The Lost Apothecary: A Novel

I liked this story; hard to believe it’s a debut novel. The story is told from 3 points of view going back and forth from 1790s to present day. Caroline - present day - takes a trip to London alone because she caught her husband cheating days before departure. She goes mudlarking and discovers an old apothecary vial that begins her researching its origin. Nella - 1790s - old apothecary dispenser that secretly gives poisons to women wronged by men. Eliza - 1790s - 12yo maid to wealthy Mrs. Amwell who’s husband is a pervert. Eliza goes to Nella to get poison to rid the house of him. There’s a mystery to solve. And Caroline spends her London vacation in the LIBRARY to solve the mystery. That was the one part that had me perplexed. She’s just not normal. The story is well paced and kept my interest. Toward the end, it began feeling more like a Hallmark movie, but, alas, the author changed the projectory of Caroline’s story to make a feel good ending that is different than really expected. NOTE: if listening to the audiobook: OMG Nella’s character talks sooo slow that double time is normal speech.

Great, easy listen. Highly recommend.

Easy to listen to and keeps you looking forward to how the story ends.

Enjoyed the book.

story was lacking

Turned out to be an easy read, entertaining and very expected pleasant ending! Having 3 narrators helped to discern the characters and plot lines much better. Highly recommend

This one was fun and kept my attention. sometimes sad or unrealistic but a fun read.

It was good but not exceptional.

Nella and Eliza narrators were fabulous to me. Caroline narrator merely read the chapters. It was monotone and boring. It didn’t help me feel anything for the character. Yet, I’m not sure that entirely the narrators fault. The book was okay. A quick read that felt it was put together just as quick .

Nice and facile enough to be interesting as well as relatable. A rather self-indulgent understanding of empowerment, as well as history.

Loved this book, as well as the different voices used for the different characters. Added life to the story. Great read!

The narrator for Nella was terrific! The past part of the book was great!

Gothic, mysterious, still trustworthy.

Loved the book, the story was very intriguing and engaging

Thoughtful, intelligent, interesting book. Fun to follow