Two timelines. Two different centuries. Women impacted by deceit.

In 1791, we meet Nella. She is a woman in her forties. She owns an apothecary just like her mother did before her. The difference is that while her mother used it for healing purposes, Nella after a terrible event in her life has decided to use it for murder. Nella supplies poisons to women who want to eliminate a man in their lives. It can be a brother, a father, a husband. Nella's only rules are not to harm women and to keep a log with the names of the women who requested her help.

Eliza Fanning is a twelve-year-old who has been sent to work as an employee for her mistress, Mrs. Amwell. Just like so many other women, Mrs. Amwell is in need on Nella's help and this serves as a conduit for Eliza to meet Nella. Eliza is immediately taken with Nella and her shop. She wants to learn more about the poison and wants to help her around the store.

In the present, we meet Caroline Parcewell who is in London celebrating her ten-year marriage anniversary alone. Just before her planned trip with her husband, she learns about his infidelity. She needs time to process what she has learned and to take some decisions about where she wants her life to go.

A finding during a mudlarking event will make Caroline go digging with the help of Gaynor, a librarian at the British Library, about the apothecary and the murders which occurred in the 18th century.

An original debut by Sarah Penner. It was a slow burn that had good characterization and ambiance.

I had some issues with the part of the story that involved Caroline. At some point, she is in trouble but the resolution felt rushed and simplified.

Cliffhanger: No

3.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by HARLEQUIN/ Park Row via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!  What a wonderful first book for this debut author!  The book captured my interest in the first chapter and kept me guessing throughout.  I thought I had the story line figured out early, but the author kept throwing unexpected twists into the story which kept me wondering the outcome until the end of the last chapter. 
 
The book explores the stories of two strong women separated by 200 years. The first timeline follows the story of Nella, a second-generation apothecary, living in the late 1700’s, who provides poison tinctures to women for use in killing the men who have hurt them. .The second time line tells Caroline’s story in the present,   Caroline happens upon an embellished vial while visiting London on a tenth anniversary trip after learning her husband was having an affair.  Both story lines were fabulously well-written and meshed well together. 

I cannot wait to see what is next for this upcoming author!  Five stars from me for this fantastic read!  Thank you to NetGalley and Park Row Books for the advanced copy. 

#thelostapothecary
#sarahpenner
#parkrowbooks
#netgalley

I adored this! It was an intriguing story of dueling timelines of 18th century London and present day. The characters, Nella, Eliza and Caroline were all strong-willed women, but Nella and Eliza’s stories were especially fascinating to me. I loved reading about the apothecary, the history, the poisons, and the development of the friendship between Nella and Eliza. There also was an element of mystery to as what really happened. Caroline’s storyline was about self-discovery and finding what makes her happy. I didn't mind Caroline's story, but I was truly invested in reading about Nella and Eliza. All in all, I loved this book - the twists and the ending wrapped everything up beautifully.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Written in dual timelines, we first have the current protagonist, Caroline, on a solo 10th anniversary celebratory vacation in London.  She has left her husband because of a text she read which leads her to conclude he has been unfaithful.  Oh my!  What a modern woman!  For the entire book she whines and carries on about her loss of not being able to do what she wanted to do (pursue further studies in history and have a baby) because he was moving up the ladder in his own profession in order to provide them both with more opportunities.  She is totally self centered and self seeking and very demanding.

In contrast the historical women are much kinder and more attuned to real life.  We have a peasant, 12 year old Eliza, who is willing to do anything for the slightest opportunity to learn.  We have her mother who pushed her out of the nest so that she could have opportunities.  We have her first employer who taught her to read and write.  And we have her friendship with Nella, the apothecary, who taught her about potions.

I really enjoyed the historical portion of the book.  And I guess I also enjoyed the modern day portions: just learning about the tools now available to researchers was a real treat.

The mystery of the serial killer from 1791 was interesting as well as the manner in which ingredients for potions were prepared.  It was well written and most enjoyable.  I appreciate receiving this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Harlequin Trade, in exchange for an honest review.

