Enjoyed the read until the climax and ending… left disappointed and frustrated.

1 star dinged for the “make of this what you will” ending
2nd star dinged for the lack of depth in the present day storyline

Until the ending, I would’ve viewed this book in a much more positive light. A feminist 1700s apothecary murderer’s history is brought to light as the present day character uncovers the history… the story instantly pulls you in.

With such an interesting and strong apothecary character and story, it feels almost as if the present day chapters interrupt the quality storyline and drag it down. I would have love to have seen more depth to Caroline, and would have preferred to have never been introduced to James. The potential this book had…. I’m feeling unsettled by my disappointment.

I’m at a loss when Caroline compares herself to Eliza… that line was so wrong it’s insulting to Eliza.

Caroline was created to be compared to these strong characters and completely falls short. She is instead portrayed as a privileged pick me white woman who can’t see her own privilege.

There is no concrete answer for what happened with the characters in the 1700s storyline…. And what was that dissertation?

Eliza and Nella deserved better.