What do you think?
Rate this book
薬屋のひとりごと [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto] #3
Los diarios de la boticaria, vol. 3
Maomao le explica a Jinshi las circunstancias en las que se sirvió un bol que contenía veneno, en la recepción en los jardines del palacio, y después, indiferente a lo ocupadísimo que está el eunuco con el trabajo atrasado, usa una de las horquillas que le regalaron en la fiesta, para regresar al distrito del placer por primera vez en 10 meses.
¡Pero, allí, se ve envuelta en un nuevo incidente!
¡En el tercer volumen, las deducciones de Maomao son cada vez más precisas!
¡Pero, allí, se ve envuelta en un nuevo incidente!
¡En el tercer volumen, las deducciones de Maomao son cada vez más precisas!
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2018
362 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 712 reviews
April 13, 2024
Comme toujours un très bon tome, ici on sort du palais pour nous rendre dans le quartier des plaisirs. J’ai bien ri quand Jinshi pensait à Mao Mao avec Lishu., le quiproquo et tout… je trouve que ce manga est à sa façon assez féministe mais c’est vrai que j’aurais aimé que l’on développe plus les relations entre les concubines mais aussi les courtisanes…
September 10, 2023
This is such a phenomenal series. I loved the development of Mao Mao as a character and it was interesting getting to see her go back to the pleasure district. Once again, there’s lots of poisoning happening, but Mao Mao deductive reasoning keeps getting sharper and sharper. I’m interested to see what other cases she solve along the rest of the series while also determining how to navigate the inner court. If you haven’t picked up this series, you are definitely missing out.
May 28, 2024
This one made me laugh! But I love how Maomao is casually friends with high end courtesans and uses that to her advantage.
July 21, 2025
Spannung und Mystery pur! Ich liebe das Setting und Maomao's Charakterentwicklung.
April 26, 2022
So this is an interesting series, getting better as it gos along. It's an adaptation of a "light novel" by Natsu Hyūga, adapted and illustrated by Kekokurage. The pacing sometimes seems to me a little fast, but the illustration work is good. I should say that there references throughout to Sherlock Holmes. The main character is MaoMao, an apothecary who was kidnapped and sold to the Garnet Palace, where she serves The Emperor and a eunuch, Jinishi. There's a harem there, but MaoMao does not want to work in that esteemed--nice clothes, premium on beauty prep--area of the palace, but she works her way into the position as a healthy cook and a "taster," to prevent poisoning of the royals.
Before going there, MaoMao had worked in a "pleasure district," with lots of brothels, so what it seems like in my description up til now is indulging the illicit fantasies of manga readers. But MaoMao makes herself less attractive to avoid the historical abuse of (especially, pretty?) women everywhere at the hands of powerful men. She makes herself useful in trying to help cure those who were poisoned, and. . . that Sherlock connection, helping to solve crimes.
And then, Holmes is sometimes interpreted today as having Asperger Syndrome in that he isn't particularly interested in emotions or even other people. Whether that interpretation about Asperger Syndrome is too simplistic, MaoMao isn't much interested in other people, in the way of Holmes.
One thing MaoMao learns is that the hairpins given to her by various men can be traded to gain some mobility. Women can use them to be visited by other men than the busy Emperor, but MaoMao uses one of hers to go home to the pleasure district, where she visits her father who helps her solve a murder. This one involves "dusting for prints" through the use of flour on the surfaces of poisoned cups in the poisoning of a jerk customer who abuses women. I am sure the original novel must have been a little more detailed about the mysteries than these manga, but they are still pretty fun, each one better paced than the last.
Before going there, MaoMao had worked in a "pleasure district," with lots of brothels, so what it seems like in my description up til now is indulging the illicit fantasies of manga readers. But MaoMao makes herself less attractive to avoid the historical abuse of (especially, pretty?) women everywhere at the hands of powerful men. She makes herself useful in trying to help cure those who were poisoned, and. . . that Sherlock connection, helping to solve crimes.