What a stunning novel that easily weaves together both the past and the present timelines through a remarkable story of three women, drawn together by tragedy brought on by the men in their lives. The characters are incredibly compelling and I really liked all of them - Nella, Eliza and Caroline. Each had her own personality and style, which made them quite a unique trio to be drawn together by the shop.

I was really turning pages quickly to see how everything worked out once the central conflict was revealed. I couldn’t wait to see how everything was resolved. Things moved really fast and I was so engaged at that point. (I’m trying not to give anything away) I thought things were going to go one way, but then there are a couple of twists that go another way, then more twists and bam! It just really all worked out perfectly in the end anyway which is a testament to the quality of the writing. 

This is the type of novel you have to read until the very end you can’t sleep on anything!

This is Sarah Penner’s first novel, but it definitely won’t be the last I read from her. Look out for her name - I have a feeling she’ll be on the bestseller list for quite awhile!

The Lost Apothecary is historical fiction told in two time-lines. In 18th century London there was a hidden apothecary shop, administered by an mysterious woman named Nella, where women could purchase poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives, whether it be a husband, son, brother, or father. 

Now, in present day, Caroline goes mud larking (which sounds like great fun!) along the Thames, where she finds a small blue vial.  With her curiosity piqued, she is determined to find out more about the little bottle and the mysterious engraving on it.  Little does she know that she’s about to embark on an unexpected adventure.

The Lost Apothecary is Sarah Penner’s debut novel.  And what a fabulous debut it is!  It is an excellent book that is told from several points of view.  The characters are interesting and appealing and the transitions between the timelines are nearly flawless. This is a well-paced story of mystery, friendship, and personal discovery.  I found the whole premise, as well as the characters and the setting, to be very compelling, interesting, and it was truly hard to put down. I am already looking forward to Sarah Penner’s next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

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 .

I absolutely love this book! such a different story idea! It took me a few chapters to get used to switching between the past and present story line, but once i got passed that It all flowed together so well!! I loved how the the characters really came into themselves, and learned about themselves throughout the novel. I love that it is such a woman positive - I can do it - story line. Much more exciting then the usual woman needs man story that in flooding the market currently! Most of the characters are very likable, and from their descriptions and story lines they felt more like friends then just fictional characters I was reading about which is nice because i find I have a hard time connecting with characters sometimes.  This novel made me laugh and cry, I could not put it down honestly i stayed up until 4am even thought i had to work in the morning , I tried to go to bed and couldn't stop thinking about The Lost Apothecary I had to get up and a finish it I had to know what happened and how it ended, although when it did end i was so sad i wanted more!  I think Sarah is definitely an Author to watch and I cannot wait until she comes out with a new Novel so i can dive into that as well! Thank you for the opportunity to review!

This is a really rollicking tale of a mudlarking excursion on the bank of the Thames leading to investigation into an 18th c. apothecary to sell ladies poison to kill men with. I'm here for it! I really appreciated its brisk pace and that it wasn't too self serious. It had a very satisfying conclusion and took some real twists I enjoyed. It's to be avoided for people who are sensitive to issues of fertility/pregnancy/miscarriage, and it depicts some awful, manipulative relationships. This is one of those rare books in these pandemic times that really grabbed me, so I'm very appreciative of it!

***Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.***

There probably were many apothecary shops in London during the 1790’s, but none as unique as the one run by Nella Clavinger. Her mother started it long ago when Nella was just a child and its sound reputation grew. Nella still dispensed the potions and cures women of the time needed, but after her marriage ended her clientele became exclusively women and she dispensed lethal poisons to those wanting to rid their lives of betraying men. Now the shop can only be found in its hidden spot by word-of-mouth, whispered amongst women with secret intentions. Eliza Fanning, just a twelve-year-old servant girl is waiting for Nella inside the hidden vestibule, the note from her mistress to give to Nella in her hand. Eliza knows what the note is undoubtingly requesting, she is aware of her mistress’s husband’s misdeeds.

