INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERNamed Most Anticipated of 2021 by Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Hello! magazine, Oprah.com, Bustle, Popsugar, Betches, Sweet July, and GoodReads!March 2021 Indie Next Pick and #1 LibraryReads Pick“A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice NetworkA forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison … Times bestselling author of The Alice Network
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.
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A female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course
Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman. Rule
Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.
What a phenomenal debut novel for Sarah Penner!! I am so honored to be one of the first to read this book!! I had no idea what this book was about when I requested a copy! I didn’t read the blurb and never heard of the author!!
What first lured me into reading this was the beautiful cover!! Having said that, I ended up listening to it on audio and I am so glad that I did. The author used three female narrators to portray the three main characters and it was a brilliant!! They really drew you into the story and made it easy to follow. I’ll be buying a physical copy, just because I’m a sucker for a beautiful book cover!!
Historical Fiction, strong female characters, dual timelines and a mysterious twist….what more could you ask for? The story takes place in two timelines, the 1790’s and present day London. The character development of Caroline, Nella and Eliza’s was so well done that I was invested in their lives from the first page! The premise of the book is about a secret network of women, an Apothecary Shoppe and a legacy of poison and revenge. I really enjoyed how each character’s story from both time periods were told, intertwined and all came together in the end.
This book is beautifully written. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction, Mystery, and strong female characters!
In The Lost Apothecary, Sarah Penner convincingly weaves three heroines and two timelines into one tale of poison, revenge, and the silent network of women helping other women in a world stacked against them… A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!
The Apothecary’s Tale is both darkly emotional and gloriously atmospheric; a riveting and unapologetic tale about a woman who, after being wronged by a lover and losing everything, uses her knowledge of poisons to empower other wronged women, to keep them safe in a world where they have no voice and little or no recourse under the law. Meticulously researched and deftly woven, Penner not only entertains but explores the gritty ground between self-empowerment and revenge—and the inestimable cost of a lifetime spent on vengeance.
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical fiction novel which is set both in 1791 and the present. It has an intriguing mystery, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the three narrators did an outstanding job depicting the personalities of their characters.
A terrific debut, blending the contemporary story of Caroline, whose discovery of her husband’s infidelity drives her to take their planned 10th anniversary trip to London, where she once studied, solo and the historic tales of Nella, an herbalist, aka an apothecary, and young Eliza, in 1791 London. Caroline’s discovery of an antique bottle leads her deep into historical archives and into a hidden part of the city. In the process, she develops the courage she needs to pursue the dreams she abandoned. Nella is torn, even tortured, by decisions her own betrayal led her to, using her skills to help wronged women. Only her encounter with Eliza, a bright light determined to learn herbal skills, saves Nella from despair. Good pacing, strong characterization, and an excellent use of setting and historical detail. A magical story of women helping women, across the centuries.
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a dual-timeline novel told from the point-of-view of three women. I found this to be an engaging historical novel. I was transported back to London in 1791 where Nella has a small hidden apothecary shop. Nella catered to women who needed a certain man in their life removed. She only catered to women who wished to harm men. Eliza Fanning arrives one day on behalf of her mistress who needs help taking care of her husband. Eliza is fascinated by Nella’s workshop and asks dozens of questions. A friendship of sorts develops between the pair. Caroline Parcewell is in London on what was supposed to be her tenth anniversary trip. The night before departure, Caroline discovered her husband has been cheating on her. She takes the trip to give herself time to think away from home and her husband. Caroline goes mudlarking on her first day and discovers an old blue apothecary bottle in the Thames. Caroline sets out to find out more information on the bottle and where it came from. It was fascinating learning more about an apothecary shop and what it contained. A small amount of an item can be helpful, while a large amount can be deadly. I admit that I enjoyed the historical time-period more than the modern storyline. Personally, the book could have excluded Caroline’s story and been even better (less repetition too). However, I did like how the three storylines tied together. The Lost Apothecary is a well-written, developed story with great characters and a fabulous, dark atmosphere. It has a spooky quality that I loved. The Lost Apothecary is a dark, mysterious tale that captured my attention and imagination. Sarah Penner created an intriguing debut novel and I look forward to reading Sarah Penner’s next creation.
WOW! I just loved everything about “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner. I highly recommend this amazing novel which is so wickedly entertaining, captivating, intriguing, and intense. The genres for this novel are magical realism, some historical fiction, women’s friendship, and fiction. There are two timelines for this story, 1791 and the present. The author goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. Both timelines eventually connect like pieces of a puzzle. The author describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. They are also motivated and have a sense of purpose.
