheprose.blogspot.com
September 23, 2021
ARC-Review
The fifth instalment of the Accidental Alchemist is a
fantastic addition to this quirky,unique series.Featuring centuries old alchemists,a talking gargoyle,hidden treasure ,blackmail and references to Scooby Doo and the Goonies!Recommended!
The fifth instalment of the Accidental Alchemist is a
fantastic addition to this quirky,unique series.Featuring centuries old alchemists,a talking gargoyle,hidden treasure ,blackmail and references to Scooby Doo and the Goonies!Recommended!
September 15, 2021
I read an advanced reading copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. Another great addition to the Accidental Alchemist series. With some good changes in the lives of Zoe, Dorian, Nicloas and Perenelle and a mystery involving a missing treasure of gold from the Oregon gold rush days.
Highly recommend this book and the series. A very Portland setting, with Zoe at the heart of the characters. Second would be Dorian, a gargoyle who is a French chef and the character that drew my attention with the first book.
I look forward to their further adventures. Thank you, Gigi Pandian for the advanced reading copy.
Highly recommend this book and the series. A very Portland setting, with Zoe at the heart of the characters. Second would be Dorian, a gargoyle who is a French chef and the character that drew my attention with the first book.
I look forward to their further adventures. Thank you, Gigi Pandian for the advanced reading copy.
September 5, 2021
ARC review: Another great adventure in the Accidental Alchemist series by Gigi Pandian. If you like "cozy" mysteries this series is for you. Enjoyable to read, a mystery with a few twists, and wonderful characters. There is an underlying story line throughout the series so it's best to read them in order.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
February 11, 2024
Dorian the gargoyle has gotten annoying. He thinks the Flamels will take over his place in Zoe's life... and Zoe is not paying attention to him, so he'll just have-to-do-it-himself. Too much catastrophizing and not enough plot... The Max twist is interesting but it takes 90% of the book to get there!
October 7, 2021
(I received an ARC of this book but that in no way influences my review.) I have been a longtime fan of Gigi Pandian's since I stumbled across the first Accidental Alchemist novel, and this Zoe & Dorian adventure was one of my favorites! Or maybe I should say adventures, because unlike when Zoe and her gargoyle best friend are solving a crime together, they are on distinctly different paths in "The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune."
Life has been rough for all of us these last months (pandemic, politics, the list of disasters is endless) and I value a great escape more than ever. I enjoyed my reading times I set aside on several weekends to read this book, it was my treat. If you're looking for an escapist adventure that's well-written and doesn't insult your intelligence like a lot of urban fantasy, any of Pandian's novels will be perfect for you. I think you could start here, but you'll be happy if you start with book one, just because they're all such original, fun mysteries.
But back to this book! It's not much of a spoiler to say they aren't communicating well at all when the events of this novel begin. Zoe is concerned with the health and well-being of her foster parents, the Flamels, and Dorian is behaving rather badly in my opinion. He's too jealous of Zoe’s attentions by half, and I was a little surprised by the depth of his resentment. But I tried to put myself in Dorian's, um, claws. He basically was alone for decades before Zoe, so he doesn't deal well sharing her with others, be it her unreliable boyfriend Max or the Flamels, but especially Pernelle, the wife of the alchemist duo.
Dorian now fancies himself the next Agatha Christie and he's no longer content to emulate Poirot but he wants to be both Poirot (detective) and Christie (mystery writer extraordinaire). His path involves a treasure hunt with teenagers Brixton and pals. Mostly I found their antics hysterical, though Dorian needs to learn not to encourage 15 year olds to "borrow" a family car without permission for a trip down the coast.
Meanwhile, Zoe is attempting to discover who's blackmailing Pernelle and who robbed a local history museum of its gold nuggets. I want to avoid spoilers, but I enjoyed learning more about the 19th century gold rush in the Pacific Northwest and about Zoe’s relationships with the Flamels.
