The Apothecary’s Poison

Field & Greystone #7

by Lana Williams

A gruesome death caused by a deadly poison. A family friend accused of murder.

Just days ago, Amelia Greystone was browsing the shelves of Mr. Tooley’s apothecary shop. Now he stands accused of murder and Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field is the only person Amelia trusts to untangle the truth.

Henry is far from pleased to have Amelia involved in his latest case, but soon her father is as well. Unfortunately, the evidence against their friend is damning. Yet the deeper Henry digs into the accusations, the clearer it becomes that more than one person had reason to want the victim dead and the apothecary blamed for it.

With each clue that emerges, Amelia and Henry must separate truth from deception before the wrong man is condemned. But one shocking twist strikes so close to home that it threatens both the investigation and their deepening bond.
Can they unveil the killer before another innocent life is claimed by the apothecary’s poison?

Escape to the dark streets of Victorian London with the seventh novel in the bestselling Field & Greystone series —perfect for historical mystery readers and fans of Irina Shapiro, Cara Devlin, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2026

About the author

Lana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling and Amazon All-Star Author of over 55 historical fiction novels filled with mystery, romance, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up.

She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.

Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/, find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanawilliamsbooks, or on IG @authorlanawilliams.

Reviews

[Jennifer E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read the entire Field and Greystone series, this is my first review (sorry for the length). The book is amazing and keeps you guessing as to who is responsible for the poisonings and why. There are numerous suspects presented throughout the book plus a couple of red herrings!

In solving this case, Henry must navigate his desire to see Amelia and share the details of his case as well as make a good impression on her parents with the reality of keeping some temporary distance due to their personal links to his case. He’s concerned that this temporary distance from Amelia might harm their relationship, but his commitment to impartial justice, following the rules, and being above board in every way takes precedence. Despite his worries, Amelia comprehends the difficult situation and understands why Henry doesn’t share as many case details as he usually does, and why he has an impartial party testing the tonic bottles (although I'm glad he lets Amelia test them as well because he truly values her opinion). Amelia and her parents are understanding of his role at the Yard and voice that he is the best man to get to the truth.

Henry tends to solve his cases in a organized, methodical, logical, detailed, responsible, and linear fashion, although he is learning to listen to and rely more on his instincts despite having trouble trusting them because he is adopted and doesn’t feel like he can claim the renowned instinct of the Field men that have served at the Yard before him. Henry doesn’t jump the gun and make the "obvious" arrest, nor does he avoid uncomfortable truths because they might upset Amelia and her parents. Amelia and Henry are very similar; she is also organized, methodical, detailed, etc. Although Amelia pushes the envelope a bit and participates in numerous things that defy the norm for women of the time such as article writing and involving herself in Henry’s investigations, she doesn't insert herself in Henry's cases to the point of disrespect to him or his job, nor does she unnecessarily put herself at risk or rush off into trouble without thinking. I love how Henry appreciates and respects Amelia’s intelligence and her talent for chemistry as well as values her opinions and insight into his cases. He relies on her judgement and trusts her while balancing this trust with his need to keep her safe, but I feel like he doesn’t try to control her at all. This is unusual for the time period! Although Amelia is less involved in this book's case due to her personal link and that of her parents, she does go to the millinery shop next to the apothecary to see if she can learn anything valuable from the gossip. She also meets with Mrs. Tooley a second time to follow up on a lead despite the fact that it could cause discomfort to the lady and embarrassment to her parents. Amelia's not the type to sit back and do nothing! I like how her parents support her in these decisions and are proud of her in general.

Henry and Amelia's relationship progresses in this book even though the case has potential to create misunderstandings and hurt feelings between them. I look forward to possibly seeing them become a little less formal in their relationship and more open with their internal dialogues about each other in the future. Their relationship is warm and caring, and I love how Amelia brings Henry peace, comfort, and happiness. (We also see Amelia‘s mother providing this calming and bolstering influence for Amelia's father in the current book.) I love their routine of sitting on the settee in the drawing room and having a drink while they share the events of their day. (Of course, Master Leopold is acting as chaperone!) Although Amelia loves Henry and really enjoys helping him with his cases, she often struggles with the idea of marrying someone with his dangerous profession because of her history of losing Matthew and Lily. Sometimes, possibly losing Henry as well seems too much to bear, but I feel like in this book, she’s come to terms with this fear for the sake of love.

