I love a mystery, but not this one
Scottish author John Ward writes in a style common to occultist books. The language in THE SECRET OF THE ALCHEMIST is continental, some terms would doubtless be unfamiliar to most readers. There also is some vulgarity. I found hints of sexuality and depravity. In one scene, a woman is drugged, then her young daughter is stolen from her. She is doused with alcohol so that the police will think her a drunkard, and her story of her child's abduction to be merely the ranting of a street person.Though a book source I found said the book was for readers 9-12, I would not give this novel to anyone under the age of fourteen or fifteen. Even if they could wade through the obscure language and literary references, the overall dark tone of the book is not for younger readers. NOT RECOMMENDED. Caution for some language and adult content.