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An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #4.5
The Lost Gargoyle of Paris
Alchemy and an art heist in Paris are on the menu in the new Accidental Alchemist novella from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award winning author Gigi Pandian.
Alchemist Zoe Faust and her impish gargoyle sidekick Dorian Robert-Houdin travel to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to investigate a mysterious discovery found in the wreckage of the tragic fire: a long-lost gargoyle illustration drawn by Victor Hugo himself.
When the work of art is stolen under impossible circumstances, Dorian must use his “little gray cells”—not to mention his culinary skills—to solve the crime and discover the true origins of where he came from.
Includes delicious vegan recipes!
The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is an Accidental Alchemist Mystery novella and is less than half the length of the novels in the series. It stands alone, but if you want to read more about Zoe, Dorian, and their misfit friends back in Portland, Oregon, check out The Accidental Alchemist, The Masquerading Magician, The Elusive Elixir, and The Alchemist's Illusion.
Alchemist Zoe Faust and her impish gargoyle sidekick Dorian Robert-Houdin travel to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to investigate a mysterious discovery found in the wreckage of the tragic fire: a long-lost gargoyle illustration drawn by Victor Hugo himself.
When the work of art is stolen under impossible circumstances, Dorian must use his “little gray cells”—not to mention his culinary skills—to solve the crime and discover the true origins of where he came from.
Includes delicious vegan recipes!
The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is an Accidental Alchemist Mystery novella and is less than half the length of the novels in the series. It stands alone, but if you want to read more about Zoe, Dorian, and their misfit friends back in Portland, Oregon, check out The Accidental Alchemist, The Masquerading Magician, The Elusive Elixir, and The Alchemist's Illusion.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
122 people are currently reading
575 people want to read
About the author
Gigi Pandian
50 books1,596 followersGigi Pandian is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author, breast cancer survivor, and accidental almost-vegan. She's the child of professors from New Mexico and the southern tip of India, and spent her childhood traveling around the world on their research trips. She now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and a gargoyle who watches over the garden.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
She writes the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series, the Accidental Alchemist mysteries, and the Secret Staircase Mysteries.
Her debut novel was awarded a Malice Domestic Grant and named a Best of 2012 Debut by Suspense Magazine, her mysteries have been awarded the Agatha, Rose, Lefty, and Derringer awards, and been short-listed for the Edgar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 18, 2021
A cute, short mystery involving Zoe Faust and her gargoyle friend. However, the story too much info dumping of what happened in previous books.
January 28, 2023
I give this novella 3.5 stars.
Cute idea, bringing a gargoyle to Notre Dame.
Cute idea, bringing a gargoyle to Notre Dame.
May 4, 2022
This was a really great short story. Mainly focused on Zoe and Dorian in Paris. Dorian is witty and brazen as always, Zoe stepped up her game in this one.
March 31, 2020
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.
Recipes Included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
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.
Recipes Included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
March 11, 2023
Thank you to the author, the wonderful Gigi Pandian, for sending me an e-ARC to review!
I have the other books in the Accidental Alchemist series and was intrigued to read this e-novella. I like Gigi’s writing style and Zoe and Dorian are fun protagonists. Dorian’s shenanigans abound again in this story, as expected, and Zoe has to run after him to clean up the messes. I really enjoyed this and flew through it. There are a few chapters from a mystery man’s perspective, which I realized who it was later before the ending (no spoilers!) and thought it was very well done. The way the mystery is revealed and wrapped up so succinctly is clever and satisfying. Onto the next adventure!
I have the other books in the Accidental Alchemist series and was intrigued to read this e-novella. I like Gigi’s writing style and Zoe and Dorian are fun protagonists. Dorian’s shenanigans abound again in this story, as expected, and Zoe has to run after him to clean up the messes. I really enjoyed this and flew through it. There are a few chapters from a mystery man’s perspective, which I realized who it was later before the ending (no spoilers!) and thought it was very well done. The way the mystery is revealed and wrapped up so succinctly is clever and satisfying. Onto the next adventure!
July 19, 2020
A wonderful Urban Fantasy tribute to the creative geniuses involved with the stone wonder known as the Notre Dame Cathedral (flying buttresses and all). Zoe is an alchemist and Dorian is a shape shifting gargoyle created after Victor Hugo's 1831 book was so incredibly popular. The setting is sometime after the great fire at the cathedral in Avril 2019 and this interesting pair are there to prevent some others from stealing a valuable artifact from the museum. The story is riveting yet fun and complete with literary references to classic mystery writers as well as modern social practices. Of course I loved it!
