Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #537: The Library Game by Gigi Pandian

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From the publisher:

In The Library Game, Tempest Raj and Secret Staircase Construction are renovating a classic detective fiction library that just got its first real-life mystery.

Tempest Raj couldn’t be happier that the family business, Secret Staircase Construction, is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Known for enchanting architectural features like sliding bookshelves and secret passageways, the company is now taking on a dream project: transforming a home into a public library that celebrates history's greatest fictional detectives.

Though the work is far from done, Gray House Library’s new owner is eager to host a murder mystery dinner and literary themed escape room. But when a rehearsal ends with an actor murdered and the body vanishes, Tempest is witness to a seemingly impossible crime. Fueled by her grandfather’s Scottish and Indian meals, Tempest and the rest of the crew must figure out who is making beloved classic mystery plots come to life in a deadly game.

Multiple award winning author Gigi Pandian masterfully weaves wit and warmth in the Secret Staircase Mysteries. Readers will delight in the surprises Secret Staircase Construction uncovers behind the next locked door.

The Library Game by Gigi Pandian is expected out March 18th, 2025 from Minotaur Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? This is the fourth book in the Secret Staircase Mysteries. I've read the others and have always enjoyed them. Gigi Pandian is a master at locked room mysteries. The novels always seem to have at least one locked room impossibility with other elements contributing to the story. It's always a very good read.

What book are you waiting on? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to out TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Book Review: A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian

 

Tempest Raj is rightly worried. Julian Rhodes blamed his wife's accident on their small family run business when it was his actions that caused it. His subsequent suing of the company has them all frazzled to a breaking point. Then late one night Tempest gets a phone call to meet Julian at the Whispering Creek Theater which she has rented out for her last magical performance. When she gets there, he has been stabbed with a sword through the door. It seems a booby trap has claimed his life. But, who could have done it and why? She decides to investigate the murder herself instead of waiting for the police to do so. Then there is more injury and death. She knows that she has all the information she needs to solve the mysteries, but she can't quite put it together. With a little help from her friends, can she put it together in time to keep anyone else from dying and keep herself out of jail?

A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian was released March 19th, 2024 from Minotaur Books.

I enjoy the Secret Staircase mystery novels. There's always some cool thing they are adding to a home. Plus there are the characters. Tempest and her close grouping of friends work well together. Her family make great supporting characters. And there is pretty much at least one locked room mystery per novel. My favorite characters are of course Tempest and her best friend and partner in crime, Ivy. There is much though that Tempest does alone in her investigations. Ivy always ties the crimes to some novel since she is going to be a librarian and they have that neat library with the train car to showcase.

The plot grabs us early on and the action and deductions keep it moving forward. The writing is well done. You want to keep turning the pages. And the ending is satisfying.

Overall, I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's well done. The mystery is interesting. The plot moves forward at a good rate. And it keeps your attention. I didn't quite know all the answers to the mysteries and was surprised at some of the answers. It's a good book that does that. If you like your mysteries with a bit of stage magic, found family as well as a nice real family, this could be a good series for you. You could probably read this as a standalone since everything you need to know is explained. It will most likely make you want to read more in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions.

Book Review: Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian

 

From the publisher: 

An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases.

After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks.

When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.

My thoughts: 

I think it's worth a read. It's the first book in a new series and can be read as a standalone. It's a cozy locked room mystery. Gigi Pandian writes this sort of story well.

I had a little trouble getting into the story, but it was worth it. I didn't anticipate the who or why of the mystery. And I'm still a little foggy on the how. But, a magician never shares her secrets.

The concept of a contracting company that specializes in making secret rooms and staircases is interesting. The company is Tempest's Dad's bread and butter. Their home is full of these types of things. 

I liked the characters. Tempest grew up in a very nurturing multi generational home. If you've read her Jaya Jones series, you will recognize Sanjay the Hindi Houdini. And I liked that some of the characters actually showed growth before the end of the book.

