The May Book Club – The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

Our book club pick for May is Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary! Get ready for some murderous ladies, y’all.

Here’s the description:

“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.”

And here’s what people are saying about it:

“The Lost Apothecary is a poisonously good read… An enthralling work of mystery, murder, trust, and betrayal. Set in an atmospheric London, Penner’s immersive story flows skillfully from past to present, revealing the heartaches and lost dreams of three captivating main characters in a page-turningly tense drama that surprises right up until the final paragraph.” — NPR

“Spellbinding… Like in a well-brewed potion, all the ingredients have been given exactly the right level of care and time, and the result is a novel that simply overwhelms with its delicate spell.” — Bookpage

“Enthralling… Musical prose… A completely absorbing story of the power of secrets and finding one’s way.” — Historical Novel Review, A Best Book of the Month Pick

If you would like to join us on May 23rd at 7PM ET, make sure you’re on the $7+ tier on our Patreon for the month of May!