A spectral presence and a sixteen-year-old murder propel Zoe Faust into a dangerous alchemical investigation. When Zoe Faust encounters the ghost of a murdered young woman, she must determine if the apparition is truly a spirit or a fellow alchemist who has achieved unnatural longevity. The victim, Ridley Price, was killed years ago before she could reveal a secret through a party game. Now, the ghost's increasingly dangerous actions threaten those close to Zoe, forcing her to collaborate with her gargoyle roommate, Dorian, to uncover the truth behind the unsolved crime and the identity of the killer among the original seven party guests.

The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin is positioned as a compelling entry in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery Series, appealing to fans of cozy mysteries and urban fantasy. The premise suggests a blend of supernatural intrigue and a classic whodunit structure, with the protagonist navigating both spectral phenomena and alchemical secrets. Readers can anticipate a fast-paced plot driven by the urgency of protecting loved ones from a potentially dangerous entity. The established series format indicates a familiar cast of characters and a world where alchemy plays a significant role in solving crimes.