Review - The Accidental Alchemist

From the author of Jaya Jones series (book 1 Artifact review-click here) comes a new paranormal cozy series described as Agatha Christie meets Stranger Things.  I just discovered this series and jumped at the chance to review it.

Author: Gigi Pandian

Copyright: October 2020 (Gargoyle Girl Productions) 362 pgs

Series: 1st in An Accidental Alchemist Mystery series

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal cozy, amateur Sleuth

Main Characters: 345 year old Zoe Faust, alchemist 

Setting: Contemporary era, Portland Oregan

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: "A chance for a new beginning in Portland, Oregon. A stowaway from Paris who’s slowly turning to stone. And an alchemical mystery neither can refuse.

Unpacking her belongings in her new fixer-upper house, alchemist Zoe Faust discovers a stowaway. Dorian is a living, breathing gargoyle―not to mention a master of French cuisine―and he needs Zoe's expertise to unlock the secrets of a centuries-old text that may save his life.

Zoe is trying to put her old life behind her, but how can she say no to her new friend who’s turning to stone?  [The problem is, the alchemical book that can save Dorian from remaining alive yet trapped in stone has been stolen and a man left murdered on Zoe's doorstep.]"

The main character is Zoe Faust, a very reluctant alchemist who has 345 years worth of emotional baggage from the Salem witch trials to the tragic death of loved ones, and is a die-hard vegan.  Dorian is an actual live gargoyle from Paris who is a gourmet cook, has the ability to hide in plain sight by turning back to stone, has extraordinary night vision, and is the side kick who runs off without thinking through consequences.  Detective Max Liu is potentially a romantic interest in future books. Brixton is a fourteen year old who broke into Zoe's house (the neighborhood haunted house) on a dare and is a troubled kid who sees Dorian and wants to tell his friends. Zoe somehow befriends him in spite of his resistance.

The plot is three fold.  Find the missing book and save Dorian by investigating who murdered the would-be handyman.  But even if Zoe gets the book back, she has ignored alchemy for so long she also needs to flex her alchemical muscles and get her mojo back.  I will admit that at times the momentum slowed in the storyline. Where many cozy mysteries often bring up food, this goes into Dorian making vegan gourmet meals.  I know some find that tedious.  But that didn't seem to dampen my interest in the story.

 The killer reveal had a little danger and excitement and was appropriate in the storyline, but I like them more thrilling. Just a personal preference and not a reflection on the story.  The wrap-up dealt with Dorian's situation and sets up for the next book.

I particularly liked the alchemy lore and history. It is fascinating and far better presented than in other stories that had alchemy in them.  great job there.  I also enjoyed the use of the tunnel network under Portland in the story. I understand that some people felt the vegan element was overdone, but I didn't feel it was too much. But please take that into consideration.  

Rating: Good - entertaining story with fun paranormal touches

Review - Vampire Knitting Club

 I came across this unique book concept and thought this would be good for Halloween coming up.  This is a completely new to me author and series.  Nancy Warren has 70+ books to her credit and started with Harlequin way back in the day.  So read on to find out more about this new series featuring vampires who knit like fiends.

Author: Nancy Warren

Copyright: October 2008 (Ambleside Publishing) 258 pgs

Series: 1st in Vampire Knitting Club Cozy Paranormal Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery

Main Characters: Lucy Swift, just inherited a knit shop in Oxford

Setting: Modern day, Oxford England

Obtained Through: Purchase

Book Blurb: "At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.

Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door—including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?

When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 600-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan.

The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat ... or is it ... her familiar?"

Lucy Swift is an average character with a lot of potential to be more memorable.  Her grandmother, Agnes Bartlett, who is now a vampire, is fantastic as a dear older lady who is adjusting to now being a vampire. Her character was much more vibrant and spunky.  Sylvia is the vampire best friend of Agnes and they make a fun pair.  

