Title: Opium and Absinthe: A Novel
Author: Lydia Kang
Release Date: July 1st 2020
Genre: Historical Mysteries
From the bestselling author of A Beautiful Poison comes another spellbinding historical novel full of intrigue, occult mystery, and unexpected twists.
New York City, 1899. Tillie Pembroke’s sister lies dead, her body drained of blood and with two puncture wounds on her neck. Bram Stoker’s new novel, Dracula, has just been published, and Tillie’s imagination leaps to the impossible: the murderer is a vampire. But it can’t be—can it?
A ravenous reader and researcher, Tillie has something of an addiction to truth, and she won’t rest until she unravels the mystery of her sister’s death. Unfortunately, Tillie’s addicted to more than just truth; to ease the pain from a recent injury, she’s taking more and more laudanum…and some in her immediate circle are happy to keep her well supplied.
Tillie can’t bring herself to believe vampires exist. But with the hysteria surrounding her sister’s death, the continued vampiric slayings, and the opium swirling through her body, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for a girl who relies on facts and figures to know what’s real—or whether she can trust those closest to her.
Opium and Absinthe is fascinating read that will transport the reader back in time.
I will admit that the cover caught my eye initially. It’s definitely eye catching! Then I read the blurb and saw vampires. Done! The beginning is a little slow but it picked up and I was totally engrossed. I loved Tillie’s curious nature. During that time period it was unheard for a woman to think for herself. I also smirked at what doctors prescribed back then. Mysterious deaths are happening and Tillie and her friend set out to find out who or what is behind them. I admit I couldn’t put the book down. I was invested needed to know how it would end! There were some really good twists that had me saying “Oooh!” out loud.
This book was such a fantastic read! Wonderful characters and a highly entertaining story! This is my first Lydia Kang book and it won’t be my last. I enjoyed her storytelling and writing. I look forward to read more works by her. I give this 5 stars.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
The Literary Vixen 