Meanwhile, in present-day London, Caroline Parcewell has arrived alone, at the lovely hotel she and her husband were to spend their tenth anniversary, until she discovered his affair. Caroline figured why give up this trip to a city she has been wanting to visit for so long, she will discover it herself. On her first day she unexpectedly goes along on a ‘mudlarking’ tour (salvaging in the mud for treasure), along the Thames river. She finds a small vial with a tiny imprint on the bottom that eventually sends her on the best investigative trip of her life.

This incredible book of historical fiction continues, alternating between the two timelines of 1790 and present day, with three strong female characters: The Apothecary – Nella, Client – Eliza, and Modern, amateur sleuth – Caroline. Each character, each individual woman has a rich, compelling life story to reveal. Caroline will discover she has found a link to the unresolved “apothecary murders’ that haunted London two hundred years ago. What she uncovers and how she finds it all is a novel in and of itself.

Nella is a phenomenon, an industrious worker, healer, and protector of all the women betrayed, hurt physically and mentally, by the men in their lives. She carefully keeps a record of every woman she helps not to incriminate them but to memorialize them. Sarah Penner’s research into the herbs and plants that Nella uses to concoct her potions and powders is outstanding! Young Eliza becomes fascinated by Nella and her work and desires to be her assistant. Nella has always worked alone but she is getting older and could use help but would it to safe to take on another. This question and answer are important to the outcome of this book.

And what of Caroline, what will she do with the information she discovers, would current authorities even care? Would she be arrested for trespassing? Oh, this book is a must read! I cannot believe this is a debut novel.

Book Clubs will adore this book since there are so many discussions surrounding the poisoning of men for wrongs against their wives, etc. as well as Nella making the potions to sell. This intriguing, beautifully written book is a page-turner, a five plus read, do not miss it. It’s not women’s fiction, it’s historical fiction, raw, real, and deadly!

Thank you Netgalley, Park Row Books, and Harlequin/HarperCollins, and Sarah Penner

**Review to be posted on 2/27/21**

Likes:
*The story is told through three perspectives, the past with Nella and Eliza and then present time with Caroline.

*Caroline is going through some marriage trouble but I love how her curiosity to find out about an old apothecary bottle leads her to learning a lot of things about herself and the choices she made in life. I could relate to Caroline a lot.

*Nella and Eliza’s story were fascinating ~ especially because that apothecary was one used by women to do harm. Was it okay for them to do that? In those times women had no resources to help them against men causing them harm so I can see why they resorted to poison. I felt for both Nella and Eliza and what happened to them.

*The history about the apothecary is fascinating and I love how at the end of the book the author included recipes, non-harmful ones, of course!

Random notes:
*There were moments I was more interested in Caroline’s life than Nella and Eliza’s but I think there was a good balance of both.

*The twist in the end definitely tied in the women’s stories together.

Final Thoughts:
I found the historical aspects of this story quite fascinating since I’ve always been drawn to stories about apothecaries and healing. It’s so interesting to learn about how people survived without modern medicine but in this case, how women survived some very bad situations they were trapped in. Caroline is the modern woman trying to get out of a situation she’s found herself in and researching Nella’s apothecary helps her find the strength to do the right thing.

Reading this book made me feel like I was on gentle rollercoaster. The interest level dipped and climbed often for me and once I hit that nail-biting part near the end, I was hooked and completely invested. The alternate timelines wove a super intriguing story of the apothecary, Nella, in the 1700's and the modern-day woman, Caroline...it almost felt like a mystery, but jumping between times made it seem like the reader got the inside look at what actually happened all the while Caroline was trying to figure it out.

The characters are well thought out, the plot doesn't get lost between timelines, and the story flows really well. Going in, I thought this would be a darker, more twisty book than it was so I was a bit disappointed with that, but overall I did enjoy this witchy, mysterious, debut novel.


Thank you to HARLEQUIN/Park Row via NetGalley for the e-arc to read and review honestly.

