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薬屋のひとりごと [Kusuriya no Hitorigoto] #9
The Apothecary Diaries, Vol. 9
PERFUMES, TEAS, MUSHROOMS...ANODYNE OR DEADLY?
A festive atmosphere descends upon the Inner Court with the arrival of a long-awaited merchant caravan and its myriad wares. Though the excitement is contagious and even Maomao looks forward to making purchases of her own, she soon cottons on to something potentially sinister about the innocuous goods for sale.
Before Maomao can tease out any evidence, however, her attention turns to mushrooms when Jinshi asks her to root out any poisonous varieties on the grounds. But is this request just a bit of landscaping or does it have anything to do with the rumors making the rounds about a court lady who has gone missing?
A festive atmosphere descends upon the Inner Court with the arrival of a long-awaited merchant caravan and its myriad wares. Though the excitement is contagious and even Maomao looks forward to making purchases of her own, she soon cottons on to something potentially sinister about the innocuous goods for sale.
Before Maomao can tease out any evidence, however, her attention turns to mushrooms when Jinshi asks her to root out any poisonous varieties on the grounds. But is this request just a bit of landscaping or does it have anything to do with the rumors making the rounds about a court lady who has gone missing?
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2021
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1855 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
August 21, 2023
The arrival of a foreign caravan provides plenty of excitement, but possibly a little too much, as MaoMao once again sees seemingly random occurrences in a sinister new light. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s a bit of business with a fungi, and it turns out that they actually do do it with mirrors.
Maomao engages in the business of being a mystery snoop of the best kind this volume, so an already great manga is back to doing what it’s always excelled at. Every single story is fully of clever problems along with the usual character beats. It’s perfect.
The caravan story is absolutely fascinating, just from the way it incorporates the politics of the court into the excitement of all these new items from around the world showing up, but that’s not the only trick up its sleeve.
No, Maomao starts from her perception of fashion (shrewder than you’d think) and then from there spirals out into the stuff of conspiracy theories. But it’s not just a theory if somebody’s actually doing something, now is it? The way she’s able to piece together several elements into a workable and worrisome theory is wonderful.
There’s also the way that Jinshi is coming to trust her judgement, going as far as to consult with her when he knows that her expertise can be of use. It’s just a continued evolution of their relationship, even if a genuine smile on MaoMao’s face is terrifying for all concerned.
And the slowly developing friendship between Maomao and Xiaolan has been really sweet. Maomao is certainly far more clever, but she has been teaching Xiaolan to read and when the latter asks her to walk the caravan with her, well, Maomao’s response is terribly heartwarming.
We also get the addition of Shisui to the cast, who becomes another friend of MaoMao’s and turns out to be just as weird, except over insects instead of poisons. The three of them hanging out is some of the most fun in the volume.
It’s hard not to love a book that has the phrase, ”I shall obtain consent prior to smelling anyone next time.” in it, honestly, and the back and forth of MaoMao and Jinshi is just as good as ever. As usual, she is obsessed with her medicines and this gets her some unwanted attentions more than once.
The second story ends up involving a multitude of mushrooms and is a tragic tale of somebody trying to do the right thing and then paying for it, plus a little revenge for good measure. Possibly some minor corpse desecration. It’s quite well done and I always appreciate how this series presents itself in stories like this.
The mirror story is a bit of a strange one, but it has some of the funniest parts to it and best reaction shots, plus Maomao’s continued obliviousness to the fact that Jinshi isn’t actually a eunuch. It’s decent, but nothing to write home about.
We end with the start of our next big storyline, which does have one pending aspect that feels a little too wacky for the series as it currently stands, but once again involves our hero trying to accomplish something that should be impossible using a little science, which is always a good time.
From the big action to the mysteries to the characterization to the trappings of the court, this is basically bulletproof. Every aspect balances the others neatly and even stuff that I normally couldn’t care less about becomes interesting at the hands of the creators.
5 stars - I will be honest; the only reason this isn’t my favourite manga series ever is because Frieren exists. Otherwise it would have top spot. I love how much work has gone into it, but how that care comes out in the story naturally.
Maomao engages in the business of being a mystery snoop of the best kind this volume, so an already great manga is back to doing what it’s always excelled at. Every single story is fully of clever problems along with the usual character beats. It’s perfect.
The caravan story is absolutely fascinating, just from the way it incorporates the politics of the court into the excitement of all these new items from around the world showing up, but that’s not the only trick up its sleeve.
No, Maomao starts from her perception of fashion (shrewder than you’d think) and then from there spirals out into the stuff of conspiracy theories. But it’s not just a theory if somebody’s actually doing something, now is it? The way she’s able to piece together several elements into a workable and worrisome theory is wonderful.
