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The Lost Apothecary

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The Lost Apothecary

By: Sarah Penner
Narrated by: Sarah Cullum
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About this listen

Newsweek's 2021's Most Highly Anticipated New Books

PopSugar's Most Anticipated Books of 2021

A New York Times top 10 best seller

With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.

Hidden in the depths of 18th-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious 12-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her 10th wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London 200 years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate - and not everyone will survive.

©2021 Sarah Penner (P)2021 W F Howes Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction

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Critic reviews

"A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!” (Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress)

“Intriguing.... Readers who enjoy parallel historical/contemporary narratives about women’s lives, such as Claire McMillan’s The Necklace or Liz Trenow’s The Forgotten Seamstress, will enjoy the historical details and mystery in this engrossing tale.” (Library Journal)

“Readers who enjoy Katherine Howe and Susanna Kearsley will be drawn to this promising, fast-paced debut.” (Booklist)
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I'm unsure, I wanted more on the past on Eliza and Nelly... more of the past women, more investigation. not a divorce.

felt cute might apply to Cambridge. xo

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A well balanced book, except for the end, whitch wasn't very original. I really did enjoy it though.

loved the historical mystery

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Enjoyed the story especially the historical section. The 3 narrators were good but less keen on the contemporary sections. Easy listen. Not too challenging

Good listen interesting story idea

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This story, narrated in two time periods by three women, is a great tale. The premise and overall plot were very enjoyable. I was, however, frustrated by a few things... the biggest being that the American character was narrated by a British actor, making American phrases sound quite jarring. There were also some overly repeated phrases and some sloppy research in places around the modern London thread. But I overall enjoyed the story and became very fond of Nella and Eliza.

A fun story, but some frustrating features

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I absolutely loved the two narratives, one in the past and one in the present day. A really good read to capture the imagination. Highly original with great characters.
Highly recommend.

Wow what a fantastic read!

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“Enchanting irresistible appeal just like a fairytale” I enjoyed this. Its about women and their challenges but also about their power and strengths. ❤️

Magical

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Really enjoyed this a lighter book to listen to for a change. I was drawn into the story straight away and loved finding out how Caroline was getting on with her discoveries. Downside was the narrator when she spoke as Caroline - very robotic and off putting.

A magical history

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It’s a well constructed book, with strong story’s that interweave with skill. Tough for a man to listen too as it’s a fairly strong feminist rant, with man murder a subplot. Uncomfortable. Wonder if gender roles reversed the author would have got away with it. Suppose morality twist is that it doesn’t all work out as planned.

Read with care gentlemen. It’s a guide to poisoning men!

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Great storytelling and the narrator was solid 10/10 I liked how you/me reader had to stay on point at each episode to continue on with who’s point this one story was told by all and one at same time I’ll be watching out for more of the same

Kept the dog out longer

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a light mystery novel, split over multiple timelines, some dark themes, but not very complex. it got me easily invested into finding out what happens to the characters. this worked well for me as something light, on a tired evening.
it was nice to have it included with the membership.

light mystery novel

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