My only concern is about Max, who I previously liked well enough, but now I'm sharing Dorian's opinion. His behavior is atrocious in this novel and Zoe is way too forgiving. For a woman who's lived over 300 years, I expected her to be better at self-care. Self-worth? On the other hand, maybe being alone for most of that time as made her more tolerant of anyone who will accept her as she is and as what she is. I think I empathize too much as a reader, and might lack the distance needed to be a good reviewer. Zoe’s not my friend but a fascinating, fantastical character in a series of books I love. However we all have a girlfriend or sister with a man we'd wish they'd dump, and I found it the only negative distraction.
This book was a fun read, even for someone who hated the movie "Goonies" so much so that I walked out of the movie theater when I was 15 or so. So if you feel like me, don't let comparisons to Goonies throw you off Pandian's great novel. It's more a combination of urban fantasy and cozy mystery (since there aren't any gruesome murders or trips to the morgue, which I personally have had enough of). And lastly, as a lifelong vegetarian attempting to go vegan, I love Dorian's cooking and recipes! So there's much to enjoy in "The Alchemist of Fire & Fortune!"
Life has been rough for all of us these last months (pandemic, politics, the list of disasters is endless) and I value a great escape more than ever. I enjoyed my reading times I set aside on several weekends to read this book, it was my treat. If you're looking for an escapist adventure that's well-written and doesn't insult your intelligence like a lot of urban fantasy, any of Pandian's novels will be perfect for you. I think you could start here, but you'll be happy if you start with book one, just because they're all such original, fun mysteries.
But back to this book! It's not much of a spoiler to say they aren't communicating well at all when the events of this novel begin. Zoe is concerned with the health and well-being of her foster parents, the Flamels, and Dorian is behaving rather badly in my opinion. He's too jealous of Zoe’s attentions by half, and I was a little surprised by the depth of his resentment. But I tried to put myself in Dorian's, um, claws. He basically was alone for decades before Zoe, so he doesn't deal well sharing her with others, be it her unreliable boyfriend Max or the Flamels, but especially Pernelle, the wife of the alchemist duo.
Dorian now fancies himself the next Agatha Christie and he's no longer content to emulate Poirot but he wants to be both Poirot (detective) and Christie (mystery writer extraordinaire). His path involves a treasure hunt with teenagers Brixton and pals. Mostly I found their antics hysterical, though Dorian needs to learn not to encourage 15 year olds to "borrow" a family car without permission for a trip down the coast.
Meanwhile, Zoe is attempting to discover who's blackmailing Pernelle and who robbed a local history museum of its gold nuggets. I want to avoid spoilers, but I enjoyed learning more about the 19th century gold rush in the Pacific Northwest and about Zoe’s relationships with the Flamels.
My only concern is about Max, who I previously liked well enough, but now I'm sharing Dorian's opinion. His behavior is atrocious in this novel and Zoe is way too forgiving. For a woman who's lived over 300 years, I expected her to be better at self-care. Self-worth? On the other hand, maybe being alone for most of that time as made her more tolerant of anyone who will accept her as she is and as what she is. I think I empathize too much as a reader, and might lack the distance needed to be a good reviewer. Zoe’s not my friend but a fascinating, fantastical character in a series of books I love. However we all have a girlfriend or sister with a man we'd wish they'd dump, and I found it the only negative distraction.
This book was a fun read, even for someone who hated the movie "Goonies" so much so that I walked out of the movie theater when I was 15 or so. So if you feel like me, don't let comparisons to Goonies throw you off Pandian's great novel. It's more a combination of urban fantasy and cozy mystery (since there aren't any gruesome murders or trips to the morgue, which I personally have had enough of). And lastly, as a lifelong vegetarian attempting to go vegan, I love Dorian's cooking and recipes! So there's much to enjoy in "The Alchemist of Fire & Fortune!"
October 3, 2021
The Accidental Alchemist is one of my favorite series and I was very happy to be able to read an arc of the new installment.
The mix of different genres (cozy mystery, adventure, urban fantasy, YA, a pinch of romance) works very well and it creates a highly entertaining and gripping novel that kept me turning pages.
Zoe, Dorian and the gang are back at their best. We get to know more about Pernelle and Nicolas Flamel and we wonder what's happening to Max.
The plot is full of twists and turns and the last twists were totally unexpected and brought the book to a very satisfying end.
It's a mystery with no murder but two apparent subplots that will be joined at certain point leaving anything lose or unanswered.
