Sarah Penner

Sarah Penner is an American author known for historical fiction, particularly her debut novel "The Lost Apothecary" published in 2021. The book became an instant New York Times bestseller and has been translated into over 40 languages. Prior to her writing career, Penner worked in corporate finance and spent over a decade in that field before transitioning to full-time writing. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in finance. Her work often incorporates elements of historical mystery, female-driven narratives, and dual timeline storytelling. Her second novel, "The London Séance Society," was released in 2023 and continues her focus on historical settings with supernatural elements. Penner's books frequently feature themes of women's autonomy, historical injustices, and the intersection of past and present. She currently resides in Florida where she continues to write historical fiction.

Readers appreciate Penner's detailed historical research and atmospheric descriptions of London, particularly in "The Lost Apothecary." Many reviews highlight her ability to weave together dual timelines and create strong female characters. Readers liked: - Immersive historical details - Complex female relationships - Dark, gothic atmosphere - Fast-paced plotting Readers disliked: - Modern timeline sections less engaging than historical - Character development sometimes sacrificed for plot - Predictable plot twists - Some historical inaccuracies noted by history buffs Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "The Lost Apothecary" 3.8/5 (644,000+ ratings) - Amazon: "The Lost Apothecary" 4.3/5 (47,000+ reviews) - "The London Séance Society" rates slightly lower at 3.7/5 on Goodreads One reader noted: "The historical sections transport you to 18th century London," while another criticized: "The modern-day protagonist's choices felt forced and unrealistic."

The Lost Apothecary (2021) A dual-timeline novel following an 18th-century female apothecary who sells poisons to women seeking revenge against oppressive men, and a present-day woman who discovers evidence of these murders while visiting London.

The London Séance Society (2023) Set in 1873 between London and Paris, this historical mystery follows a female spiritualist and her protégée as they investigate a murder within a secret society of mediums.

Kate Morton writes dual-timeline historical fiction that connects past and present through family secrets and mysterious estates. Her novels feature female protagonists uncovering historical mysteries, often set in England and Australia.

Diane Setterfield combines Gothic elements with historical settings in her literary mysteries that focus on storytelling and hidden truths. Her work features strong female characters and often incorporates books, writing, or storytelling as central plot elements.

Susanna Kearsley crafts historical fiction with dual timelines and supernatural elements that connect contemporary women to historical events. Her novels blend historical research with romance and mystery, often set in the British Isles.

Karen White creates stories that merge historical mysteries with contemporary narratives, focusing on Southern settings and family secrets. Her books feature female protagonists who uncover connections to the past while dealing with present-day challenges.

Lauren Willig writes historical fiction that combines romance, espionage, and academic research across multiple time periods. Her work features female scholars and historians who investigate historical mysteries while navigating their own contemporary lives.