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Gigi Pandian
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The Accidental Alchemist (An Accidental Alchemist Mystery, 1) Kindle Edition

by Gigi Pandian (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,771 ratings
See all formats and editions
"Filled with magic, intrigue, and humor, this series is sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries and urban fantasy."―Bookriot

A chance for a new beginning in Portland, Oregon. A stowaway from Paris. Can alchemist Zoe Faust solve the mystery of an ancient book in time to save her new friend? Don't miss the first novel in the award-winning series from USA Today bestselling author Gigi Pandian!

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.

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

"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

"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

"A whimsical and charming supernatural mystery."―Mystery Scene

“A supernatural cozy series that hits high marks." ―Library Journal

"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)
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 7
    An Accidental Alchemist Mystery
  2. Print length
    308 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    October 27, 2020
  6. File size
    1757 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

A chance for a new beginning.
bottle
zoe
dorian

Editorial Reviews

Review

A 2016 Lefty Award winner for Best LCC Regional Mystery

"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 1/2

"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

"A whimsical and charming supernatural mystery."―Mystery Scene

"What really makes this book stand out, however, is the originality...Pandian has managed to create an eccentric and charming cast of characters readers are going to want to spend more time with."―RT Book Reviews Online

"The Accidental Alchemist is a recipe for a great read. Gigi Pandian's pen never disappoints."―Juliet Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchcraft Mystery Series

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

"A magical, whimsical cozy that will delight readers who enjoy Juliet Blackwell and Heather Weber mysteries!"―Avery Aames (aka Daryl Wood Gerber), author of the Chees Shop Mysteries

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

"Readers won't want to put this book down."―Vegetarian Journal

About the Author

USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Gigi Pandian is the child of cultural anthropologists from New Mexico and the southern tip of India. She spent her childhood being dragged around the world on their research trips, and now lives outside San Francisco with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden. Gigi writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and locked-room mystery short stories. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08M3YXJ85
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gargoyle Girl Productions; 2nd edition (October 27, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1757 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,771 ratings

About the author

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Gigi Pandian

Gigi Pandian

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GIGI PANDIAN is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and locked-room mystery enthusiast. Her email newsletter is filled with bookish fun and comes with a free novelette and mini cookbook: www.gigipandian.com/subscribe

Gigi writes the Secret Staircase mysteries, Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mysteries, all of which are fun, lighthearted mysteries without any graphic violence.

Gigi's debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant, she's been short-listed for the Edgar Award, and her mysteries have won Anthony, Agatha, Lefty, and Derringer awards. She lives in northern California with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the backyard garden.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
1,771 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

LN
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy the series
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is the first book and it's a great introduction to all the characters, Zoe, Dorian, Brixton, Max, Ivan, and Heather. Love Dorian, he's unique, sweet, caring, and so talented (wish I had a gargoyle gourmet chef in my life), and he, like Zoe and I think Max, has a fascinating back story. Dorian is a good case of don't judge someone by their looks, he looks sinister, but is at worst mischievous. I've already read book 2, and am on to book 3, I intend to read the entire series, so please keep them coming Gigi Pandian, this series is wonderful!!!!
One person found this helpful
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Lynn T.
4.0 out of 5 stars Unusual Crime Fighting Team
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2019
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The Accidental Alchemist was an imaginative read. There are quite a few reviews so I will write what I liked about the book. I liked the bonding or friendship between Zoe(300 year old alchemist), Dorian(a gargoyle who has come to life) and Brixton ( a 14 year old neighbor who is left on his own probably too much).

Zoe has been on the move for over 300 years . She survived the Salem witch trials and fled to France. She fell in love with Portland Oregon and has decided to try to put down roots. Dorian is French, a gourmet and a superb chef. I am smiling when I write about him as he is my favorite character. He searched out Zoe to help him with a life threatening problem. Next is Brixton who breaks into Zoe's house out of curiosity, sees Dorian and wants to share that information with the outside world.

They are all outsiders and form a close family type unit.(not a typical unit) I did find some humor in the story mainly from Dorian and Brixton. A murder occurs right away when Zoe moves into her run down house with a history in the neighborhood. Items are stolen from her house. One item is a book which she needs to save Dorian's life.

I enjoyed reading about alchemy which I knew very little about. Also, some information was given on the history of the tunnels beneath the city of Portland.

