Book Series Guide
Sarah Penner

Author guide

Sarah Penner Books in Order

Sarah Penner is a historical-fiction author who began writing seriously in 2015. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in finance and left a thirteen-year corporate career in early 2021 to write full-time. Her work includes historical novels and the separately published short story The Conjurer's Wife. She lives in Florida with her husband, Marc.

historical fictionhistorical fantasygothic fictionmystery

Catalog record updated .

Sarah Penner's Newest Book

Cover of The Amalfi Curse

The Amalfi Curse

novel · First published 2025

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven’s arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work? In 1821, Mari DeLuca and the women of her village practice the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the power of the ocean. As their leader, Mari protects Positano with her witchcraft, but she has been plotting to run away with her lover, Holmes—a sailor aboard a merchant ship owned by the nefarious Mazza brothers, known for their greed and brutality. When the Mazzas learn about the women of Positano, they devise a plan to kidnap several of Mari’s friends. With her fellow witches and her village in danger, Mari is forced to choose between the safety of her people and the man she loves. As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a tale of perilous love and powerful sorcery. Can she unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever? Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.

Not sure where to begin?

Start with one of these

Cover of The Lost Apothecary

The Lost Apothecary

It is Sarah Penner's debut novel and the best entry point to her historical fiction.

Outside the series

Bibliography by category

Novels (3)
  1. The Lost Apothecary

    novel · 2021

    Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman. Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register. One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a…

  2. The London Séance Society

    novel · 2023

    From the author of the sensational bestseller The Lost Apothecary comes a spellbinding tale about two daring women who hunt for truth and justice in the perilous art of conjuring the dead. 1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of…

  3. The Amalfi Curse

    novel · 2025

    Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure…

Short fiction (1)
  1. The Conjurer's Wife

    short story · 2025

Frequently asked questions about Sarah Penner

Who is Sarah Penner?

Sarah Penner is a historical-fiction author known for atmospheric stories blending history with mystery and speculative elements. She began writing seriously in 2015 and became a full-time writer in 2021.

Sources: sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)advicetowriters.com (opens in a new tab)

What did Sarah Penner do before becoming a full-time author?

She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in finance and spent thirteen years working in corporate finance before leaving her job in early 2021.

Source: sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)

Where does Sarah Penner live?

Sarah Penner lives in Florida with her husband, Marc. Her public biography also notes her interests in hiking, yoga, cooking, and animal-shelter work.

Sources: sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)

Who influenced Sarah Penner’s writing?

She credits an Elizabeth Gilbert lecture on Big Magic with helping her begin writing seriously. She has also cited Ken Follett, Philippa Gregory, Elizabeth Kostova, Wilkie Collins, and Ira Levin as important literary influences.

Sources: sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)advicetowriters.com (opens in a new tab)

What recognition has Sarah Penner received for her writing?

The Lost Apothecary became an instant New York Times bestseller, debuting at number seven, and sold more than one million copies worldwide. The Amalfi Curse was also an instant New York Times bestseller and a Goodreads Choice Award finalist.

Sources: sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)sarahpenner.com (opens in a new tab)