50 Books like The Apothecary Diaries (Light Novel)

The Poet Empress

by Shen Tao

A farm girl marries a prince who flays servants. Loving the monster is her only weapon.

4.39

37k+

🏯 Imperial Court Intrigue 🌑 Dark Fantasy Romance ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers 💔 Morally Grey Hero 🖤 Sympathetic Villain

The Poet Empress 91%

A farm girl marries a prince who flays servants. Loving the monster is her only weapon.

by Shen Tao 2026

4.39

37k+ ratings

🏯 Imperial Court Intrigue 🌑 Dark Fantasy Romance ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers 💔 Morally Grey Hero 🖤 Sympathetic Villain

A Crane Among Wolves

by June Hur • 2024

To ransom her sister from a brutal Korean tyrant, a girl hunts a serial killer the king fears.

3.95

17k+

🕵️ Historical Mystery 👑 Palace Intrigue 👭 Estranged Sisters 💕 Slow-Burn Romance ⚔️ Vigilante Justice

A Crane Among Wolves 93%

To ransom her sister from a brutal Korean tyrant, a girl hunts a serial killer the king fears.

by June Hur 2024

3.95

17k+ ratings

🕵️ Historical Mystery 👑 Palace Intrigue 👭 Estranged Sisters 💕 Slow-Burn Romance ⚔️ Vigilante Justice

The Willow Pattern

by Robert van Gulik • 1965

Plague empties the capital. Judge Dee must solve three murders linked by a blue-and-white vase.

4.07

1k+

🏮 Tang Dynasty China 🧩 Interlocking Mysteries 🦠 Plague And Murder 🏚️ Decadent Aristocracy ⚔️ Vengeance Quest

The Willow Pattern 93%

Plague empties the capital. Judge Dee must solve three murders linked by a blue-and-white vase.

by Robert van Gulik 1965

4.07

1k+ ratings

🏮 Tang Dynasty China 🧩 Interlocking Mysteries 🦠 Plague And Murder 🏚️ Decadent Aristocracy ⚔️ Vengeance Quest

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

by Kate Khavari • 2022

A 1920s botanist hunts a dinner-party poisoner among cutthroat London scholars to clear her mentor.

3.52

23k+

🎓 Academic Mystery 🕰️ Historical Whodunit 🔍 Amateur Female Sleuth 🔬 Woman In Science 💕 Slow Burn Romance

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons Summary

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons 90%

A 1920s botanist hunts a dinner-party poisoner among cutthroat London scholars to clear her mentor.

by Kate Khavari 2022

3.52

23k+ ratings

🎓 Academic Mystery 🕰️ Historical Whodunit 🔍 Amateur Female Sleuth 🔬 Woman In Science 💕 Slow Burn Romance

The Agency for Scandal

by Laura Wood • 2023

A Victorian wallflower spy falls for a duke who never notices her, until their missions collide.

4.23

5k+

🔍 Women Spy Ring 🎭 Secret Identity ❤️ Slow Burn Romance 💍 Fake Relationship 👑 Class Differences

The Agency for Scandal 90%

A Victorian wallflower spy falls for a duke who never notices her, until their missions collide.

by Laura Wood 2023

4.23

5k+ ratings

🔍 Women Spy Ring 🎭 Secret Identity ❤️ Slow Burn Romance 💍 Fake Relationship 👑 Class Differences

The Fox Wife

by Yangsze Choo • 2024

A fox spirit stalks her child's killer across 1908 Manchuria, trailed by a detective who hears lies.

3.98

32k+

🦊 Fox Spirit Folklore 🏮 East Asian Mythology 🔥 Revenge Quest 🔍 Supernatural Detective 💕 Found Family

The Fox Wife 90%

A fox spirit stalks her child's killer across 1908 Manchuria, trailed by a detective who hears lies.

by Yangsze Choo 2024

3.98

32k+ ratings

🦊 Fox Spirit Folklore 🏮 East Asian Mythology 🔥 Revenge Quest 🔍 Supernatural Detective 💕 Found Family

Death of a Red Heroine

by Qiu Xiaolong • 2000

A Shanghai poet-detective pursues a model worker's killer while the Party buries the truth.

