The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner alternates between an 18th-century and present-day timeline, following apothecary Nella Clavinger, housemaid Eliza Fanning, and tourist Caroline Parcewell. Nella sells poisons to women seeking freedom from abusive men, while Caroline uncovers the apothecary's secrets in modern London, exploring themes of betrayal, feminine power, and secrecy.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is praised for its imaginative storyline and strong female characters, weaving historical and contemporary narratives effectively. Critics highlight its enchanting atmosphere and engrossing mystery. However, some find the plot predictable and the character development lacking depth. Overall, it offers a captivating, though occasionally simplistic, read.

A reader who enjoys historical fiction interwoven with mystery and a touch of feminist themes would be captivated by Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary. Fans of Kate Quinn's The Alice Network or Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale would appreciate the book's blend of suspense and richly developed female characters.

Mysterious / Dark / Contemplative / Suspenseful / Emotional

- The Lost Apothecary is Sarah Penner's debut novel, which quickly became a bestseller and was celebrated for its rich historical detail and gripping plot.
- The book was inspired by Penner's visit to a hidden apothecary shop while traveling in London, leading to her fascination with the concept of obscure historical professions.
- Following its success, The Lost Apothecary gained traction on BookTok, where readers praised its vivid storytelling and the empowerment of women in its narrative.

**Nella Clavinger**  
An 18th-century apothecary who runs a shop specializing in remedies for women's ailments, offering both healing mixtures and poisons to help women seek vengeance against men who have wronged them.

**Eliza Fanning**  
A clever twelve-year-old housemaid who works at the Amwell estate and becomes involved with Nella’s apothecary shop, developing a significant bond with the women in her life.

**Caroline Parcewell**  
A 32-year-old farm administrator from Ohio who travels to London on what was supposed to be her anniversary trip, unintentionally discovering a historical mystery involving an apothecary while dealing with personal marital issues.

**Lady Beatrice Clarence**  
The wealthy mistress of the Clarence estate who becomes entangled in the apothecary's affairs out of a desire to influence her husband's extramarital relations.

**James Parcewell**  
Caroline's husband, whose infidelity and subsequent actions significantly impact Caroline’s life decisions during her visit to London.

**Gaynor**  
A helpful employee at the British Library who assists Caroline in her research into the history of the apothecary, becoming a supportive friend in the process.

**Mrs. Amwell**  
The gentle and patient mistress of the Amwell estate, who has a nurturing relationship with Eliza but harbors darker intentions in seeking justice for wrongs done to those she cares about.

**Mr. Amwell**  
The predatory master of the Amwell estate whose actions catalyze critical events in the novel, painting a picture of the dangers faced by young women in the household.

**Lord Clarence**  
A wealthy man engaged in an affair that leads his wife to seek clandestine means of influence, inadvertently setting off a chain of events with unintended consequences.

**Miss Berkwell**  
Lord Clarence’s mistress, entangled in the explosive fallout of the Clarence family’s personal entanglements.

**Frederick**  
Nella’s former lover, whose deceit and actions drastically alter the course of Nella’s life and inspire her turn towards darker practices.

**Johanna**  
A former housemaid at the Amwell estate whose tragic story is often recounted by the other characters, highlighting the brutal realities for women of her time.

**Tom Pepper**  
The shopkeeper of a magical bookstore who becomes Eliza's first romantic interest, later playing an important role in her life and future.

**Bachelor Alf**  
The enthusiastic leader of a mudlarking expedition on the Thames, who plays a crucial role in introducing Caroline to the mystery of the apothecary vial.

Sarah Penner

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Chapters 17-21

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