Rafe Crosyer, vampire and leader of the local fanged residents is only described as "seriously hot".  He is known in the mortal world as an expert in book restoration and a dealer in rare books and manuscripts.  But for the book, he is a close friend to Agnes and seems to like Lucy more than a little.  Detective Inspector Ian Chisholm is the second potential romantic interest and was interesting enough for the limited time on page he received.  Nyx the kitten, her newfound familiar, is one determined cat with some abilities of her own and a fighter.  Nyx is the star of the book in my opinion.

Oxford England is presented as a quaint college town with danger lurking.  I'll be honest, it could have been anywhere in the world with a smattering of older buildings.  The specific setting wasn't utilized but it did provide an old world backdrop.

With this being the first book, time is spent setting up the premise that Agnes was killed in her shop and to save her she was turned by her best friend.  The pacing picks up once Lucy accepts this information, and she switches from mild grief to sleuth almost immediately.  

The killer reveal turns into an opportunity for Lucy to exercise her new-found witchy gifts in self-defense.  This provides a combination of danger and humor.  The wrap up ensures the continuation of Lucy's story as a knit shop owner in Oxford.

If you are looking for a mild paranormal mystery story for a little Halloween fun, this is a good bet.  The idea of knitting vampires is fun and is set up with many of the standard cozy mystery tropes to satisfy most.  This is a fun outing to while away a few hours for a little fun.

Rating:  Well Done - A fun, quick, and easy read I enjoyed.  

Here is an interview with the author writing the series.

https://youtu.be/fITDwCGf9oo?t=394

Review - The Last Curtain Call

It has been since 2017 that the previous Haunted Home Renovation was published.  I’m so excited that Ms Blackwell is writing more to the series. I have reviewed each book in this series from the debut issue to the present. 

The Seventh, A Ghostly Light (click here), The sixth, Give Up The Ghost (click here), The fifth, Keeper of the Castle (click here), fourth, Home for the Haunting (click here), the third, Murder on the House (click here), the second book, Deadbolt (click here),  and the debut book, If Walls Could Talk (click here).  Plus we have several interviews and guest posts from Ms. Blackwell.  Today is a review of the newest addition to one of her series.

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Copyright: June 2020 (Berkley) 336 pgs

Series: 8th in Haunted Home Renovation Mysteries

Sensuality: mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Mel Turner, Owner of Turner Construction company

Setting: Contemporary, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Library

Book Blurb: “Mel Turner can’t resist the chance to bring the Crockett Theatre, a decrepit San Francisco Art Deco movie palace, back to life. But there’s a catch for Turner Construction: Several artists are currently squatting in the building, and they aren’t the only ones haunting the once-grand halls of the historic theater.…

 When one of the squatters is found dead, the police department has a long list of suspects to investigate. Meanwhile, Mel and her fiancé, Landon, are remodeling an old house for themselves, and Mel finds being on the other side of a home renovation project more challenging than she expected.

 When Mel discovers that the former owner of the Crockett Theatre died under mysterious circumstances, and that there just might be a connection to the ghost haunting her own attic, the case takes a new turn—one that could bring down the curtain for the last time.”

Mel Turner, construction renovator extraordinaire, is very down to earth and works nearly all the time.  Her life is complicated and seeing ghosts adds to that, and she has developed a fear of heights from the book before last that is definitely tested in this story.  Landon Demetrius is a visiting mathematician professor at a local university and Mel's boyfriend.  Homicide Detective Annette Crawford is back again and she is warming up to Mel, kinda sorta.  Mel’s dad, Bill, their friend Stan, and her ex-stepson Caleb get a little page-time for the story which is always enjoyable.  The squatter-artists are unique and add to the story surprisingly well.

San Francisco is always lovingly recreated in these stories.  The Crockett Theatre is a delightful backdrop with the history and gothic atmosphere it provides.  Delicious.

The plot is deceptively simple and gets more complicated as you go.  The pacing kept my interest and I breezed through the book staying up to read.  

The killer reveal is great with atmosphere and danger.  Mel shines in her match with the killer, kudos!  The wrap-up was perfect and light hearted, full of promise.  

I loved this long awaited eighth entry in the series.  It provides some fun chills and light-hearted moments, good mystery to solve, characters to grow fond of, and a great finish written in a manner that effortlessly brings it all to life.  What more could you ask for? 

