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Bianca Goddard Mysteries #4
The Alchemist of Lost Souls
A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard's father falls into the wrong hands . . . leading to a chain of multiple murders.
Spring 1544 Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he's discovered—one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he is panicked and expects his daughter to help.
Soon after, a woman's body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her breathless mouth. To her grave concern, Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. As her husband John is conscripted into King Henry's army to subdue Scottish resistance, Bianca must navigate a twisted and treacherous path among alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels—to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death . . .
Spring 1544 Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he's discovered—one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he is panicked and expects his daughter to help.
Soon after, a woman's body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her breathless mouth. To her grave concern, Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. As her husband John is conscripted into King Henry's army to subdue Scottish resistance, Bianca must navigate a twisted and treacherous path among alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels—to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death . . .
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
20 people are currently reading
1710 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lawrence
7 books433 followersThe Bianca Goddard Mysteries are set in Tudor London during the final years of King Henry VIII's reign. Bianca is the daughter of an infamous alchemist who uses her 'wits' and some alchemy to solve murders among the commoners. The series consists of THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER, DEATH OF AN ALCHEMIST, DEATH AT ST. VEDAST, THE ALCHEMIST OF LOST SOULS and THE LOST BOYS OF LONDON. All of the titles have reached the top 100 best-selling historical mysteries category on Amazon, with THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER reaching #1.
I grew up in Indiana and live and farm in Maine. For over 25 years I worked in hospitals and labs as a cytotechnologist. Writing helped me escape my boredom and I became interested in Tudor history. On the side, I wrote indexes for publishers and academics. My articles have been published by the national news blog, The Daily Beast.
The Bianca Goddard mysteries are meant to entertain and to engage readers who might not pick up period historicals as a first choice. The Tudor era is an intriguing period, full of superstition, and the makings for interesting characters. Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/marylawrence... twitter at mel59lawrence.
I grew up in Indiana and live and farm in Maine. For over 25 years I worked in hospitals and labs as a cytotechnologist. Writing helped me escape my boredom and I became interested in Tudor history. On the side, I wrote indexes for publishers and academics. My articles have been published by the national news blog, The Daily Beast.
The Bianca Goddard mysteries are meant to entertain and to engage readers who might not pick up period historicals as a first choice. The Tudor era is an intriguing period, full of superstition, and the makings for interesting characters. Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/marylawrence... twitter at mel59lawrence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 31, 2019
Another enjoyable addition to the series! Bianca faces several big, life changing, challenges in this story but she faces them head on, with grace and strength. That's one of the things I like so much about her. It will be very interesting to see how the next book plays out for Bianca and her husband, John. I don't think we've seen the end of the Rat Man or the glowing stones either but we shall see....If you enjoy alchemy, mysteries and historical fic set in the 16th century, you should give this series a try.
*I received this ARC from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
*I received this ARC from Netgalley & Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
April 16, 2020
Bianca’s father is a disgraced alchemist who constantly looks to regain the King’s favor. He is elated when he creates some small glowing stones; however when exposed to the air, the stones smoke and spark. Unfortunately for him, a neighborhood boy witnessed this otherworldly phenomenon and the boy’s mother, Leadith Browne, plots to gain possession of them and sell them for a fortune.
Meanwhile, John has been called up for military service in Henry VIII’s determination to defeat the Scots and the French. John hates to leave Bianca, especially as she is pregnant. But pregnancy doesn’t stop Bianca from investigating the whereabouts of the missing stones nor the murders that follow.
This book resolves the continued story arc involving the Rat Man. And the ending makes me wonder if this is the final book in the series. I hope there are more, but either way, I’ve enjoyed this vividly portrayed — sometimes a bit too vividly portrayed — series about Tudor London.
Meanwhile, John has been called up for military service in Henry VIII’s determination to defeat the Scots and the French. John hates to leave Bianca, especially as she is pregnant. But pregnancy doesn’t stop Bianca from investigating the whereabouts of the missing stones nor the murders that follow.
This book resolves the continued story arc involving the Rat Man. And the ending makes me wonder if this is the final book in the series. I hope there are more, but either way, I’ve enjoyed this vividly portrayed — sometimes a bit too vividly portrayed — series about Tudor London.
February 28, 2019
The fourth book in Mary Lawrence’s Bianca Goddard series, The Alchemist of Lost Souls, will be released on April 30, 2019. I have been a long time fan of these historical fiction books (see prior reviews*: The Alchemist’s Daughter, March 24, 2015; The Death of An Alchemist, January 4, 2016; and, Death at St. Vedast, December 24, 2016), and this new book does not disappoint.
In The Alchemist of Lost Souls, Bianca’s mother and father, Malva and Albern, play a prominent role. As we know from prior installments in the series, Albern is a disgraced alchemist and Malva is a white witch. Albern has created a new glowing element that he hopes will get him back in favor with the king. When the element is stolen, and Albern suspects Malva is involved, he asks Bianca for help in retrieving it. When the element is apparently involved in a murder, Constable Patch asks Bianca for help in the investigation. Meanwhile, Bianca is already struggling with the facts that she is pregnant and that John is conscripted into Henry’s army. In this installment, we also learn more about the Rat Man, the mysterious character who has inhabited the shadows in the series.
As with the other Bianca Goddard books, The Alchemist of Lost Souls is a well-written and seemingly realistic portrayal of life in the sixteenth century. Lawrence’s writing is wonderful and appears to improve with each book, becoming freer and more natural. At the same time, her plots continue to evolve as well, becoming more complex, detailed, and pleasantly convoluted.
The book includes an Author’s Note, and reading it feels like discovering a hidden gem after the book has ended. My one wish is that Lawrence would expand this note, including more explanation about the sixteenth century issues contained within the book and about how/why she decided to deal with those topics in the manner that she did in an effort to recreate/maintain the historicity of the book.
The Alchemist of Lost Souls is a brilliant addition to the Bianca Goddard series, and I continue to look forward to more adventures with Bianca.
*These reviews were posted to the IMO Book Reviews blog, http://imobookreviews.blogspot.com/
In The Alchemist of Lost Souls, Bianca’s mother and father, Malva and Albern, play a prominent role. As we know from prior installments in the series, Albern is a disgraced alchemist and Malva is a white witch. Albern has created a new glowing element that he hopes will get him back in favor with the king. When the element is stolen, and Albern suspects Malva is involved, he asks Bianca for help in retrieving it. When the element is apparently involved in a murder, Constable Patch asks Bianca for help in the investigation. Meanwhile, Bianca is already struggling with the facts that she is pregnant and that John is conscripted into Henry’s army. In this installment, we also learn more about the Rat Man, the mysterious character who has inhabited the shadows in the series.
As with the other Bianca Goddard books, The Alchemist of Lost Souls is a well-written and seemingly realistic portrayal of life in the sixteenth century. Lawrence’s writing is wonderful and appears to improve with each book, becoming freer and more natural. At the same time, her plots continue to evolve as well, becoming more complex, detailed, and pleasantly convoluted.
The book includes an Author’s Note, and reading it feels like discovering a hidden gem after the book has ended. My one wish is that Lawrence would expand this note, including more explanation about the sixteenth century issues contained within the book and about how/why she decided to deal with those topics in the manner that she did in an effort to recreate/maintain the historicity of the book.
The Alchemist of Lost Souls is a brilliant addition to the Bianca Goddard series, and I continue to look forward to more adventures with Bianca.
*These reviews were posted to the IMO Book Reviews blog, http://imobookreviews.blogspot.com/
March 7, 2019
London, 1544. Albern Goddard, a disgraced alchemist, is sure that he has just “discovered a substance of unplumbed worth.” He just needs a few more “days of careful analysis to prove his discovery’s importance.”
His daughter Bianca, as a young girl “became fascinated with the instruments of her father’s science. (…) And through observation she had learned the secret language of alchemy.” Now, as a married woman she earns her living from “medicinals.”
She tries to distance herself from her disagreeable father, who dislikes her husband.
Before Albern can conclude his new discovery, a flask with its content is stolen. Despite their differences, he involves Bianca to find the moocher, which he suspects is his wife.
Told with some entertaining and some serious prose. Bianca is a likeable character, smart with a sharp tongue. I felt connected with the lives of characters, but somehow disconnected with the mystery part of the story.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
His daughter Bianca, as a young girl “became fascinated with the instruments of her father’s science. (…) And through observation she had learned the secret language of alchemy.” Now, as a married woman she earns her living from “medicinals.”
She tries to distance herself from her disagreeable father, who dislikes her husband.
Before Albern can conclude his new discovery, a flask with its content is stolen. Despite their differences, he involves Bianca to find the moocher, which he suspects is his wife.
Told with some entertaining and some serious prose. Bianca is a likeable character, smart with a sharp tongue. I felt connected with the lives of characters, but somehow disconnected with the mystery part of the story.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
June 5, 2019
As many of you know, I have a weakness for historical mysteries. I adore them and can’t get enough. However, so many of them are written during Victorian or Edwardian era England that often the books blend together, no matter how well written they are.
