Beauty and the Alchemist, 2nd edition

In Beauty and the Alchemist, Elle Hartford presents a vibrant reimagination of fairy tale tropes set within a realm that intertwines magic and everyday life. This novel follows the protagonist, Red, a traveling alchemist, and introduces a fantasy world that captivates the reader's imagination. The narrative begins with Red's arrival in Belville. This magic-infused town quickly becomes embroiled in a murder mystery centered around the enigmatic Owl, rumored to have been involved in nefarious dealings. Red must navigate a tangled web of mystery when a beastly criminal is murdered in an abandoned castle, and her best friend Luca, a quiet bookseller, becomes the prime suspect. As Red races against time to clear Luca's name, she encounters various challenges, including a ghost with unfinished business, an alluring but complicated suspect, and a swarm of eerie mist creatures terrorizing the town. Complicating matters further is a series of lost books that hold the key to breaking the castle's curse. While unraveling the truth, Red realizes that in the seemingly idyllic town of Belville, nothing is as it appears, and she will need her alchemical skills and the support of her friends to solve the mystery and save Luca from dire consequences.  

This second edition of Beauty and the Alchemist also features a new epilogue, recipes, and a preview of the upcoming sequel in The Alchemical Tales series. The narrative features intriguing characters and a plot that is as twisty as possible — the work of a rich imagination. Hartford's characterization is profound, particularly in how she crafts Red. From her unique abilities as a Seer, suggested by her nickname, to her conflicted relationships with the townsfolk, Red's journey is a quest for identity and acceptance. The author skillfully depicts her struggles with self-worth and external perceptions, as Red often feels like an outsider in a community steeped in tradition and suspicion. Supporting characters, such as the gregarious officer Thorn and the whimsically cynical William, further enrich the narrative. Thorn embodies authority with a touch of fun, while William, Red’s magical companion, provides a grounding commentary on her choices. The central conflict in Beauty and the Alchemist arises from the murder of Owl, which catalyzes Red's involvement in the town's darker mysteries. Belville is a place where the past and present intertwine, and the murder opens a Pandora's box of secrets that involve both human and magical inhabitants. Characters confront not only the ramifications of Owl’s death but also their more profound emotional struggles.  

The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and enhancing the plot. Belville feels like a character in its own right—a quaint yet magical town that becomes increasingly sinister as the narrative progresses. The descriptions of lively market stalls juxtaposed with the eerie, vine-choked castle evoke a sense of wonder and foreboding. The interconnectedness of the landscape with the characters' experiences reflects Hartford's understanding of how place shapes identity and narrative. The enchanted woods, the towering old castle, and the cozy potion shop highlight the tension between magic and reality, inviting the reader into a world where the ordinary and extraordinary coexist. This nuanced narrative explores secrets, community, and personal growth. The elegant writing makes the story even more enjoyable, and the author’s unique sense of mystery will make readers turn the pages.