Opium and Absinthe: A Novel

This was surprisingly good. Kept me at the edge of my seat. I had suspicions about the culprit, and I liked how I was wrong but still close. At least the one person I trusted turned out to be good 😊Trigger warnings: substance abuse, withdrawal symptoms, domestic abuse.

Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang is a gothic mystery novel that involves a young protagonist trying to solve her elder sister's murder mystery, while trying to make a name of her own in the world where her family wants her to get married and settle like other 'ladies' of their stature.The central theme of the book includes the newly released Bram Stoker's Dracula, since the story is set in the same year. The modus operandi of the murders appears to be a lot like the fictional dracula, and the protagonist has to work hard to prove that it is a mere human capable of doing such tasks. The way a young mind goes about the research and then reaches learned conclusions is what I liked the most in this book. The way she falls upon drugs at a low moment in her life, and then understands their weakness and gets over it is the moral lesson everyone can take away from the read.Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.Verdict: Recommended.

Really enjoyed the historical medical insight in this text. Great historical tidbits! I also thought the look at opioid addiction was timely

Interesting read, loved the historical elements and references. Kept me guessing until the end. Really enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

I had the opportunity to read this book before publication due to amazon first reads. I am so glad that i came across this, i was not sure what i was expecting but this is honestly one of the best that I have read in a long time, what caught my attention was the title ‘Opium and Absinthe: A Novel’ not some thing that i wouldusually be interested in as i do not beleive in the use of dugs (whether medially used or recreational) or alcohol consumption. However, I caught my attention none the less, and i can never say no to an opportunity to read a free book. I did not have high hopes for this book, as i mentioned this is not a book that i would typically read, however, when i began i simply could not stop, the plot was enticing, a mystery surrounding a murder, Tillie injured from an accident while riding, tries to deal with her grief turns the the use of opiates, which within the era was not considered to be unlawful as they were prescribed by doctors as simple pain relievers, not knowing what modern medicine knows now regarding the dangers of such medications, the thought of heroin being used for a cough is simply fascinating. The plot of the novel also fascinated me, at first i thought ‘oh dear, another vampire book’ but i was soon mistaken, a murder which looked like a vampire attack was simply committed by a person, and not by the person who you thought it would be. There is a little romance also, but not the centre of the story, which is refreshing entirely on it’s own.I would defiantly recommend this book, 10 out of 10. I am so glad that i gave this book a chance and i encourage others to do so as well.

I love a good mystery and Lydia Kang always draws me in. I have greedily made my way through bothOpium and Absyinthe and A Beautiful Poison.Kang has a way of creating a heroine one can relate to. Strong women immersed in suffocating homes break free for the greater good and themselves. I have yet to guess the killer until it's revealed in her books and usually I'm quite good!Make sure you only buy these when you have time to sink into these amazing, wonderful worlds.

I gave it a 4 star,only because the outcome was easily guessed half way through the book. Well written and had me continually pickin it up, regardless.