A woman fleeing a troubled marriage arrives in London, and on a mudlarking tour, finds an old apothecary jar. She begins researching it, makes friends at the British Museum, and finds herself immersed in a 300 year old mystery involving an apothecary who helped women out of difficult situations.
The book is told in two narratives, one set in present times, and one relating events in 1790s London. I read most of the book in one sitting, because I got so caught up with the characters!

Wow! This is an excellent debut novel Sarah Penner! The story is told in two timelines, both in London: one in the 1790s and one in present day. In the 1790s, Nella is an apothecary with a hidden, secret shop where she dispenses poisons to women who are in desperate situations due to men. Nella has two rules she lives by: 1) Do no harm to women, and 2) Record the names of both the woman and the victime in her journal. A young girl comes into Nella's life, Eliza Fanning, who precipitates the risk of exposing Nella and the women she has aided.

In present day, Caroline Parcewell finds her husband has cheated and lied to her. She travels to London alone and bumps into a "mudlarking" group (never heard of mudlarking before!). While mudlarking, finds a glass vial. She makes inquiries into its history, and with help from a librarian she investigates a historical mystery.

This was a well-written, fascinating historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I loved this story.  I expected this to be a fun historical feminist story but the story got deeper and deeper.  I connected with the main character so intently and I loved the journey she took both literally, in terms of the mystery, and with her own self-growth.  Highly recommend.

The Lost Apothecary is a dual timeline historical fiction / mystery story which brings you between modern times and 1790s London. When Caroline arrives in London on her first trip from the US she stumbles upon a group who are mudlarking, which is looking at tidal earth when the Thames has receded for historical artifacts. She joins and finds an unusual vial with an engraving on it. Her curiosity is heightened and she decides to investigate. What she stumbles upon is a story about an apothecary who had quite the unusual practice and group of customers. 

The story expertly slips into the historical timeline and we meet the apothecary and see how her practice came to be. We see how she inherited her mother's practice and is betrayed by a man which causes her to begin supporting other women who have had similar betrayals. This leads to a slippery slope where she begins offering poisons that lead to murders. We see her ethical struggle with this evolution of the practice. As Caroline reveals the historical details in modern time, we get a glimpse of the truth behind the historical artifacts. We also see how Caroline's investigations get her in a little hot water.

This is historical fiction expertly done! Read this one if you enjoyed The Sin Eater or In the Shadow of the Sun.

NetGalley Advanced Review Copy | One of my favorite upcoming 2021 book releases, don't miss The Lost Apothecary.  Find a beautifully woven tale about a female apothecary serial killer paired with a modern-day story of a woman trying to find herself in a suffocating and manipulative marriage.  Librarians and historians will love this feminist historical fiction novel.

You can find the full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/march-2021-book-releases/

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received an electronic ARC from HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U.S. & Canada) through NetGalley.
Told from two time periods - modern times and 1791. Readers follow three narrators on their journeys. Nella is an apothecary who learned her trade from her mother. She has added a twist as the potions she dispenses offer women escape from difficult situations. When twelve-year old Eliza is sent to request a poison for her mistress, she becomes fascinated by Nella's shop and wishes to learn more. In the present time, Caroline has come to London to think about her marriage. Rather than a 10th anniversary trip, she is there alone to decide if she wants to forgive her husband's affair and stay together. 
Readers meet Nella first and get a glimpse of her world. Then Caroline arrives and finds a small blue vial that launches her research into the past. Information is revealed in both times so readers can merge the knowledge and get a clearer picture of how these women survived/survive their challenges. Penner weaves her characters together and also allows them to stand alone as women of their times. It is a quick read that pulls readers in from the first couple chapters. The characters are flawed and very human. They are doing their best to survive in the cultures they live in. I thought Caroline was the weakest at first but she does find her strength and the courage to confront her husband after his ridiculous ploy to gain her sympathy. No spoilers but this twist to connect the storylines felt a bit obvious. By the end, all three women have moved farther on their journeys of redemption and self awareness. Readers can decide for themselves how each women completed her life.

It’s fitting that I write this review today, because 230 years ago today on Feb. 10, 1791, the events that changed the lives of our three main characters: Nella, Eliza and Caroline took place.
Who are these three?  

