The Alchemy Fire Murder: a Mary Wandwalker Mystery by Susan Rowland

The Alchemy Fire Murder: a Mary Wandwalker Mystery Reviews

• 
  Janalyn Prude

  When Mary Won Walker has to tell the Oxford elite that their price possession is a fraud the last thing she thinks she’ll be sent to America to get the real one and furthermore be tasked with hunting it down after it’s stolen from the scene of A murder but that’s exactly what Mary is going to have to do. Mary wears mini hats and in this one she will lose her junior archiving hat and put on her investigation hat and it’s in a whole new country. In book one she dealt with teens and sacrifices and now and book to it sunny California a murder in an antiquated document that has the Oxford elite biting their nails. I loved book one but the second book with Mary had me forcing myself to put it down. This is truly a great cozy mystery series or at least I hope it is it wasn’t numbered as one on Amazon but fingers crossed. Since there was a second book with Mary hopefully they’ll be a third. If you love cozy mysteries then you love the Alchemy Fire Murder it’s smart flows nicely into most of the book I couldn’t guess who did it and that is always a great thing in a cozy mystery. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
• 
  Kathleen

  The Alchemy Fire Murder Earns 5+/5 Ancient Scrolls … Absorbing Epic!
  
  It’s Oxford, 1399. Two visitors arrive bringing with them a divine Alchemy Scroll, a gift from the reclusive Mother Julian. The scroll is to permanently reside in the newly built hall and protect those who resides there. Of course, the true meaning of the structure and its alignment to the spring equinox, the restorative power of the scroll, and it’s connection to a twin building to be built nearby is a guarded, and the generations to follow will hold it safe.
  
  Six centuries pass.
  
  The principle of St. Julian’s College, Dame Eleanor, is in crisis and pleads for Mary Wandwalker’s assistance and discretion. Mary’s Depth Enquiry Agency touts discretion as a priority, but the claim of “incalculable loss” seems rather dramatic. In two weeks, their prized possession will be audited, but the Alchemy Scroll, the one in their possession for centuries, is a fake! Mother Julian’s Alchemy Scroll holds such ancient tinctures that the major financial backer believes holds the key to a major pharmaceutical, and without the original, St. Julian will go bankrupt. But, oddly enough, they know the theft of the original scroll took place in 1658, they know by whom, and they are confident they know where the scroll is currently located. Mary is hired, and reluctantly accepts, to negotiate, with absolute discretion, its return.
  
  Caroline Jones and Anna Vronsky of The Depth Enquiry Agency are also engaged by the Holywell Retreat Center in a missing persons case that, surprisingly, has a connection to Mary’s enquiry about the Alchemy Scroll. Janet Swinford, one of its counselors, is missing. She, as well as her colleagues at the Center, is a witch, the Wiccan kind, and the Key Keeper, an integral figure in the exploration of the original scroll which is of the utmost priority to two researchers. So, Mary is off to L.A. to negotiate with museum officials and her partners stay in Oxford exploring rumors of an infamous facility, The Old Hospital.
  
  Susan Rowland’s second book puts an ancient scroll at the center of a centuries old theft, present day recovery efforts, and a missing witch, but loyalties are tested with blackmail, threats, betrayal, and murder. The idea behind an ancient scroll holding secrets to medicinal miracles, the women who protect it, their Wiccan beliefs and practices, and the degree to which some will go to to control its powers created an intense, absorbing epic. From Oxford to Los Angeles, from climate amok to hospital horrors, from misunderstandings to outright lies, the women are met by several people whose hidden agendas and connections impede their search and put them in danger, and, even among themselves, communication and motivation may be in conflict. The journey, a murder, and untold dangers all make for an exciting drama, and including such details about alchemy scrolls, ancient medicinal uses, religious orders that see the feminine of the divine, and secret societies was a fascinating element. This is a “couldn’t put down” experience and a big candidate for the Best of 2023!
  
  Rowland’s writing style, descriptive and informative, uses a third person narrative allowing the three main characters to each take the lead in the drama. She focuses on an eclectic, multi-generational group of characters from academics to experts, from Wiccan practitioners to abused young adults, from those challenged by their past to those navigating a more positive present. Mary is the central force, yet struggles with juggling her business needs with an inexperienced crew. Caroline takes on more challenges building her emotional strength, but lapses effect their plans. Anna struggles with the results of having been a trafficked youth, but she’s also confronted by the realities of being part of a family dynamic. The Holywell witches have a fascinating historyand their altruism is commendable, but this can work against them. All of the characters have their own foibles and failures, but it’s the strengths they find and collaboration that makes for an intriguing cast. I am eager for the next installment.
  
