"Vertigo 42 (Richard Jury, #23)" by Martha Grimes

Like all of Martha Grime's novels that revolve around Inspector Jury, this was a good read. This time though I have to say I was disappointed with the actual story itself as I felt as though it was missing something, good story line just not invigorated like most of her stories. Anyway, this turns out to be a fine mystery revolving around a murdered child whom everyone hated and two murders 17 years later that seem not only removed from the first murder but each other. Appearances can be deceiving and in this story they are big time.

"The Accidental Alchemist" by Gigi Pandian

This was a great new addition to my paranormal/mystery reads. It's a great look at the history of alchemy with an unexpected twist in the idea of exactly what alchemy is. Zoe Faust is an interesting character with heart and smarts who is very human with a past shes been running from but may finally be ready to face when she decides to settle down. A mystery arrival on her doorstep of a French gargoyle who once saved her life and happens to be a French gourmet/chef would seem out of step but works perfectly. Although one would presume to have figured out the mystery pretty soon on, Pandian has all kinds of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the end. A fun read with the promise of more Zoe Faust titles to be developed in the future. This may be better than creating the philosopher's stone.