There’s also the way that Jinshi is coming to trust her judgement, going as far as to consult with her when he knows that her expertise can be of use. It’s just a continued evolution of their relationship, even if a genuine smile on MaoMao’s face is terrifying for all concerned.
And the slowly developing friendship between Maomao and Xiaolan has been really sweet. Maomao is certainly far more clever, but she has been teaching Xiaolan to read and when the latter asks her to walk the caravan with her, well, Maomao’s response is terribly heartwarming.
We also get the addition of Shisui to the cast, who becomes another friend of MaoMao’s and turns out to be just as weird, except over insects instead of poisons. The three of them hanging out is some of the most fun in the volume.
It’s hard not to love a book that has the phrase, ”I shall obtain consent prior to smelling anyone next time.” in it, honestly, and the back and forth of MaoMao and Jinshi is just as good as ever. As usual, she is obsessed with her medicines and this gets her some unwanted attentions more than once.
The second story ends up involving a multitude of mushrooms and is a tragic tale of somebody trying to do the right thing and then paying for it, plus a little revenge for good measure. Possibly some minor corpse desecration. It’s quite well done and I always appreciate how this series presents itself in stories like this.
The mirror story is a bit of a strange one, but it has some of the funniest parts to it and best reaction shots, plus Maomao’s continued obliviousness to the fact that Jinshi isn’t actually a eunuch. It’s decent, but nothing to write home about.
We end with the start of our next big storyline, which does have one pending aspect that feels a little too wacky for the series as it currently stands, but once again involves our hero trying to accomplish something that should be impossible using a little science, which is always a good time.
From the big action to the mysteries to the characterization to the trappings of the court, this is basically bulletproof. Every aspect balances the others neatly and even stuff that I normally couldn’t care less about becomes interesting at the hands of the creators.
5 stars - I will be honest; the only reason this isn’t my favourite manga series ever is because Frieren exists. Otherwise it would have top spot. I love how much work has gone into it, but how that care comes out in the story naturally.
August 28, 2024
9 volumes later and finally the romantic feeling COULD potentially become mutual??? they’re really making me work for it
December 6, 2023
I really like seeing more of the new maidservant: Shisui, and adore more of Xiao-Lan. I adore MaoMao’s friendship with Xiao-Lan and am very curious about Shisui.
I’m curious to see what happens in the next volume since I lot happened, involving a mirror and a pregnant young noble daughter, different forms of poison, and having to keep a certain Consort’s pregnancy a secret.
I’m curious to see what happens in the next volume since I lot happened, involving a mirror and a pregnant young noble daughter, different forms of poison, and having to keep a certain Consort’s pregnancy a secret.
May 13, 2025
jinshi, my stunning peerless beauty who cries tears of pearl
April 23, 2024
What's it like to be called a pervert by a genuine pervert?
The mystery of a woman who is pregnant....but has not been near a man...!
Mushrooms are just scary..
A seemingly impossible request to recreate the past..
The mystery of a woman who is pregnant....but has not been near a man...!
Mushrooms are just scary..
A seemingly impossible request to recreate the past..
July 5, 2024
{4.5} Lubię tutaj to, że wszystko jest starannie przemyślane a na sam koniec łączy się w spójną całość. Uważam, że to seria godna przeczytania, mimo swoich delikatnych niedoskonałości (stąd ma odjęte pół gwiazdki) jest intrygująca i świetnie skonstruowana. Za każdym razem przyjemnie mi się to czyta. Ogólnie polecam! 🍄 a w tym tomie górują grzybki
May 14, 2024
This volume brings some more intrigue with the possibility of the caravan being a set up... but is it? I am really liking the relationships between all the characters here for sure.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
May 17, 2024
This one is SO GOOD i'm so glad we're getting mystery piled on top of mystery and MUSHROOMS and BUGS and GAOSHUN
June 19, 2025
who needs sherlock holmes when you have maomao
March 31, 2025
Pas grand chose à dire, c'est du sympa, standard carnets de l'apothicaire
February 3, 2024
There have been quite a few new plot points and developments to the story, which are all actually super interesting.
The first part of the manga goes into the details of the death of a lady consort, who has noticeably been poisoned. We follow Maomao as she looks to understand what has really happened.
Maomao also goes on to do other investigations regarding both the two girls who had to stay put in their homes and the Moon Fairy.
The art, once again, beyond gorgeous.
I'm also super in love with Shisui's character design. Her hair is so pretty!!!!
Can't wait to see Jinshi next volume 🥰
The first part of the manga goes into the details of the death of a lady consort, who has noticeably been poisoned. We follow Maomao as she looks to understand what has really happened.
