What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Apothecary Diaries
Series · 2023
If you loved The Apothecary Diaries, start with The Lost Apothecary (Sarah Penner, 2022) — a book on the same thread. Below: 3 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Apothecary Diaries across media.
You crave the satisfaction of watching a brilliant, unconventional protagonist navigate rigid social hierarchies to solve intricate, life-threatening puzzles.
Books on the same thread
The Lost Apothecary
Sarah Penner · Book · 2022
Shares a thread with The Apothecary Diaries: historical mystery.
Like The Apothecary Diaries, this story centers on a woman using her specialized knowledge of poisons to manipulate the power dynamics of a patriarchal historical society.
The Maid: A Novel
Nita Prose · Book · 2022
Explores: Neurodiversity, Social Awkwardness, Found Family.
If you enjoyed Maomao's unique perspective in The Apothecary Diaries, you will appreciate this protagonist whose neurodivergent approach to life helps her solve mysteries that others overlook.
The Midwife's Apprentice
Karen Cushman · Book · 1995
Explores: Coming-of-age, Apprenticeship, Self-discovery.
Much like the protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries, this young woman must survive and develop her skills within a demanding, hierarchical world that initially views her as disposable.
Films on the same thread
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Explores: Finding your place, Self-discovery, Female empowerment.
Fans of The Apothecary Diaries will recognize the familiar journey of a capable young woman finding her professional identity and independence while navigating an unfamiliar, complex community.
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
Film · 2013
Explores: Nature versus society, Transience of life, Parental devotion.
This film mirrors the tension found in The Apothecary Diaries as a young woman struggles to maintain her autonomy while trapped within the restrictive expectations of imperial life.
The Garden of Words
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2013
Explores: Age Gap Romance, Teacher-Student Relationship, Existential Angst.
The quiet, observational intensity of this story resonates with the character-driven medical mysteries of The Apothecary Diaries, focusing on the subtle connections formed between two unlikely individuals.
Suzume
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2022
Explores: Grief and Loss, Environmentalism, Fate vs. Free Will.
Just as Maomao takes responsibility for the safety of her palace in The Apothecary Diaries, Suzume must step up to prevent disaster through her own proactive, investigative courage.
Podcasts on the same thread
Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark
Turning Point USA · Podcast · 2026
Explores: spiritual healing, cultural critique, natural remedies.
If The Apothecary Diaries hit, Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark shares the thread.
CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
Shares a thread with The Apothecary Diaries: historical mystery.
The methodical, detail-oriented investigation of historical cold cases mirrors the patient, clinical puzzle-solving that defines the protagonist's work throughout the episodes of The Apothecary Diaries.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Apothecary Diaries about a doctor?
The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, the daughter of an apothecary who uses her medical knowledge to solve mysteries. After being sold as a servant to the emperor's palace, she uses her skills to treat imperial heirs who have fallen ill.
What is the main premise of The Apothecary Diaries?
The Apothecary Diaries centers on Maomao, a servant in the emperor's palace who investigates medical mysteries. Her talent for finding cures attracts the attention of a palace official named Jinshi, who promotes her to a more significant role within the imperial court.
Who is the main character in The Apothecary Diaries?
The main character of The Apothecary Diaries is Maomao. She is an apothecary's daughter who is sold into servitude at the emperor's palace. She eventually gains recognition for her expertise in medicine and her ability to solve complex health-related mysteries for the royal family.
How does Maomao get promoted in The Apothecary Diaries?
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao earns a promotion after she steps in to cure imperial heirs who have fallen ill. Her ability to solve these medical mysteries catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who recognizes her value and advances her position.