A PERFECTLY WRITTEN BOOK TO ADD TO "THE ACCIDENTAL ALCHEMIST MYSTERIES SERIES"
I Loved this book. The lovable Dorian (the gargoyle) is a brave, hilarious, and fabulous chef, the best friend anyone could ever wish for, and takes center stage in this latest adventure. There are wonderful little tidbits throughout like a couple's travel journal that sparks the imagination. There are funny moments and poignant moments in this wonderful, clean, fast paced, cozy mystery. Of course, the best part is that you'll never figure it out and will very surprised and satisfied with the ending.
There is enough back story woven throughout that it could be read as a stand alone, but this is one of my favorite series and I have loved getting to know the characters and their stories over the last 8 books. So If you start with this one, I know that you will want to go back and start with book #1. I did that with another of her series where I picked a book in the middle of the series unknowingly and then after I read that one, I had to go back and start at the beginning.
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC copy. I promise, this is a candid, and honest review right from the heart. I highly recommend getting this book in your favorite reading or listening style. A note to audio readers, her narrator for this series, Julia Motyka is absolutely perfect for this "first person" narration, and a true delight to listen to. Enjoy!

This was the first book I read in the series, but I felt like I caught up just fine. I enjoy classic mysteries and this was very clearly styled after them, without being too derivative, and while incorporating the alchemy of the universe in which its set. I honestly found it quite enjoyable and might seek out others in the series. I didn't guess the culprit (although to be honest I never try very hard), and I enjoyed the twists along the way.

I didn't realize that this was part of a book series that had been going for a while, but I felt like the author explained it enough that I feel like I was able to just start, and not be confused. I liked this a lot, and I enjoyed the characters. Definitely pick this up if you love a cozy mystery.

If you told me a month ago I’d be completely smitten by a sentient stone gargoyle who moonlights as both a gourmet chef and an amateur sleuth, I wouldn’t have believed you but here we are.

“A Gargoyle’s Guide to Murder” is a delightful blend of cozy fantasy and light mystery, wrapped in warm humor leaves you wanting more. This was my first read in the series, and though I haven’t read the earlier books, I had no trouble following along. It stands on its own beautifully.

Dorian, our titular gargoyle, absolutely steals the show. His passion for cooking (don’t read this book hungry!) and his thoughtful, inquisitive nature make him an incredibly endearing protagonist. He’s sharp, compassionate, and unexpectedly relatable despite being made of stone. The mystery unfolds with just the right amount of tension enough to keep me flipping pages, but never so intense that it lost its cozy charm.

As someone new to the cozy mystery genre, I found this to be a perfect entry point. The pacing was spot-on, and I appreciated how the story balanced intrigue with warmth and humor. The magical setting added an extra layer of whimsy without being overly complex, making it accessible for readers who are more used to contemporary mysteries or light fantasy. I’m officially hooked and already adding the previous titles to my TBR.

Huge thanks to Victory Editing for the ARC via NetGalley.

Overall, I really enjoyed the well-written plot and characters. I didn’t realize that this was book nine in the series! I was going to try to read the first eight, but then figured I’d just give it a try first. I feel like the author did a great job explaining who the characters are and I didn’t feel lost even though I didn’t read the first eight. This was such a cozy and fun read. There were many interesting twists and surprises. I absolutely loved the gargoyle, Dorian! He might just be my favorite character, but they were all special. I’m excited to get started on the first eight books now that I’ve finished the ninth in the series. Haha

Thank you to NetGalley, Gigi Pandian, and Victory Editing for the ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 07, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher and author for this ARC. I really enjoyed this classic murder mystery/whodunit! The characters really drive this story (particularly the titular gargoyle). There were definitely some laugh out loud moments as well as some twists that I didn't see coming. This was an ARC so there were some grammatical things that need fixing but that is to be expected. A great story and I hope the author continues beyond this first book! 4.25 stars.