The paranormal aspects plays an important role: Zoe is an alchemist of discovered the Elixir of Life and she’s older than 300 years even if she looks a twenty something, Nicolas and Pernell Flamel are the legendary alchemists who are adapting to life in XXI century, Dorian is a Notre Dame gargoyle brought to life but an experiment of a type of forbidden alchemy.
There’s a strong element of paranormal but they all also live a normal life and the author excels at mixing their secret aspects with everyday life.
I loved every moment of this story and can't wait to read another one.
Even if it could be enjoyed as a stand alone I advice to read the previous novels in order to appreciate the details and the characters.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Gigi Pandian for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The mix of different genres (cozy mystery, adventure, urban fantasy, YA, a pinch of romance) works very well and it creates a highly entertaining and gripping novel that kept me turning pages.
Zoe, Dorian and the gang are back at their best. We get to know more about Pernelle and Nicolas Flamel and we wonder what's happening to Max.
The plot is full of twists and turns and the last twists were totally unexpected and brought the book to a very satisfying end.
It's a mystery with no murder but two apparent subplots that will be joined at certain point leaving anything lose or unanswered.
The paranormal aspects plays an important role: Zoe is an alchemist of discovered the Elixir of Life and she’s older than 300 years even if she looks a twenty something, Nicolas and Pernell Flamel are the legendary alchemists who are adapting to life in XXI century, Dorian is a Notre Dame gargoyle brought to life but an experiment of a type of forbidden alchemy.
There’s a strong element of paranormal but they all also live a normal life and the author excels at mixing their secret aspects with everyday life.
I loved every moment of this story and can't wait to read another one.
Even if it could be enjoyed as a stand alone I advice to read the previous novels in order to appreciate the details and the characters.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Gigi Pandian for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 19, 2021
THE ALCHEMIST OF FIRE & FORTUNE by Gigi Pandian
The Fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery
Tensions are running high in Zoe Faust's household. Nicolas Flamel is having difficulty recovering from his ordeal and his wife Perenelle is making disparaging remarks about Dorian. Dorian, meanwhile, is jealous of the Flamels, believing they are usurping his place and friendship with Zoe. Max has become distant...and not just in the miles separating him from Zoe as he attends his grandfather's funeral in China. If those feelings weren't combustible enough, blackmail, a treasure hunt, and misperceptions set the fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery ablaze.
Some people wonder if murder is necessary in a mystery. The fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery proves that it is not. Indeed that would be a resounding "No!". A mystery is a mystery-and here we have a few, the robbery, the blackmail, the treasure hunt, and Max's mysterious behavior. Each are compelling with plenty of action and excitement, just no dead bodies.
I love Dorian. He's wonderful and I absolutely felt for him and understood his feelings of being left out and perhaps replaced. I've been there. With that in mind I was not very happy with Madame Flamel. I believe more than one outraged gasp emerged from my mouth. Zoe and Dorian seem to be on two separate paths at on the onset, but the paths they follow soon become entangled as their mysteries converge.
Cleverly plotted with twists, turns, and wonderful characters THE ALCHEMIST OF FIRE & FORTUNE is a mystery of misperception that you won't want to miss.
The Fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery
Tensions are running high in Zoe Faust's household. Nicolas Flamel is having difficulty recovering from his ordeal and his wife Perenelle is making disparaging remarks about Dorian. Dorian, meanwhile, is jealous of the Flamels, believing they are usurping his place and friendship with Zoe. Max has become distant...and not just in the miles separating him from Zoe as he attends his grandfather's funeral in China. If those feelings weren't combustible enough, blackmail, a treasure hunt, and misperceptions set the fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery ablaze.
Some people wonder if murder is necessary in a mystery. The fifth Accidental Alchemist Mystery proves that it is not. Indeed that would be a resounding "No!". A mystery is a mystery-and here we have a few, the robbery, the blackmail, the treasure hunt, and Max's mysterious behavior. Each are compelling with plenty of action and excitement, just no dead bodies.
