The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin

An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #6

by Gigi Pandian

When Zoe Faust sees the ghost of a murdered young woman, is it really a spirit—or a flesh and blood woman who stopped aging because she’s a fellow alchemist?

Sixteen years ago, high school student Ridley Price discovered a secret she planned to reveal through a party game—but someone killed her first. The baffling crime was never solved. Zoe’s friend Heather has always wondered: which of the seven guests at the party killed Ridley? When the newly-appeared ghost turns dangerous, threatening people they love, Zoe teams up with her gargoyle roommate Dorian to unmask the supposed specter.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2022

About the author

Gigi 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.

Reviews

[Gigi]

Zoe, Dorian, and all their Portland friends are back in the latest Accidental Alchemist Mystery. This series is a delight to write (even though Dorian never sticks to my outline), so a huge thanks to all of you who make writing these books so much fun! This is the 6th book in the series, and now I'm writing Book 7.
I feel so lucky to have amazing audiobook narrator Julia Motyka in my corner, continuing to narrate each book of the series.

[Elentarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cozy mystery featuring a sixteen year old murder, a ghost, a group of children, a 300 year old alchemist and a sentient, talking French Gargoyle chef that thinks he is Poirot's heir.  Dorian the Gargoyle makes this series.  The writing and plot/murder mystery is ok, but there is simply too much repetition and explanation of what went on in previous books.  I don't need to be told every third chapter (in every, single book) why the Gargoyle with fat, stubby, clawed fingers can't use touch screens.  Fun, light, fluffy fun.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe and Dorian are back with another mystery. When the ghost ?? Of a 16 year old girl suddenly appears in town, Zoe isn’t sure if the apparition is a ghost or another alchemist. The girls has connections to Heather and Dorian along with his teenage sidekicks Aka Scooby Gang are determined to solve the mystery of this ghost.

[Karelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Une des raisons les plus importantes d'avoir un.e bon.ne éditeur.trice, c'est notamment pour éviter que dans les livres, comme dans celui-ci, il y ait une incroyable quantité de répétitions (d'informations, d'idées, de phrases, parfois dans le même paragraphe...) C'était quand même lourd, je dois admettre, et j'allais mettre un p'tit 2 étoiles, mais là comme c'est là, la fin a racheté un peu la chose et je lui donne un p'tit 2 étoiles et demi. En tout cas, j'me pitcherai pas sur les autres de la série, je dois admettre.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner from Pandian, as Zoe, whose studies of plants has made her immortal, tries to find out if a young woman is a ghost, or another alchemist. Just being immortal has its problems, though--among them the need to relocate every so often lest people become suspicious of a lack of aging. Then there's the problem of her boyfriend, who knows about her condition but does not have an interest in becoming immortal himself, even if it were easier than it is. Zoe is having tea with a friend when the friend recognizes another customer as being her high school bestie, who was murdered sixteen years previously, and who shows no sign of change. Zoe turns to her best friend, an animate gargoyle, and several local teens also pitch in to help.

[Harriet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this series a lot, it’s my go-to when I need something cosy and relaxing. But I seriously struggled with this book - there was so much repetition (e.g. Dorian gave his standard explanation of why he can’t use touchscreens or modern phones but uses the landline and a laptop… only to be followed a few chapters later by Zoe giving the exact same explanation, and then further additional reminders of this throughout the book. It’s just bizarre). I didn’t guess the murderer this time round, but the first half of the book was taken up by a mystery where the solution seemed obvious to me a couple of pages in so it was a bit frustrating.

I do appreciate that things actually move forward and time passes as the series progresses, instead of each book basically resetting back to zero and the following one having the exact same conflicts. But I found the repetition and exposition so frustrating this time round I’m not sure if I’ll pick up the next one in the series.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review disclosure, I live in Portland, Oregon, so I may be biased towards this book's greatness. Yes, this is a clever chapter in the lives of Dorian and his alchemist housemate. Each time Gigi Pandian writes a book, she brings a new a fascinating layer. This time, she brought in a board game that is so intriguing that I am saddened the game is only fictional. Gigi brings us with her down the research rabbit hole in a very satisfying trip. If I had one complaint it would be that the book isn't long enough! I want more from Max, Dorian, Zoe, the Flamels, Veronica and Brixton! Oh, and the cemetery mentioned in this book is real and is worth a visit.

[Ericka Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute story of Dorian the gargoyle detective.

[Katzenkindliest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das hat mir wieder besser gefallen als der letzte Teil.

[Pam Kusserow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint! Zoe and Dorian are back to solve a murder mystery that hits close to home. The mystery kept me guessing but getting to spend time with these characters again was part of the fun. This whimsical series has heart and is a lovely escape!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very adventurous

Oh the mysterious in these pages! A very enjoyable read. And, once again, the character development is perfect. Grab a nice cup of hot tea, sit back, and help Zoe and Dorian solve this one.

[Readerwoman Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review – The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin
I have been reading this series, starting with The Accidental Alchemist, since the beginning. And while I have enjoyed Gigi’s Java Jones’ Treasure Hunt Mysteries, so far Zoe and Dorian in the Alchemist series are a hands-down favorite.
In this title, Zoe and her “gang” are fretting over a ghost in the neighborhood, apparently the ghost of a young highschooler that was murdered years earlier, leaving behind puzzled friends and a devastated mother.
As Zoe unravels the back story to Ridley’s death, (Ridley’s nickname is Riddle, based on the girl’s favorite pastime – posing riddles) she discovers that there is much to be pondered in the young girl’s personality and relationships with family and friends – all of which impact the present. Zoe’s cohorts in crime, mostly her live-in and lively gargoyle chef Dorian Robert-Houdin, struggle with each revelation, and when sidekicks Brixton and friends start scrabbling for answers, Zoe must take the helm and put it all together.
For those who are new to the series – Zoe Faust is a 343-year-old alchemist. Her true love is herbalism, and the alchemy of plants, but in an attempt to help her brother during the plague, she activates the alchemist’s spell of the Elixir of Life on herself. By doing so, she stops aging. Each book elaborates on Zoe’s life, alchemy, friendships, and, unfortunately, the death of someone in the Portland, Oregon city in which she lives. Having said that, though, I think each book stands alone, although it is more fun to read them sequentially.
This new release, The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin, is one of Ms. Pandian’s best yet. Zoe’s dear friends Nicholas Flamel (yes, THAT Nicholas Flamel, he was a real person!) and his wife live nearby, and Nicholas was, and perhaps still is, her mentor. Their curiosity and intelligence provide Zoe with support in her sleuthing. It’s fun to see that character developed deeper and participating further in Zoe’s life. In this mystery, figuring out the ramifications of the sightings of the so-called ghost, and the mystery about whether Riddle disappeared or was murdered, keeps everyone on their toes and on the go. Is there really a ghost? Is it the look-alike brother? Or is there a deeper secret to be solved?
Dorian, the tame (mostly!) gargoyle is an excitable and intriguing contributor to solving the will hopefully feature regularly in her books. The book also provides, as always with Ms. Pandian’s series, some scrumptious-sounding recipes. Our author is an “accidental almost-Vegan”, with offered recipes mostly plant based. Makes a nice ending to the book!
I enjoyed the plot twists, the character development and the evolution of the series as a whole. With her newest series, The Secret Staircase, with Tempest Raj, Gigi Pandian is showing her growth as an author, and her willingness to experiment and manipulate new characters and plotlines. Glad to see that she is continuing the Zoe Faust series though!

[MsArdychan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

This is the sixth book in the Accidental Alchemist mystery series by author Gigi Pandian. I started to read this series a few years ago, out of order. But the wonderful thing about this series is that it isn't absolutely necessary to read it from book one. Each book gives enough of the backstory that the reader is never lost. But, having said that, it would actually be best to read this series from the beginning, if only to feel the delight in how these characters have developed over time.