That’s why this book set itself apart for me….it’s set in Tudor England. When I think of historical mysteries, I don’t think of Tudor England as an optimal setting, but rather a period full of obstacles to detecting/investigating, so I was eager to see how the author used this to her advantage.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I was a little wary of reading this book with already 4 books into the series. However, the author assured me that it could read as a standalone book.
This book immediately drops you into an odd story. A boy witnesses a meeting between two men who discuss his alchemy and kind of sets the stage for this mystery. I don’t know much about alchemy but I know that it’s heavily cloaked in mystery and I loved how the story opens with this odd form of science. I loved how this story began with a little hook and insight into the world of alchemy as well as the criminal underworld, as it really set the tone for the story to come.
We then get to meet the protagonist Bianca who is pregnant and worried that her husband will be conscripted off to fight in King Henry’s wars in Scotland. I liked Bianca from the first introduction. She seemed strong, independent, and more than capable as a heroine. I also loved her sharp tongue and sass! She seemed liked she really knew herself and that drew me to her immediately. While the author gave the reader plenty of background info on each of the characters and their lives, I did feel compelled to go back and read the other Bianca books because she was such a likable and interesting character.
One of the things that stood out to me in this book was the portrayal of life in Tudor England. Rather than taking on the courtly life that’s so common in books, the author went with the common people and I loved it. She has clearly researched her period as well as the gritty villains in this book. She captured the feel of the people and period very well and I was fully engaged in the setting as well as the characters.
I also liked how there were several possible suspects all with means and motive to keep me guessing until the end of the story. I thought the mystery part coupled with all the historical details made this one a treat to read. The only thing that I felt was a little difficult for me was all of the characters and some of the period language, but overall I felt like this was a fun historical mystery and I was thrilled to discover a new heroine and new mystery series. I would gladly continue reading this series and go back to read the others. I would also agree with the author’s assurances……this book can easily be read as a standalone! She does a wonderful job orientating the reader in the story.
See my full review here
That’s why this book set itself apart for me….it’s set in Tudor England. When I think of historical mysteries, I don’t think of Tudor England as an optimal setting, but rather a period full of obstacles to detecting/investigating, so I was eager to see how the author used this to her advantage.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I was a little wary of reading this book with already 4 books into the series. However, the author assured me that it could read as a standalone book.
This book immediately drops you into an odd story. A boy witnesses a meeting between two men who discuss his alchemy and kind of sets the stage for this mystery. I don’t know much about alchemy but I know that it’s heavily cloaked in mystery and I loved how the story opens with this odd form of science. I loved how this story began with a little hook and insight into the world of alchemy as well as the criminal underworld, as it really set the tone for the story to come.
We then get to meet the protagonist Bianca who is pregnant and worried that her husband will be conscripted off to fight in King Henry’s wars in Scotland. I liked Bianca from the first introduction. She seemed strong, independent, and more than capable as a heroine. I also loved her sharp tongue and sass! She seemed liked she really knew herself and that drew me to her immediately. While the author gave the reader plenty of background info on each of the characters and their lives, I did feel compelled to go back and read the other Bianca books because she was such a likable and interesting character.
One of the things that stood out to me in this book was the portrayal of life in Tudor England. Rather than taking on the courtly life that’s so common in books, the author went with the common people and I loved it. She has clearly researched her period as well as the gritty villains in this book. She captured the feel of the people and period very well and I was fully engaged in the setting as well as the characters.
I also liked how there were several possible suspects all with means and motive to keep me guessing until the end of the story. I thought the mystery part coupled with all the historical details made this one a treat to read. The only thing that I felt was a little difficult for me was all of the characters and some of the period language, but overall I felt like this was a fun historical mystery and I was thrilled to discover a new heroine and new mystery series. I would gladly continue reading this series and go back to read the others. I would also agree with the author’s assurances……this book can easily be read as a standalone! She does a wonderful job orientating the reader in the story.
See my full review here
May 4, 2019
Alchemy and death!
I must admit to finding this Bianca Goddard novel puzzling even though I've read previous books.
It's 1544. Bianca, a disgraced alchemist's daughter who combines some aspects of alchemy with her herbal remedies has been leading a quieter life in a less salubrious part of Tudor London. Events however are escalating for Bianca. She is pregnant. John had failed to practice his archery which means he's been conscripted into the army as a pikesman. He is being sent to the Scottish border. Everyone knows that these foot troops suffer the worst losses in battle.
Albern Goddard discovered a powerful new element to do with fire and light that has been stolen from him. Albern wants Bianca to discover the thief. Unfortunately, the substance has attracted unwonted interest. This seems to have a direct correlation to the bodies piling up. Reportedly some of those bodies have an eerie green vapor released as they die. And now Bianca's nemesis, Constable Patch, has come a calling, demanding Bianca assists him with his enquirers. Bianca is so deeply mired in this controversy it's in her best interests to acquiesce.
Add to that the mysterious wraith that haunts the shadows of the Thames, it's interest focused on Bianca, but why fore?
An interesting and twisty Tudor murder mystery, unfolding slowly, amidst a dank and depressing description of the times and the areas that the tale moves through.
The plight of the poor is vividly sketched leaving the reader a colorful dance throughout the alleys, lanes and tracks throughout the town. Lost souls indeed!
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley
I must admit to finding this Bianca Goddard novel puzzling even though I've read previous books.
It's 1544. Bianca, a disgraced alchemist's daughter who combines some aspects of alchemy with her herbal remedies has been leading a quieter life in a less salubrious part of Tudor London. Events however are escalating for Bianca. She is pregnant. John had failed to practice his archery which means he's been conscripted into the army as a pikesman. He is being sent to the Scottish border. Everyone knows that these foot troops suffer the worst losses in battle.
Albern Goddard discovered a powerful new element to do with fire and light that has been stolen from him. Albern wants Bianca to discover the thief. Unfortunately, the substance has attracted unwonted interest. This seems to have a direct correlation to the bodies piling up. Reportedly some of those bodies have an eerie green vapor released as they die. And now Bianca's nemesis, Constable Patch, has come a calling, demanding Bianca assists him with his enquirers. Bianca is so deeply mired in this controversy it's in her best interests to acquiesce.
Add to that the mysterious wraith that haunts the shadows of the Thames, it's interest focused on Bianca, but why fore?
An interesting and twisty Tudor murder mystery, unfolding slowly, amidst a dank and depressing description of the times and the areas that the tale moves through.
The plight of the poor is vividly sketched leaving the reader a colorful dance throughout the alleys, lanes and tracks throughout the town. Lost souls indeed!
A Kensington ARC via NetGalley
April 29, 2019
The vast majority of reviews that I write are about thrillers that have a certain element of modern or futuristic science. The fact that Mary Lawrence’s latest addition to her Bianca Goddard series takes place in the mid-16th century obviously deviates from my usual routine. But alas, the birth of modern science began with revelations from Nicolaus Copernicus that the earth revolves around the sun and not the other way around occurred in the mid-1500s. This is exactly the time era that The Alchemist of Lost Souls takes place. Even so, most of the reasoning from Europeans during this time period was based on religious or superstitious ideologies. What is unique about this series is that Bianca Goddard is an herbalist and the daughter of an alchemist and she thinks very much like a scientist. And the scientist in her is very much alive in this latest addition to the series as she uses her deductive reasoning to solve a series of murders.
The Alchemist of Lost Souls begins with Bianca’s father Albern Goddard, an alchemist, discovering a new ‘element’ for which eventually is given the name of lapis mortem, the stone of death. Goddard’s stones are stolen from him and the distribution of them leads to a trail of gruesome murders. Bianca teams up with Constable Patch, known from previous additions to the series, to find the murderers. Normally Bianca would be totally gung ho in solving a series of murders but this particular case becomes personal as not only is her father involved but her mother and her long-time friend Meddybemps maybe as well. If this isn’t enough to induce a Pepto-Bismol moment, Bianca also needs to worry about her hubby being shipped off to fight a battle and the upcoming arrival of their first child.
Lawrence has created a fun and intriguing mystery while also giving the reader a glimpse into the seedier life of Tudor England. Throughout the series there has been one mysterious character that lurks in the background known as the Rat Man. Very little is revealed on who or what this character maybe, but the Rat Man takes on an exceptional role that results in an explosive ending to this latest addition to the series. For this, I give The Alchemist of Lost Souls two thumbs up!
If you are interested in learning more about the Bianca Goddard Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
The Alchemist of Lost Souls begins with Bianca’s father Albern Goddard, an alchemist, discovering a new ‘element’ for which eventually is given the name of lapis mortem, the stone of death. Goddard’s stones are stolen from him and the distribution of them leads to a trail of gruesome murders. Bianca teams up with Constable Patch, known from previous additions to the series, to find the murderers. Normally Bianca would be totally gung ho in solving a series of murders but this particular case becomes personal as not only is her father involved but her mother and her long-time friend Meddybemps maybe as well. If this isn’t enough to induce a Pepto-Bismol moment, Bianca also needs to worry about her hubby being shipped off to fight a battle and the upcoming arrival of their first child.