  Disclosure: I received an ARC from Susan Rowland, the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
• 
  Grady

  A fast paced thriller that succeeds on every level!
  
  California author Susan Rowland, PhD is the Founding Chair of the international Association for Jungian Studies, the Chair of MA Engaged Humanities at Pacifica Graduate Institute and teaches Jungian psychology and Archetype Studies. Her books to date - THE ECOCRITICAL PSYCHE, JUNG AS A WRITER, REMEMBERING DIONYSUS, JUNGIAN CRITICISM, C.G. JUNG IN THE HUMANITIES, and The Mary Wandwalker Mysteries -THE SACRED WELL MURDERS, and THE ALCHEMY FIRE MURDER is Book 2.
  
  With the depth of insight from her commitment to Jungian psychology, Susan enhances her characters as well as her theme. She opens with a Prologue set in Oxford, 1399, magnetizing interest in the adventure that follows in the present day. ‘Winter persisted into early March across southern England. After two hours sitting patiently on a train, Mary Wandwalker saw trees as skeletons on either side of the tracks. Undaunted by the thickening clouds, she repeated to herself the essential nature of her journey. I’m off to secure the Agency’s first real job, a new life to rattle old bones. I must impress and I will, she thought. Never mind I hate the very idea of my old College; so much depends on this appointment. For forty years I guarded England’s secrets. Now I’m going to make a few of my own.’ With that hors d’oeuvre, this fascinating mystery begins!
  
  Susan has distilled her plot well – ‘Former Archivist Mary Wandwalker hates bringing bad news. Nevertheless, she confirms to her alma mater that their prized medieval alchemy scroll, is, in fact, a seventeenth century copy. She learns that the original vanished to colonial Connecticut with alchemist, Robert Le More. Later the genuine scroll surfaces in Los Angeles. Given that the authentic artifact is needed for her Oxford college to survive, retrieving it is essential. Mary agrees to get the real scroll back as part of a commission for her three-person Enquiry Agency. However, tragedy strikes in Los Angeles. Before Mary can legally obtain the scroll, a young man is murdered, and the treasure stolen. Murder and theft are complicated by the disappearance in the UK of a witch mysteriously connected to the scroll. While Mary's colleague, Caroline, risks her sanity to go undercover in a dodgy mental hospital, her lover, Anna resorts to desperate measures. These, and Anna's silence over blackmail, threaten the survival of the Agency. Mary teams up with the victim's brother to track the killer, and the real alchemy scroll. Solving crimes on two continents will involve a rogue pharmaceutical corporation, Janet the witch, the Holywell Retreat Center near Oxford, plus the trafficked women they support, a graduate school in California, and a life-threatening mountain-consuming wildfire. Can these inexperienced detectives triumph over corrupt professors and racist attempts to rewrite history? Can they remake their fragile family? Will the extraordinary story of Robert Le More prove a source of hope for today?’
  
  Having created a fascinating sleuth, we can only hope for more Mary Wandwalker volumes. Very highly recommended.
  I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
  
  
  
  
• 
  Dee

  The Alchemy Fire Murder is my first read by Susan Rowland and she does a nice job creating the scene from page one. Mary Wandwalker is summoned to the Oxford College to recover the stolen alchemy scroll. Mary's team of woman are also taking part of a missing persons case. These two instances are intertwined together. This steady read will keep you interested as you learn of mystery and murder in a historical and present day fashion. An interesting read that I recommend diving into, that you will enjoy to the end.
• 
  Anthionette Ejimofor

  The Alchemy Fire Murder by Susan Rowland is in the Mystery thriller genre. It is an expertly woven tale of mystery, suspense, and betrayal that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric setting, this book is a must-read for lovers of this genre.
  
  The story begins when Mary Wandwalker's services as a detective are requested in a place she'd rather not be. However, Mary begins to investigate the mysterious disappearance of an aged scroll whose disappearance occurred centuries back, her sharp mind and unwavering determination help her and her associates dive deep into the tangled web of secrets and deception that surround an ancient missing scroll.
  
  The author's writing style is both elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of different times and places effortlessly. Rowland masterfully creates an atmosphere of suspy and unease, allowing the reader to experience the mounting pressure alongside the characters.
  