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Review - The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum

Here is another fun paranormal cozy to get us in the mood for Halloween.  This was on my TBR pile for a while and I finally got to it.  I am so glad I did.  It is the first in the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mystery series.  Check out my review and see if this is of interest to you.

Author: Kirsten Weiss

Copyright: March 2016 (Midnight Ink) 290 pgs

Series: 1st in Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy, light paranormal for eerie effects

Main Character: Madelyn "Maddie" Kosloski, unemployed and helping her friend out

Setting: Modern day in small town San Benedetto in central California

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book cover blurb:  "When Maddie Kosloski's career flatlines, she retreats to her wine country hometown for solace and cheap rent. Railroaded into managing the local paranormal museum, she's certain the rumors of its haunting are greatly exaggerated. But then a fresh corpse in the museum embroils Maddie in murders past and present, making her wonder if a ghost could really be on the loose.

With her high school bully as one of the detectives in charge of the investigation, Maddie doubts justice will be served. When one of her best friends is arrested, she knows it won't be. Maddie also grapples with ghost hunters, obsessed taxidermists, and the sexy motorcyclist next door as outside forces threaten. And as she juggles spectral shenanigans with the hunt for a killer, she discovers there truly is no place like home."

Maddie Kosloski got fired from her high profile overseas corporate job for refusing to pay an official a bribe and has to face her siblings overachieving success and pressuring mother. Adele Nakamoto is her close friend and daughter of a vineyard owner/mayor with money to burn.  Harper Caldarelli is another close friend and a financial advisor. Detective Laurel Hammer is Maddie's nemesis from high school who picks right up were she left off making her life miserable.  Blond hunk Mason Hjelm is a potential romantic interest who runs a motorcycle shop next door to the museum.  Tall, dark, and handsome Detective Slate (Laurel's partner) is another potential romantic interest.  The cat,GD for Ghost Detecting, is an interesting adjunct staff for the museum.  

The museum, voted tackiest museum in town, is a run down attraction with  a creepy doll room and resident ghosts.  The town is quirky with its annual Christmas cow (made of straw) tradition that somehow gets set on fire every year.  Between the town and the museum, it combines for a quirky, fun feel that adds a lot to the character and mood of the book.

The plot gets twisty and it's hard to tell who the killer is among the many potential bad guys.  Although Maddie doesn't go out and hunt down clues, many of the clues find their way to her as she works at the museum and asks a few questions.  There are many red herrings complicating the issue as well.  The pacing is light and easy with well timed events which kept me engaged.  The climax is nicely done with thrills and danger.  The wrap-up is delightful with a mock re-trial of one of the museum's ghosts who had been hung for her husband's murder. I loved that touch.

If you are looking for a light entertaining read, you might enjoy this book.  The paranormal isn't dark or scary, rather a few creepy moments and more atmospheric. The premise for this series is great and the author took the idea and truly made it into an enjoyable and fun story.  I am already eyeing the second in the series. 

Rating: Excellent - Loved it, it had a good grip on me! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list 

Review - Bewitched and Betrothed

With Halloween approaching I thought this cozy paranormal would be perfect to get us all in the mood.  

Read my reviews of the prior books:  #1 Secondhand Spirits (click here), #2 Cast Off Coven (click here), #3 Hexes and Hemlines (click here), #4 In a Witch's Wardrobe (click here), #5 Tarnished and Torn (click here), #6 A Vision in Velvet (click here), #7 Spellcasting in Silk (click here),  and #8 Toxic Trousseau book excerpt (click here).  I also interviewed the author twice: interview #2 (click here), and interview #1 (click here).

If you are a fan, you won't want to miss this book. If you are new to this series, you can check out the reviews above and try the first, or jump right in with this 10th book.  It works as a stand alone as well.

Author: Juliette Blackwell

Copyright: June 2019 (Berkley) 352 pgs

Series: 10th in Witchcraft Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy

Main Character: Lily Ivory, powerful natural witch and owner of vintage clothing store

Setting: Modern day, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Book Blurb: "A supernatural force on the loose in San Francisco and a family reunion keeps witch and vintage store owner Lily Ivory on her toes as she prepares to walk down the aisle...

