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1700s: A mysterious apothecary in London sells some secret potions….
The Lost Apothecary
What you need to know before your trail
Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-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 twelve-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 tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate―and not everyone will survive.
Travel Guide
Discover the poisons and potions of the Lost Apothecary in London
Visit more of the apothecary setting here
The apothecary in the novel is located in Bear Alley which has of course changed considerably over the years as we see in the modern day storyline.
You can see from the map that there is a history of apothecaries in and around this area and a few societies and halls too which gives the book an added edge.
Inside the shop, there is a hidden area where potions are made in secret. Potions from crushed beetles and other strange things. There are descriptions of mud larking in the present day storyline which reveals the vials found from this area of work.
It’s dark inside the apothecary, rows of vials everywhere, crushed beetles and the hope and despair of women who want these potions….
Booktrailer Review
I LOVED this book. Atmospheric, gothic, creepy and that apothecary was so real, I could hear the creek of the wooden door as someone came inside. Those who did were in search of poisons. There were rules to who could buy them and what they could be used for. But of course, that soon goes wrong.
The historical and present day storylines were expertly crafted but the historical one just sparkled. That hidden alleyway and the secrets it contained, The vials of crushed beetles and the art of mixing the potions.
Then there’s one moment where the secrecy of this whole affair is shot to pieces and there are unexpected consequences. Characters leapt from the page and the author seamlessly merged past and present but characters in one time going through a door, and the present day one finding that same door. Ooh I had chills down my spine.
Highly recommended!
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Lost Apothecary
Destination/location: London Author/guide: Sarah Penner Departure Time: 1700s
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