Have you ever read a book that was so good, it gave you goosebumps? This was that book for me.
From start to finish, I was engrossed in the wonderful storytelling that seamlessly intertwined past and present.

The story follows the lives of three women. In 1791, Nella sells poisons to women who wish to kill the men in their lives who have done them harm. When twelve-year-old Eliza becomes a patron of Nella's shop, they strike up an unexpected friendship and young Eliza becomes her apprentice. However, this chance encounter sets in motion a chain of events that threats to expose Nella's apothecary and the women she has served.
In present day, we meet Caroline who is on a solo trip to London after finding out her husband of ten years was having an affair. While mudlarking in the Thames, she discovers an old apothecary jar which links back to the unsolved apothecary murders.
The lives of these three women intertwined in a specular way despite over two centuries separating them, reminding us of the impact that history can play in the present.

I love the strong, empowered female characters.
I love that this story is inspired by true events. (Cue Giulia Tofana).
I pretty much love everything about this book, and can't believe it's a debut!

This is a beautifully crafted novel perfect for fans of mysteries and historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And thank you to Sarah Penner for the lovely story. I'm now a fan!

It’s not the 10th anniversary celebration that Caroline Parcewell would have wanted. She’s spending the day alone, studying the two hundred year old apothecary murders that have intrigued and captivated London ever since they occured. It would seem a mysterious woman known only as Nella, would help women escape the clutches of evil men by way of a poisonous elixir. Nella was widely sought after for her abilities, until a young patron makes a fatal mistake. As Caroline searches through history for Nella, the fate of both women become entwined. A thrilling and dangerously addictive story of women taking back their power by whatever means necessary. The narrators bring this book to life with exciting verve and enthusiasm