3.82

6k+

🔍 Literary Mystery ✒️ Poet Detective 🏛️ Political Cover-Up 💰 Corrupt Political Elite 👥 Secret Double Life

Death of a Red Heroine 90%

A Shanghai poet-detective pursues a model worker's killer while the Party buries the truth.

by Qiu Xiaolong 2000

3.82

6k+ ratings

🔍 Literary Mystery ✒️ Poet Detective 🏛️ Political Cover-Up 💰 Corrupt Political Elite 👥 Secret Double Life

The Librarian of Crooked Lane

by C.J. Archer • 2022

A librarian seeking magical roots lands in an enchanted art heist beside a haunted war hero.

3.83

26k+

🏮 Gaslamp Fantasy 🧳 Orphaned Heroine 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🫂 Found Family 📚 Magical Library

The Librarian of Crooked Lane 90%

A librarian seeking magical roots lands in an enchanted art heist beside a haunted war hero.

by C.J. Archer 2022

3.83

26k+ ratings

🏮 Gaslamp Fantasy 🧳 Orphaned Heroine 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🫂 Found Family 📚 Magical Library

The Queen's Crown

by Jennifer Anne Davis • 2023

After her sister's murder, a princess marries the king to find the killer in his court.

3.84

304

🧚 Fantasy Romance 🏛️ Political Intrigue 🗡️ Enemies To Lovers 💍 Arranged Marriage 🔥 Slow Burn

The Queen's Crown 89%

After her sister's murder, a princess marries the king to find the killer in his court.

by Jennifer Anne Davis 2023

3.84

304 ratings

🧚 Fantasy Romance 🏛️ Political Intrigue 🗡️ Enemies To Lovers 💍 Arranged Marriage 🔥 Slow Burn

The Bride Wore Constant White

by Shelley Adina • 2018

Two sisters hunt a killer in the steampunk West when their mail-order bride friend is murdered.

4.09

351

🤠 Steampunk Western 👰 Mail-Order Bride 👥 Found Family 👻 Ghostly Clues ☕ Cozy Mystery Energy

The Bride Wore Constant White 89%

Two sisters hunt a killer in the steampunk West when their mail-order bride friend is murdered.

by Shelley Adina 2018

4.09

351 ratings

🤠 Steampunk Western 👰 Mail-Order Bride 👥 Found Family 👻 Ghostly Clues ☕ Cozy Mystery Energy

In the Market for Murder

by T.E. Kinsey • 2015

A farmer dies in his pie. A lady sleuth and her maid sift village grudges for the poisoner.

4.12

17k+

🕵️ Lady Detective Duo 👒 Edwardian Mystery 🏘️ Village Secrets 🍄 Poison Murder 🏡 Quirky Village

In the Market for Murder 89%

A farmer dies in his pie. A lady sleuth and her maid sift village grudges for the poisoner.

by T.E. Kinsey 2015

4.12

17k+ ratings

🕵️ Lady Detective Duo 👒 Edwardian Mystery 🏘️ Village Secrets 🍄 Poison Murder 🏡 Quirky Village

The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish

by Xue Shan Fei Hu • 2024

Reborn a pet carp, he must win his mute prince's heart. The quest system demands it.

4.37

5k+

🏳️‍🌈 Danmei Romance 🔄 Transmigration Fantasy 👑 Palace Intrigue 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family 🐟 Shapeshifter Romance

The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish Summary

The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish 89%

Reborn a pet carp, he must win his mute prince's heart. The quest system demands it.

by Xue Shan Fei Hu 2024

4.37

5k+ ratings

🏳️‍🌈 Danmei Romance 🔄 Transmigration Fantasy 👑 Palace Intrigue 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family 🐟 Shapeshifter Romance

The Secret War of Julia Child

by Diana R. Chambers • 2024

1943: a restless OSS clerk talks her way to Asia, where trust is the deadliest weapon.

3.60

7k+

🖋️ Fictionalized Biography 🕵️ Wartime Espionage 💪 Woman In A Man's World 💘 Rivals To Lovers 💕 Slow-Burn Romance

The Secret War of Julia Child 89%

1943: a restless OSS clerk talks her way to Asia, where trust is the deadliest weapon.

by Diana R. Chambers 2024

3.60

7k+ ratings

🖋️ Fictionalized Biography 🕵️ Wartime Espionage 💪 Woman In A Man's World 💘 Rivals To Lovers 💕 Slow-Burn Romance

Empress Orchid

by Anchee Min • 2003

A poor Manchu consort enters the Forbidden City; survival will cost her everything she loves.