January 12, 2023
Julia Motyka who read the audiobook version I listened to of this is a brilliant narrator. Not a bad novella
July 17, 2024
Enjoyed the series and this book fits right into the drama. Find myself believing all the characters and situations. The writing is great. I’m a BIG fan of the gargoyle!
September 26, 2024
Short, cute, and witty!
March 31, 2020
Dorian and Zoe are back and as entertaining as ever. As the title indicates, this novella is set in Paris, rather than Portland, and it really makes the reader think of the devastating fire that hit Notre Dame nearly a year ago (April 2019). They're there to investigate an artifact found in the walls of the cathedral, an illustration of a gargoyle purportedly drawn by Victor Hugo. The dynamic duo fear that the backward alchemists are back, and they need to see it to believe it, not to mention crawl under into the catacombs to see if the backward alchemists have revived their lair.
Pandian's style is wonderful. She intersperses french phrases in the novel like whispers on the page, but only where they're really needed and not in an in-your-face manner; she even defines them rather smoothly where necessary, but again, not in an overtly I-know-French-and-perhaps-you-don't manner, such as: "from charpentièrs to tailleurs de pierre, and everything in between those carpenters building scaffolding and the stonemasons carving gargoyles" (p.10). Pandian clearly thinks through her wording carefully, such as when she says "stones had weathered centuries of natural erosion from rainwater and pollution" (p.11). Weathered is so appropriate there, but would all authors think of it? Perhaps only in hindsight. Genius.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, grab it. You can start with this one, but you're truly missing out on the beginning of Zoe and Dorian's story, which has evolved splendidly across the first 4 novels, and clearly continues to evolve. Their banter is that of old friends with a shared secret, and it's well worth a read. Throw in the mysteries Pandian is so adept at writing, and you'll be hooked.
The only negative thing I can think to say it that it was only a novella. Alas, we'll have to wait for #5.
**At this writing, goodreads doesn't have this tagged as part of the series, which is here: https://www.goodreads.com/series/1591...
I was thrilled to be chosen to receive an ARC to review.
Pandian's style is wonderful. She intersperses french phrases in the novel like whispers on the page, but only where they're really needed and not in an in-your-face manner; she even defines them rather smoothly where necessary, but again, not in an overtly I-know-French-and-perhaps-you-don't manner, such as: "from charpentièrs to tailleurs de pierre, and everything in between those carpenters building scaffolding and the stonemasons carving gargoyles" (p.10). Pandian clearly thinks through her wording carefully, such as when she says "stones had weathered centuries of natural erosion from rainwater and pollution" (p.11). Weathered is so appropriate there, but would all authors think of it? Perhaps only in hindsight. Genius.
If you haven't picked up this series yet, grab it. You can start with this one, but you're truly missing out on the beginning of Zoe and Dorian's story, which has evolved splendidly across the first 4 novels, and clearly continues to evolve. Their banter is that of old friends with a shared secret, and it's well worth a read. Throw in the mysteries Pandian is so adept at writing, and you'll be hooked.
The only negative thing I can think to say it that it was only a novella. Alas, we'll have to wait for #5.
**At this writing, goodreads doesn't have this tagged as part of the series, which is here: https://www.goodreads.com/series/1591...
I was thrilled to be chosen to receive an ARC to review.
March 31, 2020
This a novella from Gigi's "An Accidental Alchemist" Series with Zoe Faust (alchemist) and Dorian, her friend, who just happens to be a gargoyle. He had originally been created to be one of the gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, but they realized he was too small to be seen from the courtyard, so he as used as a model instead. He was brought to life by magic, and now he lives with Zoe and is her chef. Since this is book #4.5, please read the first four to get the full story, although the author does a very good job giving enough background to help you enjoy this novella.
Zoe and Dorian had learned that a gargoyle illustration seemingly drawn by Victor Hugo had emerged from the ashes of the Cathedral fire, and they were worried that some of the backward alchemists hadn't lost all their power the previous year and would come after the sketch to use it in their magics.
After traveling to Paris to see the sketch and check for any backward alchemists, they find themselves caught up in a "locked room" type mystery when the sketch is stolen from the exhibit.
