In 18th-century London, a hidden apothecary secretly aids women seeking revenge, dispensing poisons to free them from abusive men. Its owner, Nella, is careful—until a bold twelve-year-old customer makes a fatal error, setting off a chain of events with lasting consequences. Two centuries later, Caroline Parcewell, alone in London on her tenth wedding anniversary, uncovers a clue to the long-unsolved apothecary murders. As she delves deeper, past and present entwine in unexpected ways. The Lost Apothecary is a gripping debut about betrayal, resilience, and the power of female connection—across generations and against all odds. Not everyone will survive the truth.
An American author best known for her historical fiction, particularly The Lost Apothecary. Her novels often blend mystery, historical settings, and compelling female characters. Penner excels at crafting intricate plots and atmospheric narratives that transport readers to different eras, exploring themes of hidden histories, female agency, and the power of secrets. Her meticulous research and evocative prose create immersive reading experiences, making her a rising star in the historical fiction genre.
by Delia Owens
Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family and left to raise herself in the marshes of North Carolina. As she grows up isolated from the community, Kya becomes a naturalist and author, finding solace in the wilderness. When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect, and the ensuing investigation reveals long-held secrets. The novel intertwines a coming-of-age story with a murder mystery, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the human connection to nature.
Set in 1970s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this novel uncovers secrets buried within a tight-knit, racially diverse community. When a skeleton is discovered in a well, the town's residents are forced to confront long-held truths. At the heart of the story is the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a beacon of kindness owned by a Jewish woman who shelters a deaf Black boy from institutional cruelty. McBride’s novel is a rich tapestry of history, humor, and humanity, illuminating how love and community can thrive despite systemic injustice, making it both a gripping mystery and a moving exploration of American life.
A landmark anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin tells the story of enslaved man Tom and the brutal realities of slavery in 19th-century America. With vivid characters and emotional power, it galvanized abolitionist movements and shaped public opinion like no other book of its time. Though controversial for its portrayals today, it remains a pivotal work in American literature and history, sparking empathy and national debate.
Series: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books (#1)
In post-Civil War Barcelona, young Daniel is introduced to a mysterious book that will change his life forever. When he tries to find other works by the author, he discovers a dark mystery involving a disfigured man who has been systematically destroying every copy of every book the author has written. Daniel's investigation pulls him into a story of murder, madness, and doomed love.