Lawrence has created a fun and intriguing mystery while also giving the reader a glimpse into the seedier life of Tudor England. Throughout the series there has been one mysterious character that lurks in the background known as the Rat Man. Very little is revealed on who or what this character maybe, but the Rat Man takes on an exceptional role that results in an explosive ending to this latest addition to the series. For this, I give The Alchemist of Lost Souls two thumbs up!
If you are interested in learning more about the Bianca Goddard Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
August 29, 2020
Another winner in installment #4. Thank you for Bianca and all of her colorful associates, Mary Lawrence! She is someone we can all root for, even if she tells a white lie now and then. Looking forward to the #5.
March 12, 2019
I was given a ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This is a novel you won't forget. I love the way Mary Lawrence makes me feel like I could wake up in the Middle Ages tomorrow. The mystery, magical, and history all work together in this one.
This is a novel you won't forget. I love the way Mary Lawrence makes me feel like I could wake up in the Middle Ages tomorrow. The mystery, magical, and history all work together in this one.
October 21, 2019
The Alchemist of Lost Souls is a wonderfully exciting read. This plot is filled with twists and turns that keeps you guessing to the end. Her character development is flawless. Her knowledge of 16th century London is fantastic. This is Mary Lawrence at her best!
March 8, 2020
I enjoyed the story continuing this series. Writing is so descriptive that I can almost smell the place and time. Looking forward to #5.
June 14, 2019
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is the fourth book in the Bianca Goddard series, and I picked it up because I read and enjoyed the recreation of Tudor England in the first two books in the series, The Alchemist’s Daughter and Death of an Alchemist. How and why I managed to miss the third book, Death at St. Vedast, I have no idea, but it’s an omission I certainly plan to rectify!
Although this series takes place among people who are living at the bottom of the economic pile, the actions of those at the top still affect the lives of Bianca, her husband John, and her father Albern in ways that never work to their benefit.
Once upon a time Albern Goddard was a respected alchemist in the employ of the king. The respectability of alchemy, while not laughable as it is today, was more than a bit dubious even in the mid 16th century when this story is set.
Albern’s fame and fortunes have considerably dwindled – not that his attitudes towards his wife, his daughter, or the people he lives among have come down even in the slightest. He thinks he’s better and smarter than everyone else looking down his nose at everyone around him, including his family.
And certainly his fellow practitioners of the so-called noble art.
His daughter Bianca, on the other hand, is both a decent brewer of medicinals and a decent judge of human beings. Including her parents. That she lives in an unsavory part of London and practices among those even poorer than herself provides further fuel for her father’s contempt. And that’s in spite of the fact that Bianca has pulled his nuts, literally and figuratively, out of the fire more than once.
Which doesn’t stop either Albern Goddard nor the local sheriff from enlisting her aid. Albern when a precious compound is stolen, and the sheriff when the woman who ended up with it in her possession is murdered.
But the parallel investigations into the theft from her father and the murder that seems to have been its result are not the only problems plaguing Bianca.
Because it is 1544 and Henry VIII plans on one final campaign against England’s perennial enemy, the French. He intends it to be a glorious victory. All that Bianca knows is that her husband has been caught up in the conscription for a war that seems more foolhardy than glorious. Whether he will return in time to see the child she carries – even whether he will return at all – is in the hands, or whims, of a capricious fate.
Escape Rating B+: This is a historical series where the reader kicks the offal, smells the smells, and feels more than a hint of the brutality of life on society’s lowest rungs of the ladder. In that, it resembles the Crispin Guest series by Jeri Westerson, the Thieftaker Chronicles by D.B. Jackson and the Kate Clifford series by Candace Robb.
This is not a pretty view of Tudor England, but one that is biting and raw. Bianca’s circumstances force her to make her living in an area known for its poverty, crime and lawlessness. It’s a world where her father has not only the right but the duty to beat her, in spite of her being an adult living away from his household, and where she is grateful that her husband does not do his duty to beat her as well.
And it is also a period where what we would now label superstition is accepted as fact, and where the worlds of magic and spiritualism lie much closer to everyday life. Which explains the common beliefs in alchemy, as well as nearly everything about the title character of this story, the being known as the Rat Man, who has spent centuries plying the waterways of the Thames and looking for the alchemical element he once created in an attempt to grant eternal life. An element that seems to have only granted him eternal damnation.
He is watching Bianca, in the hopes that she can somehow lead him to the final end that he longs for. And that she will not pay for his death with her own.
But the Rat Man is a shadowy figure, existing mostly on the fringes of this story. It is Bianca that we focus on, and it is her search for the truth, even the truths that she does not want to face, that moves us. While her circumstances may be removed in place and time, the intelligence, deductive reasoning and sheer stubbornness that she uses to achieve her aims are traits that 21st century readers can certainly empathize with – and follow.
This is the fourth book in the Bianca Goddard series, and I picked it up because I read and enjoyed the recreation of Tudor England in the first two books in the series, The Alchemist’s Daughter and Death of an Alchemist. How and why I managed to miss the third book, Death at St. Vedast, I have no idea, but it’s an omission I certainly plan to rectify!
Although this series takes place among people who are living at the bottom of the economic pile, the actions of those at the top still affect the lives of Bianca, her husband John, and her father Albern in ways that never work to their benefit.
Once upon a time Albern Goddard was a respected alchemist in the employ of the king. The respectability of alchemy, while not laughable as it is today, was more than a bit dubious even in the mid 16th century when this story is set.
Albern’s fame and fortunes have considerably dwindled – not that his attitudes towards his wife, his daughter, or the people he lives among have come down even in the slightest. He thinks he’s better and smarter than everyone else looking down his nose at everyone around him, including his family.
And certainly his fellow practitioners of the so-called noble art.
His daughter Bianca, on the other hand, is both a decent brewer of medicinals and a decent judge of human beings. Including her parents. That she lives in an unsavory part of London and practices among those even poorer than herself provides further fuel for her father’s contempt. And that’s in spite of the fact that Bianca has pulled his nuts, literally and figuratively, out of the fire more than once.
Which doesn’t stop either Albern Goddard nor the local sheriff from enlisting her aid. Albern when a precious compound is stolen, and the sheriff when the woman who ended up with it in her possession is murdered.
But the parallel investigations into the theft from her father and the murder that seems to have been its result are not the only problems plaguing Bianca.
Because it is 1544 and Henry VIII plans on one final campaign against England’s perennial enemy, the French. He intends it to be a glorious victory. All that Bianca knows is that her husband has been caught up in the conscription for a war that seems more foolhardy than glorious. Whether he will return in time to see the child she carries – even whether he will return at all – is in the hands, or whims, of a capricious fate.
Escape Rating B+: This is a historical series where the reader kicks the offal, smells the smells, and feels more than a hint of the brutality of life on society’s lowest rungs of the ladder. In that, it resembles the Crispin Guest series by Jeri Westerson, the Thieftaker Chronicles by D.B. Jackson and the Kate Clifford series by Candace Robb.
This is not a pretty view of Tudor England, but one that is biting and raw. Bianca’s circumstances force her to make her living in an area known for its poverty, crime and lawlessness. It’s a world where her father has not only the right but the duty to beat her, in spite of her being an adult living away from his household, and where she is grateful that her husband does not do his duty to beat her as well.
And it is also a period where what we would now label superstition is accepted as fact, and where the worlds of magic and spiritualism lie much closer to everyday life. Which explains the common beliefs in alchemy, as well as nearly everything about the title character of this story, the being known as the Rat Man, who has spent centuries plying the waterways of the Thames and looking for the alchemical element he once created in an attempt to grant eternal life. An element that seems to have only granted him eternal damnation.
He is watching Bianca, in the hopes that she can somehow lead him to the final end that he longs for. And that she will not pay for his death with her own.
But the Rat Man is a shadowy figure, existing mostly on the fringes of this story. It is Bianca that we focus on, and it is her search for the truth, even the truths that she does not want to face, that moves us. While her circumstances may be removed in place and time, the intelligence, deductive reasoning and sheer stubbornness that she uses to achieve her aims are traits that 21st century readers can certainly empathize with – and follow.
February 21, 2019
Spoiler Alert towards the end! - It was so exciting to get back to the adventures of Bianca Goddard in the new novel, The Alchemist of Lost Souls. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and I eagerly began to revisit Mary Lawrence’s world in the Tudor time period in London during the spring of 1544. Mary is adept at giving us the dirty and gritty life in Southwark with the smells of the streets as well as what we would visually see if we were to travel the roads with Bianca, John, and Meddybemps. Bianca works hard with her Physickes and Medicinals to make money to survive, quite a different life than most novels present of this time period.