I love how Amelia’s servants are very protective of her and approve of Henry in her life. Henry often stays for dinner and very much appreciates Mrs. Appleton‘s cooking, and it amuses the household but also endears him to them even more. It's cute how Fernsby and Yvette enjoy playing a role in Amelia’s side investigations from time to time (as well as her mother in this book). In addition to those previously mentioned, I was glad to see other supporting characters such as Arthur, Fletcher, and Maeve in this book. I’m sure we’ll see more of them as well as Amelia’s aunt and Henry’s parents in future installments. Mercer, a former chemistry professor, is a new addition to Henry's work-life, and it's funny that his naturally messy, disorganized, forgetful, and haphazard state confounds Henry and makes him slightly uncomfortable since Mercer's nature is so foreign to that of both him and Amelia. (He would much prefer to be in her lab!)

I wonder when Henry is going to propose to Amelia, and when he’s going to admit to his parents that he knows he’s adopted! Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Tracy Emro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Fielding has returned to work after the bombing that nearly took his life in the previous book. He is called to the scene of a suspicious death, it quickly becomes clear that once again the victim has ties to his ladylove, widow Amelia Greystone. The victim, Theodore Crumpe died after taking a dose of “Mr. Tooley’s Special Tonic for Nervous Exhaustion”, his wife administered the dose, but swears she just bought the bottle that morning and claims the apothecary must have done something to the tonic. Henry will have to tread lightly, as the apothecary, Mr. Tooley, is a family friend to Amelia and had just helped her with an article she was writing about the effectiveness of so-called cures that are being sold. Things only get more complicated when Amelia’s own father gets pulled into the investigation.

Amelia Greystone wants nothing more than to aid Henry but knows that her connection to Mr. Tooley would make it hard for Henry to investigate the crime without anyone questioning his findings. Things only get worse when her parents show up unexpectedly, making it impossible for Henry to share too much with her. She understands that he can include her in the investigation, but that doesn’t mean she can’t glean some information on her own.

This was yet another great installment of the Field and Greystone Mysteries! The mystery was so complicated and well done, that I found myself questioning my own thoughts of “whodunit”, and I was impressed with the ending and annoyed with myself for not figuring it out sooner! I also enjoyed the gentle progression of Henry and Amelia’s relationship and fell a little in love with Henry myself. Overall, I just loved this book and think it might actually be my favorite in the series (so far) and I am looking forward to the next installment. This is the seventh book in the series, and it could easily be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Field and Greystone
Publication Date: 8/18/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 316

Our story begins in the bedroom of Theodore Crumpe as he takes his last shuddering breaths in a terrifying death. Who would want to murder Mr. Crumpe? Was his death natural, or was he poisoned? Was there more to Mr. Crumpe than first appeared? And did the pharmacist, Mr. Tooley, really put strychnine in the medicine vial?

These are just some of the questions Inspector Henry Field must answer—and he needs to find those answers quickly. Mr. Tooley is a friend of Amelia Greystone, the love of Henry’s life, which makes this case much more personal than he would like. Things become even more complicated when Henry not only has Amelia determined to help with the investigation, but her father as well. With everyone having their own ideas about what happened, Henry has his hands full trying to separate fact from assumption.

This was an excellent, complicated, and wonderfully twisted mystery, and I thoroughly enjoyed following all the twists and turns. Just when I was sure I had figured out who was responsible, another piece of information would surface and have me questioning my conclusion. As Henry worked his way through the suspects and uncovered more about the victim and those around him, I became increasingly convinced that I knew exactly who the perpetrator was.

And, as it turned out, I was right—but not completely! There was considerably more to the story than I had anticipated, and I was quite impressed with the way everything came together. I especially enjoyed how the mystery kept me guessing while also giving me enough clues to feel that the solution was within reach.

