I admit that it was cover love at first sight when I saw Opium And Absinthe, but I was completely sold as soon as I read the blurb. I've enjoyed Lydia Kang's books, including The Impossible Girl, in the past, and another historical setting with a medical twist sounded simply fantastic. On top of that, Opium And Absinthe promises to present us with a fantasy/horror retelling element involving Bram Stoker's Dracula, which had me even more excited. I know I'm basically allergic to vampire stories, but I did actually enjoy the original Dracula classic and I have to say that I really liked how Lydia Kang decided to incorporate this element into her story. It definitely ended up being one of the things that stood out for me!

That said, despite having high expectations for this story, somehow it didn't work as well as I thought it would for me. I'm struggling to point out exactly why, but I'll try to explain below. Part of the reason probably has to do with the slow pace as well as a bit of a repetitive plot with surprisingly dull moments. The slower pace made it harder to stay focused, and the lack of surprises and dull moments didn't help either of course. I know that the book is set in 1899 and things were different back then (I actually enjoyed those historical descriptions), but the plot was just too repetitive and dull for me and it didn't manage to engage me as I thought it would.

I also struggled with the constant repetition of the opium, morphine and even heroin use as well as the focus on just how dependent the main character Tilly becomes on it as it starts taking over her life and actions. While in a way realistically portrayed, I felt like it was turned into too much of a cliche and I didn't feel like I was able to get to know the character too well due to this focus on Tillie's spiralling addiction and the other characters both reacting to and fomenting said addiction. The characters themselves are not likeable at all (with the exception of Ian maybe) and as a result I struggled to connect to them. The main focus is on Tillie, and I found her to be too frustrating to really care for her and once again I found the focus on her substance abuse to be too much of a cliche and it took away the focus from more interesting elements such as the investigation into Lucy's death, the medical details and the vampire element.

I confess that I saw most of the plot twists coming from a mile away, although I did manage to stumble upon one or two surprises. This wasn't enough to make up for the things that didn't work for me though. I liked the historical setting, the Dracula element and the investigation into Lucy's death as well as the medical details... But the slow pace, the repetitive and sometimes dull plot and constant focus on the substance abuse instead of a proper focus on character and plot development ended up being mostly a letdown for me.

Oh to be a high society female in 1889 is hillarious where to think independently for yourself is considered " Female hysteria" instead of wanting more then to get married to someone rich as you or your equal and have kids to continue that bloodline.

Mathilda Pembroke and Her sister Lucy ( The perfect one) because Mathilda is more questioning everything such as why I guess you call that a curious mind. Instead of a dutiful daughter and constient. Takes place in New york when mysterious and sad circumstances happen. Bram Stoker's Dracula is mentioned and compared a lot which is really appealing to me.

It points out opiod addictions and there use ( to keep women in check or to get rid of reality) What is reality and what is fantasy ? They also talk about abinsthe alot which was very popular in the writing and acting scene especially around early 1900's. Aka the green fairy. New york Immigrant culture is mentioned alot for historical accuracy.

I was given this Arc by netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A terrific book that had me hooked right from the beginning. It features a strong, if flawed, heroine and a fascinating, detailed look at life in Gilded Age Manhattan. As a murder mystery, it has many twists and turns, which are resolved in intelligent, satisfying ways. I really enjoyed “A Beautiful Poison” by Lydia Kang, and this book is reminiscent of that one in the setting and use of old-fashioned medical practices.

For me this was very much a fun read.
Tillie was a spirited character,who over the course of the book becomes one of the biggest drug takers I can think of,yet still functions almost normally.
Blending a murder with the recently released Dracula was a great idea...
All loose ends were neatly tied by the end,with no major surprises.
An enjoyable read. I'll look out for this author again.

I thoroughly enjoyed being taken away to a different time in this charming novel. Things get going right from the start with Tillie breaking a bone and her sister Lucy being murdered. Due to the broken bone, Tillie develops an addiction to laudanum and then morphine which makes her investigation of what happened to her sister complicated. However there is more than her addiction complicating things, her standing makes moving about and meetings with Ian even more difficult.

I loved the vampire aspect and how that fit in the setting and time. There are quotes from Dracula throughout that added to the charm and mystery. But the strength for me was in the characters. Of course Tillie was my favorite but all of the secondary characters had draws and motivations that made them come to life. The grandmother gave me the shivers, and I could imagine her presence making everyone shrink back. The pace was snappy making it a fast read for me that is easy to recommend.

I love a story with a strong heroine... this did not disappoint! I found it interesting how this young woman found creative ways to fight the confines and limitations of her time for the greater good and to satisfy her very curious nature. I will read more from this author!

A very enjoyable read. I love reading books set in Victorian times and this was the perfect mesh of mystery, paranormal and romance. A beautifully detailed way to see 1899 New York. I felt that it was accurately painted. The author did an excellent job with her characters, making them detailed and interesting. The plot was well developed and although not a fast-moving book, it holds your interest and doesn't let go.

The main protagonist, Tillie, is wonderfully curious, extremely resourceful, makes blunders and yet follows through. She persistently attempts to locate her sister's killer, despite an injury to her collarbone, addiction to her painkiller and being restricted by the confines of being a woman in the Victorian era. A very resourceful young lady.

My favorite quote? "You'll learn how to survive this, Matilda. No woman lives a life unscathed. It's what makes us strong. We are broken and mended, remade every time. We must, or it destroys us." How prophetic Tillie's grandmother's words are. I definitely recommend this book.

I would like to thank Lydia Kang, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the second book by this author and this book has now made me a huge fan.
A historical friction / mystery and a huge page turner !

Interesting historical fiction/ murder mystery. Very well written!
Once I started reading, I found myself fully engaged and couldn't put it down!
I loved the well written characters and the plot was great!
4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley the publisher and author for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.