In 1791, Nella waits in her hidden apothecary store for her customers. Nella inherited this store of magical and special potents from her mother, who treated sick people with herbs and specially made medicines. Nella has found a different way of helping other women who have been hurt. She keeps a special book and records all her information. Nella has a way of revenge, where she can make potents and potions that can harm the men who have hurt women. Her only rule is that no woman ever be hurt.
A young new woman, Ella seeking a special medicine for her mistress befriends Nella and wants to learn from her. Little does she know how her contributions will alter the change of many things.
In the present, a historian, Caroline is obsessed with the apothecary from past years. This is a novel that is difficult to put down. There are twists and turns, and highs and lows, betrayals, danger, and death. I suggest that you put this novel on your reading list.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderfully written dual timeline story. The characters were well-developed and the plot pulled me in on the first page. I especially enjoyed Caroline’s search for the apothecary shop; it makes me want to go to London and look for back alleys. I highly recommend this mysterious, suspenseful and emotional page-turner to everyone who enjoys stories with a touch of magic.
I really loved this book. I enjoyed the dual timelines and seeing how everything weaved together. The historical timeline was especially rich in atmosphere and I loved reading about the profession of being an apothecary…even one who dispenses poisons 😉 Overall, a truly enjoyable read.
This work of fiction written by the aptly-named Sarah Penner is enjoyable. Told in three voices in a split timeline, “The Lost Apothecary” follows an apothecary-turned-poisoner and her associates in the late 1700’s and a modern day woman vacationing in England to clear her head and sort out a matter of the heart. This likeable but confused modern woman, Caroline, has uncanny luck as a researcher. In one mudlarking outing, she finds a peculiar glass jar that begins her on her journey through history. She befriends a knowledgeable librarian who helps, and she stumbles upon a hiding place inexplicably overlooked for hundreds of years, and she becomes herself embroiled in a poisoning investigation. The older timeline, twelve-year-old Eliza visits Nella the apothecary on behalf of her mistress, thus linking their fates.
There are some problems with the historical aspects of the story, but overall, this is a work of fiction and is enjoyable.
For me, The Lost Apothecary was ALL about the historical timeline, though I enjoyed the contemporary thread. The novel had me captivated as it explored themes of motherhood, female relationships, and empowerment, all in the tantalizing setting of London past and present, and through a lens of uncovering long buried mysteries.
There were some threads I was really excited about that didn’t go where I thought they would and a few unlikely character choices. But what I loved made up for it. It was a chance to step out of reality, and A WHOLE LOT of fun.
In short, I loved it!
To see a video book chat where I give my full thoughts follow this link: https://www.charlenecarr.com/book-review-the-lost-apothecary-by-sarah-penner/
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.
4.5 stars. I listened to this on audiobook and oh my. Adjectives to describe this book do not do it justice but I will attempt anyway. Riveting, intriguing, thought provoking, and tragic. We don’t know free think of the people who came before us…their lives, their suffering, their stories disappear into the ether when the common folks die and the last person to know them is gone. But through the lost apothecary, they were kept alive in a ledger of her customers, never to be seen until a modern day hobby historian discovered them. The ledger tells a story of women who felt they had no way out of their misery other than through death. A reminder that women definitely have come a long way and we have choices now and a voice. I would have given this book 5 stars if not for the last 10 pages or so. It was a little too happily ever after and I think a more tragic ending would have fit.
I loved reading about Caroline, Nella and Eliza. These are three strong women. I enjoyed how the story went from the past to the present. I loved learning about the many ways that plants can be used to make poisons. This was fascinating. It is sad that so many women felt the need to murder. This story shows how each of these women grows as the time goes on. I always enjoy reading about the late 1700’s. I received a copy of this book from Harlequin fir a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
The Lost Apothecary is a stunning debut novel that will capture your attention and your heart.
It is a dual story line. Nella the apothecary tells her story in the 1790’s as a woman betrayed she uses her art to help other women that have also been betrayed. The catch is she dispenses potions that are deadly. Eliza is also present in Nella’s story.
In the time line in present day England is told by Caroline who having found an bottle while mud raking is determined to find the story behind the vial.
All three women are strong, likeable characters that you can’t help but cheer for, cry for and cross your fingers for.
The Last Apothecary would be an awesome Book Club book and I can’t wait to get my own hard copy.
I did not want this book to end and I will think of Nella, Eliza and Caroline often in the days to come.
Thanks to NetGalley, Harelquin Trade Publishing (US & Canada) – Park Row for an excellent read. I cant recommend this book enough .
Right before Caroline and her husband James are about to head to London from Ohio to celebrate their 10th anniversary, Caroline discovers that Richard has been having an affair with someone at his office. Devastated, she heads out to London on her own. After all, she’s the one who pushed for the trip to London, to satisfy her history loving heart.