However, Dorian stole the show and was quite endearing and likeable.
10 people found this helpful
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Kathy
5.0 out of 5 stars charming!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2023
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I fell in love with Dorian right away. It’s got everything I love about a cozy. I love the way the author folded in all the food and cozy moments sheltering from the weather. The Scooby gang she’s attracted is very sympathetic, and the romance. Love it all. Now on to the next book.
One person found this helpful
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Erin
3.0 out of 5 stars A fun, quick read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2015
Verified Purchase
I love the concept, but I was disappointed with the execution. I felt the author set up an interesting mystery with the potential for something grand. As it went on; however, it devolved into a much simpler story that had me wondering if it really mattered that Zoe was an alchemist. While the historical information was interesting, very little alchemy happens in this book. As others mention, there is a lot of cooking. (There are even some recipes in the back.) Not necessarily a bad thing, as it's important to Dorian's character. Just not what I was expecting.

There are some issues with holding tension. I rarely felt any urgency or fear for the characters safety, except perhaps Dorian. Wondering what his fate would be is what kept me reading. For me, the characters were the saving grace. Most of them were distinct and interesting. I would love to see more of Zoe and company and see what other adventures come their way.

It was a fun, simple, quick read. I'm curious where the story will go and I would still give the next one a try.
5 people found this helpful
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Sandy Kast
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun read
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2023
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I enjoyed this book and will be reading the next one. I like the characters and the mystery is fun.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Love it
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
I loved this and I loved that the romantic part was more of a subplot and not really the main focus. The mystery was good as well and I didn't guess who it was until the very end. I feel for Zoe, the whole immortality thing has to suck when it comes to people you love and watching them die. Dorian is so funny!
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bourne
5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and wonderful mystery
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a delightful and engaging read. The characters are complex and attractive and the premise is different from most murder mysteries. I fell in love with Dorian, if it's possible to fall for a living gargoyle who cooks and is expert at picking locks. The protagonist is a 300 year old alchemist with the beautiful face and body of a twenty-eight year old because she has never aged. Her romantic interest is a handsome cop who seems to know quite a bit about the herbs she grows. Maybe he has a secret, too. And the murder victims show up just in time to bring everyone together with a cunning teenager who gets in on all the action. Set in Portland, with wonderful descriptions of the city and its weather, this is a great book to read with a cup of tea and a bit of a chill in the air to match the mystery. I can't wait for the next in this series.
3 people found this helpful
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Robert L. Piepenbrink
4.0 out of 5 stars Needs Work, but Promising
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2022
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An engaging premise, and potentially interesting characters--a perpetually youthful alchemist and an animate gargoyle who has clearly read too many Hercule Poirot mysteries. (For me, two would have been too many. Miss Marple is another story.) As a mystery, it seems to rely more on suspects eliminating themselves than on evidence and reason, but this is not uncommon.

But I think the editor let our author down a little on this one. As noted by others, eliminating about two-thirds of all the references to the wonders of a vegan diet and herbal teas would have been a good start. The repetition and stridency had me longing for beef and Diet Coke--frequently. And there is persistent difficulty with the information feed. Backstory needs to be as much as the reader needs to know when the reader needs to know it. Too much impedes the plot, and the plot was a bit thin and malnourished anyway. It's nothing the author--or a good editor--can't fix, but it does need to be fixed. I've purchased the novella, but I'll move cautiously on the series.
14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Vanessa
5.0 out of 5 stars Accidental alchemy
Reviewed in Canada on November 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
This is entertaining fun from start to please give me more. The historical flow through the modern day and the life style treats make a delectable mystery for all tastes
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Mar E
5.0 out of 5 stars such good fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this and will read more clever characters and enough twists to keep my attention. I love the metaphysical elements.
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Debbie Chambers
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick Fun Read
Reviewed in Australia on October 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
This was a fun story with just enough bite to give it sting. The characters were likeable and had succinct backstories that fitted with their behaviour and gave them depth. However , nothing upstaged the gargoyle chef.
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jeanne adamek
5.0 out of 5 stars RECOMMENDED
Reviewed in Germany on August 5, 2015
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I am flabbergasted! It is a good book that takes the unbelievable and makes it sound normal. It is a good book that flows so well that one does not want to put it down and if one has to it is snatched up as soon as possible.

But it is a superb book that can make the reader want to read up on things that held absolutely no interest in before simply because they were so fascinatingly talked about in the story...!
One person found this helpful
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Pen Name
4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and enjoyable.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2021
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A pleasant mixture of historical magic with a modern day mystery to solve, set in sleepy community of characters in today's America. Great and enjoyable read.
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