With modern and 18th century London as the setting for this book, a conflicted woman who finds a mysterious bottle becomes obsessed with discovering its origins, leading her to a 1700s female apothecary who helps other women of the dark time “dispense” of bad men. Incredibly atmospheric, I didn’t want to climb out of this one. A dark yet hopeful portrait of female fears and female empowerment both then and now.
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner (List Price: $27.99, Park Row, 9780778311010, March 2021)
Reviewed by Shari Stauch, Main Street Reads, in Summerville, South Carolina