As excited as I was to get into reading this book, I felt the first chapter seemed misplaced after reading it three times. I would have liked to read chapter 2 first, meeting back up with the main characters. The writing in this first chapter contained such flowery descriptions like; “This tale begins with a rascally lad and a disgraced alchemist.” “Puckish boys …. and his petulant king” “His coif did not hide the lift of his chin … scholarly garb accentuated his proud posture, …basking in the ticklish glow of divine favor.” These quotes were just on the first page and it continued on throughout this chapter and became overwhelming as the reader tried to get a sense of the story. Also setting the individual character scenarios within this chapter, I felt confusion all at once. Usually each chapter is compromised by a group of similar characters or a particular place within one storyline. So much was presented in chapter 1, that the newly introduced characters and tidbits about where this novel was heading became cumbersome and hard to comprehend.
Reaching chapter two, I felt like I was back in familiar territory with Bianca and John and I breathed a sigh of relief. The writing did flow and excitedly I quickly read with eager delight. By having John step outside of London in his service to the country, I could see the foreshadowing idea that Bianca would be left to her own means to proceed without having John beside her. Historically, we learn how King Henry used his monarchy to compel the citizens to fight for England against the French and Scotland.
Each successive chapter thereafter gave more details about Bianca’s apathetic family and her determination and curiosity to solve this mystery. We have two alchemists, an apothecary, a Scotsman, and a chandler all vying for an amalgam of Earth and Fire in the form of a stone. Meddybemps’ character was also made more clear in this novel and we are given reasons why Bianca depends on him for her own survival as well as why he cares for her deeply as well.
Although we have the main mystery to solve, the underlying storyline of Rat Man is what additionally compels the reader of this Bianca Goddard series. Rat Man is a character of fantasy nestled into this historical fiction novel in order to give it a twist. 200 years ago, Rat Man was conceivably a mortal man who had tried to find the philosopher’s stone which would help his fellow man survive the Black Death.
Why then is Rat Man, the tortured character, who is bound to the river, stalking the smells of alchemy, connected to Bianca? First, the Book of Secrets, with recipes designed to impart life by Ferris Stannum lost in the river Thames in a previous novel, was desperately wanted by Bianca for survival with her Physickes and Medicinals. However, Rat Man was the one found the book in the river but realized that this book was useless to rid himself of the physical pain and despair of his life. Two opposing wishes! It also seems that both characters are forms of a crucible. Bianca is a crucible, or a container for holding onto life and discovery. On the other hand, Ratman is a crucible or vessel of anguished cries of those who died during the Black Death. And so a river of life, the Thames, gives life to Bianca to return to John, diametrically opposite to Rat Man’s dying wish, thus, giving the book its title, The Alchemist of Lost Souls.
I look forward to more of Bianca’s adventures and as the author Mary Lawrence provides us with an ending thought in the novel, “Bianca has a greater purpose”. I hope that this is a promise for the next chapter in Bianca Goddard’s life.
As excited as I was to get into reading this book, I felt the first chapter seemed misplaced after reading it three times. I would have liked to read chapter 2 first, meeting back up with the main characters. The writing in this first chapter contained such flowery descriptions like; “This tale begins with a rascally lad and a disgraced alchemist.” “Puckish boys …. and his petulant king” “His coif did not hide the lift of his chin … scholarly garb accentuated his proud posture, …basking in the ticklish glow of divine favor.” These quotes were just on the first page and it continued on throughout this chapter and became overwhelming as the reader tried to get a sense of the story. Also setting the individual character scenarios within this chapter, I felt confusion all at once. Usually each chapter is compromised by a group of similar characters or a particular place within one storyline. So much was presented in chapter 1, that the newly introduced characters and tidbits about where this novel was heading became cumbersome and hard to comprehend.
Reaching chapter two, I felt like I was back in familiar territory with Bianca and John and I breathed a sigh of relief. The writing did flow and excitedly I quickly read with eager delight. By having John step outside of London in his service to the country, I could see the foreshadowing idea that Bianca would be left to her own means to proceed without having John beside her. Historically, we learn how King Henry used his monarchy to compel the citizens to fight for England against the French and Scotland.
Each successive chapter thereafter gave more details about Bianca’s apathetic family and her determination and curiosity to solve this mystery. We have two alchemists, an apothecary, a Scotsman, and a chandler all vying for an amalgam of Earth and Fire in the form of a stone. Meddybemps’ character was also made more clear in this novel and we are given reasons why Bianca depends on him for her own survival as well as why he cares for her deeply as well.
Although we have the main mystery to solve, the underlying storyline of Rat Man is what additionally compels the reader of this Bianca Goddard series. Rat Man is a character of fantasy nestled into this historical fiction novel in order to give it a twist. 200 years ago, Rat Man was conceivably a mortal man who had tried to find the philosopher’s stone which would help his fellow man survive the Black Death.
Why then is Rat Man, the tortured character, who is bound to the river, stalking the smells of alchemy, connected to Bianca? First, the Book of Secrets, with recipes designed to impart life by Ferris Stannum lost in the river Thames in a previous novel, was desperately wanted by Bianca for survival with her Physickes and Medicinals. However, Rat Man was the one found the book in the river but realized that this book was useless to rid himself of the physical pain and despair of his life. Two opposing wishes! It also seems that both characters are forms of a crucible. Bianca is a crucible, or a container for holding onto life and discovery. On the other hand, Ratman is a crucible or vessel of anguished cries of those who died during the Black Death. And so a river of life, the Thames, gives life to Bianca to return to John, diametrically opposite to Rat Man’s dying wish, thus, giving the book its title, The Alchemist of Lost Souls.
I look forward to more of Bianca’s adventures and as the author Mary Lawrence provides us with an ending thought in the novel, “Bianca has a greater purpose”. I hope that this is a promise for the next chapter in Bianca Goddard’s life.
May 15, 2019
Bianca Goddard, the protagonist, is an herbalist and the daughter of a disgraced alchemist. When The Alchemist of Lost Souls begins (in Spring 1544), we see Bianca’s husband, John, get conscripted to fight in Henry’s wars as a pikeman (a dangerous position). Now Bianca has to worry about John, as well as their soon-to-be-born child.
To make her life even more complicated, Bianca’s father, Albern Goddard, visits her to ask (well, demand) her help in recovering his stolen discovery – a new ‘element’ that glows brightly without any fuel source. Bianca teams up with Constable Patch, who she has had dealings with before, to try and find the stolen element and ends up finding a series of murders instead. The murders become personal when Bianca’s father, Bianca’s mother and Bianca’s long-time friend all become suspects.
I found the historical descriptions of Tudor London utterly fascinating. Lawrence depicts life in the less-glamorous parts of England in a great detail. The writing is realistic and colourful. Much of the historical fiction I read that is set in Tudor England focuses on the castles and royalty of the period – it was a nice change to read about the common people and the everyday problems that they faced.
Bianca is a really likeable character. She is competent, smart and caring, but also has faults that make her easy to relate to. I wasn’t a fan of many of the other characters, like Albern (what an ego!) or her mother (too many secrets) but the dislike wasn’t because they were poorly written but because I liked Bianca so much that I felt slighted on her behalf when she was treated shabbily.
The science-lover in me was also fascinated with the mysterious element. I spent half the book trying to figure out what Albern had discovered based on the few clues that were presented. I had to wrack my brain back to high school chemistry class to try and remember what element would react the way this mystery element did. (Maybe if I ask nicely, Mary Lawrence will let me in on the secret?)
The only part that I found a bit confusing is the mysterious character, The Rat Man. This other-worldly character, who lurks on the edges for most of the book, takes on a very central role in near the end of the story. It seemed like an odd supernatural addition to an otherwise realistic story. I wonder if I would have been less confused if I had read the previous three books in the series? I’m sure I’ll find out as I definitely plan on going back to read them.
This was definitely a nice find for me and I’m looking forward to going back and catching up on Books 1-3, The Alchemist’s Daughter, Death of an Alchemist and Death at St. Vedast.
You can read my full review on my blog: https://www.bookfrolic.com/book-revie...
To make her life even more complicated, Bianca’s father, Albern Goddard, visits her to ask (well, demand) her help in recovering his stolen discovery – a new ‘element’ that glows brightly without any fuel source. Bianca teams up with Constable Patch, who she has had dealings with before, to try and find the stolen element and ends up finding a series of murders instead. The murders become personal when Bianca’s father, Bianca’s mother and Bianca’s long-time friend all become suspects.
I found the historical descriptions of Tudor London utterly fascinating. Lawrence depicts life in the less-glamorous parts of England in a great detail. The writing is realistic and colourful. Much of the historical fiction I read that is set in Tudor England focuses on the castles and royalty of the period – it was a nice change to read about the common people and the everyday problems that they faced.
Bianca is a really likeable character. She is competent, smart and caring, but also has faults that make her easy to relate to. I wasn’t a fan of many of the other characters, like Albern (what an ego!) or her mother (too many secrets) but the dislike wasn’t because they were poorly written but because I liked Bianca so much that I felt slighted on her behalf when she was treated shabbily.
