You know those books that you can’t wait to read so you keep putting it off and putting it off? That is what I did with this one, but sadly it did not meet my expectations. This story was nothing like I thought it was going to be. While I loved the story set in the past, the story told in the present was just boring and so far stretched. I rolled my eyes out about everything that happened in those sections, which made me dislike the book. I thought the ending was well done though. Overall, definitely not the book for me. This story had such good potential so I hate that I didn’t enjoy it.

This was an enjoyable summer read. Penner handles the parallel timelines well and spent just the right amount of pages in each time period to keep readers engaged, but not lost in one or the other.

I adored this book. There was lots of mystery and suspense, a little magic, and a lot of love for the characters. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I would definitely recommend.

Review will be posted on 7/15/21

Caroline, a historian, finds herself on vacation in London alone. She was originally going on this anniversary trip with her husband, James, but since she found out he is having an affair, she takes the trip solo. While exploring the Thames, she finds a glass vial that once belonged to an old apothecary shop. After some preliminary research, she figures out that the vial originally belonged to a particular apothecary shop from the 1790s and this shop has ties to the notorious "Apothecary Killer." Flashback to the 18th century London, we meet apothecary, Nella, who helps women out at her shop as women's health isn't really catered to during this time period. As the years go by, Nella starts to dabble in poisons that she sells to women who want to escape their cruel husbands. While working at the apothecary, Nella meets Eliza, who is on an errand for her mistress and ends up helping her out in her shop. She also befriends young Eliza, but their friendship creates a serious of problems for Nella and things get out of control. Meanwhile in present day, Caroline is able to piece together details of the "Apothecary Killer" while sorting out her own love life. Sarah Penner's debut, The Lost Apothecary, is a twisty and atmospheric book that fans of historical mysteries focusing on strong women will enjoy.

Caroline is a likeable character in The Lost Apothecary. She's been cheated on, so immediately readers will feel sympathy for her. Instead of sitting home and feeling sorry for herself, she takes matters into her own hands and takes the much anticipated trip to London. While there, she is naturally drawn to an old vial that she finds while mudlarking; it has ties to an old apothecary shop. She takes steps further and investigates the location of this apothecary from the 18th century. Caroline does some sleuthing and realizes that this shop has a notorious reputation. While getting caught up in her recent discovery, her husband James shows up in London. Cue the drama and some eerily similar circumstances to Nella's back in the 1790s.

Nella is such an interesting character in The Lost Apothecary. She really came to life for me and the portions of her story were very atmospheric and Gothic. Her job as an apothecary, mixing potions, poisons, and the hidden door were all very well done. I could practically feel the London fog following me down the dark alley to her shop door. Nella's heartbreaking backstory is fleshed out well and I enjoyed her new found friendship with Eliza even though it complicated things.


So, if you enjoy historical mysteries, look no further. Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary will keep you engaged and if you are like me, it will have you longing for an afternoon in London exploring old shops and alleyways.

Are you a fan of historical mysteries? Have you read The Lost Apothecary? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

I enjoyed learning about the different concoctions and uses. The first half of the book really sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. Those who like to read historical fiction that is as authentic as possible may have issues with the dialogue set in the late 1700s.

eceived as an ARC from NetGalley and am so thankful as this was a wonderful journey of women from the 1800s to present day.

Secrets and marriages do not make a healthy relationship as seen in the journey of Eliza, Nella and Caroline. Ms. Penner weaves a tale of failed marriages through secrets in the dark Bear Alley of long ago London. I was hooked. I wanted to see truth prevail at the hand of poisons! Fantastic read.

A mysterious blue vial leads to the discovery of an apothecary’s hidden den, intact with its ledger of customers. The Lost Apothecary takes the reader back in time and explores how women take matters into their own hands to deal with adulterous spouses..The process of collecting beetles and creating poisons was intriguing but in the end it seems that the power of suggestion was a stronger device. The twist in the ending was a nice touch.

I tried very hard to get into this book, but as the pdf version does not work on my ereader, I could not finish. Not the book's fault.

