The Conjurer's WifeA Short Story
In nineteenth-century Venice, a young woman’s marriage to an illusionist hides secrets that go deeper than his spectacular acts. The stage is set for transformation in a mesmerizing short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary.
In 1820s Venice, world-renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff confounds sold-out crowds with his astounding manifestations. Even his beautiful wife and assistant, Olivia, is mystified. Her job is to smile and recite her lines—onstage and in society. But the thankless routine is bringing out her rebellious side. Then, on the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions. Now the finale belongs to her.
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Sarah Penner
Sarah Penner’s writing is a portal to the past, where hidden poisons, secretive women, and untold histories linger beneath the surface. Her debut novel, The Lost Apothecary, is more than a work of fiction—it’s a breath of life into forgotten corners of history. With intricate detail and a keen sense of suspense, she weaves stories where the weight of the past influences the present, and where every character is chasing something—whether it’s justice, redemption, or revenge.