When Lily Ivory stumbles on the uniform of a former prisoner from Alcatraz and SFPD inspector Carlos Romero’s cousin is kidnapped, Lily suspects something dangerous has been unleashed on the ghost-ridden island of Alcatraz. She'll have to sleuth out the culprit—when she’s not busy entertaining her visiting relatives and resolving romantic conflicts as her wedding date approaches. Could recent omens be pointing to the magical threat in her adopted city? If so, she'll have to line up her allies to change the fate of the Bay Area. Because no matter what, Lily's determined to celebrate her marriage with her friends by her side—even if it means battling a demonic foe before she can make it to the altar."

Lily Ivory has come a long way in this series and she is more confident but still has her insecure moments.  Sailor is her fiance who we barely see in this book, which is surprising with the wedding fast approaching. Aidan makes only two appearances in the novel, but he plays a vital role in the climax. I know the focus is growing more on Sailor and away from Aidan, but he is still an important character and I love his part in every book.  Detective Carlos Romero has also come a long way in trusting Lily and he has become a favorite of mine in the lineup.  Oscar the Gobgoyle in the disguise as a pig is Lily's familiar and he is still searching for his mother.  Graciela’s Coven comes out for the wedding with a crew of quirky gals.  Lily's mother also joins in and I appreciated her attempts to fit into Lily's life a little.  Overall a fantastic gathering of strong characters.

The setting is bustling San Francisco and Alcatraz island specifically. Using the reputedly haunted Alacatraz was great and made this story that much more spooky.  The plot is the culmination of Aidan's warnings in the past few books of a supernatural showdown approaching for the very city and its citizens itself.  It is also the culminatin thus far of Lily's personal growth since she can't fight this power by herself and all the people she has made friends with will have to back her up.  The pacing is spot on and kept my interest riveted to the pages.

The climax was on a grand scale and delivered all the thrills and chills the book had built up towards.  It was brilliantly executed, my hat is off to Ms. Blackwell.  The wrap-up was the event the book promised and was touching.

I have been a fan of this series since the first book was released.  I am impressed at how Ms. Blackwell built this showdown up from previous books and delivered on every promise.  I hope that Aidan doesn't get shuffled off and he remains in the character lineup because his character is so much a part of the mythos of the series.  I have to wonder, after this powerful showdown, what could be in Lily's future?

Rating: Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - Flowers and Foul Play

Amanda Flower's is the bestselling author of the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries, Living History Museum Mysteries, India Hayes Mysteries, Magical Bookshop Mysteries (Crime and Poetry-click here, second book Prose and Cons-click here), and the new Magic Garden Mysteries.  It is the debut book of the new Magic Garden Series I'm reviewing here.

Author: Amanda Flowers

Copyright: May 2018 (Crooked Lane Books) 320 pgs

Series: 1st in Magic Garden Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy Mystery with magical touches

Main Character: Fiona Knox, recently single and jobless American in Scotland.

Setting: Modern, Duncreigan Scotland

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest opinion - Netgalley

From the cover: "Florist Fiona Knox’s life isn’t smelling so sweet these days. Her fiancé left her for their cake decorator. Then, her flower shop wilted after a chain florist opened next door. So when her godfather, Ian MacCallister, leaves her a cottage in Scotland, Fiona jumps on the next plane to Edinburgh. Ian, after all, is the one who taught her to love flowers. But when Ian’s elderly caretaker Hamish MacGregor shows her to the cottage upon her arrival, she finds the once resplendent grounds of Duncreigan in a dreadful shambles―with a dead body in the garden.

Minutes into her arrival, Fiona is already being questioned by the handsome Chief Inspector Neil Craig and getting her passport seized. But it’s Craig’s fixation on Uncle Ian’s loyal caretaker, Hamish, as a prime suspect, that really makes her worried. As Fiona strolls the town, she quickly realizes there are a whole bouquet of suspects much more likely to have killed Alastair Croft, the dead lawyer who seems to have had more enemies than friends.