3.90

26k+

🏯 Imperial Court Drama 👘 Concubine Protagonist 💔 Forbidden Love ⚔️ Palace Rivalry 🤱 Imperial Motherhood

Empress Orchid 92%

A poor Manchu consort enters the Forbidden City; survival will cost her everything she loves.

by Anchee Min 2003

3.90

26k+ ratings

🏯 Imperial Court Drama 👘 Concubine Protagonist 💔 Forbidden Love ⚔️ Palace Rivalry 🤱 Imperial Motherhood

A Perilous Undertaking

by Deanna Raybourn • 2017

A lepidopterist and her partner race through London's vice dens to prove a condemned man innocent.

4.09

35k+

🕵️ Victorian Murder Mystery 🔍 Amateur Sleuth Duo 💕 Slow Burn Romance 🔬 Female Scientist Lead 💬 Witty Banter

A Perilous Undertaking 91%

A lepidopterist and her partner race through London's vice dens to prove a condemned man innocent.

by Deanna Raybourn 2017

4.09

35k+ ratings

🕵️ Victorian Murder Mystery 🔍 Amateur Sleuth Duo 💕 Slow Burn Romance 🔬 Female Scientist Lead 💬 Witty Banter

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù

Resurrected in a stranger's body, a cultivator hunts a cursed arm with his stoic rival.

4.55

33k+

🏳️‍🌈 Danmei ⚔️ Xianxia 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 💢 Rivals To Lovers ☀️ Grumpy Sunshine

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Summary

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation 89%

Resurrected in a stranger's body, a cultivator hunts a cursed arm with his stoic rival.

by Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù 2016

4.55

33k+ ratings

🏳️‍🌈 Danmei ⚔️ Xianxia 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 💢 Rivals To Lovers ☀️ Grumpy Sunshine

Realm of Knights

by Jennifer Anne Davis • 2019

A girl passing as a boy is forced to lead soldiers and spy for a prince.

3.91

3k+

🏛️ Political Intrigue 👑 Court Intrigue 🕵️‍♀️ Spy Network 🎭 Cross-Dressing Heroine 👥 Dual Identity

Realm of Knights 89%

A girl passing as a boy is forced to lead soldiers and spy for a prince.

by Jennifer Anne Davis 2019

3.91

3k+ ratings

🏛️ Political Intrigue 👑 Court Intrigue 🕵️‍♀️ Spy Network 🎭 Cross-Dressing Heroine 👥 Dual Identity

Cocaine Blues

by Kerry Greenwood • 1989

A poisoned heiress draws a detective into 1920s Melbourne, where high society hides a cocaine ring.

3.84

30k+

🕵️ Amateur Sleuth 🤝 Found Family 🎩 High Society Crime 🧪 Poison Investigation 🥂 Roaring Twenties

Cocaine Blues 89%

A poisoned heiress draws a detective into 1920s Melbourne, where high society hides a cocaine ring.

by Kerry Greenwood 1989

3.84

30k+ ratings

🕵️ Amateur Sleuth 🤝 Found Family 🎩 High Society Crime 🧪 Poison Investigation 🥂 Roaring Twenties

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet

by David Mitchell • 2010

A Dutch clerk in 1799 Japan loves a scarred midwife, but a mountain cult has claimed her.

4.03

68k+

🏯 Edo Period Japan ⚓ Colonial Trading Post 💕 Cross-Cultural Romance ⛩️ Secret Religious Order 👩‍⚕️ Midwife Protagonist

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet Summary

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet 89%

A Dutch clerk in 1799 Japan loves a scarred midwife, but a mountain cult has claimed her.

by David Mitchell 2010

4.03

68k+ ratings

🏯 Edo Period Japan ⚓ Colonial Trading Post 💕 Cross-Cultural Romance ⛩️ Secret Religious Order 👩‍⚕️ Midwife Protagonist

Aquitania

by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi • 2020

To rule Aquitaine, teenage Eleanor must wed her enemy, wield poison, and find her father's murderer.

