The Apothecary Diaries is a Japanese light novel series written by Hyūganatsu, which originated as a web novel serialized on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in October 2011 and saw its first light novel release in 2014 with illustrations by Touko Shino. Set in a fictional country reminiscent of Imperial China, the story follows Maomao, a young woman with extensive medical knowledge, who is kidnapped and sold into service at the Emperor's palace. While attempting to remain anonymous as a lowly servant, Maomao covertly uses her sharp wit and expertise in medicine to investigate and solve various medical mysteries and royal affairs within the palace. Her abilities lead her to become a poison tester for an imperial consort, deepening her involvement in palace intrigue. The series has received multiple manga adaptations, beginning in 2017, and an anime television series. The first anime season aired from October 2023 to March 2024, followed by a second season from January to July 2025, and English digital novels are licensed by J-Novel Club.

Author: Natsu Hyuuga | Format: Novel | Year: 2014 | Genre: Drama, Mystery, Female Protagonist, Detective, Royal Affairs, Medicine | Status: Ongoing

The Apothecary Diaries, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, 薬屋のひとりごと

Okitegami Kyouko no Bibouroku, Isekai Yakkyoku, Hyouka, Ascendance of a Bookworm: Part 1, The Twelve Kingdoms: Sea of Shadow, Raven of the Inner Palace, The Story of Saiunkoku, Kamisama Gakkou no Ochikobore