Opium and Absinthe

The cover and the title sold this book for me, but unfortunately, the book itself didn't quite deliver. There was enough mystery to keep me reading, but the middle was extremely slow. We focused so completely on Tillie's addiction for much of the book that I found myself quite bored with her. I wished we could have seen more of the nightlife and Ian.

Historical mystery taking place at the turn of the 20th century in New York where Tillie, a young woman from a rich family founds her life inexplicably changed when her sister is murdered by what could be a vampire while she finds herself increasingly addicted to various drugs. 

I liked this historical novel. The author did a great job recreating the New York of 1899, the Gilded Age of old fortunes and the nouveaux riches. It also showed women's conditions in that era where personal dreams of a professional career was discouraged or even forbidden, as domestic life were the only things a woman could do in western society during that time. 
One other thing I liked is the inclusion of Dracula as a cultural objet during that period, with quotes being used throughout the story, and the public's hysteria surrounding the release of the book and vampirism in general. 

I liked the main character, her thirst for knowledge and ambition to become something other than what a patriarchal society expected her to be. Her fall into drug addictions was well portrayed in a realistic and detailed way, it's not surprising since the author is also a medical physician. However I felt her recovery was a bit rushed, as in I wish there were more pages dedicated to that part.

Likewise the plot felt uneven and I felt the last 100 pages were also rushed in terms of the resolution of the mystery and each character's arc. Some of the dialogue and interactions felt a bit YA too. 
The romance between the main character Tillie and the side character Ian was cute but mostly boring and I didn't care for it. Most of the other characters were pretty nasty in their behaviour and I do wish there was more female friendships especially with Tillie. 

I did like the reveal of the murderer, I was surprised by who did it since I had another character in mind. I felt what Mrs Erikkson had mental problems, a sort of Munshausen by proxy where her son had an actual illness but it's made worst, correct me if I'm wrong.

Overall a good book despite some pacing problems. 

4.5 stars

This was surprisingly good. Kept me at the edge of my seat. I had suspicions about the culprit, and I liked how I was wrong but still close. At least the one person I trusted turned out to be good

This was FANTASTIC!!! I didn't think I would like it more than the other Lydia Kang book I've read, Toxic, but it surpassed all my expectations!!!!!! I LOVED Tillie as a character and grew so very attached to her!!!!!!! This was absolutely Delightful!!!!! And That ending was definitely a shock!!!!!!!

3.5 stars. A bit uneven at times but the end was satisfying (even if some elements went way too fast and others far too slow). Did a combo of Kindle, audiobook, and print.

When her sister, the perfect daughter is murdered, Tillie is shocked, but determined to find out more - that is, as soon as she is feeling better.


This was an interesting story, wrapped in the hysteria of the newly released Dracula. I enjoyed reading through this book! Great for weekend reads or those rainy days where you want to stay on the couch! Perfect for book clubs too!

First thing first, the cover on this one is GORGEOUS. I love it!

Okay, so onto the book...this was a fun read. Well written. Likable and itriguing charcaters. An autmospheric and interesting setting. A mystery that kept me guessing until the end. Just an enjoyable read overall. I'd love to see more books featuring these charcaters!