3.79

13k+

🕸️ Political Intrigue 💔 Enemies To Lovers 👑 Woman In Power 🧪 Poison Mystery 🤫 Family Secrets

Aquitania 89%

To rule Aquitaine, teenage Eleanor must wed her enemy, wield poison, and find her father's murderer.

by Eva García Sáenz de Urturi 2020

3.79

13k+ ratings

🕸️ Political Intrigue 💔 Enemies To Lovers 👑 Woman In Power 🧪 Poison Mystery 🤫 Family Secrets

Stalking Jack the Ripper

by Kerri Maniscalco • 2016

In Victorian London, a forensic student hunts the Ripper, and the evidence points to her family.

3.92

183k+

🔎 Forensic Investigation 🕰️ Victorian Gothic Mystery 🤝 Unlikely Duo 🔐 Family Secrets 🧪 Macabre Experiments

Stalking Jack the Ripper 89%

In Victorian London, a forensic student hunts the Ripper, and the evidence points to her family.

by Kerri Maniscalco 2016

3.92

183k+ ratings

🔎 Forensic Investigation 🕰️ Victorian Gothic Mystery 🤝 Unlikely Duo 🔐 Family Secrets 🧪 Macabre Experiments

What the River Knows

by Isabel Ibañez • 2023

After her parents' deaths in Egypt, Argentine heiress inherits a magical ring and a deadly quest.

3.83

90k+

🗝️ Magical Artifacts 🏛️ Archaeological Adventure 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🤝 Reluctant Allies 🔍 Family Secrets

What the River Knows 89%

After her parents' deaths in Egypt, Argentine heiress inherits a magical ring and a deadly quest.

by Isabel Ibañez 2023

3.83

90k+ ratings

🗝️ Magical Artifacts 🏛️ Archaeological Adventure 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🤝 Reluctant Allies 🔍 Family Secrets

Daughter of the Moon Goddess

by Sue Lynn Tan • 2022

A moon goddess's hidden daughter tumbles into an immortal court that wants her blood.

4.06

131k+

🐉 Chinese Mythology 🎭 Hidden Identity 💔 Forbidden Love 👑 Court Intrigue ⚔️ Warrior Woman

Daughter of the Moon Goddess 89%

A moon goddess's hidden daughter tumbles into an immortal court that wants her blood.

by Sue Lynn Tan 2022

4.06

131k+ ratings

🐉 Chinese Mythology 🎭 Hidden Identity 💔 Forbidden Love 👑 Court Intrigue ⚔️ Warrior Woman

Murder in Constantinople

by A.E. Goldin • 2024

A Jewish tailor finds his dead lover alive. Her trail ends at the Sultan’s palace.

3.44

570

🕎 Jewish Historical Mystery 🕵️ Espionage Thriller 🎭 False Identity ✈️ Exile And Diaspora 🖤 Gothic Atmosphere

Murder in Constantinople 89%

A Jewish tailor finds his dead lover alive. Her trail ends at the Sultan’s palace.

by A.E. Goldin 2024

3.44

570 ratings

🕎 Jewish Historical Mystery 🕵️ Espionage Thriller 🎭 False Identity ✈️ Exile And Diaspora 🖤 Gothic Atmosphere

Rules for Ruin

by Mimi Matthews • 2025

An orphan spy must destroy a politician. The slum-born king she's falling for needs him alive.

3.95

6k+

🗡️ Enemies To Lovers 🏙️ Victorian London ⚖️ Women's Rights 🏚️ Rookery Underworld 🕵️ Undercover Mission

Rules for Ruin 89%

An orphan spy must destroy a politician. The slum-born king she's falling for needs him alive.

by Mimi Matthews 2025

3.95

6k+ ratings

🗡️ Enemies To Lovers 🏙️ Victorian London ⚖️ Women's Rights 🏚️ Rookery Underworld 🕵️ Undercover Mission

Theodora

by Stella Duffy • 2010

A Constantinople dancer must endure the Egyptian desert before she can seize the throne.

3.54

2k+

🏛️ Byzantine Empire 👑 Courtesan To Empress 🌵 Desert Mysticism 🪨 Gritty Historical 🗡️ Court Intrigue

Theodora 89%

A Constantinople dancer must endure the Egyptian desert before she can seize the throne.

by Stella Duffy 2010

3.54

2k+ ratings

🏛️ Byzantine Empire 👑 Courtesan To Empress 🌵 Desert Mysticism 🪨 Gritty Historical 🗡️ Court Intrigue

Flashlight

by Susan Choi

A father vanishes from a moonless beach; decades later his daughter discovers North Korea stole him.

3.89

28k+

🏠 Literary Family Saga 🕵️ Cold War Intrigue 🕳️ The Disappeared 💔 Generational Trauma 👩‍👧 Mother-Daughter Rift

Flashlight 88%

A father vanishes from a moonless beach; decades later his daughter discovers North Korea stole him.

by Susan Choi 2025

3.89

28k+ ratings

🏠 Literary Family Saga 🕵️ Cold War Intrigue 🕳️ The Disappeared 💔 Generational Trauma 👩‍👧 Mother-Daughter Rift

Foul Lady Fortune

by Chloe Gong • 2022

An immortal assassin and a spy pose as newlyweds to catch a killer in 1930s Shanghai.

4.20

32k+

🕵️ Spy Thriller 🕰️ Historical Fantasy 💍 Fake Marriage ❤️‍🔥 Enemies To Lovers 🎭 Double Agents

Foul Lady Fortune 90%

An immortal assassin and a spy pose as newlyweds to catch a killer in 1930s Shanghai.

by Chloe Gong 2022

4.20

32k+ ratings

🕵️ Spy Thriller 🕰️ Historical Fantasy 💍 Fake Marriage ❤️‍🔥 Enemies To Lovers 🎭 Double Agents

The Downstairs Girl

by Stacey Lee • 2019

A Chinese maid's secret column challenges 1890 Atlanta, but discovery would cost her everything.

3.95

41k+

🎭 Hidden Identity 🫂 Found Family 📜 Secret Lineage 💎 Class Divide 🧧 Chinese American Identity

The Downstairs Girl 90%

A Chinese maid's secret column challenges 1890 Atlanta, but discovery would cost her everything.

by Stacey Lee 2019

3.95

41k+ ratings

🎭 Hidden Identity 🫂 Found Family 📜 Secret Lineage 💎 Class Divide 🧧 Chinese American Identity

The Case of the Missing Marquess

by Nancy Springer • 2006

Enola Holmes follows her missing mother's cipher into London, where a marquess has been kidnapped.

3.78

45k+

🕵️ Girl Detective 🎩 Victorian London 🔍 Sherlock Holmes Adjacent 🏃 Runaway Protagonist 📜 Encoded Messages

The Case of the Missing Marquess Summary

The Case of the Missing Marquess 89%

Enola Holmes follows her missing mother's cipher into London, where a marquess has been kidnapped.

by Nancy Springer 2006

3.78

45k+ ratings

🕵️ Girl Detective 🎩 Victorian London 🔍 Sherlock Holmes Adjacent 🏃 Runaway Protagonist 📜 Encoded Messages

Graceling

by Kristin Cashore • 2008

A weapon for her uncle's throne, she follows a prince into a mind-controlling king's grip.

4.06

483k+

🗡️ Reluctant Weapon 🧠 Mind Control Villain 👥 Found Family 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🔮 Hidden Ability

Graceling 89%

A weapon for her uncle's throne, she follows a prince into a mind-controlling king's grip.

by Kristin Cashore 2008

4.06

483k+ ratings

🗡️ Reluctant Weapon 🧠 Mind Control Villain 👥 Found Family 🔥 Slow Burn Romance 🔮 Hidden Ability

The Selection

by Kiera Cass • 2012

She entered a royal spouse competition for her family and became the prince's only trusted friend.

4.07

1.8M+

💔 Dystopian Romance 👑 Royal Competition 💕 Love Triangle 🤴 Prince And Commoner ⚖️ Caste System

The Selection 89%

She entered a royal spouse competition for her family and became the prince's only trusted friend.

by Kiera Cass 2012

4.07

1.8M+ ratings

💔 Dystopian Romance 👑 Royal Competition 💕 Love Triangle 🤴 Prince And Commoner ⚖️ Caste System

The Empress of Salt and Fortune

by Nghi Vo • 2020

A servant kept an empress's secrets for decades. A traveling cleric finally gets her to speak.

