The Lost Apothecary
by Sarah Penner
Indie Author: No
Kindle Unlimited: No
Publication Date: 3.2.21

Genres: 
Magical Realism
Women’s Fiction

Page Count: 320 Pages

Read Now

Synopsis:

A forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary…

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.

Sabetha’s Review:

 5/5

I adored this story.

It is a multi-POV that jumps back and forth in time as a present day woman muddles through her ruined marriage stumbling on a mystery of the past women’s secret apothecary.

The two stories are woven together so well that they climax together, and lean in to each other lesson / message wise. I loved the mystery of the past mixed with the hope for the future. It left me with a feeling adventure and hope for my own future.

Caroline’s woes are so relatable, from letting her younger passions fade, to her personal life woes, her character was well written and read like a friend that we all know, not just a person in passing. Her search for the apothecary had me excited with anticipation, and I loved how everything turned out for her.

Nella’s and Eliza’s story had an equally real life feeling, the past felt well researched and placed in the right time with all of the descriptions and the change in voice. I loved the messages of karma woven into how their stories played out. The twists at the end were some that I didn’t see coming.

You will love this story if you enjoy books that mix past and present storylines, and/or books that leave you with a desire to take the plunge and chase your goals.

Read more reviews from Sabetha!