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Accidental Alchemist Mystery #1-3

The Accidental Alchemist Mysteries Box Set: Books 1-3

Zoe thought she left her old life behind, but a gargoyle in need of her alchemy skills has other plans.

In this enchanting cozy fantasy mystery series, alchemist Zoe Faust moves to Portland for a fresh start, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a living gargoyle hidden in her belongings. Dorian–the impish gargoyle who’s also a talented chef with a knack for solving mysteries–is slowly turning to stone, and only Zoe's knowledge of alchemy can save him.

As Zoe races against time to unlock the secrets of a mysterious ancient book that holds the key to her unexpected new friend’s cure, the two find themselves drawn into a web of secrets, murder, and magic. From their local neighborhood café in of Portland, Oregon, to the underground alleys of Paris, France, they must unravel a series of baffling mysteries and confront dangerous foes who threaten to derail their quest at every turn. But with the help of a quirky cast of characters who become the family she never knew she needed, Zoe discovers the true magic in her new home.

Filled with heart and humor the Accidental Alchemist series weaves together the best elements of cozy fantasy and mystery. Join USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian's unforgettable characters on a thrilling journey of magic, mystery, and friendship that will leave you enchanted and eager for more.

The first three books in the long-running series are included in this box The Accidental Alchemist, The Masquerading Magician, and The Elusive Elixir.

"Filled with magic, intrigue, and humor, this series is sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries and urban fantasy."―Bookriot

"Zoe and Dorian are my new favorite amateur-sleuth duo!" ―New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie

"Mysterious, captivating, and infused with the rich history of the Northwest...fantastic." ―Portland Book Review

“A supernatural cozy series that hits high marks for a modern twist on an ancient practice." ―Library Journal

"[A]n eccentric and charming cast of characters readers are going to want to spend more time with." ―RT Book Reviews

"Gigi Pandian's pen never disappoints." ―New York Times bestselling author Juliet Blackwell

768 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2021

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About the author

Gigi Pandian

51 books1,685 followers
Gigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling mystery author, locked-room mystery enthusiast, and fan of exploring ruined castles in the rain. She’s won Agatha, Anthony, Lefty, and Derringer Awards, and been a finalist for the Edgar Award. She writes the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries (humorous cozy fantasy mysteries), the Secret Staircase Mysteries (locked-room mysteries called “wildly entertaining” by The New York Times), and the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries (lighthearted adventures steeped in history). Gigi lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the backyard garden.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
19 (47%)
4 stars
15 (37%)
3 stars
4 (10%)
2 stars
2 (5%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Blake.
1,892 reviews46 followers
September 18, 2026
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.75*





First time read the author's work?: No

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
17 reviews
August 3, 2022
too much retelling

I like the book and the series, but she spends way to much time retelling the first book (and then the second) throughout. It’s easy enough to skip over, but I wish she just went in the assumption that people were reading the series.
Profile Image for Kim.
30 reviews
August 7, 2022
Alchemy & Gastronomy combine!

These books are a joy to read. Zoe Faust is so believable as the Accidental Alchemist and her new friends line up one by one to illuminate and elucidate the story.
Profile Image for Tina M.
706 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2022
Wrote up individual reviews on each book seperatey.
Please refer to those titles for further information.
1) The Accidental Alchemist
2) The Masquerading Magician
3) The Elusive Elixer
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews