Shadow of the Alchemist
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4.5 • 2 Ratings
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
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.
Shadow of the Alchemist was featured as a "Best of 2013 Selection" by Suspense Magazine and was a finalist for Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award in the Mystery Suspense & Thriller category.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The legendary French alchemist Nicholas Flamel, a key player in Westerton's solid sixth 14th-century historical (after 2012's Blood Lance), has come to London to do some secret work. When the alchemist's wife and apprentice go missing, he asks Crispin Guest (aka the Tracker) to investigate. One of the pair soon turns up dead, and the killer demands Flamel's discoveries about the fabled Philosopher's Stone in exchange for the safe return of the other. Guest finds himself in a protracted duel of wits with a taunting murderer who leaves clues all around the city as if he were the Riddler, of Batman fame. Meanwhile, children are dying of what appears to be some sort of plague, but Guest suspects that a human agent may be responsible. Some will feel that the author telegraphs too much of the ending, but all will appreciate her close attention to period detail.
