A review by mg_in_md_
The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian

4.0

I received a copy of this book courtesy of Midnight Ink (thank you!) at the 10th birthday party the publisher hosted at the 2015 Malice Domestic conference. This is probably more of a 3.5 star rating for me but, alas, that's not an option. While I don't typically read paranormal mysteries, I found this tale charming and enjoyed the writing. The story begins with herbalist and reformed alchemist Zoe Faust discovering a stowaway in her belongings as she unpacks her moving boxes in her new home in Portland, Oregon. The stowaway is a living, breathing three-and-a-half-foot gargoyle named Dorian Robert-Houdin who needs Zoe's expertise to decipher a centuries-old text. Despite her misgivings to tap into her alchemical past to aid Dorian, she must after a dead man is discovered on her porch. The author did a great job of weaving in historical facts in a way that aided the story. This magical mystery was clever and unique, and it made me wish I had a three-and-a-half-foot gargoyle
whipping up gourmet vegan meals in my kitchen. I look forward to testing out the vegan recipes included at the end of the book soon! I will definitely seek out future books featuring Zoe and Dorian, or similar tales written by the author, and have added the author's Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries to my "to read" list based on reading [b:The Accidental Alchemist|22351151|The Accidental Alchemist|Gigi Pandian|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1405866131s/22351151.jpg|41758023].