All in all, it's an interesting mystery and a good start to a new series. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. If you've enjoyed other works by Gigi Pandian you will most likely enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to people who enjoy locked room mysteries. This book was published March 15th, 2022 by Minotaur Books.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Teaser Tuesday: Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The façade was straight out of a fairy tale, with two mismatched towers resembling the turrets of a castle. As was common in the American version of the Queen Anne school of architecture, the towers were asymmetrical. It was a style Tempest had always thought of as a Scooby-Doo haunted house. (8% through on my Kindle)

Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian has been published today by Minotaur Books.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #393: Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian

 

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlighted upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with Can't Wait Wednesday hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From the publisher:

Known for her wonderfully addictive characters, multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian introduces her newest heroine in this heartfelt series debut. Under Lock & Skeleton Key layers stunning architecture with mouthwatering food in an ode to classic locked-room mysteries that will leave readers enchanted.

An impossible crime. A family legacy. The intrigue of hidden rooms and secret staircases.

After a disastrous accident derails Tempest Raj’s career, and life, she heads back to her childhood home in California to comfort herself with her grandfather’s Indian home-cooked meals. Though she resists, every day brings her closer to the inevitable: working for her father’s company. Secret Staircase Construction specializes in bringing the magic of childhood to all by transforming clients’ homes with sliding bookcases, intricate locks, backyard treehouses, and hidden reading nooks.

When Tempest visits her dad’s latest renovation project, her former stage double is discovered dead inside a wall that’s supposedly been sealed for more than a century. Fearing she was the intended victim, it’s up to Tempest to solve this seemingly impossible crime. But as she delves further into the mystery, Tempest can’t help but wonder if the Raj family curse that’s plagued her family for generations—something she used to swear didn’t exist—has finally come for her.

Under Lock & Skeleton Key by Gigi Pandian is expected out March 22nd, 2022 from Minotaur Books.

Why am I waiting on this book? I like other titles that this author has written. And I enjoy a good locked room mystery. Gigi Pandian has written a few and they are always good. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Glass Thief by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Seven years ago, Coronado disappeared for six weeks. Afterwards, he'd sequestered himself in his home in upstate New York, leaving only to go walking a dog almost as big as himself. The mystery of what had caused him to hide away and reject the writing that had been his lifeblood was greater than anything he'd written into his adventure novels.

Nobody knew what had happened to Rick Coronado when he disappeared.

(18% through on my Kindle)

The Glass Thief by Gigi Pandian is the sixth book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series. It was published November 12th, 2019 by Henery Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Glass Thief by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The remnants of history that have survived might not be dramatic in and of themselves, but the stories they tell when assembled can be miraculous. People who lived long before us had similar hopes and dreams, and their messages could reach us across the centuries and continents. In a world that can feel simultaneously connected and divided, history can show us our common humanity through the ages. (location 296 on my Kindle)

The teaser might seem a little dry, but it's true and I guarantee things pick up. 

The Glass Thief by Gigi Pandian is the sixth book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt mystery series. It was published November 12th, 2019 by Henery Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian

I've read a lot of cozies, but this was the first one I've read with an alchemist and a gargoyle as protagonists.

Zoe Faust is an alchemist specializing in plants and herbs. She hasn't been practicing for a while, but now that she has transplanted to Portland, OR, she intends to remedy that. As she unpacks her crates, she comes to realize that she has picked up a stowaway - a living gargoyle! Dorian needs her help to fully understand what he is and to keep from reverting to stone. Together they plan to investigate the book he was born from until it's stolen.

Not only is Dorian's book stolen, but several others as well. And a murder occurs right on her doorstep. This isn't turning out to be the quiet life she envisioned her new digs to bring.

I enjoyed reading about the characters in the book. Zoe is a sympathetic character as is Dorian. I really wanted them to succeed in all they did. Dorian turns out to be an ace chef as well, catering to Zoe's vegan palate. A few recipes are included at the end of the book.

The mystery moves along at a good pace. The bits about the tunnels in Portland are interesting as is that the neighborhoods function like small towns.

One small drawback is the attention to detail about the food. It does mostly go to characterization, but I really didn't need to know each time Zoe consumed a green shake. On the other hand, Dorian is quite creative with his menus and after you read the author's note, it makes a little more sense why so much is included. Plus the cooking and reading that Dorian does help to characterize the dear fellow.

Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you like your cozies well-written with a touch of the paranormal and unique characters, then you should check out this series. I liked The Accidental Alchemist so much, I immediately downloaded the second book in the series as soon as I finished it.

The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian was published January 1st, 2015 by Midnight Ink. I read the Kindle version that I purchased myself.

Review: The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed The Ninja's Illusion. As with her other Jaya Jones mysteries, Gigi Pandian makes the country the characters are visiting, its culture and pertinent history accessible and interesting.

There are 2 different mysteries at play. One involves the magicians; the other involves history. Each mystery is captivating in its own way. The mysteries begin even before Jaya has left the States for Japan. I found myself caught up in the book. There were a few lulls, but overall there is more action than not. Even during the lulls, the plot is moving forward, which is as it should be.

The characters are interesting and likable. And there is a good variety of characters. The story about the kitsune who has become a magician's assistant brings an exotic flavor to the plot. I liked that it was up in the air for much of the book as to just how much of a mischevious spirit fox she really was.

Overall, it's a well-written mystery made even better by Pandian's treatment of the location and culture. The history that is blended in makes the reading a richer experience. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.



View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesday: The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

The phone was still clasped in my hand. I willed Sanjay to call me back. What had he seen over his shoulder? (3% through on my Kindle)

The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian is expected to be released October 3, 2017 from Henery Press. I've been reading the ARC and really enjoying it. 

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #191: The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

This week I'm waiting on the 5th installment in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mysteries, The Ninja's Illusion by Gigi Pandian. It's due to be released October 3, 2017 by Henery Press.

Publisher's synopsis:

A fabled illusion performed by a stage magician who claims to possess real supernatural powers. A treasure from the colonial era in India when international supremacies vied for power. A phantom trading ship lost over 200 years ago. And a ninja whose murderous intentions in present-day Japan connect the deeds of a long-dead trader who was much more than he seemed…

When Jaya travels from San Francisco to Japan with her stage magician best friend Sanjay—a.k.a. The Hindi Houdini—for his Japanese debut, she jumps at the chance to pursue her own research that could solve a tantalizing centuries-old mystery. 

With the colorful autumn leaves of historic Kyoto falling around her, Jaya soon loses sight of what’s real and what’s a deception. A mysterious ninja attempts sabotage on Sanjay’s trick, along with Japan’s most controversial magician, Akira. Ancient folklore blurs the lines between illusion and reality when a magician’s assistant appears to be a kitsune, a mythical fox spirit. As tricks escalate to murder, Jaya and her friends must unravel secrets hidden in the ancient capital of Japan, before one of their own becomes the next victim.

Why am I waiting on this one? The Jaya Jones mysteries just get better and better with each addition to the series. I enjoy reading about Jaya's exploits, some of which are Indiana Jones-ish. This book looks like it has a good blend of folklore and history along with action. And it's from Henery Press. They have a good line of mysteries.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Review: Michelangelo's Ghost by Gigi Pandian

Expected publication:
October 4th,  2016 by Henery Press

Jaya is at it again. Not only are members of the general public reaching out to her regarding their treasures, but her former mentor, Lilith Vine, is as well. Lilith believes she has found a connection linking India and Italy art wise in the 16th century through some notebooks she obtained from a family in Italy. And as an added bonus, Lilith thinks there is a link between the artist in question and Michelangelo.

Jaya's interest is immediately captured by Lilith's revelations. Soon afterward, Lilith dies under shady circumstances. Jaya believes her death to be murder. This spurs Jaya on regarding the research necessary to prove Lilith was correct.

Meanwhile, Jaya's brother and his current girlfriend have been in town visiting Jaya. Her brother, Fish, decides that Jaya shouldn't travel to Italy alone. So, the three of them set off for the area of Bomarzo, Italy where the Park of the Monsters seems to hold clues to solving the mystery of just where is the studio of the artist in question. Will any of his works have survived? Just who or what is the ghost wailing in the rain? Who can Jaya trust as she investigates the connections?

Michelangelo's Ghost is a well written adventurous mystery. Jaya shows courage as she pursues her dreams, especially after some of the things that happened in the last installment, Quicksand, Some might argue that she is even a little reckless at times in her enthusiasm.