I highly recommend both this book and the series. While *The Apothecary’s Poison* could be read as a standalone mystery, I would strongly recommend starting with the first book in the series. The mystery is certainly enjoyable on its own, but reading the books in order allows you to fully appreciate Henry and Amelia’s relationship, the development of the supporting characters, and everything that has brought them to this point.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks after the last case, Henry is back at Scotland Yard pretending he’s ready for normal life - which lasts about five minutes, because Mr. Tooley, the apothecary Amelia just visited, is suddenly accused of murder. Naturally, Amelia runs straight to Henry, because who else is she going to trust when the world goes sideways? And Henry, bless him, tries very hard to be professional......but he’s Henry, and she’s Amelia, so professionalism lasts about as long as a red herring in this series.

The evidence against Mr. Tooley looks awful, Amelia’s father shows up to complicate everything, and Henry is forced to do the “I can’t work with you on this case” speech - which is adorable, because Amelia immediately ignores it and starts investigating anyway. And of course she finds vital clues, because she’s Amelia Greystone and that’s what she does. Book seven proves this series is aging like fine Victorian brandy. The mystery is twisty, clever, and full of those delicious “wait......WHAT?” moments. The red herrings are plentiful, the pacing is sharp, and the reveal is so satisfying you’ll want to applaud. Henry and Amelia’s relationship is "Perfection". They’re circling that next big step, and watching them navigate danger, family meddling, and their own feelings is half the fun. Their dynamic is warm, witty, and occasionally exasperating - in other words, irresistible.

This series keeps getting better, and this installment is another engrossing, well‑researched, wonderfully written ride. Bring on book eight, because I’m absolutely not ready to leave these two alone. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

This series is such a pleasure to keep up with, and I'm always assured of a couple of days of great reading when the next one drops.

This particular book centers around the apothecary trade during the Victorian era. First, I must say Williams always provides good research in her stories, and I always learn new historical tidbits with each outing. It was fascinating to see how much (non)regulation there was during this period for drugs which were basically developed on a shop-to-shop basis with sometimes very little knowledge/experience behind the proprietors/apothecaries. Apothecaries often carried their own proprietary blends, and judging from the lax security employed (and obviously lack of background checks), it was the perfect set up for "buyer beware".

There are basically two main suspects here (well, technically three before all is said and done), and there's a good back and forth for the evidence supporting each at varying times in the story. As the story wraps up however, the villain and accomplice turn out not to have been on the main suspect list.

I did feel that the story was a bit slow in spots and might could have been tightened up, but other than that I found this installment to be another good addition to the series. Amelia is a treat to watch as a smart and inquisitive heroine, and her Henry is a true gentleman of integrity and courage.

I'm looking forward to the next in series and hope that Amelia and Henry have many more adventures ahead.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book takes place a few weeks after the end of the last & Henry has returned to work. Just days ago, Amelia Greystone was browsing the shelves of Mr. Tooley’s apothecary shop. Now he stands accused of murder and Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field is the only person Amelia trusts to untangle the truth. Henry is far from pleased to have Amelia involved in his latest case, but soon her father is as well who was a close & long standing friend of Mr Tooley. Unfortunately, the evidence against their friend is damning.
The seventh book in this brilliant series & whilst it could be read on its own I’d recommend reading in order to fully appreciate it. I just love Henry & Amelia & love how their relationship has evolved, the pair are now almost ready to take the next logical step. The mystery is intriguing, there are twists, turns & red herrings & I was left guessing until all was gradually revealed. Whilst Henry can’t work closely with Amelia on this case because of her family’s friendship with My Tooley & this becomes more so when Amelia’s parents arrive. However Amelia does do some investigating & finds vital clues. This series goes from strength to strength, well written, well researched, well paced & wonderful characters make for a riveting, engrossing read – roll on book eight
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series just keep getting better--and they were already fantastic!

First, the mystery--not going to lie, this one had me scratching my head for most of the story. So many people were acting suspiciously, and connecting the dots seemed impossible when Henry and Amelia couldn't even find all of them for so much of the book. Add in the fact that they couldn't really even work together for a lot of the book--first, because Amelia's family was friends with a suspect, and next because her father's health remedy was found near a dead body (all while her parents were visiting), and the we need to solve this mystery ASAP stakes were stronger than ever!

