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 Leo Tolstoy
Acclaimed by many as the world's greatest novel, Anna Karenina provides a vast panorama of contemporary life in Russia and of humanity in general. In it Tolstoy uses his intense imaginative insight to create some of the most memorable characters in all of literature. Anna is a sophisticated woman who abandons her empty existence as the wife of Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfil her passionate nature - with tragic consequences. Levin is a reflection of Tolstoy himself, often expressing the author's own views and convictions.
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.
Series: Hannibal Lecter (#4)
In 'Hannibal Rising' by Thomas Harris, readers delve into the chilling origins of the infamous character, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel explores Hannibal's traumatic past, illustrating the events that shaped him into the serial killer he becomes. Harris masterfully weaves together themes of revenge, resilience, and the thin line between good and evil. The plot follows Hannibal's quest for vengeance against those who wronged him during World War II, showcasing his descent into darkness with a disturbing yet captivating narrative. This psychological thriller provides an unsettling look into the mind of a complex and sinister protagonist.
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.