I love Dorian. He's wonderful and I absolutely felt for him and understood his feelings of being left out and perhaps replaced. I've been there. With that in mind I was not very happy with Madame Flamel. I believe more than one outraged gasp emerged from my mouth. Zoe and Dorian seem to be on two separate paths at on the onset, but the paths they follow soon become entangled as their mysteries converge.
Cleverly plotted with twists, turns, and wonderful characters THE ALCHEMIST OF FIRE & FORTUNE is a mystery of misperception that you won't want to miss.
October 9, 2021
Ah, these characters are getting more interesting with every book. Gigi Pandian has taken us on another exciting romp through Portland (with a side trip to Astoria). It is hard to believe she doesn't live in the Pacific Northwest because she nails our culture and the feel of our town. Zoe, the botanical alchemist and her best friend Dorian, the culinary alchemist gargoyle find themselves in another page turning mystery or three with a familiar cast of characters ranging from a troupe of adventure loving teens, a community of artists, the microbrew cracking Flamels and one fine police officer. What I really enjoy about this read is the way Gigi redefines and expands genre. This book is a cozy without the prerequisite murder, a treasure hunt without the cliché ending, a YA novel without stereotypical teens, and a supernatural fantasy without magic. She removes the template and finds something much more interesting with much more flavor. Speaking of flavor, Dorian's skills in the kitchen provide a feast for the senses with very-Portland homemade meals that speak to nurturing both mind and body while Zoe treats us with tea recipes that center the characters as well as the readers. I have read all 5 Accidental Alchemist mysteries and this one is my favorite, they just keep getting better. This is my first ARC, thanks to Gigi for the honor.
December 20, 2021
Love Scooby Doo? Love Elizabeth Peters's Amelia Peabody series? What about The Goonies? Any of the above, this book is for you! You can read this alone, or start at the beginning of the series.
This is book five — and it’s as good as any of the others, with a twist. For the first time that I can remember we pop out of Zoe’s first-person point of view, and pick up a third person POV that follows Dorian (gargoyle) and a band of his teenaged friends. The book is terrifically fun, with a nod to Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody series and a regular connection to Scooby Doo (I’ve always seen the similarities between the two, so to have this called out directly was both validation and total fun). One of the teens calls Dorian “Scooby,” and the team sees their connection to each of the human characters from Scooby, as they set about trying to follow a treasure map to the Oregon Coast with yet another direct nod, this time to the Goonies. At the same time, Zoe is trying to figure out who stole a treasure from a Portland museum and left a man in a coma, at the same time saving the people she calls family. Two treasures, one cast of characters — expect what you will and enjoy the journey. I sure did!
This is book five — and it’s as good as any of the others, with a twist. For the first time that I can remember we pop out of Zoe’s first-person point of view, and pick up a third person POV that follows Dorian (gargoyle) and a band of his teenaged friends. The book is terrifically fun, with a nod to Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody series and a regular connection to Scooby Doo (I’ve always seen the similarities between the two, so to have this called out directly was both validation and total fun). One of the teens calls Dorian “Scooby,” and the team sees their connection to each of the human characters from Scooby, as they set about trying to follow a treasure map to the Oregon Coast with yet another direct nod, this time to the Goonies. At the same time, Zoe is trying to figure out who stole a treasure from a Portland museum and left a man in a coma, at the same time saving the people she calls family. Two treasures, one cast of characters — expect what you will and enjoy the journey. I sure did!
January 1, 2024
With the return of her mentors, the Flamels, after 200 years trapped in an interdimensional prison, Zoe Faust, the accidental alchemist, is trying hard to accommodate the needs of all those in her life. Her roommate and best friend, Dorien is a Parisian gargoyle originally designed for notredam cathedral and accidentally brought to life by backwards alchemy. Her copper boyfriend, Max, is struggling with coming to terms with alchemy and the fact that Zoe is rather older than she appears (by several hundred years). The local kids, Brixton, Veronica and co have discovered Dorien’s secret and therefore Zoe’s - can this bunch of giddy teenagers be trusted? To top it all some gold have been stolen from a local museum and someone is trying to blackmail Madame Flamel, oh and Dorien and the kids find a treasure map that isn’t all it seems.
More lighthearted mystery and adventure from Gigi Pandian. I just fall in love with these characters more with every book. I can’t recommend them enough!