And as for Amelia and Henry's relationship, though they weren't able to spend as much time together on the page as they (and I!) wanted, they still managed to grow closer than ever emotionally. While apart, they both thought about how much they missed and cared for each other--culminating in an absolutely adorable scene between Henry, Amelia, and one of my favorite characters from a past book (and Master Leopold!) in the epilogue.

Not to mention another scene between Henry and another secondary character that *might* have made me squeal with glee--and counting the days until the next book!

Rating: 5 stars / A+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thing I want to mention, all the covers of this series are amazing! Just by looking at the covers, you get a feeling what the stories are about.

I’ve read all the stories in this series and there’s never a clear cut who the villain is. In this story we are treated with so many possibilities, who could be behind the murders. This was a fantastic, whodunit, and will keep you guessing until the very end!

The main characters in this series finally declared their love for each other in the last story. I just hope there’s no delays and taking their relationship to the next step!

Story is filled with suspense, intrigue, twist, violence, and unique storyline. What I enjoy most about this author, stories are not cookie cutter’s.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, great connection with the main characters, HEA and clean. You would get more out of these stories if you started at the beginning to see how their relationship started, but it could be a standalone. I can’t improve on the blurb, only giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase.

I received ARC, and all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have another thrilling mystery that draws strangers as well as family members into an intricate web of deceit!
Inspector Field finds clues where none seem to exist! The first murder involves a widow and her husband’s poisonous death by Strychnine a horrible way to go. Not long after the Apothecary meets an even more perplexing end by a different poison!
If things can’t get anymore heated Amelia’s father arrives right before his friend of several years meets his end!
There are too many suspects and fewer clues and with Amelia’s parents arrival fewer chances for her to assist or any romance.
Time is running out and an arrest has to be made will this end the romance for the couple? Will the real criminals escape Justice!? What a wild ride! Bravo. I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[Dominique Englebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector Field has a lot to lose
A man dies. Poisoned. And Mr. Tooley, respected apothecary, Amelia’s and her parents’ longtime friend, is suspected of murder. Well, he is not the only one: the widow, the maid, a stranger?
But will Inspector Henri Field find the true culprit before it is too late?
Unfortunately, this time, he cannot rely on Amelia’s help due to her ties with the Tooley family. And will he lose Amelia’s regard if he arrests the apothecary?
I have to admit my first reading was too cursory to appreciate the timeline and the intricate plot. So I read it a second time despite the short time imparted to read the ARC and the story more than deserves the five stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field is on a case of poison. More questions than answers, leads him to the apothecary who made and sold the tonic connected to the victim's death. Unfortunately, the apothecary is a friend of Amelia Greystone and her family. Soon, Henry has another dead body on his hands with a different tonic found in the victim's hand. Murder or suicide? No matter what his heart says, he tries to keep his distance from Amelia and her family. They're too close to the cases. Many secrets and unknowns. Another great read in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Jill Pickham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the series. A suspicious death leads Henry and Amelia into an investigation. Evidence is uncovered about the dead man regarding his recent behaviour linking a potential financial issue to his demise. Once confirmed that he was poisoned a family friend of Amelia comes under the microscope. While seeking information the friend dies and it becomes clear that a financial scam is at the heart of both deaths. Henry and Amelia discover a surprising piece of evidence that leads to the uncovering of those responsible. I recommend this book as the characters are well written and the storyline keeps the reader engaged.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Murders but no Obvious Motive.
Two cases that causes a necessary distance between Henry and Amelia, when a family friend is suspected of murder and a second murder has Amelia’s father as a suspect. Despite the distance, Amelia still finds ways to help solve the case. I love Henry and Amelia and cannot wait for their romance to reach its natural conclusion and for them to be solving cases as a married couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Henry are at it again. This author has a unique ability to hide the villain(s?) to the very end. I so enjoy the roller coaster ride she provides as I try to guess where this story will lead. I certainly have decided to stay FAR away from the poison used here! The research is wonderful and I learn from her stories as well. The characters are so well written and the plot so intricate, one cannot be bored reading this story! We even get to see a past character in this one! Lovely read!