3.90

46k+

🏯 Quiet Fantasy 📖 Story Within A Story 🏮 Asian-Inspired Fantasy 📜 Hidden Histories 👑 Behind The Throne

The Empress of Salt and Fortune 89%

A servant kept an empress's secrets for decades. A traveling cleric finally gets her to speak.

by Nghi Vo 2020

3.90

46k+ ratings

🏯 Quiet Fantasy 📖 Story Within A Story 🏮 Asian-Inspired Fantasy 📜 Hidden Histories 👑 Behind The Throne

Death by Dumpling

by Vivien Chien • 2018

Lana Lee's lunch delivery kills the property manager of Asia Village, making her the prime suspect.

3.65

14k+

🍜 Restaurant Setting 🕵️‍♀️ Amateur Detective 🔒 Closed Circle Mystery 🤫 Family Secrets 💞 Slow Burn Romance

Death by Dumpling 89%

Lana Lee's lunch delivery kills the property manager of Asia Village, making her the prime suspect.

by Vivien Chien 2018

3.65

14k+ ratings

🍜 Restaurant Setting 🕵️‍♀️ Amateur Detective 🔒 Closed Circle Mystery 🤫 Family Secrets 💞 Slow Burn Romance

Peaches & Honey

by R. Raeta • 2023

A burned witch rises immortal, saved by a shapeshifting god whose love defies the creator.

4.24

14k+

🕯️ Slow Burn Romance 🏠 Found Family 🌿 Healer Protagonist 📜 Witness To History 🎭 Hidden Identity

Peaches & Honey 89%

A burned witch rises immortal, saved by a shapeshifting god whose love defies the creator.

by R. Raeta 2023

4.24

14k+ ratings

🕯️ Slow Burn Romance 🏠 Found Family 🌿 Healer Protagonist 📜 Witness To History 🎭 Hidden Identity

The Nightblood Prince

by Molly X. Chang • 2025

A captive bride of prophecy risks all for the blood-magic prince who offers her escape.

3.70

5k+

🔮 Prophecy-Driven Fantasy 🩸 Blood Magic Romance 🏮 Asian-Inspired Fantasy 💔 Love Triangle 🕊️ Captive Heroine

The Nightblood Prince 89%

A captive bride of prophecy risks all for the blood-magic prince who offers her escape.

by Molly X. Chang 2025

3.70

5k+ ratings

🔮 Prophecy-Driven Fantasy 🩸 Blood Magic Romance 🏮 Asian-Inspired Fantasy 💔 Love Triangle 🕊️ Captive Heroine

Cage of Deceit

by Jennifer Anne Davis • 2015

A vigilante princess forced into a political marriage falls for her betrothed's enigmatic squire.

4.12

3k+

🔍 Secret Identity 👑 Arranged Marriage 💔 Forbidden Romance ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers 🏰 Political Intrigue

Cage of Deceit 89%

A vigilante princess forced into a political marriage falls for her betrothed's enigmatic squire.

by Jennifer Anne Davis 2015

4.12

3k+ ratings

🔍 Secret Identity 👑 Arranged Marriage 💔 Forbidden Romance ⚔️ Enemies To Lovers 🏰 Political Intrigue

Murder in the White House

by Margaret Truman • 1980

A Secretary of State killed inside the White House: the killer is someone the president knows.

3.77

4k+

🔒 Locked Room Mystery 👑 Palace Intrigue 🗝️ Family Secrets 🔍 Amateur Detective 🔥 Slow Burn Mystery

Murder in the White House 89%

A Secretary of State killed inside the White House: the killer is someone the president knows.

by Margaret Truman 1980

3.77

4k+ ratings

🔒 Locked Room Mystery 👑 Palace Intrigue 🗝️ Family Secrets 🔍 Amateur Detective 🔥 Slow Burn Mystery

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

by Jesse Q. Sutanto • 2023

A lonely widow finds a dead man and turns the suspects into family.