Maomao also goes on to do other investigations regarding both the two girls who had to stay put in their homes and the Moon Fairy.
The art, once again, beyond gorgeous.
I'm also super in love with Shisui's character design. Her hair is so pretty!!!!
Can't wait to see Jinshi next volume 🥰
August 2, 2022
Déçue pour le coup. On commence plusieurs histoires et nous n'avons pas de fin, très très frustrant.
January 12, 2024
I started this book so long ago I hardly remember how I felt about what I read earlier. In the latter half, the story builds up to the banquet with the foreign emissaries and Maomao setting up her plan to recreate the moon nymph or something along those lines.
This volume was more like an exhale before a big breath of air. You can tell something exciting is about to happen, but for now it’s just the anticipation and build up!
This volume was more like an exhale before a big breath of air. You can tell something exciting is about to happen, but for now it’s just the anticipation and build up!
March 12, 2024
J'enchaîne les tomes, et je dois bien avouer que le découpage est très bien fait, ça s'arrête toujours sur un moment qui donne envie d'acheter la suite. Malin. ;)
Toujours est-il que chaque tome offre de la profondeur, le passé se dévoile, les personnages gagnent en sensibilité, on voit mieux leurs doutes et leurs peurs, et j'adore la relation qui se tisse entre Jinshi et Mao Mao !
Toujours est-il que chaque tome offre de la profondeur, le passé se dévoile, les personnages gagnent en sensibilité, on voit mieux leurs doutes et leurs peurs, et j'adore la relation qui se tisse entre Jinshi et Mao Mao !
June 10, 2024
I thought the court lady mystery was interesting but the pregnant rich girl mystery takes place entirely off page. I’m wondering if that character will show back up in some way? The story takes place very shortly after Maomao sees the consort’s mirror so the story felt tacked on in general.
I enjoyed seeing Maomao continue to make more friends though.
I enjoyed seeing Maomao continue to make more friends though.
December 2, 2023
December 2023
Kindle edition
Manga
I’m curious who the bug loving maid is. Feels like there’s something more to her. The old lady’s past was something, I’m looking forward to the recreation.
Kindle edition
Manga
I’m curious who the bug loving maid is. Feels like there’s something more to her. The old lady’s past was something, I’m looking forward to the recreation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
This was my least favorite so far, but super excited for the next chapters.
July 9, 2025
Mao Mao e i funghi-cadavere 😂
March 9, 2025
very much setting up the stage for things to come in the later volumes
July 5, 2025
Fantastic, no notes.
July 6, 2022
Un tome qui saute peut-être un peu rapidement d'histoire en histoire mais toujours une aussi bonne lecture !
May 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ WOAH.
August 16, 2024
It was an enjoyable volume, although I found myself less interested in this one compared to others. It somehow lacked some cohesion. Still, there were some moments I laughed out loud.
October 8, 2022
3,5
Questo nono volume segna l'inizio di un nuovo arco narrativo e di nuove avventure. Infatti, a corte è atteso un emissario di un paese straniero, anzi due. Per la precisione due donne. Una visita che porta con sé tanto fermento ed entusiasmo. La carovana dei mercanti torna a far visita alla Corte Interna, portando con sé oggetti alla moda....e cose che all'apparenza sembrano innocue o persino utili, ma che in realtà rischiano di danneggiare la salute di una donna incinta o di provocare un aborto. Ecco quindi che l'attenzione nei confronti della consorte prediletta si fa sempre più intensa.
Nobildonne che spariscono, ragazze piantonate giorno e notte senza poter uscire che rimangono misteriosamente incinta, invidie e ripicche. E la disperata ricerca di qualcuno che possa vestire i panni della ninfa della luna al banchetto per gli emissari stranieri (una richiesta particolare delle ospiti, visto che oltre cinquant'anni prima il loro nonno aveva visto danzare suddetta fanciulla....ovvero la tenutaria del padiglione verderame quando era ancora giovane, bellissima e non ancora tanto attaccata ai soldi). Visto il finale del volume, mi sa che Renshi dovrà darsi da fare....
Ormai siamo quasi in pari con il Giappone e quindi ci sarà da aspettare un po' tra un volume e l'altro, ma spero che presto ci verrà spiegato chi è veramente Renshi e che vedremo qualche passo avanti nell'evoluzione del suo rapporto con Maomao (che ormai fa mille lavori, ancella di una consorte, food tester, investigatrice privata per conto di Renshi, medico, donna delle pulizie, insegnante per chi vuole imparare a leggere e scrivere, insegnante di educazione sessuale, cat sitter...figlia mia, fatti dare un aumento!)
