The Accidental Alchemist (An Accidental Alchemist Mystery, 1)
Don't miss the first book in the Anthony Award-winning Accidental Alchemist Mystery Series by USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian.
A chance for a new beginning in Portland, Oregon. A stowaway from Paris who needs help deciphering an ancient book. And an alchemical mystery neither can refuse.
Unpacking her belongings in her new fixer-upper house, alchemist Zoe Faust can't help but notice she's picked up a stowaway. Dorian Robert-Houdin is a living, breathing gargoyle―not to mention a master of French cuisine―and he needs Zoe's expertise to unlock the secrets of a centuries-old text. Zoe, who's trying to put her old life behind her, isn't so sure she wants to reopen her alchemical past...until a crime committed on her front porch leaves her no choice.
Includes recipes!
Praise
Winner of the Left Coast Crime Lefty Award for best regional mystery.
"Zoe and Dorian are my new favorite amateur-sleuth duo!" ―New York Times bestselling author Victoria Laurie
"A whimsical and charming supernatural mystery."―Mystery Scene
"Mysterious, captivating, and infused with the rich history of the Northwest...fantastic." ―Portland Book Review
"This reviewer is eagerly anticipating more from this series, and a return of a cast more fun than an episode of Portlandia."―RT Book Reviews
"Pandian...launches a supernatural cozy series that hits high marks for a modern twist on an ancient practice. Amusing supporting characters and historical details solidify this engaging mystery." ―Library Journal
"[A] lighthearted supernatural mystery...Pandian sets this series apart from other fluffy paranormal mysteries with Zoe's cute nonhuman sidekick and some mouthwatering vegan recipes." ―Publishers Weekly
"Readers won't want to put this book down." ―Vegetarian Journal
"[A]n eccentric and charming cast of characters readers are going to want to spend more time with." ―RT Book Reviews Online
"A magical, whimsical cozy that will delight readers who enjoy Juliet Blackwell and Heather Weber mysteries!"―Agatha Award-winning author Avery Aames (aka Daryl Wood Gerber)
"Gigi Pandian's pen never disappoints." ―New York Times bestselling author Juliet Blackwell
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Community Reviews
Okay, The Accidental Alchemist is basically like wrapping yourself in a big cozy sweater on a rainy day and curling up with a warm mug of tea (which is fitting, because this book has a lot of tea, a tad too much—both literally and figuratively).
I totally loved the atmosphere. The little town in Portland, where the story unfolds, feels like something out of a fairytale—charming, a little quirky, and totally inviting. It’s the kind of small town that makes you want to pack up your things and move into a book.
The mystery itself is gentle and dreamy, more about vibes than high-stakes drama, and honestly, I was here for it. It felt like a return to the basics: curious clues, unusual friendships, and a little bit of magical intrigue.
But the two absolute standouts for me were the narrator of the audiobook and the characters, especially Dorian, the French-speaking, culinary genius. Zoey, with all her kindness, healing alchemy, softness and wisdom, is a relatable lead who’s easy to root for. Everyone else just rounds it out like a perfect little postcard from a world you want to visit again.
If you're in the mood for something comforting, whimsical, and gently magical, this book will charm your socks off.
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