The Lost Apothecary

Whatever you may find along the river Themes, there’s always a secret hiding within. London, 18th century. An unusual apothecary with a rather special clientele. There is more to it than just keeping women healthy. Nella is known throughout the city, for her well-hidden poisons especially brewed for every client’s wish. Nella only has one rule, the poison must never be used to harm another woman. London in present-day, Caroline Parcewell intended to spend her tenth wedding anniversary in England’s Capital, but now she’s all alone. Troubled by her own problems she comes across a long-forgotten item, something that is connected to a crime in the past As soon as Caroline was hooked by the historical gems hidden behind that secret door, I was too. Although I’m not a historian, I can’t confirm if all the background information is correct. But to me, it sounded very trustworthy and informative. I didn’t find the time-changing chapters confusing, it keeps you interested on a high level. A chapter ends where it’s most gripping naturally, you have to, no rather want to keep reading. I don’t agree with other reviews I had read, I see the lost apothecary as a successful debut novel. It is worth it to give it a try. In the end, it all lays in front of you like a blanket; piece by piece Caroline unearths the secrets long lost. During this adventure, Caroline also finds more to herself and what her desires are. I hope this is not the first and last novel from Sarah Penner and that we will see more of her work in the future.

I love so many things about this book. Let’s see if I can manage to still keep this review tight and spoiler-free. 1) I absolutely LOVE the concept with the chapters from different times, even eras. Though not just the concept, as it fit so well with the storyline, but also the delivery. I enjoyed reading 'modern English' and then again diction and wording that’s not being used like this very commonly anymore. It really helped with transporting myself into those different scenes. 2) I also very much enjoyed the mystery and the fact that one doesn’t know what exactly happend before the end. Sure, I guessed a few things but there was always the possibility that I was wrong and it was something else entirely. 3) I loved those three MCs and the way the author described them and 'brought them to live'. They’re all at a different stage in their lives (and in different eras) and represent different phases in being or becoming an adult. I could write even more about those 3 but I think you should experience them for yourself, once you read the book 4) And last but not least, I really enjoyed the ending since the forming friendship reminds me very much of my own with some people that are very dear to me in my life. Plus, I love me some open endings <3 All in all, I was astounded at some of the bad reviews but I can also see why this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you enjoy mystery, a well thought through storyline with strings that only really make sense in the end, and wonderfully written characters then this might be a book for you.

Eines der schlechtesten Bücher, die ich je gelesen habe. Dabei ging es so vielversprechend los! Am Ende stürzt die Story leider komplett ab und man fragt sich, wie überhaupt ein Verleger an Land gezogen werden konnte.