A Taste for Poison

There are some books that make you sit back and think, Oh My! “A Taste For Poison” was a book that I could not put down. From the start, I was hooked. When we think poison, we usually think of how they have been used for horrid deeds. While that is true, there were other uses - and sometimes it was misguided. 

Neil Bradbury takes us on a journey through the history of poisons. From their medicinal uses to make-up, wallpaper, and so much more - murder always comes in. While some of the poisons started out innocently enough, there is always someone that is going to figure out how to use it for nefarious means. I love that he takes you from the start to the finish, without unneeded information. The uses for medicine and murder really intrigued me, I could have gone for a book twice this length! I was not ready for it to end! The information flows smoothly, with background information, the names of those who used the poison for ill will, and ends with forensic breakthroughs, and high-profile cases.

Every single one of the poisons that were discussed were ones that I was familiar with, but I did not know their backgrounds. From accidental discoveries to advances in medical fields - I was amazed at the varied differences in the formulas, what makes it deadly, and if there are any antidotes available. 

Perfection in a book! Grab this one now, you will not be disappointed at all! I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Didn't go too deep and didn't just glaze over things either. Maybe seen as an intro to something more specific and pick up a book about that next.

"The dose makes the poison."

As I write this, my husband is giving me the side eye after listening to me go on about how awesome this book about poisons and the people who used them was. I can't imagine why, because we both know I lack the attention span required to cook up a poison or two.

But in all seriousness, this was a fantastic book about several different natural and synthetic compounds that were used to commit crimes. Each chapter features a different poison, centers around a major case (and sometimes a minor one as well) where the poison featured prominently, and discusses medically what happens when the poison is administered and other neat (read: morbid) facts about efficacy, cures, and how the poison was made or discovered. My favorite chapter was the chapter on ricin, if only for the morbidly amusing story about an elderly woman in Vermont who cooked up poisons in her assisted living kitchen. The chapter on polonium was also fascinating.

It's not a very long book and the poisons discussed were all ones I had at least heard of, if not knew the details about. It's not a comprehensive book about all poisons ever, but what it does talk about is well fleshed out and entertaining to read about. Just a great, interesting read all around.

Maybe pick your audience carefully before discussing this book, though.