A Gargoyle's Guide to Murder is the ninth (!!) fantasy mystery in the series by Gigi Pandian. Released 10th Oct 2025, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This series features an immortal alchemist (Zoe) + sidekick (a gargoyle Watson to Zoe's Holmes) as well as a rotating ensemble cast. It's cute and undemanding with a fair bit of banter and, Lord Love a Duck, a ton of food talk (vegan proselytizing). For readers who've stuck around since the beginning, it won't be a surprise (and for readers who gave up after the first *very* zealous book in the series, it's developed very well and you might want to give it another try).
It's an easy read, and the author has found her footing as far as pacing goes. There is a bonus vegan recipe at the end of the books, for sticky toffee muffins, and, as always, there's quite a lot of food talk throughout. Not unexpected, when half the dynamic duo is a gargoyle chef.
Unlike the other books which are set in the Pacific Northwest, this one takes place in the UK, so much of the cuisine featured is classic English fare.
There's not an overwhelming amount of continuity in the series, and this adventure is self contained, so it would be a good point to jump in and sample the series, with the understanding that the returning characters do have developed backstories, and reading them out of order will give some minor spoilers. Also, the first couple books in the series were much heavier handed (with some truly questionable character motivations and vegan zealotry), so reading this book first will probably be a good idea.
Four stars. Light culinary fantasy mystery. It would be a good choice for a buddy read, or for true die-hard fans of culinary mysteries. (Plus the French gargoyle chef sidekick).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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