This book is definitely reminiscent of Agatha Christie and, even though its #9 in a series, can be read as a standalone without too much confusion. I adored the coziness of this book and loved the twists!

If you love Agatha Christie and her ilk, and locked room mysteries, this book is your jam. Accidental alchemist Zoe Faust and her living gargoyle companion Dorian Robert-Houdin are on the trail of a missing book of reverse alchemy. Their quest takes them to Oxford, where Dorian views what appears to be a murder. But when he takes Zoe back to the site the next day, there's no victim and no indication of a crime.

But they have to focus on this lost book, and the trail eventually takes them to a remote country house with a group of suspects. Shades of Christie! It's fun to watch the pastiche unfold, with Dorian's wry commentary as he tries to emulate Poirot and figure out exactly what's going on.

This book was a lot of fun, and a reasonable introduction to the series if you haven't read the previous books.

In search of a dangerous magical book, alchemist Zoe Faust travels to London and Oxford. She’s not alone: her charming fiancé Max Liu and the culinary-inclined living gargoyle Dorian Robert-Houdin accompany her. The trio soon finds itself entangled in a mysterious criminal case, chasing countless false leads until, at last, they manage to piece the puzzle together.
A charmingly quirky story for all fans of cosy crime – atmospheric, twisty, witty, and with a touch of romance.
This is Book 9 in the series about the over-300-year-old Zoe Faust and her friends. Even without knowing the previous volumes, I had no trouble following the plot – but I imagine the story is even more enjoyable when read from the beginning.

When I requested this ARC from Netgalley, I had no idea that it was book NINE in a series! I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to follow along, but it was a really fun read, and it introduced me to a new must-read series! (I already have books 1 and 2 in queue now!)

There were twists and turns I wasn't expecting, but it was still cozy and cute and quaint and fun. I mean, there's a gargoyle who is a gourmet chef, a poisoned book of backwards alchemy, a 300+ year old female protagonist engaged to a 40yo man, all set in a London and Oxford backdrop with some silly side characters and also some more about a sleeping gargoyle who loves wine?!😂

Even if you haven't read the first 8 of the series, this is well worth a read, but now I'm pumped to see where Zoe, Dorian, Max, and all their friends stories began :)

I love Gigi Pandian’s books but this was my first Accidental Alchemist Mystery. I loved it and will be reading the others. Of course, it did take place in Oxford and involve a bookstore, murder, golden age detectives and running around in the dead of night while it’s raining. All things I love. It’s a great whodunnit and how will they move the Gargoyle around without being seen mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gargoyle Girl Productions for this DRC.
#AGargoylesGuidetoMurder #NetGalley

A Gargoyle’s Guide to Murder, the ninth book in Gigi Pandian’s Accidental Alchemist series, proves this series keeps getting better with each installment. Alchemist Zoe, her living gargoyle companion Dorian, and retired detective Max travel to Oxford in a mystery that blends rich atmosphere, supernatural twists, and literary nods.

Pandian’s vivid descriptions bring Oxford to life, immersing readers in its charm. The mystery offers clever turns with elements of locked-room puzzles and a larger alchemical arc. Dorian remains a standout character with his wit, wisdom, and love of gourmet food, including a tempting Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe.

Newcomers can enjoy the story without having read the previous books, though many will likely want to go back and learn more. With engaging characters, a fun plot, and magical flair, this is a thoroughly enjoyable addition to a unique and delightful series.

It has been some time since I’d read a book in this series, so I was excited to get caught up with Max, Zoe, and Dorian. They are in London on a hunt for Dorian’s old book, and Dorian sees a murder. What follows is a case with poison, old books, libraries, and chivalry. When I had checked to see how long it had been since I’d read this series, it had been three books, but I had no problem at all with not having read them. I really missed Dorian’s snark, Zoe’s healing, and Max’s steadfastness. This is a wonderful addition to the series: well-written, intriguing, and hard-to-guess whodunit. Fans are sure to be pleased. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

A living gargoyle, a missing corpse, and a murder mystery in an English bookshop? Say less - you had me at GARGOYLE!!!

this book was pure cozy mystery magic. it had gothic charm with witty sleuthing and the best twist ever. Dorian the gargoyle absolutely steals the show - his notebook excerpts are hilarious and oddly insightful, and Zoe’s alchemist vibe ets it apart from every other cozy out there.