I love this series for the wonderful cast of characters, from the main character, Zoe Faust (a 300 year-old alchemist), to her ex-police detective boyfriend, Max, to the lovable gargoyle (yes, gargoyle), and gourmet chef, Dorian. There is also a wonderful feeling of community in this book, as well. Zoe's friends are artists, artisans, small business owners, and several young teens. She seems to create a vibe that is full of positivity. Maybe this is because Zoe is an herbalist and vegan, but she has a way about her that is full of living a healthy and happy life. Her friends, and the reader are pulled in.

But, above all, this is a mystery novel. I appreciate that not all of the novels are murder mysteries, but this one actually is. But, in this case, the murder in question happened sixteen years earlier. There was a clear list of suspects, but the author had me guessing until nearly the end of the book! The details were fun, and full of twists and turns. I enjoyed the use of the language of flowers, and poetry as they relate to the riddles that helped solve the case.

There is really so much to love about this book. With fully realized characters, romance, a puzzling mystery, and vegan recipes, this novel checks all the boxes for an enjoyable book.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: August 30, 2022

[M the avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone's playing games in Portland
Zoe and the Portland 'gang' return for another shenanigans filled adventure mystery that's a fun filled page turner. If you're the type of person who has trouble putting a book down at the end of a cliffhanger chapter, plan to read this one when you have time to read for long periods of time. I caught myself more than once reading longer than I expected to in a sitting thanks to the plot threads that have enough twists and red herrings to keep you guessing the whodunnits until the end. There are mini recaps in the story of events that took place in earlier books in the series that serve as handy reminders if you haven't read them recently but it still helps to have read them all and ideally in sequence to fully appreciate the character and plot developments that carry thru the series along with the individual mysteries and adventures that take place in each book. As usual there are tasty sounding recipes at the end of the book and this time there's also a bonus poem by Gigi's mom.
I read the whole book in a handful of days and eagerly await the next installment to follow these characters around some more and see what they get up to. I wasn't able to solve the mysteries before their reveals even though the clues were all there mixed among the red herrings, but found the story was engaging and fun to read all the same. If you like mysteries and love good food this is delicious and entertaining reading. I recommend all the books in the series and that you find blocks of time to really sink into each story and the world Gigi Pandian's created for it.
I received an advance reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kavya Sree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin lives up to its name. From the opening page to the end, the story unweaves itself like a riddle whose individual parts start to make sense. Ridley Price, the ghost girl made an appearance in the quiet town of Hawthorne sixteen years after her murder. All these years later Zoe Faust and her friends start to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the girl who prefered to go by the name Riddle.
What I personally love about Pandian’s books is how the characters are always growing. Though the books revolve around Ridley Price, it does not stall the progress in Zoe’s life or those of her friends. From the very beginning there are clues laid down allowing the reader to solve the mystery along with Zoe. It's a perfect balance for the casual readers, as well as more dedicated ones who like solving the mysteries on their own.
Similarly, there are clues laid down for where Zoe’s story is headed in the upcoming books. One of the best features of Pandian’s books, as mentioned before, is how the stories of the characters are always progressing. If you read closely you can take a guess where Zoe and Max are headed next in their life. The internal battle she has regarding her impending move from the city she calls home, her struggle with accepting love and companionship, and her alchemical bias that sometimes hinders her ability to solve mysteries are all indications of Pandian’s ability to write fully fleshed out characters.
TLDR: Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin is a worthy read for cozy mystery lovers.

[Margie Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her Accidental Alchemist series, Gigi Pandian has skillfully created a world where modern alchemists may transform plants rather than metals and may have found the Elixir of Life, which stops their aging process and appearance. It's a world where a stone gargoyle judged too small for Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral has come to life, though he has to hide himself from disbelievers with a childlike disguise. Dorian the gargoyle prides himself on being French and an expert chef, and fancies himself a clever detective. He lives with Zoe, a plant alchemist and antiques dealer who is more than 300 years old and worries about the day when she will have to abandon her lover and the place she calls home because she clearly isn't aging--it's happened several times before.