The science-lover in me was also fascinated with the mysterious element. I spent half the book trying to figure out what Albern had discovered based on the few clues that were presented. I had to wrack my brain back to high school chemistry class to try and remember what element would react the way this mystery element did. (Maybe if I ask nicely, Mary Lawrence will let me in on the secret?)
The only part that I found a bit confusing is the mysterious character, The Rat Man. This other-worldly character, who lurks on the edges for most of the book, takes on a very central role in near the end of the story. It seemed like an odd supernatural addition to an otherwise realistic story. I wonder if I would have been less confused if I had read the previous three books in the series? I’m sure I’ll find out as I definitely plan on going back to read them.
This was definitely a nice find for me and I’m looking forward to going back and catching up on Books 1-3, The Alchemist’s Daughter, Death of an Alchemist and Death at St. Vedast.
You can read my full review on my blog: https://www.bookfrolic.com/book-revie...
June 9, 2019
This is the fourth in the series, but I absolutely devoured this book as if it were the first and enjoyed as a standalone.
Set in Elizabethan London, Bianca Goddard is pregnant and her husband, John, has flunked his archery test and is being conscripted to the king's army. Her mother Melva is a white witch, her father the alchemist, albeit a disgraced alchemist having fallen out of favor. He made a remarkable discovery hoping it will put him back in the king's good graces. Unfortunately, his sample elements have disappeared and he politely (not) requests that his daughter ascertain whether or not his wife was responsible.
She is an herbalist with a growing list of clients, one of whom, Meddybemps, is a street peddler of her wares and an old friend. Meddybemps, however, is just one of a number of support characters that catapults you back to the sixteenth century. The sights, sounds, and smells emanate from the pages. You are there. It's wet...and chilly. Rainy streets slick with all manner of human detritus combine with the cooking odors and scents wafting from Southwark inns with tobacco and ale--drank morning, noon, and night (in place of fetid water).
Her father's element quickly ends up in the hands of an unscrupulous couple and the wife is murdered trying to sell them. The death of the wife puts Bianca in touch with Constable Patch, with whom she has had dealings in prior series entries. The elements change hands more than once, resulting in additional unusual and unique deaths.
The conclusion came following the climax of a harrowing scene pitting Bianca and her very capable inn wench friend, Cammy, against the antagonist. Is Bianca able to retrieve the elements? Or if so, at what cost? And if I had any niggles at all, it would be the conclusion.
I was given this eBook download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. The author was careful to deliver authentic dialect, slang, and syntax, words I was looking up, Latin or French phrases, descriptions of costume and dress. This would make such a fantastic TV series. If I can't watch it, I'll wait (im)patiently for the next book. Heartily recommended!
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
Set in Elizabethan London, Bianca Goddard is pregnant and her husband, John, has flunked his archery test and is being conscripted to the king's army. Her mother Melva is a white witch, her father the alchemist, albeit a disgraced alchemist having fallen out of favor. He made a remarkable discovery hoping it will put him back in the king's good graces. Unfortunately, his sample elements have disappeared and he politely (not) requests that his daughter ascertain whether or not his wife was responsible.
She is an herbalist with a growing list of clients, one of whom, Meddybemps, is a street peddler of her wares and an old friend. Meddybemps, however, is just one of a number of support characters that catapults you back to the sixteenth century. The sights, sounds, and smells emanate from the pages. You are there. It's wet...and chilly. Rainy streets slick with all manner of human detritus combine with the cooking odors and scents wafting from Southwark inns with tobacco and ale--drank morning, noon, and night (in place of fetid water).
Her father's element quickly ends up in the hands of an unscrupulous couple and the wife is murdered trying to sell them. The death of the wife puts Bianca in touch with Constable Patch, with whom she has had dealings in prior series entries. The elements change hands more than once, resulting in additional unusual and unique deaths.
The conclusion came following the climax of a harrowing scene pitting Bianca and her very capable inn wench friend, Cammy, against the antagonist. Is Bianca able to retrieve the elements? Or if so, at what cost? And if I had any niggles at all, it would be the conclusion.
I was given this eBook download by the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review. The author was careful to deliver authentic dialect, slang, and syntax, words I was looking up, Latin or French phrases, descriptions of costume and dress. This would make such a fantastic TV series. If I can't watch it, I'll wait (im)patiently for the next book. Heartily recommended!
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
April 10, 2019
BLURB
A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard's father falls into the wrong hands . . . leading to a chain of multiple murders.
Spring 1544 Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he's discovered--one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he is panicked and expects his daughter to help.
Soon after, a woman's body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her breathless mouth. To her grave concern, Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. As her husband John is conscripted into King Henry's army to subdue Scottish resistance, Bianca must navigate a twisted and treacherous path among alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels--to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death . . .
REVIEW
I've read a few novels that take place during the reign of Henry VIII, and have watched the Tudor series on Netflix. The Alchemist of Lost Souls (and the earlier books in the Bianca Goddard series) is a definite departure from the Royal Court and the mercurial antics of Henry. The author paints a vivid picture of life in the least desirable haunts of London and the precarious and often violent existence of the folk who live there. Colorful characters abound in this fascinating mystery, and what is especially nice is their usage of the language of the times, the idioms, the curses, the names etc,etc. I was captured from page one, the ongoing mystery with many twists and turns, surprises, and a peculiar denizen of the Thames, The Rat Man. The main character, Bianca, daughter of an alchemist, finds herself enmeshed in solving a series of crimes that have implications involving friends and family, all the while experiencing her first pregnancy, with her husband away with Henry's army. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderfully descriptive, and creative tale. The only problem is that this is book four of the series, and now I have to go back and read the first three. Oh wait, that's not a problem, that's three future treats for me to devour. :) 5 stars
A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard's father falls into the wrong hands . . . leading to a chain of multiple murders.
Spring 1544 Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he's discovered--one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he is panicked and expects his daughter to help.
Soon after, a woman's body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her breathless mouth. To her grave concern, Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. As her husband John is conscripted into King Henry's army to subdue Scottish resistance, Bianca must navigate a twisted and treacherous path among alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels--to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death . . .
REVIEW
I've read a few novels that take place during the reign of Henry VIII, and have watched the Tudor series on Netflix. The Alchemist of Lost Souls (and the earlier books in the Bianca Goddard series) is a definite departure from the Royal Court and the mercurial antics of Henry. The author paints a vivid picture of life in the least desirable haunts of London and the precarious and often violent existence of the folk who live there. Colorful characters abound in this fascinating mystery, and what is especially nice is their usage of the language of the times, the idioms, the curses, the names etc,etc. I was captured from page one, the ongoing mystery with many twists and turns, surprises, and a peculiar denizen of the Thames, The Rat Man. The main character, Bianca, daughter of an alchemist, finds herself enmeshed in solving a series of crimes that have implications involving friends and family, all the while experiencing her first pregnancy, with her husband away with Henry's army. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderfully descriptive, and creative tale. The only problem is that this is book four of the series, and now I have to go back and read the first three. Oh wait, that's not a problem, that's three future treats for me to devour. :) 5 stars
April 29, 2019
All is not well in Book 4 of the Bianca Goddard Mystery Series. It is 1544, Henry is now dyspeptic, and bloated. He believes his borders with Scotland and France are threatened. Therefore he orders the men of Southwark to assemble for the evaluation of their archery skills. John's faulty war bow fails him, and he is assigned to the front line troops; the pikemen. John reluctantly leaves a pregnant Bianca and is off to war in Scotland.
Bianca's father, Albern Goddard, a disgraced Alchemist has discovered a miraculous source of light. This burning brilliant light, brighter than any candle, lasts a long time before fading to a green glow. Exposure to air causes the 'stone" the source of the light to burst into flames. Before he can make any profit from this discovery, the stones are stolen, and the thief is murdered. Bianca is tasked with uncovering the killer.
Bianca is a wonderful lead character. She is a woman of her times, of course, but she also is one who is moving from subservience to independence. Her gender prohibits her from being an Alchemist. She chooses instead, to become an herbal healer creating cures for the common diseases such as fever and ague. She is observant, intelligent, and willing to take risks. She has found an ideal partner in John. One hopes all will be well for him.
That may not be the case, as Lawrence stays very true to the historical period. The settings are filled with the swirl and crush of humanity. Lawrence's astute use of vocabulary, choosing obscure words that almost sounds Elizabethan in tone, adds a powerful feeling of reality to the novel. The mystery is not straight forward, instead a complex series of characters present plausible candidates for the murderer. One hopes Bianca's story will continue.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received a copy from netgalley.com and Kensington in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for the opportunity.
Bianca's father, Albern Goddard, a disgraced Alchemist has discovered a miraculous source of light. This burning brilliant light, brighter than any candle, lasts a long time before fading to a green glow. Exposure to air causes the 'stone" the source of the light to burst into flames. Before he can make any profit from this discovery, the stones are stolen, and the thief is murdered. Bianca is tasked with uncovering the killer.