The plot is well paced and keeps you turning pages. Gigi Pandian does a good job of increasing the suspense the further you get into the book. I also enjoyed the afterward where she talks about the history behind the book and tells which things are pure fiction vs. fact.

Overall, I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. If  you like a suspenseful, adventurous mystery, then you will probably enjoy the Jaya Jones series. The books in the series get better and better. Michelangelo's Ghost is due out October 4, 2016 from Henery Press. This is book #4 in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesday: Michelangelo's Ghost by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Expected publication:
October 4th 2016 by Henery Press

"You're much shorter than I remember," she continued as she ushered me inside and closed the door behind me. "Your personality is far bigger than your body."

- 4% through on my  Kindle

Someone is referring to the main character Jaya Jones in the quotation. My teaser comes from an ARC of Michelangelo's Ghost by Gigi Pandian. It's due out October 4, 2016 from Henery Press. The quotation might appear differently in the final version. I'm about 40% through the book and enjoying the mystery.

What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: Quicksand by Gigi Pandian

Published March 10,  2015
 by Henery Press

Synopsis from the publisher:

A thousand-year-old secret room.
A sultan’s stolen treasure.
A missing French priest.
And an invitation to Paris to rekindle an old flame…

Historian Jaya Jones finds herself on the wrong side of the law during an art heist at the Louvre. To redeem herself, she follows clues from an illuminated manuscript that lead from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the quicksand-surrounded fortress of Mont Saint-Michel. With the help of enigmatic Lane Peters and a 90-year-old stage magician, Jaya delves into France’s colonial past in India to clear her name and catch a killer.

There are several times over the course of the story that Jaya and her companions would have felt like they were standing in quicksand with no way to escape and that they would soon be over their heads literally or figuratively. It's a wonderful mystery that takes place across France from Paris to Nantes to Mont Saint- Michel. While there may be lulls in the action, they are natural and remind you that someone cannot run on adrenaline 24/7. The lulls do not last long. The pace of the story is generally quick. The slowest part is when Jaya is trying to make up her mind whether to go to Paris or not. The main characters are well developed. The secondary characters have enough to them to show that they are important to the plot, but are not necessarily built up in-depth. The ending is action packed and surprising. The 90-year-old stage magician is an awesome character. Age doesn't slow him down a bit.

In the afterword, the author explains where she got the idea for the mystery. She also details which parts are historically accurate and which are imagined. Even this makes for interesting reading. 

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's a well-written mystery with characters that are fun to read about.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Teaser Tuesday - Quicksand by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can participate, just do the following:

• Grab your current read and open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and the author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

Add caption

"Let me save you from the quicksand, Jones. I risked stealing from the  Louvre so that you'd be safe. Please, let me handle this." 
~ Lane speaking to Jaya at 45% through on my Kindle

Quicksand is the 3rd book in the Jaya Jones series put out by Henery Press. It was released March 10, 2015.

Plot synopsis from Goodreads.com:
A thousand-year-old secret room. A sultan’s stolen treasure. A missing French priest. And an invitation to Paris to rekindle an old flame.... 

Historian Jaya Jones finds herself on the wrong side of the law during an art heist at the Louvre. To redeem herself, she follows clues from an illuminated manuscript that lead from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the quicksand-surrounded fortress of Mont Saint-Michel. With the help of enigmatic Lane Peters and a 90-year-old stage magician, Jaya delves into France's colonial past in India to clear her name and catch a killer. 

What's your teaser this week? Please leave it or a link in the comments so we can check it out. Happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday #61 - Quicksand by Gigi Pandian

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting on Quicksand by Gigi Pandian. This is the third Jaya Jones mystery from Henery Press. It's due to come out March 10, 2015. 

The Jaya Jones mysteries are a little bit historical, but also part Indiana Jones-ish. She has a mystery to solve in the present day, but it is always affected by some sort of history that is often crucial to her solving the mystery. This mystery takes place in France. Settings include places like The Louvre and Mont Saint-Michel.

From the publisher: 

A thousand-year-old secret room. A sultan’s stolen treasure. A missing French priest. And an invitation to Paris to rekindle an old flame....

