As a lifelong mystery devotee, I definitely have A Taste for Poison. After all, my favorite author, Agatha Christie, used it in many of her plots. Agatha had been trained in pharmacology during WWI, which gave her plots authenticity. Now, aspiring mystery writers, and potential murderers I suppose, can just read this book.
The book has chapters on eleven different poisons from aconite to strychnine. Each chapter includes a description of how the poison works and where to find it. It also includes cases where the user was convicted, or not, of his crimes. Some even indicate where the user could have improved his plan to avoid detection at all. There is also a full description of the poison’s effects. There is even an appendix at the back giving a summary of each of the poisons including dosages and antidotes.
A Taste for Poison is a great resource for authors to ensure accuracy in their poisonous plots. However, it is also interesting in its own right. Who knew Doyle was a classmate of a famed poisoner? Fascinating stuff, indeed. 4 stars!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.