A Poisoner's Tale

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A powerful historical fiction debut inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana, the first documented female serial killer in history. Murderer or saviour You decide. . . Rome, 1656 In the shadowy backstreets of the Eternal City lies an apothecary's shop - a place for women to take their heartbreaks and troubles. Herbs for childbirth. Tarot readings to tell their fortunes. An undetectable poison that can kill in four drops. Alongside her circle of female poisoners, Giulia Tofana dispenses her deadly potion to free the downtrodden women of the city from their abusive husbands. A path she's determined to follow after a harrowing childhood in Palermo. But even in a time of plague, it does not go unnoticed when the men of Rome begin to fall like flies. With a newly elected Pope hell-bent on ridding the city of heretics and witches, and the Holy Office of the Inquisition on her tail, Giulia is in more danger than ever. . . How far will she go for the women who need her help Exploring the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society, A Poisoner's Tale takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey. This is not just a retelling of the legend of Giulia Tofana but an ode to sisterhood and motherhood, to defiance and secret rebellion.

Reviews

Such a moving and unforgettable story. . . A thoughtful read that asks hard questions and bears us witness to the tragic lives of these strong women and the devastating sacrifices they make to help their sisters in need. A gripping tale of dedication, courage and sacrifice. * STELA BRINZEANU, author of Set in Stone *
An utterly captivating tale of poisoners and papal intrigue, this novel is a taut, thrilling and wholly immersive journey through Romes underbelly. Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after youve finished reading. * NAOMI KELSEY, author of The Burnings *
A Poisoner's Tale prompts poignant questions of morality and justice. It's a story that is guaranteed to stay with you long after reading it. * CultureFly *
A gorgeous historical novel about the legend of female poisoner Giulia Tofana, brimming with rich detail and intrigue. * C. J. COOKE, author of The Lighthouse Witches *
A captivating historical novel that weaves intrigue, danger and politics into a richly-detailed narrative * Glamour *

Author Bio

Cathryn Kemp is a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter and author, with a prolific career writing celebrity, inspirational, true crime, addiction and nostalgia titles. Her personal memoir Coming Clean won the Big Red Read Prize for Non-Fiction. A Poisoner's Tale is her first foray into historical fiction. When not researching dark, dangerous and beguiling women from history, Cathryn can be found on the south coast with her son and her familiar, a ginger cat called Gingey.