Historian Jaya Jones finds herself on the wrong side of the law during an art heist at the Louvre. To redeem herself, she follows clues from an illuminated manuscript that lead from the cobblestone streets of Paris to the quicksand-surrounded fortress of Mont Saint-Michel. With the help of enigmatic Lane Peters and a 90-year-old stage magician, Jaya delves into France's colonial past in India to clear her name and catch a killer.

I am looking forward to it because I enjoyed the first two Jaya Jones mysteries. And because I like the Indiana Jones-ish quality to these mysteries.

What book are you waiting on this Wednesday? Tell me in the comments or share a link. I look forward to hearing from you!

Waiting on Wednesday #49 - The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 

This week the book I am waiting on is The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian. It's due out January 8, 2015 from Midnight Ink. 

I mostly like the cover. I'll admit the gargoyle looks like he needs to eat a little better, but it sets the atmosphere well for what the synopsis promises. 

It's a mystery. It seems to have two parts: one in the present when a dead person shows up on Zoe's front porch and another belonging to Dorian the gargoyle from the past. 

From Goodreads:

When Zoe Faust--herbalist, alchemist, and recent transplant to Portland, Oregon--begins unpacking her bags, she can't help but notice she's picked up a stow away: a living, breathing, three-and-half-foot gargoyle. Dorian Robert-Houdin is no simple automaton, nor is he a homunculus; in fact, he needs Zoe's help to decipher a centuries-old text that explains exactly what he is. Zoe, who's trying to put her alchemical life behind her, isn't so sure she can help. But after a murder victim is discovered on her front porch, Zoe realized she's tangled up in ancient intrigue that can't be ignored.
Includes recipes! 

So, it seems like kind of a paranormal mystery with the inclusion of the theme of alchemy and the gargoyle. And that looks unique to me. I'm up for something different like that in the new year. 

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments below.

Review: Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian was released February 11, 2014 by Henery Press. This is the second book in the Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery series.

Treasure hunts seem to find History professor Jaya Jones. This one involves an old treasure map that appears to be of San Francisco's Barbary Coast written in the Indian dialect of Tamil and a familial connection to the mapmaker for Jaya.

The man who brings her the map is brutally murdered. Soon she is on the trail of the treasure. From San Francisco to India, Jaya pieces together the puzzle of this revered treasure while dodging a killer.

The book painted an interesting picture of what India was like back in the day as well as San Francisco just prior to the Great Earthquake. The details about the different cultures were great. My only wish was that some of the parts that were set in the past were longer.

Chapters alternate between past and present. Present day chapters also can't help but have information on culture since Jaya is half Indian and the mystery involves India and her family's past. The present day chapters are also told in her voice. This narration works well.

The mystery itself was handled well for the most part. I found, however, that I wasn't really satisfied with the resolution. I don't want to say more than that because it would be a spoiler.

There is a bit of a love triangle developing in this book, but it is not really a major issue yet. It's introduced and left to brew. It will be interesting to see what happens with it in the next book.

The quality of the writing up until the end was 4 stars, but the ending made me bring it down half a star. So, I gave this book 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Teaser Tuesday - Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 

Should Be Reading. 

Rules:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week my teasers come from a new mystery called Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian. It was released February 11, 2014 from Henery Press.

"He realized he had been too vocal in support of their ideas, for he heard the maharaja was not pleased with the work he was doing.Though he was not afraid, as he was told he should be, Anand nevertheless thought it a prudent time to follow his heart and see more of the world."
Chapter 5, Location 578 on my Kindle

From Goodreads.com

A century-old treasure map of San Francisco's Barbary Coast. Sacred riches from India. Two murders, one hundred years apart. And a love triangle... Historian Jaya Jones has her work cut out for her.

1906. Shortly before the Great San Francisco Earthquake, Pirate Vishnu strikes the San Francisco Bay. An ancestor of Jaya's who came to the U.S. from India draws a treasure map...

Present Day. Over a century later, the cryptic treasure map remains undeciphered. From San Francisco to the southern tip of India, Jaya pieces together her ancestor's secrets, maneuvers a complicated love life she didn't count on, and puts herself in the path of a killer to restore a revered treasure.

What's your Teaser this week?