The Alchemist's Illusion — Gigi Pandian

Nominated for a 2020 Edgar Award (The G.P. Putnam's Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award)

"Surprising plot twists, several cliffhangers, and vivid magical imagery will keep fans of paranormal cozies turning the pages."―Publishers Weekly

The latest alchemical adventure from Gigi Pandian, USA Today bestselling author and winner of the Agatha Award

Centuries-old alchemist Zoe Faust is tired of running from her past. She's finally got her life on track in Portland, Oregon, gardening and cooking in her fixer-upper house with her mischievous best friend, Dorian the gargoyle chef. It seems like the perfect life for Zoe, until she discovers that her old mentor Nicolas Flamel, who she thought had abandoned her, has been imprisoned.

A local artist holds the secret that could lead Zoe to her mentor, but the artist is murdered and the painting containing the hidden clue is stolen. To rescue Nicolas, Zoe and Dorian must explore art forgery, a transformative process that has much in common with alchemy and cooking―but one that proves far more dangerous.

Includes delicious vegan recipes!

Praise:

"Sparkles most when it stays true to the wonder of its magical subject."―Foreword Reviews

"Pandian paints a lovely picture of relationships throughout the book's mystery of greed and violence."―New York Journal of Books