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The Alchemist's Pursuit
Ace March 2009
by Dave Duncan
These quotes are from the only reviews I've seen so far. Locus doesn't review this series, probably feeling that the stories are more mystery than fantasy. Personally I cannot see why a mixture of two cannot be BOTH and has to be just one or the other, but I cannot force someone to review my books, either.
Duncan's outstanding third Venetian fantasy mystery... neatly blends a vision of magical Venice with an engrossing whodunit.
The book is ideal for readers who like mysteries with historical settings and do not mind venturing into the fantasy section.... The author plays fair but the answers will surprise all but the most skilled armchair detectives.
Duncan's third Nostradamus caper matches its predecessors for action, characters, and intricate plotting, thereby appealing to mystery, fantasy, and historical-fiction fans alike.
Because Duncan uses mysteries as his model, each book in the Nostradamus fantasy series is complete in and of itself, and the charming little puzzle in this third installment is no exception. Again Duncan takes us to his slightly fantastical Venice, which has more magic than the original and just as much intrigue.
Duncan plays off known Venetian history and politics, as well as theories of alchemy and demonology, subtly mixing the fantastical and the mundane. Alfeo's a witty narrator who loves his city, his mentor and his lover, and he describes a Renaissance Venice anyone would wish to visit. The Alchemist's Pursuit is simply terrific entertainment.
Publisher's Weekly - Starred review
Gumshoe, March 2009
Booklist
Romantic Times 
(Four stars)
Doug Barbour in the Edmonton Journal