4.02

209k+

🖤 Found Family 🔍 Amateur Sleuth 👵 Meddling Protagonist 🌱 Grief And Healing 🤝 Unlikely Friendships

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers Summary

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers 88%

A lonely widow finds a dead man and turns the suspects into family.

by Jesse Q. Sutanto 2023

4.02

209k+ ratings

🖤 Found Family 🔍 Amateur Sleuth 👵 Meddling Protagonist 🌱 Grief And Healing 🤝 Unlikely Friendships

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women

by Lisa See • 2023

In Ming China, a healer's granddaughter enters a marriage that forbids her from practicing medicine.

4.35

214k+

📜 Real Historical Figure 👩‍⚕️ Female Physician 🤝 Cross-Class Friendship 👯 Female Solidarity 🔍 Family Secrets

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women 90%

In Ming China, a healer's granddaughter enters a marriage that forbids her from practicing medicine.

by Lisa See 2023

4.35

214k+ ratings

📜 Real Historical Figure 👩‍⚕️ Female Physician 🤝 Cross-Class Friendship 👯 Female Solidarity 🔍 Family Secrets

The Scarlet Alchemist

by Kylie Lee Baker • 2023

In an alternate Tang China, a resurrection alchemist must protect a prince from his ruthless mother.

4.01

9k+

🧪 Alchemical Fantasy 🏯 Imperial Chinese Fantasy 💀 Resurrection Magic 👑 Crown Prince Romance 🏰 Palace Intrigue

The Scarlet Alchemist 90%

In an alternate Tang China, a resurrection alchemist must protect a prince from his ruthless mother.

by Kylie Lee Baker 2023

4.01

9k+ ratings

🧪 Alchemical Fantasy 🏯 Imperial Chinese Fantasy 💀 Resurrection Magic 👑 Crown Prince Romance 🏰 Palace Intrigue

If You Could See the Sun

by Ann Liang

A Beijing scholarship kid turns invisible. Her wealthy classmates' secrets become her side hustle.

3.99

60k+

🖤 Enemies To Lovers 📚 Academic Rivals 💸 Rich Boy Poor Girl 😈 Morally Grey Heroine 🏫 Boarding School Drama

If You Could See the Sun 88%

A Beijing scholarship kid turns invisible. Her wealthy classmates' secrets become her side hustle.

by Ann Liang 2022

3.99

60k+ ratings

🖤 Enemies To Lovers 📚 Academic Rivals 💸 Rich Boy Poor Girl 😈 Morally Grey Heroine 🏫 Boarding School Drama

The Nurse's Secret

by Amanda Skenandore • 2022

A pickpocket hiding in Bellevue's nursing school discovers a killer stalking the wards.

4.14

36k+

🕵️‍♀️ Gilded Age Mystery 🎭 Hidden Identity 👮‍♀️ Unlikely Sleuth 🌆 1880s New York City 🤝 Found Family

The Nurse's Secret 88%

A pickpocket hiding in Bellevue's nursing school discovers a killer stalking the wards.

by Amanda Skenandore 2022

4.14

36k+ ratings

🕵️‍♀️ Gilded Age Mystery 🎭 Hidden Identity 👮‍♀️ Unlikely Sleuth 🌆 1880s New York City 🤝 Found Family

The Thief

by Megan Whalen Turner • 1996

Released from prison, a thief must steal a sacred stone from a maze of traps and meddling gods.

3.85

94k+

🎭 Unreliable Narrator 👑 Hidden Royalty ⚖️ Political Fantasy 🏛️ Mythological Quest 🗝️ Cunning Thief

The Thief 88%

Released from prison, a thief must steal a sacred stone from a maze of traps and meddling gods.

by Megan Whalen Turner 1996

3.85

94k+ ratings

🎭 Unreliable Narrator 👑 Hidden Royalty ⚖️ Political Fantasy 🏛️ Mythological Quest 🗝️ Cunning Thief

The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

by Kelli Estes • 2015

Her family's island estate holds a silk sleeve embroidered with a massacre her ancestor committed.

4.10

34k+

🕰️ Dual Timeline Narrative 🔍 Historical Mystery 🔒 Family Secrets 💕 Cross-Cultural Love 🩹 Intergenerational Trauma

The Girl Who Wrote in Silk 88%

Her family's island estate holds a silk sleeve embroidered with a massacre her ancestor committed.

by Kelli Estes 2015

4.10

34k+ ratings

🕰️ Dual Timeline Narrative 🔍 Historical Mystery 🔒 Family Secrets 💕 Cross-Cultural Love 🩹 Intergenerational Trauma

Sky Burial

by Xinran • 2004

Love sent a Chinese doctor into Tibet; the plateau took thirty years to return her.