The Oxford setting was deliciously atmospheric, the mystery had just the right amount of Agatha Christie flair, and the Easter eggs were the cherry on top. I didn’t want it to end and now I want to bake sticky toffee pudding while solving crimes with a gargoyle.

This is cozy fantasy mystery done right: quirky, well-paced, and impossible not to love. A perfect read for fall, tea, and fans of Only Murders in the Building with a touch of magic.

I wanted to read this book because I thought the cover was so cute and it really caught my eye. Having not read any of the other books in this series, I was able to jump right in easily and immediately felt like I knew the characters. I especially loved Dorian the gargoyle, his voice is so fun and his book chapters were my favorite. It's such a lighthearted, cozy, mystery, and definitely makes me want to read more of this series in the fall. I love all the added elements of history, and food, including the recipes at the end! I also particularly loved the self-awareness when the book poked fun at the common murder mystery tropes.

A GARGOYLE’S GUIDE TO MURDER by Gigi Pandian
Dorian is a rather lovable living gargoyle, fond of gourmet cooking and solving mysteries. Zoe, alchemist and antique dealer, teams up to solve crimes, and Max, retired detective, is learning to appreciate the wild adventures. This was a fun, twisty mystery, with beautiful descriptions, witty dialogue, literary references, and a delicious recipe — Sticky Toffee Pudding sounds sublime, no wonder Agatha Raisin can’t resist when it’s on the menu. Just deserts to those who intend harm, Delicious desserts to the rest of us.
Travel, safely inside a book, I love it!

A Gargoyle’s Guide to Murder is the 9th Accidental Alchemist mystery by Gigi Pandian. It is always fun to read about Zoe, Max and Dorian. This time they are on a trip to England and what an enjoyable trip it was. This mystery was definitely inspired by Agatha Christie and it was a very lovely homage to her style while adding some modern and interesting twists. Dorian, as usual, is so much fun and I just love reading about that gargoyle! Dorian, Zoe and Max make a great team and really work well together to figure out both a murder and an alchemy mystery. There were a lot of things going on in this book, but Ms. Pandian has such a smooth, enjoyable writing style that I never felt overwhelmed by all the action. I just enjoyed going along for the ride. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for these wonderful characters next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

ARC from netgalley. Thank you.

I was interested by the title and summary but didn't realize it was the latest in a series (it does say its book 9 in a series I just didn't read closely enough).

It is common in mystery books to be able to "jump in" with any book and for there to be a brief explanation of the recurring characters and this one is no different. So while I do want to know more details (and will probably go back and read 1-8) I didn't feel too lost. I definitely want to know more about Dorian though.

I like how Dorian's notebook extracts are scattered throughout the book and overall it was a nice, fun mystery with a supernatural twist.

Some stories start to lose their luster as the series gets past the third or fourth book. This is NOT one of them! The Accidental Alchemist series just keeps getting better and better.

In A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder, Dorian, Zoe, and Max travel to Oxford for their latest adventure. (There's cute shout out to Deborah Harkness - IYKYK.) Gigi Pandian does an excellent job of describing the setting. You feel as though you're being walked through Oxford, not just seeing it. The reader fully experiences the town.

The story itself continues the greater, alchemy story arc with some twists and turns. There's some locked room mystery aspects. I wouldn't say there are any unreliable characters, but there is an element of perception versus reality that gives the book extra oomph.

I really enjoyed the book and hope there will be more in this series.

I love this book because it wasn’t predictable and it’s all witchy and mystery. I enjoyed it. 10/10. The cover on the art is cute. The writing is fantastic. I just like everything on what happened in this book.