This series started off with a chimera/gargoyle brought to life through backwards alchemy approaching the MC, pleading for help, as he was starting to revert to stone again.

This book is the conclusion of that particular series plot, while at the same time introducing a couple of other mysteries, including a murder.

The characters keep me coming back to these books, as does the alchemy backdrop which is always fun. But the stories could do with a bit of tougher editing; it was difficult to get into the story at the beginning because of all the repetition of information. I think the MC mentioned she was 300 years old at least 3 times in as many pages.

The plotting was great - I had little idea where the story was going - but the ending, especially the part concerning the gargoyle, felt a little to pat, a little too anticlimactic.

It's a fun story with great characters, but if it had been a bit tighter all the way around, it would have been great. ( )

I am so done with this series. I am tired of the lists of ingredients. And this woman should be better at handling people after 300 years.

Also, police don't let you go send them proof that your grandmother is dead from another country, even IF they thought it was appropriate for you to have to vindicate someone they suspect committed a murder 70 years ago.

This was too ridiculous to tolerate. ( )

Series Info/Source: This is the 3rd book in the Accidental Alchemist Mysteries. I borrowed this book from the library. There are currently four books in this series.

Story (4/5): Zoe goes back to Paris to track down some leads regarding Dorian’s condition and is hoping to hunt down the other living gargoyle. However, while she is there an old woman recognizes her and threatens her with legal action over the murder of Zoe’s lab assisstant from the 1940’s (Jasper). Zoe ends up having to flee back to Portland but things are going strange in Portland too. Zoe’s friend Ivan is becoming obsessed with alchemy as he gets sicker and sicker, someone is spying on both Zoe and Ivan, and someone from Zoe’s past shows up and shocks her in a big way. As Zoe’s past closes in around her she still struggles to help Dorian; things are looking very dire. I enjoyed the story a lot and absolutely loved the resolution here.

Characters (4/5): I continue to really enjoy the characters in this series. We finally get to meet Brixton’s dad in this volume and also get to meet the second living gargoyle that was made. I like that Zoe is taking more people into her confidence and enjoy getting to see more of Zoe’s past. It’s interesting to watch Zoe grow as a character as she learns to trust people more and works to embrace her past rather than run from it.

Setting (4/5): I enjoyed a lot of the time spent in Paris and continue to really enjoyed all the history around alchemy. This book bounces between Paris and Portland. I also loved the time spent in Paris’s underground.

Writing Style (4/5): This is again mainly a mystery and is a very well done mystery. I really continue to enjoy the history around alchemy and the alchemy performed in the book too. This is very easy to read, and in addition to the excellent mystery, has very endearing characters who are easy to engage with. This is just a very well balanced story and I enjoyed it a lot.

My Summary (4/5): Overall I really liked this. This is a fun series with excellent mysteries and lots of interesting alchemical history. I also love the characters a lot. I absolutely love the ending of this book so much….go Dorian!!! I plan on continuing the series. I was disappointed to read that Midnight Ink shut down right after the publication of the fourth book, so it sounds like this series is unfinished. ( )

**I received a copy of this upcoming book from Midnight Ink via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review.**


What a fun, magical series!

The Elusive Elixir is the 3rd book in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. Zoe Faust is an alchemist, living in Portland, OR. Her friend, Dorian, happens to be a 3 1/2-foot tall gargoyle brought to life by the magic of alchemy.

Unfortunately, the magic used to animate Dorian is back-firing. He is turning back to stone. Zoe is searching desperately for a cure before her pal turns back to stone, while investigating a decades old crime that might be linked to alchemy.

I just love the creativity in this series! Dorian is a gargoyle and an accomplished French chef, taught by a master who was blind and had no clue he was teaching a gargoyle. Zoe is a delightful character as well. She is centuries old and her life as an alchemist must be kept secret. The series just has such creativity and magic!

In order to follow the story better, I would recommend reading the books in order. The other two books in the series are: The Accidental Alchemist and The Masquerading Magician.

The Elusive Elixir will be published by Midnight Ink on January 8th, 2017. Discover the magic of alchemy!!

Gigi Pandian also writes the Java Jones Treasure Mystery series. Discover more information about the author and her books on her website: www.gigipandian.com ( )

I am so done with this series. I am tired of the lists of ingredients. And this woman should be better at handling people after 300 years.

Also, police don't let you go send them proof that your grandmother is dead from another country, even IF they thought it was appropriate for you to have to vindicate someone they suspect committed a murder 70 years ago.

This was too ridiculous to tolerate. ( )