Bianca is a wonderful lead character. She is a woman of her times, of course, but she also is one who is moving from subservience to independence. Her gender prohibits her from being an Alchemist. She chooses instead, to become an herbal healer creating cures for the common diseases such as fever and ague. She is observant, intelligent, and willing to take risks. She has found an ideal partner in John. One hopes all will be well for him.
That may not be the case, as Lawrence stays very true to the historical period. The settings are filled with the swirl and crush of humanity. Lawrence's astute use of vocabulary, choosing obscure words that almost sounds Elizabethan in tone, adds a powerful feeling of reality to the novel. The mystery is not straight forward, instead a complex series of characters present plausible candidates for the murderer. One hopes Bianca's story will continue.
Recommended
Full disclosure: I received a copy from netgalley.com and Kensington in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for the opportunity.
April 19, 2019
The Alchemist of Lost Souls/Mary Lawrence
Book 4 in Bianca Goddard Mystery series
The Bianca Goddard stories have great dialogues and plots that pull one in and don’t let go. Mary Lawrence creates a sympathetic protagonist, believable characters, and gritty villains. She produces great descriptions, but not so much detail that one’s eyes glaze over. This could be a stand-alone title, but I read “Lost Souls” first, and then in quick succession read the previously published books, losing sleep in the process!
Meddybemps, Bianca’s old buddy, reminds me of Christopher Moore’s Pocket, in “Fool” (his take on Shakespeare’s King Lear): a wise-ass with wisdom and dubious integrity. However, Meddybemps, resident of Southwark and London, shows more street sense. Bianca’s new husband, John, is realistically loving, bewildered by her talents, and human, with timeless male characteristics. It’s easy to see why she loves him. Constable Patch continues to be an unsympathetic, cocky, know-it-all officer, but he seems to grow in his trust for Bianca’s Sherlock Holmes-like talents with each book, so perhaps there is hope for him as the series lengthens. Bianca uses Patch’s cockiness to protect loved ones and to ‘solve’ a murder. The mystical Rat Man is woven throughout this story, and is explained in more detail, with deeper plot links here.
Bianca’s knowledge of herbs is accurate, and the sprinkling of Latin names and old French is much like adding spices to the story. Lest we think this is a quiet sleuthing story, check out the fight scenes-what a blast! I hope they were as much fun to create as they are to read. I love Lawrence’s glossary and hope to use some of the words at my next Renaissance Faire. What will Bianca solve next? I can’t wait to find out!
Book 4 in Bianca Goddard Mystery series
The Bianca Goddard stories have great dialogues and plots that pull one in and don’t let go. Mary Lawrence creates a sympathetic protagonist, believable characters, and gritty villains. She produces great descriptions, but not so much detail that one’s eyes glaze over. This could be a stand-alone title, but I read “Lost Souls” first, and then in quick succession read the previously published books, losing sleep in the process!
Meddybemps, Bianca’s old buddy, reminds me of Christopher Moore’s Pocket, in “Fool” (his take on Shakespeare’s King Lear): a wise-ass with wisdom and dubious integrity. However, Meddybemps, resident of Southwark and London, shows more street sense. Bianca’s new husband, John, is realistically loving, bewildered by her talents, and human, with timeless male characteristics. It’s easy to see why she loves him. Constable Patch continues to be an unsympathetic, cocky, know-it-all officer, but he seems to grow in his trust for Bianca’s Sherlock Holmes-like talents with each book, so perhaps there is hope for him as the series lengthens. Bianca uses Patch’s cockiness to protect loved ones and to ‘solve’ a murder. The mystical Rat Man is woven throughout this story, and is explained in more detail, with deeper plot links here.
Bianca’s knowledge of herbs is accurate, and the sprinkling of Latin names and old French is much like adding spices to the story. Lest we think this is a quiet sleuthing story, check out the fight scenes-what a blast! I hope they were as much fun to create as they are to read. I love Lawrence’s glossary and hope to use some of the words at my next Renaissance Faire. What will Bianca solve next? I can’t wait to find out!
May 1, 2019
Bianca Goddard is a herbalist. Her mother, Malva, is a white witch and her father, Albern, is an alchemist who has fallen out of favour with Henry VIII. Albern has discovered an element that he hopes will redeem his reputation. This element turns into stones which spontaneously combust. When they are stolen, Albern demands that Bianca help retrieve them. Matters become complicated when the thief is murdered and the stones disappear once more.
Fearless and clever, Bianca makes an excellent detective. She analyses every clue carefully and isn't afraid to confront the suspects. With her husband away with the King's army, she can only rely on herself. Unfortunately, this leads her into danger. As the investigation progresses, Bianca learns that her mother may be implicated in the crime. This suspicion she keeps from Patch, a constable who is assigned to the case and with whom she has crossed paths before.
This was such a good mystery, well written and compelling. Mary Lawrence successfully conjures up the competitive, secretive and superstitious world of the alchemist and combines this with her knack for description, transporting the reader to the poor and seamy side of Tudor London where we meet some very colourful characters.
The period specific words that crop up in the narrative and in the dialogue add a further touch of reality. Some I understood and for those I didn't, a handy glossary is provided at the end of the story.
The mystery component involving multiple suspects is well done; it wasn't easy to deduce who was guilty. All of them had a valid reason for committing the crime. However, to me the revelation of the guilty party wasn't as much of a surprise as the motive, which made sense in the context of the laws enforced at the time.
Finally, I have to mention the Rat Man, the wraith of the Thames, who sits in the shadows, watches and waits. His presence adds another dimension to the story - a spooky one.
The Alchemist of Lost Souls can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. My only regret is that I hadn't read the previous three books, but that can easily be remedied! Those who have followed the series from the start are sure to find much to like about Bianca's latest adventure; likewise fans of historical mysteries.
Thank you to Mary Lawrence for an ARC of this book.
Fearless and clever, Bianca makes an excellent detective. She analyses every clue carefully and isn't afraid to confront the suspects. With her husband away with the King's army, she can only rely on herself. Unfortunately, this leads her into danger. As the investigation progresses, Bianca learns that her mother may be implicated in the crime. This suspicion she keeps from Patch, a constable who is assigned to the case and with whom she has crossed paths before.
This was such a good mystery, well written and compelling. Mary Lawrence successfully conjures up the competitive, secretive and superstitious world of the alchemist and combines this with her knack for description, transporting the reader to the poor and seamy side of Tudor London where we meet some very colourful characters.
The period specific words that crop up in the narrative and in the dialogue add a further touch of reality. Some I understood and for those I didn't, a handy glossary is provided at the end of the story.
The mystery component involving multiple suspects is well done; it wasn't easy to deduce who was guilty. All of them had a valid reason for committing the crime. However, to me the revelation of the guilty party wasn't as much of a surprise as the motive, which made sense in the context of the laws enforced at the time.
Finally, I have to mention the Rat Man, the wraith of the Thames, who sits in the shadows, watches and waits. His presence adds another dimension to the story - a spooky one.
The Alchemist of Lost Souls can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. My only regret is that I hadn't read the previous three books, but that can easily be remedied! Those who have followed the series from the start are sure to find much to like about Bianca's latest adventure; likewise fans of historical mysteries.
Thank you to Mary Lawrence for an ARC of this book.
May 18, 2019
The Alchemist of Lost Souls is the fourth book in a series of historical mysteries set in Tudor England and featuring the character of Bianca Goddard, an alchemist’s daughter. Not having read any of the previous novels, I wondered whether I would be at a disadvantage in starting with this one, but that wasn’t really a problem. Although it would have been nice to have been more familiar with the backgrounds of the characters and to have followed them from the beginning, this novel works as a standalone mystery and it was easy enough to understand what was happening without any prior knowledge.
The story takes place in London in the spring of 1544 and opens with Bianca’s father, the alchemist Albern Goddard, discovering a new element – a stone which gives off a brilliant light and which has properties that are both powerful and dangerous. Before he has time to explore the potential of this new substance, it is stolen from him and the suspected thief is found dead in a street near the Dim Dragon Inn with a glowing green vapour rising from her mouth. Albern asks for his daughter’s help and soon Bianca is investigating both the theft and the murder, as well as looking for any trace that may remain of her father’s precious element.
This is an entertaining mystery and a more complex one than it appeared to be at first, with a range of suspects including alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers – and even Bianca’s mother, Malva Goddard. I didn’t manage to guess the solution correctly, but I was happy just to watch Bianca try to unravel it all. Bianca is a very likeable character; she is intelligent and independent, but her behaviour is usually believable enough in the context of being a sixteenth century woman. Like her father, she is interested in science, but her gender means she cannot be an alchemist so instead she works as a herbalist, making remedies for common ailments in her ‘room of Medicinals and Physickes’.
Bianca’s relationship with her husband, John, is one area where I felt I may have missed out by not reading the previous books in the series. In this book he, like the other men from Southwark, has been called up to fight in Henry VIII’s army (as a pikeman after failing to impress with his archery skills) and faces being sent away from home to deal with the threats from Scotland and France. With Bianca pregnant with their first child, a separation at this time is obviously going to be particularly difficult for them both, but I think I would have found their storyline more emotional if I had known both characters better and had seen how their relationship developed.