  I particularly loved how well-drawn its characters were. Each individual is distinct, with their motivations and flaws. Detective Mary is a compelling protagonist, driven by a deep desire for justice. As she delves deeper into the case, she must confront her demons, making her journey all the more captivating. From her associates; Caroline and Anna; both of different ages but a nose for crime to Ravi, an intelligent student of alchemy determined to help, and the police which adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
  
  
  Rowland expertly constructs a multi-layered plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Just when the reader believes they have unraveled the truth, a new revelation emerges, keeping them guessing until the very end. The author's meticulous attention to detail ensures that every piece of the puzzle falls into place, creating a satisfying and cohesive storyline.
  
  In this book, Rowland delves into themes of ambition, and betrayal, exploring the dark side of human nature, and the destructive power of secrets raising thought-provoking questions about the lengths people are willing to go to protect their interests.
  
  I give this book a 5 out of 5-star rating for a skillfully crafted story and a diverse ensemble that keeps readers engrossed. Each character brings their perspectives and motivations to the table, making the plot multi-layered and intriguing
  
  To reiterate, this book would be an excellent read for fans of suspenseful, intricately plotted mysteries, and thrillers will find themselves thoroughly satisfied with this thrilling read.
  
• 
  Leasa Ana Maria

  The Alchemy Fire Murder: A Mary Wandwalker Mystery by Susan Rowland is another exciting mystery and murder book brought to us by the author, in which the main character, Mary Wandwalker, and her friends must embark on another tumultuous adventure, this time involving the search for the true Alchemy Scroll. Will the Depth Enquiry Agency complete its new mission? How is Mary's case related to the missing person case in which Anne and Caroline are involved?
  
  I was always impressed by Susan Rowland’s ingenious and somehow ambiguous way of creating her stories, where everything is surrounded by mystery. She managed to impress me, even more, this time by creating a complex background for the theft and replacement of the scroll and by placing puzzle pieces in places that might seem unrelated at first, but as the story progresses, we can see the ingenious connections between Mary's case and Anne and Caroline's case. Murder, secret organizations, and danger are a few of the topics specific to Rowland’s books that always keep me intrigued and glued to her books.
  
• 
  Pegboard

  The Alchemy Fire Murder by Susan Rowland is the second book in her Mary Wandwalker Mysteries. Mary has formed a hodge-podge group to begin her Enquiry Agency. She takes on a delicate case that involves two continents, murder, theft, and elements that can tear this agency and family apart. Mary did not want to go back to her alma mater because of bad memories, but she knew she was the only one that could be trusted with its secrets to uncover the truth.
  
  I found The Alchemy Fire Murder entwined with suspense with intricate twists. Susan Rowland writes novels with unique storylines and unexpected endings. As the story unfolded, I was amazed by the characters that were added to the plot. Their background and vocation add an unusual mark to a rare read. I enjoyed Mary's aptitude when things appeared hopeless. I was surprised by a few kinks the team ran into and the decades they were fooled. I hung on to every word as the author bewitched her readers.
• 
  Rose

  This is another book in the Mary Wandwalker series. I felt the book tried to cover too many things - trafficking, drug abuse, racism, witchcraft, theft, lesbian love, corporate involvement, murder, and more. Mary Wandwalker is hired by St. Julian's to find an ancient scroll - The Alchemy Scroll. In doing so, she travels from London to Los Angeles to find the scroll that went missing centuries earlier. She uncovers a story of theft and magic associated with the scroll. It was obvious to me who killed DP, but not who took the scroll.
  I thought the story would have been more interesting with a few less distractions. I am also not a fan of witchcraft / fantasy books.
• 
  Liliyana Shadowlyn

  This was a continent-spanning mystery that will keep you turning pages for hours. Having met Mary once before, I was looking forward to this new mystery she finds herself wrapped up in. What do a forged mystical scroll, a mysterious murder, and a missing witch have in common? You’ll have to read to find out just how seamlessly Rowland weaves together the various elements that make up this story. I loved following along with Mary and crew as they try to untangle the strings. I thought Rowland did an excellent job of bringing each location to life, and made the characters feel so real, I’m not entirely sure that you couldn’t run into them on the street. Perfect for mystery lovers!
• 
  Tanu

  "The Alchemy Fire Murder: a Mary Wandwalker Mystery" by Susan Rowland is a captivating and suspenseful mystery novel. The protagonist, Mary Wandwalker, is a detective who uses wit and intuition to solve a series of challenging crimes.
  
  In this instalment, she investigates a murder at a local alchemy laboratory. With her sharp mind and fearless spirit, Mary unravels a web of deceit and uncovers the truth behind the crime. Rowland's vivid and engaging writing creates a rich and immersive world filled with mysterious characters and unexpected twists. The "Mary Wandwalker" series is a must-read for fans of detective fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.
  
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