The Apothecary Diaries

About The Apothecary Diaries

If you are hunting for a new mystery series, The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) deserves a look (2023). The setup goes like this. The setup: Maomao, an apothecary's daughter, has been plucked from her peaceful life and sold to the lowest echelons of the imperial court. Now merely a maid, Maomao settles into her new mundane life and hides her extensive knowledge of medicine in order to avoid any unwanted attention.

Also worth knowing: Not long after Maomao's arrival, the emperor's infant children inexplicably begin to experience grave symptoms—almost as if a curse has been cast. The curious Maomao easily solves the mystery and, to remain out of the limelight, sets out to leave an anonymous tip. Unfortunately, the dashing and perceptive eunuch Jinshi sees through it and manages to single her out.

In a mystery series like this, clues, misdirection and a satisfying reveal are the hook. This one is best suited to viewers who like piecing together a puzzle.

Production & Appeal

TOHO animation is the studio behind The Apothecary Diaries, and its direction shapes everything from character design to motion. Because it leans on mystery, clues, misdirection and a satisfying reveal are the hook. A community score of 8.9/10 puts it among the better-received mystery titles. Released in 2023, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.