I love this type of mystery and Gigi doesn't disappoint. Once I started the book I couldn't stop reading until the end. Of course, this happens with all of her novels, both this series and her Jaya Jones series. The author had done an earlier novella in her Jaya Jones series "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn" which was also a locked door mystery, so I knew she'd do a fantastic job of writing this book.
I had a few suspicions of the "who", but the "how" totally eluded me.
If you enjoy mysteries and visiting other eras and cultures, do give Gigi's books a read. I think you'll love them as much as I do.
Yes, I received this novella as an advance copy so that I could review it if I wanted. So glad I could get it early. Hate to wait for any of Gigi's books.
Zoe and Dorian had learned that a gargoyle illustration seemingly drawn by Victor Hugo had emerged from the ashes of the Cathedral fire, and they were worried that some of the backward alchemists hadn't lost all their power the previous year and would come after the sketch to use it in their magics.
After traveling to Paris to see the sketch and check for any backward alchemists, they find themselves caught up in a "locked room" type mystery when the sketch is stolen from the exhibit.
I love this type of mystery and Gigi doesn't disappoint. Once I started the book I couldn't stop reading until the end. Of course, this happens with all of her novels, both this series and her Jaya Jones series. The author had done an earlier novella in her Jaya Jones series "The Library Ghost of Tanglewood Inn" which was also a locked door mystery, so I knew she'd do a fantastic job of writing this book.
I had a few suspicions of the "who", but the "how" totally eluded me.
If you enjoy mysteries and visiting other eras and cultures, do give Gigi's books a read. I think you'll love them as much as I do.
Yes, I received this novella as an advance copy so that I could review it if I wanted. So glad I could get it early. Hate to wait for any of Gigi's books.
April 4, 2020
For those unfamiliar with Gigi Pandian's Accidental Alchemist series, it’s kind of a fantasy/mystery hybrid, featuring alchemist Zoe Faust (born in 1676, but she doesn’t look a day over 28) and her living gargoyle sidekick, Dorian. I originally thought that seemed a bit too fanciful for my tastes, but I was a fan of Pandian’s Jaya Jones series, so I gave the series a try, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dorian was originally carved for the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, but he was a bit too small; the sculptor gave him to magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who inadvertently brought the gray stone creature to life through a bit of alchemy. Now he and Zoe live together in Portland, where they are occasionally called upon to solve mysteries.
In "The Lost Gargoyle of Paris," Zoe and Dorian travel to Paris (Dorian has to travel in Zoe’s checked luggage—quelle horreur!) shortly after the fire at Notre Dame. Discovered in the wreckage was an original drawing of a gargoyle by Victor Hugo, the man who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and is credited for inspiring the 19th-century renovation of the then-dilapidated cathedral. Zoe is concerned that her old foes, the backwards alchemists (who try to use destructive shortcuts to achieve transformations), might attempt to use the drawing to regain their power.
This novella works nicely as a stand-alone, since Pandian gives just enough backstory to allow newcomers to get on board. (There’s even an excerpt of the first book in the series, "The Accidental Alchemist," at the end.) For people (like me!) who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of Zoe and Dorian’s adventures, this clever mystery provides a welcome chance to catch up with some old friends.
Dorian was originally carved for the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, but he was a bit too small; the sculptor gave him to magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, who inadvertently brought the gray stone creature to life through a bit of alchemy. Now he and Zoe live together in Portland, where they are occasionally called upon to solve mysteries.
In "The Lost Gargoyle of Paris," Zoe and Dorian travel to Paris (Dorian has to travel in Zoe’s checked luggage—quelle horreur!) shortly after the fire at Notre Dame. Discovered in the wreckage was an original drawing of a gargoyle by Victor Hugo, the man who wrote "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and is credited for inspiring the 19th-century renovation of the then-dilapidated cathedral. Zoe is concerned that her old foes, the backwards alchemists (who try to use destructive shortcuts to achieve transformations), might attempt to use the drawing to regain their power.
This novella works nicely as a stand-alone, since Pandian gives just enough backstory to allow newcomers to get on board. (There’s even an excerpt of the first book in the series, "The Accidental Alchemist," at the end.) For people (like me!) who have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of Zoe and Dorian’s adventures, this clever mystery provides a welcome chance to catch up with some old friends.
April 3, 2020
If you haven’t met Zoe Faust and her friend Dorian, you are in for a treat! I do recommend that you read the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series though you can read this without doing so. They’re such great mysteries with lots of humor, and I don’t want you to miss out on them!
