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 Mon 22 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Vanessa Tait

5 in stock


    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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