First, there’s Nella, the apothecary.  Her timeline takes place in 1791.  After the death of her mother 20 years prior, she’s been running her mother’s apothecary shop which has had a long history of helping women with whatever ails them.  The only difference is that where her mother only sought to help women with their health afflictions, Nella, for reasons her own,  also secretly dispenses poisons to women who request it to “remedy” the husbands, lovers, fathers, brothers, or whichever other male has crossed them.

Eliza, the maidservant of one of Nella’s clients, is a 12-year old girl who befriends Nella when sent to get poison at the bidding of her mistress, Mrs. Amwell.  It’s lovely little Eliza who innocently sets in motion the events that change the lives of these three ladies.

Jump to the present day timeline, where we meet Caroline, a history buff, who’s gone on a trip to London that was meant as a ten-year anniversary gift for she and her husband, James, but through circumstance, now finds herself there solo.   On a whim one day, she goes mudlarking (discovering buried treasures hidden in the river’s mud) at the River Thames where she discovers a mysterious blue vial that, unbeknownst to her, ties back to Nella and Eliza.  In her efforts to find out more about this vial, the story of the past comes to life.

I won’t go into all the details of the story, because it’s better to let it tell itself, but this fascinating womens’/historical fiction shines a light on issues experienced by women, both past and present, as they deal with the implications of their place in society.  In 1791, that means Nella, Eliza, and the other women of their day having almost no power to right the wrongs they’re experiencing - at least legally, and in the present day, it’s more about how women, like Caroline, often suppress or abandon their own goals in pursuit of keeping harmony in their homes.

Despite the themes, I don’t think the intention of the book is to hate on men or paint them in the light that they’re only capable of harming women in some way, nor is it to glorify women harming them in return.  Rather, this story illuminates the path that these womens’ choices put them on and the overall effects those choices have on them. 

I enjoyed both the past and present storylines.  Nella and Eliza’s almost mother-daughter-like friendship is sweet, as is the friendship that develops between Caroline and Gaynor, a librarian at the British Library who helps her research the vial.  It’s a journey of intrigue, mystery and discovery as the dual storylines unfold.  Nella and Eliza’s story has palpable tension as the repercussions of their choices made on and around February 10 come to light, and in the present, it’s one of self-discovery for Caroline, as she uncovers, not only the past, but a clear path for her future.  It’s a quieter, slower story.  It didn’t grab me and scream in my face for attention - thank goodness - but it beckoned me into these ladies’ lives, nonetheless, and it was a lovely little journey that I recommend you take as well.  Sarah Penner has offered a wonderful debut!

★★★★ 

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Trade Publishing and Sarah Penner for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.  It will be published March 2, 2021.

"The world is not kind to us… There are few places for a woman to leave an indelible mark."

The Story: After discovering her husband's affair, Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone in London. During a mudlarking adventure near the River Thames, she finds an old apothecary vial. Her curiosity got the better of her and as she begins to investigate, she inadvertently unravels the story of Nella Clavinger, who ran a hidden apothecary shop at the back of a dark London alley in the 18th century.

My thoughts: I enjoy reading books about poison and The Lost Apothecary immediately grabbed my attention! Nella sells her well-disguised poisons to help women who are desperate to free themselves from abusive or unfaithful men and husbands. She reminds me of the 17th century Italian professional poisoner, Giulia Tofana, who sold poisons to women for this same purpose. So, this was really interesting! 

The story is narrated in dual timeline - Caroline in present day and Nella in 18th & early 19th century - and I loved them equally which is rare! I was completely immersed in their stories. I loved that all the answers Caroline was seeking during her investigation were unraveled gradually in Nella's story. I LOVED it! 

I enjoyed everything about this book - from the gorgeous cover, intriguing plot, and endearing characters, to the mystery and suspense - this book has it all! What a great debut! A MUST READ! 


Pub. Date: Mar 2, 2021

***Thank you Harlequin - Trade Publishing (U.S & Canada), author Sarah Penner and NetGalley for this gifted review copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.***