Zoe and her gargoyle Dorian (don’t ask; just read the books!) head to Paris because they’ve heard there is a lost drawing by Victor Hugo that was found after the fire at Notre Dame. Well, if you’ve read the other books, you’ll know that Zoe is justified in her worry when this is found. She needs to make sure that the backwards alchemists aren’t back. Of course, Dorian, as always, thinks he should be involved in the investigation even though he sticks out like a sore thumb. I mean, he is a stone gargoyle come to life. Zoe, of course, disagrees, but she does find a way to get Dorian at least close to Notre Dame. It’s hilarious, so I won’t give it away!
Though The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is a really quick read, you will love the mystery that’s packed into its pages! It’s got great descriptive text, and, as always, will make you laugh out loud! I highly recommend that you read this as well as the novels in the series! You won’t regret it!
Zoe and her gargoyle Dorian (don’t ask; just read the books!) head to Paris because they’ve heard there is a lost drawing by Victor Hugo that was found after the fire at Notre Dame. Well, if you’ve read the other books, you’ll know that Zoe is justified in her worry when this is found. She needs to make sure that the backwards alchemists aren’t back. Of course, Dorian, as always, thinks he should be involved in the investigation even though he sticks out like a sore thumb. I mean, he is a stone gargoyle come to life. Zoe, of course, disagrees, but she does find a way to get Dorian at least close to Notre Dame. It’s hilarious, so I won’t give it away!
Though The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is a really quick read, you will love the mystery that’s packed into its pages! It’s got great descriptive text, and, as always, will make you laugh out loud! I highly recommend that you read this as well as the novels in the series! You won’t regret it!
December 13, 2021
Short little guy but he fit well in the series. Plus I like Dorian.
April 24, 2022
Needs alittle editing and perhaps a plot...
February 8, 2025
'The Lost Gargoyle of Paris' by Gigi Pandian
(Audible version)
I'm not sure what it is about this series that enchants me, but it definitely does. The gargoyle, Dorian, is funny, although not sure if he's meant to be, but I love his snarky and cheeky attitude plus the manner in which he speaks French sounds straight out of one of those old films they play on TCM TV channel, you know...like that old musical, 'Gigi' with Charles Boyer & Leslie Caron...(yeah, I used to watch old films with my grandmother, lol)... the narrator makes the gargoyle sound just like Boyer (who's from France)!
Since I'm a cook, I also really appreciated all the foodie references in this series. Also, liked the art and history references about the building of Notre-Dame de Paris, the writings by Victor Hugo and the sculptors who created the gargoyles and other chimera that crouch as watchful guardians atop the cathedral. I'd forgotten about the catacombs running underneath the city of Paris; those would be incredible to explore!
There were a few instances of situations where I got a bit confused as to how some of the details worked out (or not), but it was so much fun listening to this storyline, which had me laughing throughout the tale, that I'm giving it 5 stars.
Well done, you!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
(Audible version)
I'm not sure what it is about this series that enchants me, but it definitely does. The gargoyle, Dorian, is funny, although not sure if he's meant to be, but I love his snarky and cheeky attitude plus the manner in which he speaks French sounds straight out of one of those old films they play on TCM TV channel, you know...like that old musical, 'Gigi' with Charles Boyer & Leslie Caron...(yeah, I used to watch old films with my grandmother, lol)... the narrator makes the gargoyle sound just like Boyer (who's from France)!
Since I'm a cook, I also really appreciated all the foodie references in this series. Also, liked the art and history references about the building of Notre-Dame de Paris, the writings by Victor Hugo and the sculptors who created the gargoyles and other chimera that crouch as watchful guardians atop the cathedral. I'd forgotten about the catacombs running underneath the city of Paris; those would be incredible to explore!
There were a few instances of situations where I got a bit confused as to how some of the details worked out (or not), but it was so much fun listening to this storyline, which had me laughing throughout the tale, that I'm giving it 5 stars.
Well done, you!
Two thumbs up! 👍👍
April 17, 2022
Zoe and her gargoyle Dorian head to Paris because they’ve heard there is a lost drawing by Victor Hugo that was found after the fire at Notre Dame. Well, if you’ve read the other books, you’ll know that Zoe is justified in her worry when this is found. She needs to make sure that the backwards alchemists aren’t back. Of course, Dorian, as always, thinks he should be involved in the investigation even though Dorian is a gargoyle that talks, walk and cooks and read. Of course, disagrees, but she does find a way to get Dorian at least close to Notre Dame. It’s hilarious !
