A review by readwithde
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Magick, poison, intrigue, restless spirits, herbal remedies, betrayal, and the search for knowledge fill this short book with richness and wonder on every page. 

Caroline, the present day would-be historian stumbles upon a blue vial with an etching of a bear, which leads her to research and discover the truth behind a string of murders made possible by a well-hidden apothecary shop.

In 1791, we follow Nella, the proprietor of the shop, as she meets Eliza Fanning, a young girl sent to retrieve her mistress's order of poison. Eliza becomes more curious in the shop and in studying magick (which Nella claims as foolish), aiding Nella
in what becomes her last dispension of poison to a woman who accidentally poisons the wrong person. 

In the meantime, as Caroline finds and begins to research the poisons of the apothecary, her own husband becomes ill from apparent poisoning. As she tries to clear her own name, we see Nella and Eliza doing the same: while Nella leans towards suicide, Eliza turns to magick, producing a tincture in a familiar blue vial...


For me, this book was about self discovery and the inner truth behind the facade of everyday life; to choose to reach for more instead of accepting what life hands you, what is safe and reasonable. The epilogue of where the three women ended up was both exciting and mysterious, closing the story if needed, but also (I hope) leaving room for a sequel.
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