A GARGOYLE'S GUIDE TO MURDER - Gigi Pandian

Oh, it is so nice to have another Accidental Alchemist mystery book!

Zoe Faust is a very old alchemist. Very old. Like 300 years old. Though she doesn't look much older than 30. She currently lives in Oregon with Dorian Robert-Houdin - a gargoyle who was brought to 'life' by some backward alchemy. Now he is an alchemist himself, though his appearance - still a stone gargoyle - makes it difficult for him to spend any time outdoors (if he's not adorning a rooftop).

Now, Zoe is in England trying to track down a rare book of backwards alchemy which might help Dorian. Surprising Zoe is Dorian, who shipped himself in a crate in order to help in the search.

The book in question is one that Zoe once had in her possession, centuries ago. Now, the book is devolving and is possibly itself poison - people who've touched the book have small, but serious calamities befall them.

Sticking to the shadows as he often does, Dorian believes he's witness a murder but Zoe and her mystery solving friend and partner, Max, aren't convinced he saw what he thinks he saw. But when the three visit an old, falling down, countryside manor that houses an incredible old library, a woman goes missing and another guest is nearly killed. Could it all be because of this book of reverse alchemy that no one has even thought about for centuries?

I'm typically not a fan of cozy mysteries, but there are a few titles/authors that I enjoy, and Gigi Pandian is one of those authors. I was about to say that this is my favorite series of hers, but upon reflection I'm not sure I can say which of her different series is a favorite - they're all really great.

Part of what makes this book and series so fun is the premise - a 300 year old alchemist and gargoyle come to life! Part of it is the supernatural aspect which, despite the premise, is quite subtle. It never feels like the most important part of any story - which I realize is a bit ironic given that this story is about a poisoned book. It just doesn't overwhelm the senses. The characters are what's most important.

And the characters here (and in Pandian's other books) are expertly drawn. They seem like real people making real discoveries and real mistakes. Even the living stone gargoyle has a distinct voice making him 'real' to the readers.

For me, the mysteries are secondary to hanging out with these characters, but Pandian does create a solid mystery with a few hints and a few red herrings along the way. Really, this is everything you could ask for in a cozy mystery and I'd encourage anyone who likes mysteries, to pick up this book (or at least this series).

So why not five stars? This is a very good read. Perfect for the beach or the cabin or anywhere you like to relax and read. But for me, a five star book is one that is exceptional, not just very good. This book is fun and comforting, but not one that gets me so excited that I can't wait to read more and more and more.  But it is part of a series that I will always be on the lookout for.

Looking for a good book? One of the best cozy mystery series around, The Accidental Alchemist, has a new book - A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder by Gigi Pandian - and you should definitely give it a read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

4-1/2 stars

* * * * * * 

A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder

author: Gigi Pandian

series: The Accidental Alchemist #9

publisher: Gargoyle Girl Productions

ISBN: 9781938213359

paperback, 320 pages

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