Two worlds collide with one piece of glass. Join Caroline Parcewell on her journey of self-discovery, Nella Clavinger on her life-long plan for vengeance, and Eliza Fanning on her precocious escapades. 

With three main characters and two time periods, Sarah Penner creates a satisfying overlap of history in The Lost Apothecary. Following the recently slighted Caroline and the gifted, albeit deadly apothecary gives way to a flow of questions and unexpected adventure. Add the naive Eliza to the mix, and you’ve got yourself on the edge of your seat. 

Penner crafts a slow burn for her readers as you get closer to the answers each character is seeking. With the back and forth between 18th-century and current-day London, there is no mistaking the importance and intersections these women’s lives will have. 

As Nella is introduced to the prospect of a helper in her shop, she is absolutely appalled, but her worsening ailments quickly change her mind. Bringing on the young Eliza as an assistant proves fruitful until it turns into possibly Nella’s worst nightmare.                   

A nightmare that makes Caroline walk into unlit, boarded-up alleys in the middle of the evening and befriend an enthusiastic historian from the British Library to help in her research. A new friend that saves Caroline from the fate that seems to befall Nella after Eliza’s significant oversight. 

Without giving too much away, this title was absolutely thrilling. It had a compelling plot and even better overlap. I remember wondering how certain things would work from the opposite point of view and then being in awe, seeing how Penner made elements come full circle. 

It was a stick it to the man, prove yourself, women are fantastic kind of story, and I really loved it. I bought this book for my best friend since her favorite genre is mystery. She told me how much she loved it, and I knew I needed to read it. She generously lent me the copy I bought her, and I couldn’t have been more excited. I love reading someone else’s favorite titles, especially when I enjoy them just as much.

It was so fun texting her every time an exciting new element was added to the plot. This is why I don’t want to give too much away so that the awe, excitement, and shock will find you if you decide to read this title. 

I am giving The Lost Apothecary four out of five stars.

As always, thanks for reading! 💜

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️