Gigi Pandian

In an effort to rescue her mentor, Nicolas Flamel, centuries-old alchemist Zoe Faust and her best friend, Dorian the gargoyle chef, delve into the world of art forgery to unearth a clue hidden in a stolen painting.

The Alchemist's Illusion

The Anthony Award-winning fourth book in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery Series by <i>USA Today</i> bestselling author Gigi Pandian. A perilous painting leads Zoe Faust and Dorian Robert-Houdin on an alchemical adventure in Portland, Oregon, in search of Zoe's missing mentor—Nicolas Flamel. 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 Nicolas Flamel is missing. A mystery from 16th Century Prague may hold the key. Can Zoe find the art forger who holds the secret of what has become of her missing mentor? Includes recipes! Praise Winner of the Anthony Award for Best Paperback Original Shortlisted for the G.P. Putnam's Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award "The Alchemist’s Illusion is filled with beauty... Pandian paints a lovely picture of relationships throughout the book's mystery of greed and violence." —New York Journal of Books "Surprising plot twists, several cliffhangers, and vivid magical imagery will keep fans of paranormal cozies turning the pages." —Publishers Weekly "Sparkles most when it stays true to the wonder of its magical subject." —Foreword Reviews

Lucy Richards 

"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