Though The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is a really quick read, you will love the mystery that’s packed into its pages! It’s got great descriptive text, and, as always, will make you laugh out loud! I highly recommend that you read this as well as the novels in the series!
Though The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is a really quick read, you will love the mystery that’s packed into its pages! It’s got great descriptive text, and, as always, will make you laugh out loud! I highly recommend that you read this as well as the novels in the series!
March 27, 2020
I have adored this series since the beginning, with Dorian being one of my favorite characters, even over, dare I say it, Zoe. In this novella, they head over to Paris because of drawing found in Notre Dame and to make sure the backward alchemists were gone. I loved how they had a little mystery to solve, and the complicated path to get there. It didn’t take me long to solve the whodunit, but really this was still lots of fun. This was probably one of my favorites of the series even if it was only a novella. I wish we had gotten to see all of the other characters, but that’s OK. This was still a great book without them. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 31, 2020
What a great adventure!!!!! This book takes two of our favorite characters from Gigi Pandian's Accidental Alchemist series, Dorian and Zoe, to Paris on a whirlwind chase! After the fire, Dorian and Zoe fly to Paris to look into a mysterious parchment, that claims to be an authentic drawing of a Gargoyle, but something seems amiss. The book is full of vivid imagery that will make you miss Paris if you have been and make you want to go if you haven't. It takes our characters from the streets of Paris all the way to the Catacombs, all while tempting us with delicious references to great food! A fantastic read especially in these hard times. The only warning I can provide is not to read on an empty stomach!
August 4, 2021
When I think cozy mystery, I think about stories featuring a proper amateur lady sleuth with a sidekick named Mr. Purrington. I respect the traditional cozy but tend not to put them first in my reading list. I say all that because Gigi Pandian's WONDERFUL Accidental Alchemist series is sort of cozy BUT elevated. She had taken the classic elements of a cozy and twisted them with entertaining effect. They are well crafted and terrifically well imagined. I LOVE to read unexpected stories featuring unexpected heroes. This series delivers--and how.
If you're looking for a read that is undeniably FUN, crack open the cover to one of Gigi's books and settle in for an entertaining ride with Zoe and Dorian.
If you're looking for a read that is undeniably FUN, crack open the cover to one of Gigi's books and settle in for an entertaining ride with Zoe and Dorian.
March 31, 2020
I was afraid I was not going to read any new story in the Accidental Alchemist series and - BANG - I got this ARC that made me happy.
It was great to meet again Zoe and Dorian, their banters and the great Dorian recipes.
The story is well crafted and entertaining and I loved it even if I missed the Portland gang as it was set in Paris.
It made smile and read as fast as I could, the mistery was a sort of locked-room mystery and the solution came as a surprise.
It a short and fun read that makes me hope for a new full length novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Gigi Pandian for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It was great to meet again Zoe and Dorian, their banters and the great Dorian recipes.
The story is well crafted and entertaining and I loved it even if I missed the Portland gang as it was set in Paris.
It made smile and read as fast as I could, the mistery was a sort of locked-room mystery and the solution came as a surprise.
It a short and fun read that makes me hope for a new full length novel.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the Gigi Pandian for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
December 8, 2021
This is one of my favorite authors and favorite series. And this is a wee novella to enjoy on my commute for work, fill in some gaps for me and grin at Dorian the Gargoyle and Zoe the Accidental Alchemist.
I like the locked room mystery feel of this story and I could almost be a vegetarian if Dorian cooked for me.
I basically figured out the who, but I enjoyed the ride with Zoe and Dorian figuring it out and the how. That was nifty.
I like the relationship Zoe and Dorian have. They enjoy each other's company, they squabble, they worry about each other.
I can definitely recommend this story, this series and this author.
I like the locked room mystery feel of this story and I could almost be a vegetarian if Dorian cooked for me.
I basically figured out the who, but I enjoyed the ride with Zoe and Dorian figuring it out and the how. That was nifty.
I like the relationship Zoe and Dorian have. They enjoy each other's company, they squabble, they worry about each other.
I can definitely recommend this story, this series and this author.