4.09

8k+

🏔️ Epic Love Quest 🌏 Cultural Immersion 🕉️ Tibetan Buddhism 🏕️ Nomadic Survival 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family

Sky Burial 88%

Love sent a Chinese doctor into Tibet; the plateau took thirty years to return her.

by Xinran 2004

4.09

8k+ ratings

🏔️ Epic Love Quest 🌏 Cultural Immersion 🕉️ Tibetan Buddhism 🏕️ Nomadic Survival 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family

Spin the Dawn

by Elizabeth Lim • 2019

Disguised as her brother, a tailor wins the emperor's trial, then must sew gowns from light.

3.97

65k+

🏮 Mulan Retelling 🧵 Competition Fantasy 🗺️ Mythic Quest 💔 Forbidden Romance 🎭 Girl Disguised As Boy

Spin the Dawn 88%

Disguised as her brother, a tailor wins the emperor's trial, then must sew gowns from light.

by Elizabeth Lim 2019

3.97

65k+ ratings

🏮 Mulan Retelling 🧵 Competition Fantasy 🗺️ Mythic Quest 💔 Forbidden Romance 🎭 Girl Disguised As Boy

Grave Mercy

by Robin LaFevers • 2012

An assassin nun protects a besieged duchess, falling for the half-brother she suspects most.

3.89

108k+

🗡️ Assassin Heroine 👑 Medieval Court Intrigue 💕 Enemies To Lovers 🫂 Found Family 💀 Deadly Romance

Grave Mercy 88%

An assassin nun protects a besieged duchess, falling for the half-brother she suspects most.

by Robin LaFevers 2012

3.89

108k+ ratings

🗡️ Assassin Heroine 👑 Medieval Court Intrigue 💕 Enemies To Lovers 🫂 Found Family 💀 Deadly Romance

Dial A for Aunties

by Jesse Q. Sutanto • 2021

A wedding photographer kills her blind date. Her meddling aunties know where to hide a body.

3.68

121k+

💕 Romantic Comedy 🕵️ Crime Comedy 💞 Second Chance Romance 👩‍👩‍👧 Meddling Relatives 🏠 Family Obligation

Dial A for Aunties 88%

A wedding photographer kills her blind date. Her meddling aunties know where to hide a body.

by Jesse Q. Sutanto 2021

3.68

121k+ ratings

💕 Romantic Comedy 🕵️ Crime Comedy 💞 Second Chance Romance 👩‍👩‍👧 Meddling Relatives 🏠 Family Obligation

Immortal

by Sue Lynn Tan • 2025

A mortal ruler hides a sacred lotus from an immortal warrior, whose hunt turns to devotion.

3.77

19k+

🐉 Chinese Mythology 💓 Enemies To Lovers 👑 Court Intrigue 💖 Epic Fantasy Romance 🏮 Ancient Chinese Setting

Immortal 88%

A mortal ruler hides a sacred lotus from an immortal warrior, whose hunt turns to devotion.

by Sue Lynn Tan 2025

3.77

19k+ ratings

🐉 Chinese Mythology 💓 Enemies To Lovers 👑 Court Intrigue 💖 Epic Fantasy Romance 🏮 Ancient Chinese Setting

Compare Features	Free	Pro
📖 Read Summaries Read unlimited summaries. Free users get 3 per month
🎧 Listen to Summaries Listen to unlimited summaries in 40 languages	—
❤️ Unlimited Bookmarks Free users are limited to 4	—
📜 Unlimited History Free users are limited to 4	—
📥 Unlimited Downloads Free users are limited to 1	—

People love SoBrief

Join our global community of 600,000+ readers

★★★★★

This site is a total game-changer. I've been flying through book summaries like never before. Highly, highly recommend.

— Dave G

Worth my money and time, and really well made. I've never seen this quality of summaries on other websites. Very helpful!

— Em

Highly recommended!! Fantastic service. Perfect for those that want a little more than a teaser but not all the intricate details of a full audio book.

— Greg M