Now it’s up to Fiona to clear Hamish’s name before it’s too late."

Fiona Knox, still hurting from her unfaithful fiance and the closing of her florist shop, is confused and trying to do right by the memory of her Uncle Ian's legacy.  To her credit, she doesn't run from the situation before her when so many things challenge and test her.  Hamish, the rustic and down-to-earth caretaker of the property is a great character I enjoyed getting to know.  Chief Inspector Neil Craig, is the standard police love interest - but neither he nor Fiona are quick trust one another.  I like Inspector Craig's character.  There are several townspeople to  fill out the cast.  There are a few charming animal characters including a mischievous blue-eyed fox, a cat who adopts Fiona named Ivanhoe, and Hamish's companion red squirrel, Duncan, who add delightful magical touches.

Duncreigan, the property Fiona inherited is a great setting and key to the story.  The magical garden reminded me of The Secret Garden in the classic novel. The closest town and its people plus with the imposing cliffs complete the half magical and half secretive atmosphere.

The plot is wonderfully layered and kept my interest.  The killer reveal is my favorite - nice and tense.  The wrapup was complete and leaves it open for the next adventure.  The story telling is smooth and light. I enjoyed Fiona, who comes across as genuine and vulnerable yet strong.  I love the magical touches.  I appreciate that the potential romance may be a slow burn from early indications. 
 
Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. 

 

Review - A Ghostly Light

I have reviewed each in this series from the debut issue.  The sixth, Give Up The Ghost (click here), The fifth, Keeper of the Castle (click here), fourth, Home for the Haunting (click here), the third, Murder on the House (click here), the second book, Deadbolt (click here), and the debut book, If Walls Could Talk (click here).  Plus we have several interviews and guest posts from Ms. Blackwell.  Today is a review of the newest addition to one of her series.

Author: Juliet Blackwell

Copyright: June 2017 (Berkley) 355 pgs

Series: 7th in Haunted Home Renovation Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy

Main Characters: Mel Turner, woman construction renovation Owner/Operator

Setting: Modern day, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the book cover:  "Dangerous tides ahead...

When her friend Alicia hires Turner Construction to renovate a historic lighthouse in the San Francisco Bay, Mel Turner can’t wait to get her hands dirty. Alicia plans to transform the island property into a welcoming inn, and while Mel has never attempted a project so ambitious—or so tall—before, she’s definitely up for the challenge.

But trouble soon arises when Alicia’s abusive ex-husband shows up to threaten both her and Mel, and later turns up dead at the base of the lighthouse stairs. With no other suspects in sight, things start looking choppy for Alicia. Now, if Mel wants to clear her friend’s name, she’ll need the help of the lighthouse’s resident ghosts to shine a light on the real culprit..."

Mel Turner, construction renovator extraordinaire, is very down to earth and works nearly all the time.  Her life is complicated and seeing ghosts adds to that, but she has developed a fear oh heights after the last book.  Landon Demetrius is a visiting mathematician professor at a local university and Mel's new boyfriend.  I have to say, personally he is more suited to Mel than Graham ever was.  Mel's close friend Luz, a professor and other friend Stephen are along to help.  Mel’s dad, Bill, their friend Stan, and her ex-stepson Caleb get a little page-time which are all enjoyable.  Alicia is a troubled representative of the man renovating the lighthouse and buildings for a B&B.  Ida Prescott Vigilance, the longtime ghost of the lighthouse is my pick for break-out character - you'll understand when you finish the book.

The island with a lighthouse and caretaker buildings is a great setting for a mystery, throw in the ghosts and it is sheer delight.  The writing accentuates the loneliness on the island for the caretakers with only a tiny bit of gothic atmosphere.

Finding the killer of a brutal wife beater isn't on most people's priority list, but his gentle-natured battered ex-wife is the police's prime suspect and nobody wants her to take the blame.  The plot presents a victim that nobody is mourning, thus dealing with his ghost isn't Mel's preference either.  The sub plot of the ghost of a woman lighthouse keeper who is distraught reveals a touching tale that you follow her story as eagerly, if not more so, than the main plot.