December 30, 2024
Overall, a delightful mystery and lots of Dorian to enjoy in this one. I love the interplay between Dorian and Zoe, the love for Notre Dame (and the 2019 fire is part of the storyline here), and the humor--and was there a Good Omens cosplay reference in there?? (I say yes!). My only complaint with this book is the same I've had with several of the other books in this series--that Zoe is far too naive and unaware to be a 350-year-old person with a Major Secret (beyond simply being 350 years old). I hate to use the word "dumb," but honestly, how does someone who makes such goofy decisions survive this long?! Still, a fun entry in this series, and not a bad place to start if you have Audible Plus and are curious.
January 8, 2022
Good, but I didn’t like it as much as the foregoing novels. It seemed disjointed to me; although some of that I confess was my fault since I was reading it on vacation and the days’ schedules didn’t always allow for reading time. One thing really bugged me (still does obviously or I wouldn’t mention it): at one point two teenage girls bring Zoe a message from Dorian. Since we’re given their names they’re clearly going to have a significant role, right? Wrong. Never heard of or from again. And I spotted the villain as soon as said villain appeared on our screen, which is unusual for me.
February 2, 2022
What a fun novella to compliment The Accidental Alchemist series. We find Zoe and Dorian (the live gargoyle) travelling to Paris to investigate the recently discovered drawing of a gargoyle by Victor Hugo, which was found after the fire at Notre Dame. This was probably one of my favorite stories in the series as I love Paris and Notre Dame, and I cannot get enough of Dorian. Gigi Pandian really brings these characters to life and it is such a fun cozy mystery series. I highly recommend this series to those who like cozies that have a little more depth and creativity. Plus recipes!!!
December 30, 2022
Zoe Faust is off to Paris with her friend Dorian... a gargoyle that can transform from stone a live, talking and cooking fiend. Yeah he's a chef. They are going to check out the possibilities of a find of a lost gargoyle in trash of a fire.
This is a cute short listen. I like the Gigi Pandian books for fun
While there the work of Art was stolen but how. It wasn't possible but it happened but how. Dorian had to put his little grey cells to work to solve the theft and how the crime was pulled off.
This is a cute short listen. I like the Gigi Pandian books for fun
While there the work of Art was stolen but how. It wasn't possible but it happened but how. Dorian had to put his little grey cells to work to solve the theft and how the crime was pulled off.
April 1, 2020
I will start by admitting this was the first book I've read in this particular series and I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to start at the beginning and read them all now. As this is a novella, it was short but still provided a great mystery with great deal of descriptions and detail. I could really picture myself in Paris. Gigi Pandian is a gifted writer and draws you in with her quirky characters and exotic locations.
August 29, 2021
And the author is back to writing terribly half baked books again :( I am so so disappointed with this one. I forgot it was a novella and when I saw I barely had any pages left without any explanation of the whole mystery, I was really disappointed. The end was so abrupt and so fast, that it seemed laughable. I honestly think you should skip this one. Dorian instead of being a good character is a manipulative annoying character which is so sad.
May 26, 2022
This novella was my introduction to Gigi Pandian's writing. The author sweeps readers off to Paris months after the April 15, 2019 fire that devastated Notre Dame cathedral. The Accidental Alchemist of the five-book series is Zoe Faust who was happily ensconced in Portland, Oregon, until news that a 19th Century stone cutters' journal (complete with an original Victor Hugo drawing of a gargoyle) could be viewed in Paris. She happens to be 300+ years old, an alchemist with well-honed skepticism that makes her eager to see the exhibit. Her sidekick, an almost-200-year-old gargoyle named Dorian, also feels he must see the cathedral because it is the site where he was carved although his humanoid transmogrification came later. Dorian has great ambivalence about the exhibit. Gourmand that he is, he has no second thoughts about returning to Paris. The narration toggles between Zoe and an unnamed man for several chapters, making it clear that a theft of the Hugo work is planned. Ah, the avarice! Ah, the paranormal! Ah, Paris! Strong characters, excellent exposition and deft tugging on threads of history pay off. The Lost Gargoyle of Paris is a delightful diversion that may lead me to the full-length books in the series.
August 1, 2022
From a writers perspective, it had way more potential than the author put into it. It could have been this really amazing National Treasure style adventure, but the ending was extremely anticlimactic and it felt like the author just wanted it to be over with. But I did love the story. I myself was devastated when Notre Dame de Paris burnt down and watched the news with wet cheeks. The ending just made me deflate like a sad balloon. It could have been so much more!
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