In the sixth in the series, Zoe and Dorian are called upon to help solve an intricate puzzle to determine why Riddle, a local teenager who was murdered sixteen years ago, has suddenly reappeared--is she a ghost, has she faked her own death, and is she bent on revenge? Six of her friends who attended a party where she promised to reveal an important secret many years ago are still wondering who killed Riddle, but it seems clear that the seventh is actually her murderer.

It is a quiet story, told with a deft hand by a seasoned storyteller.

[Royce E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine read from Gigi Pandian. I get such a kick out of Dorian with the 'little grey cells' as he mimics Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot character.

This book was a real plot twister: did not see the ending coming at all! Would that I could understand the meaning of plants and flowers--would have added to my understanding of how ZOE FAUST determined what was happening.

Being acquainted with the Hawthorne-Hollywood District of Portland Oregon and also intimately active with graveyard research, Lone Fir Cemetery was a great place (did you ever go LETTER-BOXING there?). Ms Pandian paints that cemetery as being more 'grown-up' with plants, trees, etc than what it appears to be now--you can see fairly good from one end to the other with very few places for hiding!

Interwoven with the mystery of the murder, is the food and the on-going love interest with Max, the retired police office. Hoping Zoe takes the advice of Nicholas and Per F and relaxes and settle down to stay in Portland for more exciting adventures.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following the adventure of Zoe and Dorian since the first book and I’m in love with this series since the first book.
This preamble to say that I loved all the books in this series but I consider this one the best so far.
I was glad to catch up with the characters and the twisty plot kept me hooked and entertaining. I didn’t guess any twist and the solution surprised.
It’s also an an excellent New Golden Age mystery. There’s a lot of fun, there’s the paranormal side but there’s a impossible crime and lot of riddle to solve.
Gigi Pandian did an excellent job and her works is up to those of well known writer of the Golden Age era.
There’s one issue: it says that the next book will be in 2023 and I absolutely need to know what will happen as there could be a great surprise.
That said I had fun and read it in one setting so go and read it.
Many thanks to Gigi Pandian for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

[Katreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ALCHEMIST OF RIDDLE & RUIN by Gigi Pandian
The Sixth Accidental Alchemist Mystery

A specter from the past descends on Portland, but is it really a ghost? Could it be an alchemist? Shocked when a figure enters Blue Sky Teas Heather is sure it is the ghost of her high school friend who was murdered and the killer never caught. While Zoe tries to support Heather and look for the truth, Dorian the gargoyle is doing the same with his young friends, Veronica and Brixton, Heather’s son. Is someone back for vengeance? Will the truth of what happened all those years finally come to light?  

An unsolved mystery from the past haunts the present day characters in the sixth Accidental Alchemist Mystery. I love learning more about Heather and enjoyed the complex riddles and poetry that was the heart of this mystery. With so many possible motives and suspects, I loved how Zoe and Dorian each peeled back the layers to uncover the truth, each in their own way. I also love how Veronica bristled at being the steady one-and I saw her actions coming even if her friends and family didn't!

With word play, floral clues, and fantastic characters THE ALCHEMIST OF RIDDLE & RUIN is an outstanding entry to this ingenious series.

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manifique! A beautiful puzzle mystery, just like the classics. It hits all the all of the important tropes, in a truly modern setting (anthropomorphic crime-solving, Michelin-star chef gargoyles, regardless of their age, are a modern concept). There is also significant transition in the characters to support an ongoing series without getting stuck in a rut. Zoe’s relationships to characters remain tantalizingly undefined and loose like “friend” and “boyfriend”. I love that although this is a murder-mystery is it so cozy I save it for the tub and the garden bench. I loved the puzzle theme to a puzzle-like genre.

Great work Gigi! I can’t wait for the next one (what a tasty little cliffhanger you’ve left us readers with).

