Description

Book Synopsis

A dark and thrilling tale of Victorian addiction, vengeance and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist and Sarah Perry's The Essex Serpent.
______________________

Love. Desire. Vengeance. A deadly alchemy.

Edinburgh, 1869:
Newly married, Rebecca longs for the life of a well-heeled gentlewoman. Her husband Alexander, a respected pharmacist, is eager to join pioneering fellow inventors in the history books. But beneath his ordered exterior, Rebecca is horrified to find a world of dark secrets. As she struggles with his infidelity and strange sexual desires, Alexander tries to pacify her so-called hysteria with his magical new wonder-drug, heroin...

As Rebecca's forced dependence takes her further from herself, Alexander's desire to profit from his creation leads him along a path that blurs science, passion and death. Soon, they both learn that addiction, obsession and vengeance make for a deadly alchemy...

'With shades of Sarah Waters, independence and vengeance make for a winning tale.' Stylist



Trade Review
With shades of Sarah Waters, independence and vengeance make for a winning tale. * Stylist *
This chilling atmospheric novel will appeal to fans of The Miniaturist and The Essex Serpent. * RED Online *
A fascinating, darkly powerful novel with biting attitude... Raw, elemental and disturbing, The Pharmacist's Wife is an entirely captivating, enthralling read - highly recommended. * LoveReading *
A truly addictive, deeply atmospheric, sensual yarn... similar to the works of Sarah Waters and Michel Faber, it makes for a compelling, irresistible, utterly delicious read. * Goodreads *
A captivating book.... It is a story that is both whimsical and disturbing. * Lady on The Looking Glass House *
Tait's engaging novel... is sensuous and lyrical * Sunday Telegraph on The Looking Glass House *
Moving and original. * Kate Saunders, The Times, on The Looking Glass House *

The Pharmacist's Wife

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    £8.54

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    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Vanessa Tait

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Pharmacist's Wife by Vanessa Tait

      Publisher: Atlantic Books
      Publication Date: 04/04/2019
      ISBN13: 9781786492739, 978-1786492739
      ISBN10: 1786492733

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A dark and thrilling tale of Victorian addiction, vengeance and self-discovery, perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, Jessie Burton's The Miniaturist and Sarah Perry's The Essex Serpent.
      ______________________

      Love. Desire. Vengeance. A deadly alchemy.

      Edinburgh, 1869:
      Newly married, Rebecca longs for the life of a well-heeled gentlewoman. Her husband Alexander, a respected pharmacist, is eager to join pioneering fellow inventors in the history books. But beneath his ordered exterior, Rebecca is horrified to find a world of dark secrets. As she struggles with his infidelity and strange sexual desires, Alexander tries to pacify her so-called hysteria with his magical new wonder-drug, heroin...

      As Rebecca's forced dependence takes her further from herself, Alexander's desire to profit from his creation leads him along a path that blurs science, passion and death. Soon, they both learn that addiction, obsession and vengeance make for a deadly alchemy...

      'With shades of Sarah Waters, independence and vengeance make for a winning tale.' Stylist



      Trade Review
      With shades of Sarah Waters, independence and vengeance make for a winning tale. * Stylist *
      This chilling atmospheric novel will appeal to fans of The Miniaturist and The Essex Serpent. * RED Online *
      A fascinating, darkly powerful novel with biting attitude... Raw, elemental and disturbing, The Pharmacist's Wife is an entirely captivating, enthralling read - highly recommended. * LoveReading *
      A truly addictive, deeply atmospheric, sensual yarn... similar to the works of Sarah Waters and Michel Faber, it makes for a compelling, irresistible, utterly delicious read. * Goodreads *
      A captivating book.... It is a story that is both whimsical and disturbing. * Lady on The Looking Glass House *
      Tait's engaging novel... is sensuous and lyrical * Sunday Telegraph on The Looking Glass House *
      Moving and original. * Kate Saunders, The Times, on The Looking Glass House *

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