I received this story for free and these are my own views.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the tie in to Amelia's parents. Their participation in this book added depth and history to who Amelia is. I loved the dialogue and interactions between her father and Henry. Amelia's parents seem so wonderful and supportive! This mystery was twisty, but made so much sense when solved. I enjoyed the red herrings or false clues as much as the real clues. Book 7 is excellently written and was a joy to read. The epilogue tying back to a previous book, as well as other mentions throughout, tie the book firmly into the whole series which I greatly appreciated. These are my own honest opinions!

[Michelle Major · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how the books in The Field & Greystone Series keep getting better but they do! The Apothecary's Poison was a wild ride from the start with twists and turns I didn't see coming but loved all the same. The clues kept me guessing, and the details about poison and the whole apothecary industry were really interesting. Did I mention the twist? No spoilers but well done! I also loved how Amelia and Henry's relationship was put to the test and their deepening emotions. And her parents made great secondary characters. Can't wait to see where the series takes us next!

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great mystery book. like the previous ones i had trouble finding out who the villain was. every time i thought i knew i was wrong. not one of those books you figure it out by chapter two for sure. it kept me guessing and on my toes throughout the entire book. the main characters having told their feelings in the last book i hope to see a lot of progress from here on out. this book has mystery, suspense, twists and turns, murder, and just a really great plot. no cliff hangers hea guaranteed and something different every book. i really enjoy this series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to the next book in this series and I’m never disappointed. There is always the mystery that is complex and has me guessing until the end. I like the characters of Amelia and Henry and I enjoyed their blossoming relationship. I also enjoy the fact that Henry appreciated Amelia’s expertise. He didn’t underestimate her intelligence. This story comes closer to Amelia’s family so Henry has to be careful not to cause any friction with his prospective family whilst remaining professional. I also love how Amelia’s staff are more like family and always look out for her. Can’t wait for the next book! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This certainly had me thinking hard. When an apothecary is accused of murdering a customer with strychnine Scotland Yard is on the case and Henry is assigned. With the help of his love, Amelia an amateur chemist and writer he finds this case very perplexing. Money problems, false investments and several suspects to be interviewed. Many twists and turns make this an intricately woven investigation.

[Kate Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stepping into this Victorian world. The minute I start reading, it feels as though I've been transported back in time and am watching everything unfold like a movie.

Once again, murder strikes close to Amelia's family, and with Henry investigating, you just know she isn't going to be able to stay completely out of it. This time, however, she has the added complication of her parents arriving and her father becoming a suspect!

The lovely slow-burn romance between Amelia and Henry is still developing, gradually heating up as their relationship grows. I really enjoy the way their romance is woven through the mystery rather than taking over the story.

Amelia's servants once again step up when she needs them, and their loyalty and dedication continue to be one of my favorite parts of the series. They add such a lovely dynamic and make Amelia's world feel even more complete.

Now I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Will Henry finally get around to proposing? And will these two ever manage to spend some proper time together without a murder getting in the way?

I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning to get the full experience of the characters, relationships, and overarching story.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured it!

I got it the day after it was available! And thought I'd read the prologue then finish the other book I was reading. Nope! Couldn't stop. Stayed up way too late reading, and finished it in 3 days. Not a record for me, but considering the things I was trying to accomplish at the same time, remarkable. Looking forward to the next one, but not looking forward to having to wait for it.

[Riss Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lana Williams Continues

Lana Williams continues to bring mystery to her book followers. Her story about Amelia and Henry developed an ongoing connection with many characters and much action in the solving of the cases Henry is assigned. Each book is a great addition to the series. Good reads!! Better start at the “Raven Keepers Daughter”.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twist and Turns

The possible murder of one man, the possible murder of the accused yet there is no possible gain for doing so. Those little insignificant memories tell the tale. Only one complaint: the repetition of Amelia's and Henry's feelings for one another.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect plot. It had enough twists to keep me guessing until the end.

[Rebecca Manzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

It’s hard to wait for the next book. I enjoy the characters and realism. I’m looking forward to them marrying.