Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang is a historical murder mystery set in the Victorian era, following the protagonist Tillie Pembroke as she investigates her sister's murder at the hands of a vampire. The book delves into themes of addiction, medical malpractice, societal restrictions on women, and the struggle for justice in a gripping and gothic narrative style.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, highlighting the contrasts between class, ambition, and personal challenges, particularly through the eyes of the inquisitive protagonist.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is richly detailed with a Victorian tone that immerses readers but can sometimes slow the narrative's flow.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around an amateur sleuth's quest to uncover the mystery behind her sister's vampire-like murder, blending societal expectations with personal struggles.

Setting:

The story takes place in late 19th century New York, enriched by historical references and societal commentary relevant to the period.

Pacing:

The pacing alternates between a slow buildup due to thematic exploration and engaging twists that maintain reader interest.

“Tillie! Hurry, we’re leaving soon!” Dorothy Harriman called from outside the stable. She was already on her mount, hat and veil perfectly in place, a swirl of chestnut hair at the nape of her neck. H...

Notes:

The novel is set in the Victorian era, specifically around 1899.

The main character, Tillie Pembroke, is a wealthy heiress who desires knowledge over societal expectations.

Tillie becomes an amateur sleuth after her sister Lucy is murdered, with bite marks on her neck.

The story mixes elements of addiction, focusing on Tillie's dependency on opium after a horse riding accident.

The murder mystery has a vampiric twist, referencing Bram Stoker's 'Dracula', but does not rely heavily on supernatural elements.

There is significant social commentary on women's roles and addiction during the turn of the century.

The author, Lydia Kang, is a medical doctor, lending authenticity to the themes of addiction and historical medical practices.

Tillie's companion in solving the mystery is Ian Metzger, a Jewish newspaper seller, highlighting class and cultural differences.

The narrative explores themes of grief, societal propriety, and personal agency amidst the constraints of high society in New York City.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of drug addiction, grief, social class disparity, and a dark murder mystery.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, primarily between Tillie Pembroke and Ian Metzger.

From The Publisher:

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.

Ratings (1)

Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (17):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (14)
Not Interested (2)

What can you read after
Opium and Absinthe?

See the list (12 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Opium and Absinthe

Lydia Kang