About the book
A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of . Inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana.
'Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE
'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN
'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' -5-STAR Reader Review
'Historical fiction at its best' -5-STAR Reader Review
--------------
Rome, 1656
In Rome’s shadowy backstreets 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 begin to fall like flies.
With 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?
MURDERER OR SAVIOUR? YOU DECIDE.
A POISONER'S TALE explores the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society and takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey.
--------------
'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' -5-STAR Reader Review
'This book will stay with me for a very long time' -5-STAR Reader Review
‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER
'Moving and unforgettable.' STELA BRINZEANU
'Incredibly compelling.' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE
‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN
'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY
Editions of Poisoner's Tale
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781787637092
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781787637108
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781804992241
- EBook
- ISBN 9781529907292
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9781529938265
Read an Excerpt
A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of . Inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana.
'Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE
'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN
'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' -5-STAR Reader Review
'Historical fiction at its best' -5-STAR Reader Review
--------------
Rome, 1656
In Rome’s shadowy backstreets 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 begin to fall like flies.
With 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?
MURDERER OR SAVIOUR? YOU DECIDE.
A POISONER'S TALE explores the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society and takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey.
--------------
'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' -5-STAR Reader Review
'This book will stay with me for a very long time' -5-STAR Reader Review
‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER
'Moving and unforgettable.' STELA BRINZEANU
'Incredibly compelling.' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE
‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN
'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Poisoner's Tale about?
A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of . Inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana.
'Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE
'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN
'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' -5-STAR Reader Review
'Historical fiction at its best' -5-STAR Reader Review
--------------
Rome, 1656
In Rome’s shadowy backstreets 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 begin to fall like flies.
With 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?
MURDERER OR SAVIOUR? YOU DECIDE.
A POISONER'S TALE explores the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society and takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey.
--------------
'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' -5-STAR Reader Review
'This book will stay with me for a very long time' -5-STAR Reader Review
‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER
'Moving and unforgettable.' STELA BRINZEANU
'Incredibly compelling.' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE
‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN
'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Poisoner's Tale?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of Poisoner's Tale?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781787637092
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Poisoner's Tale?
Cathryn Kemp
Who is the Publisher of the book Poisoner's Tale?
Transworld
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Poisoner's Tale is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781787637092) and paperback(ISBN 9781787637108) and paperback(ISBN 9781804992241) and ebook(ISBN 9781529907292) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9781529938265)
Where can I buy Poisoner's Tale online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Poisoner's Tale from below
Where can I buy Poisoner's Tale?