When you learned that Eliza survived after ingesting the Tincture to Reverse Bad Fortune, did you believe it the result of magick, or do you think she was a lucky survivor after jumping into the freezing river?

The Lost Apothecary is sprinkled with mention of magick, and several events occur that could be considered either the work of magick or merely good luck.

Why do you think Nella eventually softened her heart toward Eliza? What drew the two characters-one on the cusp of womanhood, the other toward the end of her life-toward one another? What kind of impact did Eliza have on Nella's character?

Nella and Eliza form an unlikely friendship early in the story, despite Nella's resistance to having the young girl in her shop a second time.

In what ways did the two women respond similarly to these betrayals? In what ways did they respond differently? Do you feel that one woman was more emotionally resilient than the other?

Both Nella and Caroline have been betrayed by men in their lives.

Had you heard of mudlarking prior to reading this book? Do you believe that fate or coincidence led to her discovery? Have you ever stumbled on something that you consider to be fate?

At the beginning of Caroline's story, she finds the apothecary vial while on a mudlarking tour.When you first learned that Nella was a murderer, how did you view her? How did your feelings change over the course of the book as more of her past was revealed? Did you believe she would eventually find redemption? In the end, did you see her as a hero, a villain, or something in between? Why? Her work is sinister, and much about her character is dark and disturbing. The Lost Apothecary opens with Nella in her shop, preparing to dispense a poison meant to kill a man.

The lost apothecary by sarah penner