[Susan Elizabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series about Zoe Faust and her unique roommate, gargoyle, Dorian Robert-Houdain. These story aspects captured my attention at the beginning. And their mystery adventures in Portland, Oregon continue to interest me. I found this book particularly interesting in solving a murder mystery of Ridley Price from 16 years ago. Nicholas and Perenel Flamel continue to lend their wisdom to Zoe. Its a wonderful and unique series with additional characters of Max Liu, the love of Zoe's life; and children sleuths, Brixton and Veronica.

I received this book as an advanced reading copy and thank Gigi for this honor.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure for Zoe and Dorian! Every book gets better. A teenage girl was murdered years ago.
It seems she is back as a ghost, but wait....do ghost really exist? The mystery is on to find her killer. Zoe, Dorian and the teens from earlier books in the series put their heads together to solve the puzzle through a game that was created by the murdered girl's old boyfriend. A wonderful book that you don't want to put down, I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!
My favorite series of all time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher for review purposes.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is a ghost not a ghost? When a French chef/gargoyle uses his little gray cells to follow the clues with the help of Zoe, Veronica, and Brixton and solve a sixteen year old murder!
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! Almost as much fun as playing the board game of Crimson Fish!
Julia Motyka is a great voice actor and gives voice to all of the characters.
Suspend disbelief and just enjoy!

[Amy Louise Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I adore the characters in this book. They're so adorable, and wholesome. Dorian remains my favourite, with his humour and loveable arrogance. I'm a little saddened I can't have a gargoyl best friend.

The story was the best in the series. It was refreshing that the alchemist inspired mystery was replaced with a normal run of the mill everyday mystery.

Pandian carved this story well. I didn't have a clue who was responsible, until it was revealed. And even the main suspect seemed loveable and interesting.

The best cozy mystery series I've read, and I hope there will be more.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series but as other reviewers have noted, there can be a lot of repetition, both within books and with information from previous books. I know people might not start with book 1, but I think the books can mostly stand alone without the repetition, or at least less of it. I also get frustrated with the use of Dorian's first name. Maybe once per book if needed, but after that, it's tiresome.

Other than those issues, this was a satisfying listen and I loved the concept of the Crimson Fish game. Would love to play it myself!

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this is my least favorite, but still five stars. I thought the team completely missed a possible solution but jumped to the far-fetched assumptions first. Trying very hard not to spoil. In the end I was right about that solution, but not about the bad guy. It was still very well written and very well performed and I was on the edge of my seat quite often. I suppose it is is not so far-fetched that a group of alchemists and teenagers are going to assume ghost over teenage pregnancy.

[Ribbqah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brixton’s mother and Zoe’s friend, Heather, observe a person in the the Blue-Sky Cafe who supposedly died 16 years ago. Is she a ghost? Thus begins a search for the mysterious ghost girl in their Portland neighborhood. Max has left the police force and is getting ready to open a tea shop, using skills learned as a child from his grandparents. Dorian considers himself another Poirot as he guides Braxton and Veronica to discover the ghost’s true identity since he does not believe in ghosts.
Fun, sad and spooky story.

[Quarky Gal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this latest book in the Alchemist series. I loved how all of my favorite characters were in the story and the mystery was different from previous books. There was a ghost and of course Dorian was up to his old tricks with Zoe trying to get to the bottom of things. Without spoiling the story, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. If you are a fan or new to the series, you will find a great addition to the series.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books, as do the other folks in my house! They combine some of my favorite elements, a bit of a mystery, quirky characters, great food ideas (an recipes) and gardening. The mystery that anchors this particular book brings impacts all of the regular characters, bringing them together in an effort to solve the mystery. I loved that collaboration. Looking forward to the next one!

[Arliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gigi Pandian has such a charm about all that she writes. The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin is no exception. This series, as a whole, is a real favorite of mine. I love spending time in this world and this was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Pandian pulls in all kinds of new elements including a board game and a potential ghost. I thought it was clever and Dorian is always hilarious. The Alchemist of Riddle and ruin delivered on its promise and I am thrilled.