Yes, I really like a suspenseful killer reveal.  I have to admit, this wasn't the nail-biting climax, but it was so well done that I loved it all the same.  The wrap up is heartwarming and left me with a big smile.

I will remember this book and the emotions it evoked for a good while.  It has poignant moments sprinkled through the mystery and the characters are vibrant.  Ms. Blackwell continues to grow as a author, perfecting her craft, and it shows.

Ratings: Near Perfect - Couldn't Put it down. Buy two copies, one for you and one for a friend. 

Review - A Wee Homicide in the Hotel

Here is the newest in the ScotShop mystery series.  I reviewed #1 Wee Murder In My Shop (click here),
 #2 A Wee Dose of Death (click here), and I was tickled to have the author provide three guest posts (click here) , 2nd (click here), and 3rd (click here).  We are up to the third entry in the series and I review it below.

Author: Fran Stewart

Copyright: February 2017 (Berkley) 304 pgs

Series: 3rd in ScotShop Mystery series

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery Sub-genre: Cozy with lite paranormal elements

Main Characters: Peggy Winn, owner of a Scottish-themed shop

Setting: Modern day, Hameline Maine

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

From the cover: "Hamelin is overflowing with tourists enjoying the Scottish-themed games—and most of them are donning tartans from Peggy Winn’s ScotShop. And her fourteenth-century ghostly companion, Dirk, has been indispensable, keeping an eye out for shoplifters and matching customers’ family names to their clan plaid.

Adding to the chaos is Big Willie, a longtime champion of the games, but not everyone is happy to have him in town. So when he misses the first event of the weekend, Peggy senses something is awry. After Willie is discovered dead in his hotel room, the victim of a bagpipe-related crime, Peggy decides it’s up to her and Dirk to suss out a murderer."  The FBI are also in town because of some surprise high profile political visitors to the Scottish games.  This is a good subplot too.

Peggy is an entrepreneur and long suffering with seemingly non-stop questions from a ghost usually when she shouldn't answer because of people around. Dirk (full name Macbeth Donlevy Freusach Macearacher Macpheidiran of clan Farquharson) is a man out of time and has mellowed a touch from prior book.  BFF Karaline Logg is involved more with a subplot for her character.  Twin Brother Drew makes an appearance as part of the subplot.  Police Captain Harper really needs to take Peggy on several dates before he starts thinking of marriage...and learn to actually talk, really talk, with her.

The setting of the Scottish Festival with the competitions and bagpipers was delightful and a great touch. There is plenty going on in this between the FBI in town, the games, Big Willie, and some minor characters developed, so the pacing moves along and keeps the interest.  The climax did not disappoint and the wrap up was satisfying.  

I liked the development of the subplots that truly layered the story.  I still have issues with Dirk asking insistent questions that Peggy answers around people making her look like she's bonkers.  I don't find that amusing as I suspect is intended.  Dirk has toned down his superior "know-it-all" attitude a little, which helps.  This is a lite generally enjoyable romp with everything Scottish including hunky kilt-wearing guys and lots of clan tartans.

Rating:  Good - A fun read.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Tipsy Laird Recipe – A Great Scottish Trifle

Ingredients
4 large egg yolks
1/4 c sugar
2 c scalded milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pkg ladyfingers
  apricot jam
1/2 c whiskey
  toasted almonds
  whipped cream, sweetened

Directions

- Beat yolks and stir in sugar and salt.

- Stir Milk in gradually and cook over hot water, stir constantly until mixture coats spoon. Chill, flavor with vanilla

- Split the Lady Fingers and spread with Jam. Put a layer in glass bowl and pour whiskey over it. Let cake soak up Liquor. Cover with 1/2 of custard. Repeat layer of lady fingers sprinkled with whiskey and pour custard.

- Repeat steps for all layers until you reach the top of your dish finishing with the pudding layer.


- Next whip the heavy cream, add sugar to sweeten and spoon on top of the last layer of custard. Decorate the top with toasted almonds.