An Analysis of The Mystery Elements in Sarah Penner’s The Lost Apothecary
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the mystery elements, specifically in the storyline of the novel The Lost Apothecary written by Sarah Penner. This study used a qualitative descriptive method and applied the theory of mystery concept formula from Wyatt & Saricks (2019). Data were collected by reading intensively the novel's narrative focusing on the events that reflect the storyline of the mystery. Then, analyze the parts of the mystery element contained in the novel. The mystery elements are found marked by, firstly the presence of a crime case committed by an apothecary and women in London in the 18th by poisoning and killing men who have done bad things to them. Secondly, the investigation process carried out by Caroline, an amateur detective to reveal the truth behind the mystery case. Lastly, the final revelation from the detective, Caroline. In this revelation, she finds the mystery answer of the bear apothecary vial, the apothecary shop’s owner who turned out to be a woman, and the truth behind the secret London’s hidden apothecary shop. The mystery elements in this novel are closely related to the process of investigating a mystery case until the truth is revealed.
