Review
THE LOST GARGOYLE OF PARIS by Gigi Pandian
An Accidental Alchemist Novella
The discovery of an illustration by Victor Hugo after the fire in Notre Dame brings Zoe Faust and Dorian to Paris. With this monumental discovery the alchemist and her gargoyle friend want to make certain that backwards alchemists haven't resurfaced. When Zoe discovers the illustration has been stolen she wonders if Dorian could have taken it, and if he did steal it, where is he? If he's innocent, who actually stole the piece of history?
Last year's tragic fire at Notre Dame left people heart-broken throughout the world. A symbol, not only of religion, but art, architecture, and Paris itself engulfed in flames, a national treasure being lost. In reality, while parts were lost, a good portion of the cathedral was able to be saved. In fiction, a treasure was found. I was curious how Zoe, and especially Dorian, would deal with the destruction and I was so happy to see them confront it in this new Accidental Alchemist novella.
One of the things Gigi Pandian does best is weave historical fact into a mystery novel and she does it here with aplomb. Her rich narrative, combining fact with a believable fiction, is my favorite part of THE LOST GARGOYLE OF PARIS. In addition, this novella showcases her talent at the locked room mystery. There's plenty of humor to be found here too. I still chuckle when I picture Dorian is his disguise. And getting up into the small Parisian apartment to begin with.
THE LOST GARGOYLE OF PARIS is a gem. Fast paced, this brief novella still manages to cram in lots of content into a seemingly impossible crime while allowing its characters to shine.
Last year's tragic fire at Notre Dame left people heart-broken throughout the world. A symbol, not only of religion, but art, architecture, and Paris itself engulfed in flames, a national treasure being lost. In reality, while parts were lost, a good portion of the cathedral was able to be saved. In fiction, a treasure was found. I was curious how Zoe, and especially Dorian, would deal with the destruction and I was so happy to see them confront it in this new Accidental Alchemist novella.
One of the things Gigi Pandian does best is weave historical fact into a mystery novel and she does it here with aplomb. Her rich narrative, combining fact with a believable fiction, is my favorite part of THE LOST GARGOYLE OF PARIS. In addition, this novella showcases her talent at the locked room mystery. There's plenty of humor to be found here too. I still chuckle when I picture Dorian is his disguise. And getting up into the small Parisian apartment to begin with.
THE LOST GARGOYLE OF PARIS is a gem. Fast paced, this brief novella still manages to cram in lots of content into a seemingly impossible crime while allowing its characters to shine.
Recipes Included.
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