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The Lost Apothecary  By  cover art

The Lost Apothecary

By: Sarah Penner
Narrated by: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, Lauren Irwin
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Interview: 'The Lost Apothecary' Brews a Secret Sisterhood of Revenge

'I think this concept of banding together, that's exactly what the book is about.'
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  • The Lost Apothecary
  • 'I think this concept of banding together, that's exactly what the book is about.'

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times Best Seller

Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Hello! magazine, Oprah.com, Bustle, Popsugar, Betches, Sweet July, and GoodReads!

March 2021 Indie Next Pick and Number One LibraryReads Pick

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

A forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary....

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 tenth 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.

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.

©2021 Sarah Penner (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about The Lost Apothecary

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unique story, not too complex

I enjoyed this book. Nothing about it wowed me, but the story was unique and it was well written. Narration was good and overall they did a nice job of matching the voice to each main character. I liked that there were three different narrators. I don’t have anything really bad to say about the book, but it also wasn’t the most gripping book I’ve ever read. Overall, would still recommend it if you’re looking for an easy listen.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Overall a good listen

I loved how it all tied together. The ending was shocking and satisfying. But it’s not going to be an all time favorite. The story dragged in some spots. But I do love the little twists and the hints of mystery. I do recommend it for those who love historical fiction like mysteries.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

narration woes but stick with it.

this is a good book. the first chapter narration is hard, but once you get past that the story takes over. I listened at 1.05 speed.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Just so-so

I don't typically leave reviews but with all of the high ratings I felt I had to. The performances were fine. The story not so much.
Just when I thought it was going to get interesting, it fell flat. Somewhat predictable. The ending wrapped up too tidily to feel satisfying. Unless you can get it on sale (which I did) don't use a full credit.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Bored

I got through it but I was bored. This book has received rave reviews from all over, I’m in multiple book clubs and many say it’s one of the best they have read this year…did we read/listen to the same book? I wouldn’t say this book is a waste of a credit and I stayed with it, but my mind was not hooked to the story and I found myself thinking the characters were literal idiots multiple times.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

This book was such an amazing story. It really makes one believe in magic and fate! The 3 narrators were so fitting and brought the story to life! Highly recommend!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I enjoy 1/2 of the time

The voice of Caroline was awful and put me to sleep each time, she sounded like a IA voice for Google or Alexa I could not stand listening to her tell the part of Caroline.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thriller to the very end!

Loved it, glued to this audiobook for 2 days!! Such a delight journey from each character's view point. great job Sarah, can't wait for the next one!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating debut

Thoroughly enjoyed Sarah Penner’s captivating and brilliantly written debut novel. Loved the dual timeline and three points of view.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous

I can’t wait for Sarah to write another story! What a brilliant work. Couldn’t put it down!

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