Questo nono volume segna l'inizio di un nuovo arco narrativo e di nuove avventure. Infatti, a corte è atteso un emissario di un paese straniero, anzi due. Per la precisione due donne. Una visita che porta con sé tanto fermento ed entusiasmo. La carovana dei mercanti torna a far visita alla Corte Interna, portando con sé oggetti alla moda....e cose che all'apparenza sembrano innocue o persino utili, ma che in realtà rischiano di danneggiare la salute di una donna incinta o di provocare un aborto. Ecco quindi che l'attenzione nei confronti della consorte prediletta si fa sempre più intensa.
Nobildonne che spariscono, ragazze piantonate giorno e notte senza poter uscire che rimangono misteriosamente incinta, invidie e ripicche. E la disperata ricerca di qualcuno che possa vestire i panni della ninfa della luna al banchetto per gli emissari stranieri (una richiesta particolare delle ospiti, visto che oltre cinquant'anni prima il loro nonno aveva visto danzare suddetta fanciulla....ovvero la tenutaria del padiglione verderame quando era ancora giovane, bellissima e non ancora tanto attaccata ai soldi). Visto il finale del volume, mi sa che Renshi dovrà darsi da fare....
Ormai siamo quasi in pari con il Giappone e quindi ci sarà da aspettare un po' tra un volume e l'altro, ma spero che presto ci verrà spiegato chi è veramente Renshi e che vedremo qualche passo avanti nell'evoluzione del suo rapporto con Maomao (che ormai fa mille lavori, ancella di una consorte, food tester, investigatrice privata per conto di Renshi, medico, donna delle pulizie, insegnante per chi vuole imparare a leggere e scrivere, insegnante di educazione sessuale, cat sitter...figlia mia, fatti dare un aumento!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
September 8, 2023I still really love this manga. There's a big mystery still left unanswered, but the small mysteries that happens within the court grounds keep the story interesting. I'm so impressed with how Mao-mao is written as a character. She's so smart and while she can be reckless, I adore the fact that she remembers her father's advice when it comes to speaking out without proofs.
October 15, 2022
Encore un super tome mais avec des histoires un peu transitoires. JE VEUX DES RÉPONSES SUR JINSHI
March 10, 2024
JINSHI IS SO PRETTY
July 24, 2024
So excited to be here
September 16, 2024
Summary:
Maomao spent the earliest parts of her life training in herbal medicine. She had a path in life that she loved. Unfortunately, that was all ripped away from her when she was captured and sold to the inner palace.
Since then, Maomao's life has changed significantly. She no longer works for the inner palace – but instead works directly for Jinshi and the outer palace. That isn't to say she can't continue being a help to the allies she made within those walls.
Review:
Ohhhh! Somehow, this series keeps getting better! At this rate, I will run out of manga and resort to light novels (the horror! Just kidding). Anyway, I’m trying to say that The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 9 was a delight to read.
This volume introduces a bunch of new potential mysteries, and I can already see how some of them are leading. I think. This series is good at surprising you! On that note, I was pleasantly surprised by some secondary character development here.
The caravan is a great new element that is being added to the mix. I hope we see more of it (though is there the implication of it only lasting five days?). There’s also a short mystery, but much like the prior mysteries, I’m confident it will be relevant to later plots.
Bonus points for working “I shall obtain consent prior to smelling anyone next time” into a serious conversation. Don’t ever change, Maomao.
Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Manga
Poison & Medicine
You Can Also Find Me On:
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Maomao spent the earliest parts of her life training in herbal medicine. She had a path in life that she loved. Unfortunately, that was all ripped away from her when she was captured and sold to the inner palace.
Since then, Maomao's life has changed significantly. She no longer works for the inner palace – but instead works directly for Jinshi and the outer palace. That isn't to say she can't continue being a help to the allies she made within those walls.
Review:
Ohhhh! Somehow, this series keeps getting better! At this rate, I will run out of manga and resort to light novels (the horror! Just kidding). Anyway, I’m trying to say that The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 9 was a delight to read.
This volume introduces a bunch of new potential mysteries, and I can already see how some of them are leading. I think. This series is good at surprising you! On that note, I was pleasantly surprised by some secondary character development here.
The caravan is a great new element that is being added to the mix. I hope we see more of it (though is there the implication of it only lasting five days?). There’s also a short mystery, but much like the prior mysteries, I’m confident it will be relevant to later plots.
Bonus points for working “I shall obtain consent prior to smelling anyone next time” into a serious conversation. Don’t ever change, Maomao.
Highlights:
Historical Fiction
Manga
Poison & Medicine
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews