The first official book of the month is The Lost Apothecary written by Sarah Penner. It was published in 2021. The story is set in 18th century London and follows Nella, who is an apothecary following in her late mother’s footsteps. Her mother started what is now Nella’s apothecary with the intent to give the women of London a not only a refuge, but a place where they can acquire deadly poisons to administer to the men in their lives. Unexpectedly, Nella acquires a new customer, Eliza Fanning. Together the two of them cause consequences that echo throughout the centuries. Two hundred years later, a historian named Caroline Parcewell is binded into the fate of Nella and Eliza. 

The apothecary shop is set in a place known as Three Back Alley. It is easily disguised within the small alley, and those who enter simply think they have run into a small abandoned shop. But if you know where to look, you will find the second door that leads into the apothecary. Inside, there are many shelves containing vials and jars of multiple different things. Taking any amount of any of these can be deadly. Throughout the story, the three unravel the deadly secrets and mysteries of the lost apothecary business in London.