Murder, drugs, and a dual timeline make for an engrossing read that draws a reader into 1791 London. While this may be Sarah Penner's first novel, the delight from her book leads to anticipation of further works. The feminist aspect of the apothecary is a delight, and the story allows readers to delve into the murky options for women in this time. Well worth the time

I absolutely loved this book. Have given it to many people as a recommendation after reading it! Stories that are told in dual timelines instantly excite me and this one did not disappoint. I especially liked the historical timeline with our apothecary narrator, as I felt she really brought the story to life.
Highly recommend!

This book has two stories that move side by side, but at some point in the text they intersect and come to a powerful conclusion. Both stories are interesting in themselves, but together --weaving in and out of each other keeps readers glued to their seats. One cannot help but wonder about Nella and form an instant respect for her and her mission.

I definitely judged this book by the cover; just look at it! And the book did not disappoint! ⁣
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This book follows two timelines; the Eighteenth Century and current time in London. You get to know current time Caroline and eighteenth century Nella. All the characters are like able and I enjoyed the writing style. The transition to past and future does not get confusing, and you feel all the emotions of present and past. I enjoyed this book and am super excited to see this become a film.
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I enjoyed this story. I loved the back and forth between the main characters, and seeing into their heads. Nella owns the apothecary and has made it her life's work to help other women with their troubles. Eliza is the young girl who may cause Nella to lose everything. Caroline is visiting London, and what should be her anniversary trip. After discovering her husband is having an affair, Caroline has many decisions to make on this trip. One encounter sends her on the adventure of a lifetime to discover what the blue vial she has found means. As she searches for answers, she learns about the lost apothecary, that has been hidden in plain sight for hundreds of years.

I loved learning the backstory of each character. There were scenes in the book that I wanted to reach in and strangle Eliza. She was very naive for my own good. Overall a great book to read.

This was great! I loved the back and forth timeline and he characters in the past and present. Very interesting historical read. Who's ready to go mudlarking?!?

Based solely on the publisher’s blurb, this book seemed to contain all sorts of catnip for me: a braided narrative, a historical chain of events, lethal herbal concoctions, and revenge served cold. I was super excited to be approved for this book on NetGalley prior to publication; unfortunately, life took an unexpected twist and I couldn’t read it until well after publication.

The delay in reading did the book a disservice. Because I read the published hardcover rather than the unpublished advance reader copy, I fell behind one of my voracious reader friends who rated the book poorly without an explanatory review. This friend and I have similar tastes, so I was set up to dislike the book. However, as I was reading, I could find very little to dislike about it. The present tense character was a bit whiny, but not overly much so. The adult historical character did a touch too much verbal exposition. The child historical character’s point of view seemed a little too naive. None of these were sins that should cost the book two stars in my mind.

In my mind, the shallowness of this book prevented it from being a five star book. The historical detail was so well rendered that I wanted much more of it in those story lines. And the “magickal” elements of the storyline could have been amped up a little more to create a true believable conflict between the adult historical character and the child historical character. But those are just minor tarnishes. I will definitely recommend this book to friends, and I wouldn’t hesitate to read it again.

This historical fiction novels follows the dual narratives of Nella, the owner of an apothecary shop in 1700s London and Caroline, a modern-day woman stuck between a cheating husband and a job she doesn't love. Through these protagonists, we're introduced to parallel difficulties that point towards a common struggle. The third POV of Eliza also adds to the depth of the novel. I found Penner's writing incredibly engaging, it's truly a wonderful debut.

This book was right up my historical fiction lovers alley!!!!!!!!!!!! I enjoy books that are dark historical fiction stories like this one. This one will keep you reading until the last page. You will get enthralled with these characters lives and you have to know what happens to them. I am a new fan of Ms Penner and cannot wait to see what she writes us next!!!!!!!

This historical fiction novel moves the reader through time to different viewpoints in the story. Would recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction and the intrigue of a good revenge story.

This book has everything you could possibly want. Imagine going to England for the special trip you always wanted to take. Your husband was supposed to be with you but you caught him cheating. After joining up with a group exploring a river bed you find mysterious little bottle that sends you on a search into the past. Your love of history is rekindled and your search begins. Not only do you find out a lot about the past in the process you learn much more about yourself as a person. Throughly enjoyable.

This was a quick read that I didn’t want to put down. I love books that alternate from last to present. Sweet Eliza was my favorite character but I loved how all three women tied together. Strong female fiction that I highly recommend! Great story!