January 1, 2022
Gigi has done it again! I am horribly impatient while waiting for any of her books, but the Accidental Alchemist series with Zoe and Dorian, her gargoyle side-kick, is my absolute favorite.
Now that Zoe has found her mentors/pseudo-step-parents, she is trying to help them catch up to life in the 21st century while helping Nicolas heal from the injuries he received from their years of imprisonment at the hands of a Backward Alchemist. Things seem to be going well until someone starts blackmailing her "stepmother" Parenelle, insisting that she pay the blackmailer with gold stolen from a local privately owned museum. Since Parenelle is also an alchemist, the demand seems to mean that she should provide the gold by making it.
Between hunting for the blackmailer, trying to heal Nicolas, and worrying about her boyfriend Max, who is supposed to be in China, but, is he??
And what is Dorian thinking, involving 3 teenagers in a treasure hunt?
Life is becoming way, way too interesting, and crazy.
Now that Zoe has found her mentors/pseudo-step-parents, she is trying to help them catch up to life in the 21st century while helping Nicolas heal from the injuries he received from their years of imprisonment at the hands of a Backward Alchemist. Things seem to be going well until someone starts blackmailing her "stepmother" Parenelle, insisting that she pay the blackmailer with gold stolen from a local privately owned museum. Since Parenelle is also an alchemist, the demand seems to mean that she should provide the gold by making it.
Between hunting for the blackmailer, trying to heal Nicolas, and worrying about her boyfriend Max, who is supposed to be in China, but, is he??
And what is Dorian thinking, involving 3 teenagers in a treasure hunt?
Life is becoming way, way too interesting, and crazy.
April 6, 2022
This is not an unbiased review. I adore reading all of the different imaginative books by this author, and it is a real bonus not to have to skim erotica (never been into voyeurism) or dodge TV language (unimaginative). The centuries old friends who have adapted to 21st century life have come up against a formidable foe with more greed than Midas himself. Modern teenagers meet and learn part of the group's secrets and are positively blown away. The publisher's blurb is a decent hook, and no spoilers here.
All the characters are interesting, but the ongoing ones are such a lot of fun!
Julia Motyka is a great voice actor and gives voice to all of the characters.
Suspend disbelief and just enjoy!
All the characters are interesting, but the ongoing ones are such a lot of fun!
Julia Motyka is a great voice actor and gives voice to all of the characters.
Suspend disbelief and just enjoy!
March 28, 2024
This was a dud for me. I've been marginally interested in this series but have been reading them as they were a gift to me. So much filler that I just skimmed through all but the ending. I hated the every other chapter focusing on a different story, and bringing in all the extra kids that think nothing of letting a mythical creature direct their activities puts it over the edge. I like SyFi, but it needs to make sense. Nothing about this book did. Still curious about the dropped paint brush. I assumed it contained a tracking device or microphone, but didn't hear anything about it again...maybe I missed it in my skimming through. One more book to go...Lord, give me strength.
August 2, 2025
Again. I love Dorian. However, I don't know that he is enough to keep me plodding through after my last prepurchase. I think the alchemy part is a prop and not a very good one. Again, the author has such as possibility to build an extraordinary world, but a lot of the mention of alchemy is secondary. I also get this is more to do with "investigating" and mysteries, but the deductions seem a bit, far fetched. This time the culprit was easy to spot, even at the beginning. Pandian is trying to hard for the mystery aspect in this one.
October 5, 2021
I love this entire series, and this latest installment did not disappoint!
A gargoyle, who doubles as a vegan, gourmet chef. A Chinese boyfriend - or not - who is investigating his own ties with the alchemical world. Pirate's gold ready to be claimed, if you can find it! Add Nicholas Flammel, alchemist extraordinaire, and his artist wife to the mix, and you have a great story!
It is a magical series, and I have enjoyed every minute!
A gargoyle, who doubles as a vegan, gourmet chef. A Chinese boyfriend - or not - who is investigating his own ties with the alchemical world. Pirate's gold ready to be claimed, if you can find it! Add Nicholas Flammel, alchemist extraordinaire, and his artist wife to the mix, and you have a great story!
It is a magical series, and I have enjoyed every minute!
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