The Lost Apothecary

Sarah Penner: Affirm, $40

The fury of women scorned comes to the fore in this novel set in a back-alley apothecary in 18th-century London. Nella mixes up potions to help the ailments and anxieties of women who would not otherwise receive medical treatment. But she also slips into a world of poisons to provide final options to avenge the acts of troublesome husbands and lovers. Fastforward to modern London, where history lover Caroline stumbles upon this hidden world while seeking refuge from her own marriage woes. But her instant obsession with this deadly slice of history also threatens to up-end her own world. Penner’s tale of secrets, lies and revenge is a first-class, suspenseful read. Adding to the intrigue, she details some toxic “remedies” at the end.