Apart from Henry VIII’s military endeavours, which are kept mainly in the background of the novel, the story concentrates very much on fictional characters and fictional events, but I could see that Mary Lawrence was making an effort to capture the atmosphere of Tudor England and the details of how people may have lived and worked at that time. The focus is on ordinary, working class Londoners rather than the royalty and nobility, which gives the story a gritty feel and a sense of reality, despite the more fantastical elements of the plot (not just the alchemy but also the mysterious character of the Rat Man, whose role I’m not sure I fully understood). I also appreciated the author’s attempts to use vocabulary appropriate to the period and although some of the slang didn’t feel quite right to me, it did add colour to the writing and there is a glossary at the back of the book if you need to look up any unfamiliar words.
It was nice to meet Bianca Goddard and now I’m wondering if there will be more books in the series.
The story takes place in London in the spring of 1544 and opens with Bianca’s father, the alchemist Albern Goddard, discovering a new element – a stone which gives off a brilliant light and which has properties that are both powerful and dangerous. Before he has time to explore the potential of this new substance, it is stolen from him and the suspected thief is found dead in a street near the Dim Dragon Inn with a glowing green vapour rising from her mouth. Albern asks for his daughter’s help and soon Bianca is investigating both the theft and the murder, as well as looking for any trace that may remain of her father’s precious element.
This is an entertaining mystery and a more complex one than it appeared to be at first, with a range of suspects including alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers – and even Bianca’s mother, Malva Goddard. I didn’t manage to guess the solution correctly, but I was happy just to watch Bianca try to unravel it all. Bianca is a very likeable character; she is intelligent and independent, but her behaviour is usually believable enough in the context of being a sixteenth century woman. Like her father, she is interested in science, but her gender means she cannot be an alchemist so instead she works as a herbalist, making remedies for common ailments in her ‘room of Medicinals and Physickes’.
Bianca’s relationship with her husband, John, is one area where I felt I may have missed out by not reading the previous books in the series. In this book he, like the other men from Southwark, has been called up to fight in Henry VIII’s army (as a pikeman after failing to impress with his archery skills) and faces being sent away from home to deal with the threats from Scotland and France. With Bianca pregnant with their first child, a separation at this time is obviously going to be particularly difficult for them both, but I think I would have found their storyline more emotional if I had known both characters better and had seen how their relationship developed.
Apart from Henry VIII’s military endeavours, which are kept mainly in the background of the novel, the story concentrates very much on fictional characters and fictional events, but I could see that Mary Lawrence was making an effort to capture the atmosphere of Tudor England and the details of how people may have lived and worked at that time. The focus is on ordinary, working class Londoners rather than the royalty and nobility, which gives the story a gritty feel and a sense of reality, despite the more fantastical elements of the plot (not just the alchemy but also the mysterious character of the Rat Man, whose role I’m not sure I fully understood). I also appreciated the author’s attempts to use vocabulary appropriate to the period and although some of the slang didn’t feel quite right to me, it did add colour to the writing and there is a glossary at the back of the book if you need to look up any unfamiliar words.
It was nice to meet Bianca Goddard and now I’m wondering if there will be more books in the series.
June 11, 2019
A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard’s father falls into the wrong hands when it is stolen leading to a chain of multiple murders.
Bianca's father, a struggling alchemist, is searching for a spectacular new chemical he created. Her father suspects her mother, who’s hiding secrets. But soon others are caught in the quest for this magic chemical, leading to the woman who came to possess it. Unfortunately for her, she’s soon murdered. Unfortunately for Bianca’s father, his chemical is now missing.
This is the tangled web that Bianca has to unravel, all the time worrying about the possibility that her husband, John, will be conscripted by King Henry VIII’s forces to fight in either France or Scotland. Complicating that worry is Bianca’s unexpected pregnancy.
There’s a great deal happening in The Alchemist of Lost Souls, and the title could apply to any number characters. Others are driven by fear, greed, or the quest for knowledge. There’s yet another failed alchemist, a rival to Bianca’s father, a candler, an apothecary, the inspector, Patch, assigned to investigate the murder, and the frequent denizens of the Dim Dragon, the local pub frequented by most of the cast of characters.
But perhaps the character who makes the biggest impression is the Rat King, a semi-supernatural being who lurks under the bridges of London seeking his final chance at death.
The story takes the reader all over this era’s London and Southwark, allowing us to see it from multiple points of view, including a small boy, Bianca’s father, the candler, the apothecary who want the stolen chemical, Bianca’s mentor in herbals, Meddybemps, the failed alchemist, and the Rat King.
Bianca's father, a struggling alchemist, is searching for a spectacular new chemical he created. Her father suspects her mother, who’s hiding secrets. But soon others are caught in the quest for this magic chemical, leading to the woman who came to possess it. Unfortunately for her, she’s soon murdered. Unfortunately for Bianca’s father, his chemical is now missing.
This is the tangled web that Bianca has to unravel, all the time worrying about the possibility that her husband, John, will be conscripted by King Henry VIII’s forces to fight in either France or Scotland. Complicating that worry is Bianca’s unexpected pregnancy.
There’s a great deal happening in The Alchemist of Lost Souls, and the title could apply to any number characters. Others are driven by fear, greed, or the quest for knowledge. There’s yet another failed alchemist, a rival to Bianca’s father, a candler, an apothecary, the inspector, Patch, assigned to investigate the murder, and the frequent denizens of the Dim Dragon, the local pub frequented by most of the cast of characters.
But perhaps the character who makes the biggest impression is the Rat King, a semi-supernatural being who lurks under the bridges of London seeking his final chance at death.
The story takes the reader all over this era’s London and Southwark, allowing us to see it from multiple points of view, including a small boy, Bianca’s father, the candler, the apothecary who want the stolen chemical, Bianca’s mentor in herbals, Meddybemps, the failed alchemist, and the Rat King.
June 9, 2019
No missing element!
“We are the stuff of stars, but we do not rule them.” The Rat Man admits that, when tampering in alchemy, mystery makes monsters.
More than a mere thriller, The Alchemist of Lost Souls carries us deeper into the life and loves of author Mary Lawrence’s protagonist, Bianca Goddard. In poignant prose, Lawrence delivers not just a whodunnit, but a full-bodied story worthy of literary acclaim. The characters we’ve come to cherish – or to fear – on Bianca’s behalf infuse Bianca’s fortunes like one of her brews. The inhabitants of this mystery series are both delightful and disgusting, but always original.
This tale is full of philosophy, too, further developing the dramatic arc of the Bianca Goddard Mystery series. Lawrence’s research informs readers of the travails of commoners under King Henry VIII. I find the circumstances illuminating, and I’m shocked by the brutal suffering of Henry’s people. Lawrence cleverly paints pictures of the irony; in his greed, Henry stripped even the Church of its charitable arms: “…the old church of All Hallows the Great, where the beseeching left hand of the stone statue of Charity had been lopped at her wrist.” No other mystery book has brought such tears to my eyes.
As complete as The Alchemist of Lost Souls is in itself, I’m on edge to read the fifth and final Bianca Goddard mystery, The Lost Boys of London. Lawrence constructs a world of memorable characters, quirky circumstances, and abiding emotion. She has made monsters…and so much more.
“We are the stuff of stars, but we do not rule them.” The Rat Man admits that, when tampering in alchemy, mystery makes monsters.
More than a mere thriller, The Alchemist of Lost Souls carries us deeper into the life and loves of author Mary Lawrence’s protagonist, Bianca Goddard. In poignant prose, Lawrence delivers not just a whodunnit, but a full-bodied story worthy of literary acclaim. The characters we’ve come to cherish – or to fear – on Bianca’s behalf infuse Bianca’s fortunes like one of her brews. The inhabitants of this mystery series are both delightful and disgusting, but always original.
This tale is full of philosophy, too, further developing the dramatic arc of the Bianca Goddard Mystery series. Lawrence’s research informs readers of the travails of commoners under King Henry VIII. I find the circumstances illuminating, and I’m shocked by the brutal suffering of Henry’s people. Lawrence cleverly paints pictures of the irony; in his greed, Henry stripped even the Church of its charitable arms: “…the old church of All Hallows the Great, where the beseeching left hand of the stone statue of Charity had been lopped at her wrist.” No other mystery book has brought such tears to my eyes.
As complete as The Alchemist of Lost Souls is in itself, I’m on edge to read the fifth and final Bianca Goddard mystery, The Lost Boys of London. Lawrence constructs a world of memorable characters, quirky circumstances, and abiding emotion. She has made monsters…and so much more.
December 26, 2019
I have read the second book in this series, I really liked it and couldn't wait to read a new episode.
