The Lost Apothecary

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Historian Caroline takes a trip to London and uncovers the key to solving a series of murders that happened two centuries ago.

Caroline is reeling after discovering her husband had an affair and embarks on their London anniversary vacation alone. While meandering through the city she discovers mudlarking -- a hobby of discovering objects in the mud of the Thames. The first meaningful find Caroline has is a small vial with a bear etched on it.

The vial comes from an apothecary in the late 1700s run by Nella, the daughter of an herbalist. Her mother created cures for maladies, but Nella expanded the business and also sells poisons for women to escape evil men.

Eliza is sent by her mistress to procure poison for the man of the house when his wandering eye lands on the twelve-year-old servant. Eliza is enchanted by the apothecary and asks Nella to teach her more about poisons.

The story is told in turns by Caroline, Nella, and Eliza as their lives and connections with the apothecary unfold. Before the story ends, each woman must confront the dangerous consequences of their actions.

The three narrators of the audiobook sound so different that it is easy to imagine each woman reading her story. Eliza's narrator captures her youth and innocence, and Nella's narrator captures the spirit of the world-weary woman. Caroline's narrator sounds more modern, making it easy to imagine her in the present-day.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, especially Anglophiles and those who enjoy historical women's fiction.

Sarah Penner is a Kansas native with a career in finance. She currently lives in Florida and writes part-time.

Publisher: Park Row (print); Harlequin Audio

Narrators: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, & Lauren Irwin

Running Time: 10 hours, 18 minutes

Length: 320 pages

Release Date: March 2, 2021

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I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.