Shadow of the Alchemist

A Crispin Guest Mystery, Book 6

By: Jeri Westerson

Narrated by: Noah James Butler

The Tracker takes the case of a French alchemist who is targeted for his secrets in this mystery set in the gritty streets of fourteenth century London.

After losing his knighthood, Crispin Guest has found a new calling as the Tracker, a private investigator who can locate anything—or anyone. Now famed French alchemist Nicholas Flamel needs Crispin to locate his wife, Perenelle, and his apprentice, Thomas Cornhill. But the case takes a sinister turn when Flamel's apprentice is found murdered. The kidnapper promises that Flamel's wife will be next...unless he hands over his precious Philosopher's Stone, a magical object that can turn lead into gold.

Soon, strange, antiquated symbols begin appearing throughout the city. Crispin must decipher their meaning to unearth the kidnappers true motive. Plunged into an underground world where alchemy combines with treacherous politics, Crispin will have to unravel the mystery in order to find his wife and unmask a dangerous mastermind determined to wreak havoc throughout the city.

©2013 Jeri Westerson (P)2013 Tantor Media

The plot got a little too out there

I liked that the mystery here included a missing, and possibly living woman, however the motives, actions, and magic-adjacent superstitions went one bridge too far for me to take seriously. And, Crispin yet again hooks up with a woman during the investigation, which, as a running bit for the series, should involve something more … maybe humor? violence? or perhaps what I’m missing is a single recurring female character that chews the scenery and adds to the story. Sorry. Went off on a tangent. This book was fine. Not terrible. Not the best. But, solid Crispin Guest.