The Lost Apothecary: Plot & Review

Synopsis:

"The Lost Apothecary" is a historical fiction novel set in 18th century London, and tells the story of a secret apothecary shop that sold deadly potions to women looking to rid themselves of the men in their lives.

The novel follows two women, Nella and Eliza, who are both connected to the shop in different ways and whose lives become intertwined as they navigate the dangerous world of the apothecary.

In present day, while on vacation in London, Caroline, who has recently learned that her husband has been unfaithful, stumbles upon a clue concerning the history of the apothecary shop. She quickly becomes engrossed in a historical research.

This is the beginning of a story that is praised for its richly detailed historical setting, and its strong female characters.

Critics have also noted that the novel raises important themes of gender, power, and freedom. Some reviewers have also praised the book for its page-turning plot, and others have said that the story is well-researched and well-written.

Plot (with spoilers): Basically the whole book

In The Lost Pharmacy, Nella is a London-based apothecary owner who offers poisons to women to use against errant males in their life. Her business is secretly located behind a makeshift rear wall.

She records every transaction in a logbook. Nella started selling poisons after being duped by her love, Frederick. He not only had shown himself to be unmarried, but he had also discreetly given Nella a herb to induce miscarriage when she informed him she was conceiving.

In present day, Caroline recently learned that James, her spouse of 10 years, had been having an affair. For the holiday they were meant to spend together, she goes to London alone.
She finds a bright blue vial with a bear carved on it (the logo of Nella's apothecary business) while mudlarking (searching for antique items in the mud) beside the Thames. She starts looking into the vial's history since she is curious about it along with Gaynor, a female employee at the British Museum, who helps her out.

Back to 1791 , Eliza Fanning, a 12-year-old maid, stops by Nella's business.
It is implied that Mr. Amwell is a sexual predator who now has fixed his sights on Eliza. Mrs. Amwell, Eliza's mistress, requested Eliza to go get poison that would kill her husband. Mr. Amwell dies as a result of the poison acting as intended.

Eliza quickly makes her way back to Nella's stop and shows interest in her transaction. Eliza is also eager to leave the Amwell home because she believes that Mr. Amwell's vengeful ghost is following her since she has started bleeding (although in reality, it is merely that she has started her period).

Caroline in present day locates a reference to a murderous pharmacy in the present, which points to a potential location for the store. reaches the location and finds a deserted back alley and soon discovers Nella's former apothecary business.

She documents everything she observes with photographs, including an old logbook belonging to Nella, and eventually records them into notes that include include Nella's explanations of her poisons.

Back in the day, Lady Clarence walks into Nella's store with the intention of poisoning her husband's mistress. Posing another woman goes against Nella's ethics but Lady Clarence pledges to denounce Nella to the officials if she doesn't.

During this time, to cope with Mr. Amwell's vengeful ghost, Eliza visits a magic store and soon she she creates a magic potion to undo "bad luck."

Caroline's husband James arrives in London in present day, he accidentally consumes eucalyptus oil. When the cops show up and notice Caroline's desk-top notes on poisons that she has been making notes for her research, they interview her.

James and Gaynor, however, support Caroline in clearing her name. James departs when Caroline finds out that he intentionally consumed it in an effort to win her back.

In 1791, Lady Clarence announces that something is awry, that Lord Clarence has passed away, and that the police could be looking for Nella's business. Eliza and Nella are compelled to leave just as Eliza concludes taking her "magic potion".
Nella attempts to flee as the constables storm the store, she prepares to leap from the bridge, but Eliza consumes her tincture before jumping in order to save Nella.

The police stop looking for the unidentified murderer pharmacist since they believe he is already dead. Nella also understands that doling out poisons won't make the agony of Frederick's treachery go away.

Review:

and other reviews on our blog Bottled Up Thoughts