And then, Holmes is sometimes interpreted today as having Asperger Syndrome in that he isn't particularly interested in emotions or even other people. Whether that interpretation about Asperger Syndrome is too simplistic, MaoMao isn't much interested in other people, in the way of Holmes.
One thing MaoMao learns is that the hairpins given to her by various men can be traded to gain some mobility. Women can use them to be visited by other men than the busy Emperor, but MaoMao uses one of hers to go home to the pleasure district, where she visits her father who helps her solve a murder. This one involves "dusting for prints" through the use of flour on the surfaces of poisoned cups in the poisoning of a jerk customer who abuses women. I am sure the original novel must have been a little more detailed about the mysteries than these manga, but they are still pretty fun, each one better paced than the last.
January 13, 2025
3.5 stars
January 18, 2022
Maomao decides to take a trip home, but it’s not giving much away to say that once she arrives there’ll be a mysterious poisoning for her to look into. Plus, a hairpin throws Jinshi a curve and somebody can really hold their alcohol, unfortunately for them…
After I finished the excellent fourth volume of this series I realized I’d missed the third volume and set out to rectify this minor error. Fortunately, good things come to those who waited too long by accident and then went back.
The change of setting for a large portion of this volume, returning Maomao to the pleasure districts of the city, makes for a delightful change of pace that continues to play to the series’ strengths while introducing new wrinkles.
Then again, whether within the politics of the palace or the conniving of a courtesan, human nature is never that different in any given setting and I like the way the story subtly reinforces that tenet. Some of the nicest seeming people get truly sinister looks this volume…
It’s also an excellent way to look at Maomao herself, whose essence boils down to ‘drugs are interesting and people are not’, which helpfully explains why she has so little clue about social minutiae of the regular world or the courts. Her scientific nature lets her read people, but it’s not necessarily her true strength, more of a by-product.
She knows more about the pleasure district, certainly, but mainly because she’s spent more time there, not because of any particular interest. Does this cause trouble for her this volume? Yes, but not that she realizes, of course.
No, instead it’s Jinshi who gets put through the wringer over her unaware signalling of certain intents via hairpin distribution and it’s quite fun seeing where the unraveling of his starched shirt persona begins. He gets the odd bit of revenge, but his torment is a welcome addition. They’re such a solid pairing.
The mysteries in this one are good - the pleasure district one is neatly set up and I like the way it portrays Maomao as sharp, but not Sherlock Holmes or anything. There is also a welcome nod to actual toxicological science that I greatly appreciated, having spent a brief time in such a service many years ago.
Once Maomao is back at the palace she has to solve another conundrum that’s slightly more fantastical in terms of likelihood, but is still rooted in a believable outcome. Certainly more than, say, the Rube Goldberg machinations of your average Kindaichi Case File.
It’s also nice to have the book take a neutral, if not somewhat positive, stance on the brothels and the women who work there. The story rightly treats it as a job and one that can be very rewarding if done well. Appreciated, even if you can see why Maomao knows how to survive there but would be happy to never return.
4.5 stars - fourth volume was better, but I’ll still round up because it’s better only by mere degrees and any volume of this, even out of chronological order, is a real treat.
After I finished the excellent fourth volume of this series I realized I’d missed the third volume and set out to rectify this minor error. Fortunately, good things come to those who waited too long by accident and then went back.
The change of setting for a large portion of this volume, returning Maomao to the pleasure districts of the city, makes for a delightful change of pace that continues to play to the series’ strengths while introducing new wrinkles.
Then again, whether within the politics of the palace or the conniving of a courtesan, human nature is never that different in any given setting and I like the way the story subtly reinforces that tenet. Some of the nicest seeming people get truly sinister looks this volume…
It’s also an excellent way to look at Maomao herself, whose essence boils down to ‘drugs are interesting and people are not’, which helpfully explains why she has so little clue about social minutiae of the regular world or the courts. Her scientific nature lets her read people, but it’s not necessarily her true strength, more of a by-product.
She knows more about the pleasure district, certainly, but mainly because she’s spent more time there, not because of any particular interest. Does this cause trouble for her this volume? Yes, but not that she realizes, of course.
No, instead it’s Jinshi who gets put through the wringer over her unaware signalling of certain intents via hairpin distribution and it’s quite fun seeing where the unraveling of his starched shirt persona begins. He gets the odd bit of revenge, but his torment is a welcome addition. They’re such a solid pairing.
The mysteries in this one are good - the pleasure district one is neatly set up and I like the way it portrays Maomao as sharp, but not Sherlock Holmes or anything. There is also a welcome nod to actual toxicological science that I greatly appreciated, having spent a brief time in such a service many years ago.
Once Maomao is back at the palace she has to solve another conundrum that’s slightly more fantastical in terms of likelihood, but is still rooted in a believable outcome. Certainly more than, say, the Rube Goldberg machinations of your average Kindaichi Case File.
It’s also nice to have the book take a neutral, if not somewhat positive, stance on the brothels and the women who work there. The story rightly treats it as a job and one that can be very rewarding if done well. Appreciated, even if you can see why Maomao knows how to survive there but would be happy to never return.
4.5 stars - fourth volume was better, but I’ll still round up because it’s better only by mere degrees and any volume of this, even out of chronological order, is a real treat.
July 7, 2025
3.75⭐️ this is getting better. Maomao is becoming a detective. Jinshi is still weird af!
May 20, 2025
I think the series is always just very enjoyable because it has this laid-back feel, but also teaches you a lot about poison. now if you told me that I would be interested in a story about poison. I probably laugh and say no way, but this story is always intriguing. I really do enjoy all the characters too and I think that's what adds to. the story is not just a lesson on poison, but you get to know these characters and I really like that. we go back to her main home and kind of learn her past with her father and everything like that. So overall another great volume. probably a 3.5 or 4 out of 5.
May 20, 2025
Ahora estoy amando a Jinshi ~《♡》~
September 29, 2025
Absolutely loving apothecary detective Maomao
April 8, 2024
En este tomo visitamos el Distrito del Placer, donde Maomao se da cuenta de la similitud de este lugar con el Palacio Interior: ambos son jaulas de las cuales las mujeres no pueden escapar.
Además, la carismática boticaria sigue investigando el caso del veneno en la fiesta del emperador, aunque este no será el único caso donde aparecerá el veneno en este volumen.
Y para terminar… ¡Jinshi celoso! 😂
Además, la carismática boticaria sigue investigando el caso del veneno en la fiesta del emperador, aunque este no será el único caso donde aparecerá el veneno en este volumen.
Y para terminar… ¡Jinshi celoso! 😂
March 24, 2024
Having a lot of fun with this manga and plan on watching the anime once I’m done. I know there’s a series of light novels as well, but based on the creator’s comments I’ll probably just stick with this version.
November 17, 2022
my man was shook
April 10, 2024
"Монолог травниці". Томи 1-3
Маомао — мимовільна служниця при дворі імператора з незвичайними талантами: вона не лише вміє читати й писати, а ще й знається на травах і отрутах. Палати наложниць повні скандалів, підступів і хитрощів. Хвороби й отруєння тут на кожному кроці. Ще й дивний євнух Джінші вічно крутиться довкола неї. Тож Маомао дозволяє себе затягнути в розплутування палацових пристрастей і заодно врятувати кілька життів.
Доволі непогана манґа з детективною складовою і цікавою персонажкою, яка поступово розкривається. Перший том мені здався середнячком, але далі історія затягує, з'являються нові справи, і ми спостерігаємо Маомао з несподіваних сторін.
Джінші, якщо чесно, спершу мене сильно вибісив. Жодного розуміння особистого простору у хлопця. Так би і врізала. Але поки він витримує дистанцію з Маомао, то я можу йому співпереживати і з нього сміятися.
Мальовка приємна, художник справляється і з комедійними сценами, і з драматичними розкриттями, і з моментами мімішності.