While mudlarking (an interesting pastime!) in the Thames, Caroline pulls a small, blue vial out of the mud. It’s only identifying mark is a small, crudely drawn bear. This find sets Caroline on an adventure you don’t want to miss. With an interruption in her plans by her husband who arrives with minimal warning, Caroline sets out to solve the mystery of the bottle, and its ties to a tiny, hidden shop down a back alley that hasn’t seen the light of day since the late 1790’s.
I couldn’t stop reading this story. It has me up to the wee hours of the morning, and when my eyes refused to stay open no more, I fell asleep, only to dream of the story. That’s when you know you’ve hit upon a particularly great story. As soon as I could, I got back to the story and dove back into the lives of not only Caroline, but those of Nella and Eliza as well. This book is well written, there’s a storyline that you can’t stop reading, and characters that tug at your heart. This is definitely going to be a story I won’t soon forget.
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review
I absolutely loved this super-good book! The story goes back and forth from 18th century London where Nella Clavinger runs an apothecary that her mother previously ran dispensing natural remedies for various medical ailments. After her mother died, Nella somehow got into dispensing poisons to women who have been wronged by their husband, boyfriend, etc. Nella meets 12-year-old Eliza Fanning who was sent to the apothecary by her mistress for something for her husband. Eliza is immediately intrigued by Nella and her shop.
Fast forward to present day London where Caroline Clavinger arrives in London on a holiday which is supposed to be to celebrate her 10th anniversary to husband James. James did not come with her because Caroline found out he had been cheating on her. Caroline finds what looks like an old medicine vial in the Thames River which leads her on a quest to find out where it came from. This story takes a lot of twists and turns in this then and now format and being a history buff, I loved every minute of it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin/Park Publishing for the ARC of this fantastic page-turner in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner and narrated by: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin is a great dual timeline historical fiction novel.
This book weaves a tale of three characters: Nella, the owner of a hidden word-of-mouth apothecary in 1791, Eliza, a 12 year old who’s life crosses paths with Nella, and current-day Caroline.
I enjoyed the concept of the mysterious and dark shop and its owner Nella that helped women right some of the wrongs that have been done to them and how her story weaved with Eliza’s. I also like how Caroline’s life was able to be pieced into the past story lines as well.
I loved the idea uniting the women that they were all trying to figure out not only their own lives, but also how to find some control in a seemingly powerless situation. The way the author weaved these women together was impressive. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery as well.
The audiobook was enjoyable as there were several narrators that kept the characters separate, unique, and fresh.
All in all a great and addictive read.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Harper Audio for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
Book 16 towards my goal of 240! 5/5 stars for this dual timeline read! Loved that it switched up from Historical England to present day! Loved the cover. Absolutely loved the apothecary MC and her friend! Loved the cover! Dual timeline and multi POV is my jam! Highly recommend!
**I received this book in exchange for honest review from Netgalley**
I really enjoyed this book so much, I never thought was going to be so magical but at the same time with the right doses of drama that will make this book more intriguing and more appealing.
Nella has been living under the shadows for a long time she was more like a ghost now, a betray made her this way, a betray from the worst person, someone whom she loved so much and believed blindly, but circumstances weren’t the great ones and she had to move on bowing to help many women with similar experiences, she will help them to recover their happiness and dignity. even if that meant poisoning a few of these bad men.
The Apothecary came with rules, rules Nella’s mother was so determined to keep in place no matter what
Rule 1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.
Rule 2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.
The lost apothecary is the story of three different women in a different time and ages that were suffering from the same betray, the Apothecary store was somehow what links them and made their story merge into one.
Caroline was ready to celebrate 10 years of marriage but she didn’t know her celebration was about to be postponed or better said cancel thanks to something she found out before their trip. she leaves alone hoping she will find an answer or a solution to her pain, not knowing this trip will change her life forever especially when she found the Apothecary. she is not ready to forgive him but she is ready to move on.
Eliza Fanning a 12-year-old with a very special heart that will save Nella and so many ways, Eliza was an amazing character for me she was the strongest of the three even if she was so young she was a character that I really love. strong, bold, and sometimes more aware of things that you can expect from her young age.
Eliza came to Nella’s life when Nella was very lost, she was determined to only provide help to other women in need, but life played tricks on her and she was not ready to break that promise. Eliza helped Nella in so many ways to recover the faith and the trust she lost a long time ago but at the same time, Eliza came to fill something in Nella’s heart that has been so empty.
Overall it was a great book, the story of three women facing the challenges of being in love and betrayal, three women fighting to recover themselves in a world made for men.