Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher by L. J. Aldon is the second book in the Pucci Riddle Mystery series. Pucci Riddle has a gift for seeing ghosts and is intuitive, able to sense energies and glimpse past lives. As a journalist and whiskey critic, this might not seem helpful, but Pucci is on her way to Scotland to visit some of the oldest distilleries for a commissioned article. While in England, she reunites with her friends Varv and Randi. Her heart yearns to reach out to Olan Lathen, but he is in a dark place because of a past he cannot forget. When Pucci discovers information about a jeweled cipher, she sets off to try to learn the story behind it and maybe solve the case of the Cheapside Hoard. In her sleuthing, she meets ghosts who guide her on her path. When she is arrested for the murder of a fellow critic, Olan comes to the rescue. Will they solve the case and catch all the criminals, or will the influential leader escape again? As the adventure in Scotland draws to a close, Pucci receives a foreboding message: "This isn't over."

L. J. Aldon's moderately paced paranormal mystery offers unique characters, with an in-depth backstory and purpose. It emphasizes the loss the characters have faced and the sad tale of the ghosts who protected the Cipher and its secrets in the past. The atmosphere is tense and foreboding, and the paranormal aspect is sometimes unpredictable and ominous. Pucci is a journalist at heart and will do anything to investigate a lead, but she is a kind and caring person. Friendship is a central theme as Pucci, Randi, and Varv support each other through their various hardships. What caught my attention was the motif of past experiences and dark energies connected to them that cause suffering. The writing style in Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher echoes this motif and the evil presence. Pucci is an engaging character, and her sleuthing is a pleasure to follow. Great characters and an exciting plot promise entertainment to any cozy/mystery reader. Fans of paranormal cozies will appreciate the eerie atmosphere, complex characters, and twisty plot.

Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher by L. J. Aldon is a smart, supernatural sleuth mystery steeped in historical secrets and spectral intrigue. We’re with Pucci Riddle, a sharp-witted investigator known for uncovering the secrets of rare liquors, who finds herself on a much stranger trail when a locket from the Cheapside Hoard reveals a coded clue and a ghostly presence. Drawn into a centuries-old hunt involving the Knights Templar, Rosslyn Chapel, and arcane artifacts, Pucci must decipher an ancient cipher and outwit a deadly adversary before the past silences her for good.

Author L. J. Aldon has a keen sense of mood when choosing descriptive language, and the smooth, lyrical style of this novel makes for an atmospheric mystery that blends historical lore, ghostly visions, and modern sleuthing effortlessly. I immediately found myself falling for the adorable Pucci, as Aldon delivers a heroine who’s clever, grounded, and not afraid to chase shadows in search of the answers she seeks. The dialogue around Pucci is always vibrant, and I loved the way so much of the plot comes out naturally in conversation and action so that readers always feel involved, watching it unfold just as Pucci does. This connection keeps you clinging to each revelation as the plot offers some brilliant twists and turns. But everything is linked together with a tight logic so that it never feels too far from reality, even in its most supernatural moments. These intriguing puzzles and the rich gothic settings make this a standout paranormal mystery that’s better than any I’ve read this year so far. Overall, I would certainly recommend Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher to fans of sophisticated mystery fiction with lovable characters and a ghoulish twist or two.

In Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher, L.J. Aldon continues the adventures of Pucci Riddle, a sharp, witty, and compassionate psychic who communicates with the dead and unravels mysteries hidden in both the living world and the spirit realm. Set across evocative locations including London, Oxford, and the Scottish countryside, the novel offers historical references and a fast-paced plot that unfolds through secrets, codes, and spectral guidance. The story begins with Pucci preparing for a winter trip to Scotland, sparked by a personal sense of destiny and a cryptic artifact known as The Jeweled Cipher. What starts as a vacation quickly becomes a dangerous investigation as she gets entangled in the lingering threads of a case involving a legendary stolen treasure and a secretive criminal known only as Pirate.

Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher is an engaging and atmospheric paranormal mystery that blends classic whodunit elements with supernatural intrigue. L. J. Aldon’s writing brings each scene to life with sensory detail and emotional clarity. The supernatural elements are woven seamlessly into the detective narrative, adding suspense without overwhelming the plot. Historical tidbits about the Knights Templar, sacred artifacts, and secret societies enrich the storyline without slowing it down. The author excels at character-driven storytelling, elegant pacing, and layered mysteries. The novel balances humor and tension well, with vivid settings and compelling secondary characters like the stoic but endearing Braden MacNevin and the ghost of a young woman seeking justice. The ending is satisfying while leaving room for future installments, making it a rewarding read for fans of paranormal mysteries, historical puzzles, and strong female leads. Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher invites readers into a world where intuition, intellect, and the spirit world intersect.

Riddle of the Jewelled Cipher by L.J. Aldon is a continuation of a supernatural detective series, featuring the psychically gifted Pucci Riddle. Pucci has built her journalistic reputation on a successful blog highlighting and reviewing whiskey, its makers, and its storied history. As part of this role, she has frequently come into contact with mysteries and crimes. Her ability to communicate with the dead enables her to solve them. She has become a recognized source of vital information in solving cold and mystifying cases worldwide. When Pucci discovers a magical and beautiful jeweled cipher inside a locket recovered from the famous Cheapside Hoard, a case she had worked on in a previous adventure, she is set on a journey of discovery to reunite the remaining missing parts of the cipher. The journey will uncover past lives, past romances, the powers of King Solomon, and delve into the secretive world of the Knights Templar, and their association with the famous Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. 

Although the supernatural is not necessarily my normal “go-to” read, I was intrigued by the premise and found Riddle of the Jeweled Cipher a fun, light, and enjoyable romp through history and the world of the deceased. Author L. J. Aldon has created a likable and relatable character in Pucci with just enough sass and wit to make her unusual special skills of communicating with the dead almost believable. I particularly appreciated that the main characters were all strong, successful, and focused women who controlled and directed the men in their lives, rather than the usual scenario. The setting of Scotland and its isles, the true home of whiskey, as well as the ruggedness of the country and the wonderful architecture, were beautifully portrayed and allowed readers to fully immerse themselves in Pucci’s search for the missing parts of the cipher. By linking the mystery back as far as King Solomon, the many legends of the Knights Templar, and Rosslyn Chapel, the story had an air of potential truth and a historical span that gave it depth and breadth. This was my first introduction to this character, and the story has me excited about the possibilities of discovering more of her adventures. Perhaps that is the highest compliment one can give any author. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this read and highly recommend it.