Fans of historical mysteries- this is set in Tudor England- read this one now! Don't worry if you didn't read the earlier books (I bet you'll go back and do so once you've finished this one), you'll be fine and will totally enjoy this. Bianca, daughter of an unstable man who is also an alchemist, has found herself pregnant and alone in London because her husband has been conscripted (along with many others) into King Henry VIII's army. She's a healer, among other things. She's also investigated murders in the past and now is pulled in when one of her father's potions (for want of a better word) is stolen, a woman is murdered, and someone has to find the thief and the stuff. Is her mother, as her father believes, the guilty party? Who is the Ratman? Lots of questions but no spoilers. This is complex, interesting, and well written. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

A very good historical mystery and the discovery of a great new series.
I loved this book because it's engaging and entertaining.
I appreciated the well researched historical background, the cast of characters and the mystery.
I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Different take on historical mystery. This follows what an alchemist does and what happens to those around him. Once again Bianca is drawn into the heart of the mystery. Interesting to see life among the working during the middle ages.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bianca Goddard mysteries since reading Death of Alchemist. This mystery focuses on her mother being in theft and murder. I really loved Bianca. She faces some personal struggles. However, she managed to overcome them. Thus, she was a very relatable character. The mystery itself is well done and I like how it was set during the Tudor era. I recommend this fans of Fiona Buckley,

Another enjoyable addition to the series! Bianca faces several life changing, challenges in this story but she faces them head on, with grace and strength. That's one of the things I like so much about her. It will be very interesting to see how the next book plays out for Bianca and her husband, John. I don't think we've seen the end of the Rat Man or the glowing stones either but we shall see....If you enjoy alchemy, mysteries and historical fiction set in the 16th century, you should give this series a try.

I was given a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

This is a novel you won't forget. I love the way Mary Lawrence makes me feel like I could wake up in the Middle Ages tomorrow. The mystery, magical, and history all work together in this one.

London, 1544. Albern Goddard, a disgraced alchemist, is sure that he has just “discovered a substance of unplumbed worth.” He just needs a few more “days of careful analysis to prove his discovery’s importance.”

His daughter Bianca, as a young girl “became fascinated with the instruments of her father’s science. (…) And through observation she had learned the secret language of alchemy.” Now, as a married woman she earns her living from “medicinals.”

She tries to distance herself from her disagreeable father, who dislikes her husband.

Before Albern can conclude his new discovery, a flask with its content is stolen. Despite their differences, he involves Bianca to find the moocher, which he suspects is his wife.

Told with some entertaining and some serious prose. Bianca is a likeable character, smart with a sharp tongue. I felt connected with the lives of characters, but somehow disconnected with the mystery part of the story.

When I picked up this book I was tempted by title and description.
It was a good book.
The only thing is... The Alchemist of Lost Souls is book number four in the series by this author.
You can read this book alone, but I think it would be better if you follow the story line from the beginning.
The story follows a life of an alchemist daughter, from her young years, to marriage and finally (this book) expecting a child. The aspect of alchemy and suspense mystery in this book is main subject here, which I myself love. Anything to do with magic is a great news to me!
You can read this book alone, but I would still recommend reading all the books in the series in order.