Since discovering that she is pregnant, Bianca has decided to distance herself from her father. She has excellent knowledge of herbs and uses them to help people while he is an alchemist and has recently discovered a very dangerous potion. Unfortunately she remained alone, her husband was sent to the Scottish border. Her good intentions jump when her father asks her for help to find the thief who stole his dangerous potion. Meanwhile she must also find out what is behind the murder that took place in her infamous neighborhood.
It is a very realistic and raw story, the descriptions are so accurate that it seems to be there, to perceive the typical smells of the London slums, the food, the humidity. Even the language is adequate at the time. A truly compelling mystery, written brilliantly with a well-woven plot full of suspense and with interesting characters.
It can be read as a standalone but for more enjoyment I recommend reading the series in order.
Absolutely to read for lovers of cozy historical mystery.
Since discovering that she is pregnant, Bianca has decided to distance herself from her father. She has excellent knowledge of herbs and uses them to help people while he is an alchemist and has recently discovered a very dangerous potion. Unfortunately she remained alone, her husband was sent to the Scottish border. Her good intentions jump when her father asks her for help to find the thief who stole his dangerous potion. Meanwhile she must also find out what is behind the murder that took place in her infamous neighborhood.
It is a very realistic and raw story, the descriptions are so accurate that it seems to be there, to perceive the typical smells of the London slums, the food, the humidity. Even the language is adequate at the time. A truly compelling mystery, written brilliantly with a well-woven plot full of suspense and with interesting characters.
It can be read as a standalone but for more enjoyment I recommend reading the series in order.
Absolutely to read for lovers of cozy historical mystery.
April 29, 2019
Bianca Goddard is back!
It is the spring of 1544 and Bianca and John are expecting their first child. But murder and conspiracy have a way of finding Bianca and dragging her away from any possibility of a peaceful life at home. Of course, Bianca thrives when she has the opportunity to use her intelligence, skill and intuition to solve a mystery. But she is beset by fears when John is conscripted
into King Henry’s army and sent north to fight the Scots and she faces the possibility of raising their child alone. Perhaps it is a blessing that she must turn her mind to examining all the conflicting clues in this case.
As always, Bianca’s knowledge of alchemy and the Alchemists who chase their dreams of discovery and glory, help her make sense of this latest murder.
The carefully researched details of life in the sixteenth century are what make these books much more than your average mysteries.
If you like historical fiction, you’ll love entering the life of this independent-minded woman as Mary Lawrence makes the past come alive.
It is the spring of 1544 and Bianca and John are expecting their first child. But murder and conspiracy have a way of finding Bianca and dragging her away from any possibility of a peaceful life at home. Of course, Bianca thrives when she has the opportunity to use her intelligence, skill and intuition to solve a mystery. But she is beset by fears when John is conscripted
into King Henry’s army and sent north to fight the Scots and she faces the possibility of raising their child alone. Perhaps it is a blessing that she must turn her mind to examining all the conflicting clues in this case.
As always, Bianca’s knowledge of alchemy and the Alchemists who chase their dreams of discovery and glory, help her make sense of this latest murder.
The carefully researched details of life in the sixteenth century are what make these books much more than your average mysteries.
If you like historical fiction, you’ll love entering the life of this independent-minded woman as Mary Lawrence makes the past come alive.
August 7, 2019
This is my favorite book so far in the series. I felt like the plot moved at a good pace. I was intrigued as Bianca searches for the element and tries to discover who the murderer was. We find out a bit more about the Rat Man and how he became the Rat Man and what his purpose is now. I liked Bianca so much more in this book. She actually seemed to love her husband and she seemed less selfish than I felt she was in previous books. She struggles with her relationship with her parents and we learn a bit more about that relationship. She befriends a barmaid, Cammy, who I hope to see in future books. I continued to love the setting and love the look into life in the 1550’s. I also really like learning about what early scientific pursuits might have looked like.
This is a great cozy mystery but involves alchemy and is set in the 1550’s, both of which are unusual and make the book series different than so many others in this genre.
Thanks to the publisher Kensington for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great cozy mystery but involves alchemy and is set in the 1550’s, both of which are unusual and make the book series different than so many others in this genre.
Thanks to the publisher Kensington for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
This is a Bianca Goddard Mystery set in Tudor Times in London.It's the fourth in the series. I really enjoyed the book and the lives that inhabited the area near the bridge and the Thames. The story pulled me in and that is the sign of a good writer with good material and research.
Bianca is the child of a father who is an Alchemist and she creates herbals but does understand the world of the alchemist during this time. She's married to John.
Her father shows her some glowing stones that he has in his possession that glows strong enough to act as a light.
Her husband is pulled into the King's army as a lance carrier. He'd wanted archery but he didn't have a good bow and didn't practice much. Bianca had felt this would happen but loves and supports her husband.
As this time with her husband is happening her father tells her the stones are missing. Bianca goes to a pub that she knows most people go to. Sure enough one lady was bragging on these stones.
The story starts the twists and turns of a mystery with many characters and a lot of surprises.
Bianca is the child of a father who is an Alchemist and she creates herbals but does understand the world of the alchemist during this time. She's married to John.
Her father shows her some glowing stones that he has in his possession that glows strong enough to act as a light.
Her husband is pulled into the King's army as a lance carrier. He'd wanted archery but he didn't have a good bow and didn't practice much. Bianca had felt this would happen but loves and supports her husband.
As this time with her husband is happening her father tells her the stones are missing. Bianca goes to a pub that she knows most people go to. Sure enough one lady was bragging on these stones.
The story starts the twists and turns of a mystery with many characters and a lot of surprises.
June 7, 2022
I enjoyed this 4th book in the series a bit more than some of the earlier ones. I think it's because the characters are a bit more fleshed out and the mystical storyline seems to be closed...that always seemed to me like an odd fit to the rest of the action in each of the books. Eventhough science was not yet the norm in Henry VIII's time (1544) and people believed in all sorts of things, the Rat man was still a bit of an odd thing to include here.
Bianca makes a new friend who helps her through a really rough time. I'm hoping this character is an actual friend, because has very few of those and could use more. When one of her closest friends is a cat, Bianca definitely needs someone else to confide in and trust. With her husband away fighting for the king, she's on her own again and barely eeks out an existance like so many others of this time period.
The murder mystery has a lot of red herrings, but I felt like I knew who the culprit was about half way through the book and I was right. Still, the twists and turns were interesting.
Bianca makes a new friend who helps her through a really rough time. I'm hoping this character is an actual friend, because has very few of those and could use more. When one of her closest friends is a cat, Bianca definitely needs someone else to confide in and trust. With her husband away fighting for the king, she's on her own again and barely eeks out an existance like so many others of this time period.
The murder mystery has a lot of red herrings, but I felt like I knew who the culprit was about half way through the book and I was right. Still, the twists and turns were interesting.
April 19, 2023
This another wonderful Bianca Goddard mystery, set in Tudor London. I have read all of the series so far and been enthralled by all. As a retired research biochemist, I was drawn to the series because of science background and also because it was set in probably my favourite time in history, the 16th century. Mary Lawrence creates a wonderfully realistic atmosphere in the books and the characters, engaging and believable, living in the dangerous and grim environment that London was at that time and particularly the cesspool of Southwark, south of the Thames. The plot of the Alchemist of Lost Souls is challenging and I enjoyed trying to solve it before the author revealed all. Finally, I was extremely pleased with myself to read in the author’s note that the glowing element around which the plot is set, is loosely based on phosphorus. I had decided early in the plot that phosphorus, or something similar could only have produced such a glowing and smoke in the conditions described. I am ready to read the next in the series. Please don’t stop writing. I love these books !
February 19, 2019
I received this book as an advanced copy and purchased the previous 3 to be up to date with the plot and characters. I had been wanting to read the for a while, so I was excited to start the series. The period it was written in captures me and Ms. Lawrence writes in such a way that you feel as you are there, amidst the good and bad of the era. The characters are well developed and the storyline is interesting, pulling in many varied aspects and perspectives of life during this period of life in history. The mystery doesn't disappoint, and it's entertaining to run through suspects as the story unwinds. Many of the whys of the previous books are divulged in this edition, bringing at least part of the biggest mysteries of those stories to rest, while leaving room to wonder about the future of Bianca and periphery characters. Great read and the bonus glossary of "Ye Olde London" terms displays just a part of the intricate research that went into this book.
April 22, 2019
Fans of historical mysteries- this is set in Tudor England- read this one now! Don't worry if you didn't read the earlier books (I bet you'll go back and do so once you've finished this one), you'll be fine and will totally enjoy this. Bianca, daughter of an unstable man who is also an alchemist, has found herself pregnant and alone in London because her husband has been conscripted (along with many others) into King Henry VIII's army. She's a healer, among other things. She's also investigated murders in the past and now is pulled in when one of her father's potions (for want of a better word) is stolen, a woman is murdered, and someone has to find the thief and the stuff. Is her mother, as her father believes, the guilty party? Who is the Ratman? Lots of questions but no spoilers. This is complex, interesting, and well written. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.
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