До речі, давно вже не читала про персонажів, які спеціально роблять себе менш приваб��ивими, а потім перетворюються на крутих в задуманих сценах. Я людина проста, люблю таке. У Маомао хороша для цього причина (і тому Джінші вдвічі більше бісить).
Сетинг ніби китайський, а ніби не зовсім. Дія відбувається у вигаданій країні, схожій на Китай незрозумілого століття. Знаєте, є псевдоєвпропейські сетинги, а тут уже псевдокитайський сетинг. (Псевдокитайські теж доволі популярні серед авторів.) Тож автор має свободу міксувати різні елементи, не боячись порушити принципи історизму.
Ліцензійний переклад:
- стандартна важка цеглина у твердій обкладинці від "Lantsuta" (я вже звикла);
- всі звуки адаптовано, майже всі перемальовано — найс;
- для китайських імен використовується академічна система;
- кілька помилочок ловила, але некритичних;
- переклад на око норм (не будемо чіпати питання 壬氏 Джінші/Женьши, 簪 кандзаші/шпилька);
- (хоча я не зрозуміла, чому канзаші, а не кандзаші; кожен перекладач сам собі система).
Оцінка: 3.8/5
Маомао — мимовільна служниця при дворі імператора з незвичайними талантами: вона не лише вміє читати й писати, а ще й знається на травах і отрутах. Палати наложниць повні скандалів, підступів і хитрощів. Хвороби й отруєння тут на кожному кроці. Ще й дивний євнух Джінші вічно крутиться довкола неї. Тож Маомао дозволяє себе затягнути в розплутування палацових пристрастей і заодно врятувати кілька життів.
Доволі непогана манґа з детективною складовою і цікавою персонажкою, яка поступово розкривається. Перший том мені здався середнячком, але далі історія затягує, з'являються нові справи, і ми спостерігаємо Маомао з несподіваних сторін.
Джінші, якщо чесно, спершу мене сильно вибісив. Жодного розуміння особистого простору у хлопця. Так би і врізала. Але поки він витримує дистанцію з Маомао, то я можу йому співпереживати і з нього сміятися.
Мальовка приємна, художник справляється і з комедійними сценами, і з драматичними розкриттями, і з моментами мімішності.
До речі, давно вже не читала про персонажів, які спеціально роблять себе менш приваб��ивими, а потім перетворюються на крутих в задуманих сценах. Я людина проста, люблю таке. У Маомао хороша для цього причина (і тому Джінші вдвічі більше бісить).
Сетинг ніби китайський, а ніби не зовсім. Дія відбувається у вигаданій країні, схожій на Китай незрозумілого століття. Знаєте, є псевдоєвпропейські сетинги, а тут уже псевдокитайський сетинг. (Псевдокитайські теж доволі популярні серед авторів.) Тож автор має свободу міксувати різні елементи, не боячись порушити принципи історизму.
Ліцензійний переклад:
- стандартна важка цеглина у твердій обкладинці від "Lantsuta" (я вже звикла);
- всі звуки адаптовано, майже всі перемальовано — найс;
- для китайських імен використовується академічна система;
- кілька помилочок ловила, але некритичних;
- переклад на око норм (не будемо чіпати питання 壬氏 Джінші/Женьши, 簪 кандзаші/шпилька);
- (хоча я не зрозуміла, чому канзаші, а не кандзаші; кожен перекладач сам собі система).
Оцінка: 3.8/5
April 17, 2025
Qui ho preferito ancor di più l'anime. Per quanto a volte non m'importi dei personaggi secondari, qui era necessario approfondire la vita di Maomao nel quartiere del piacere, com'è successo dell'anime. E invece è solo un contorno vago. Come nel volume precedente, la reazione di Renshi alla partenza di Maomao ha poco senso dal momento che l'abbiamo visto pochissimo.
Certo è che da tutti i volumi viene fuori una realtà del passato molto, molto dura. Anche se temo sia ancora presente in certi contesti.
Certo è che da tutti i volumi viene fuori una realtà del passato molto, molto dura. Anche se temo sia ancora presente in certi contesti.
May 8, 2024
Sulky jinshi is even cuter that sparkly jinshi??
March 9, 2025
mao mao said "you're gonna have to take this alcohol away from my cold, dead hands"
Read
January 1, 2025Love finishing my last book of the year at 11:48 pm on NYE
June 13, 2024
esse foi o meu volume favorito até agora, pois cobre meus episódios favoritos do anime. aqui a Maomao está no topo da sua era investigava. amo muito 💗
December 27, 2021
Toujours un vrai bonheur de retrouver Mao Mao et ses aventures/enquêtes dans les sphères du pouvoir chinois !
Dans ce 3e tome, Mao Mao trouve le moyen de rentrer chez elle pour quelques jours, dans le quartier des plaisirs de la capitale.
Mais le crime ne dort jamais, et où qu'elle aille, ses talents d'enquêtrice sont toujours mis à profit !
Dans ce 3e tome, Mao Mao trouve le moyen de rentrer chez elle pour quelques jours, dans le quartier des plaisirs de la capitale.
Mais le crime ne dort jamais, et où qu'elle aille, ses talents d'enquêtrice sont toujours mis à profit !
October 30, 2023
Neverovatan tom koji je vratio ceo serijal na moj spisak za pročitati, i niz tri odlične detektivske misterije. Imala sam osećaj da ponovo proživljam prvo oduševljenje Šerlokom i Poarom. Moram da priznam da sam pogrešno procenila inicijalne slučajeve kao prosečne, jednokratne događaje koji su samo pozadina romantične linije - povlačim sve!
March 2, 2023
This is my favorite volume so far! 💙
Maomao knows how to play her cards. She is very smart and cool too. Imagine how she solved those mysteries. Go girl! 💅
I'm laughing hard about Jinshi's reactions regarding how Maomao got home on days like Lady Gyokuyou too. Someone's falling. 🤭
But the sad thing still remains: the politics and attacks and their negative impacts in this manga. It is just sad that Maomao compared those places to a birdcage wherein those inside aretrapped and poisoned. 😞
Maomao knows how to play her cards. She is very smart and cool too. Imagine how she solved those mysteries. Go girl! 💅
I'm laughing hard about Jinshi's reactions regarding how Maomao got home on days like Lady Gyokuyou too. Someone's falling. 🤭
But the sad thing still remains: the politics and attacks and their negative impacts in this manga. It is just sad that Maomao compared those places to a birdcage wherein those inside are
December 2, 2023
December 2023
Kindle edition
Manga
I shouldn’t be cheering on someone to be poisoned but Maomao looked so happy. Lucky guy getting payback for his obligation hair pin. The consort was having a great time. I’m glad it’s still light and there are seemingly no bride wars behind closed doors. Except for the youngest and that was sad. Curious what’s going on with Maomao’s family, the pleasure house madam seemed to care more than her father did. Poor Jinshi getting roped into Maomao’s words. Great fun.
Kindle edition
Manga
I shouldn’t be cheering on someone to be poisoned but Maomao looked so happy. Lucky guy getting payback for his obligation hair pin. The consort was having a great time. I’m glad it’s still light and there are seemingly no bride wars behind closed doors. Except for the youngest and that was sad. Curious what’s going on with Maomao’s family, the pleasure house madam seemed to care more than her father did. Poor Jinshi getting roped into Maomao’s words. Great fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2022
✧ 88/ 108
justice for the romance
justice for the romance
Read
December 11, 2023pouty jinshi :”) thank you maomao for your services
September 11, 2024
Me divierte mucho xD Qué pena que no tengan más tomos en la biblioteca
May 8, 2025
4 ⭐️
I need the next one rn 🖤
I need the next one rn 🖤
April 23, 2023
4.5
Ten tom dotąd najbardziej mi się podobał.
Maomao fav character>>
Ten tom dotąd najbardziej mi się podobał.
Maomao fav character>>
December 28, 2023
Maomao y Jinshi son adorables, pero es demasiado slow burn esto.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 712 reviews