A Taste for Poison

Eleven Deadly Molecules and the Killers Who Used Them

De: Neil Bradbury Ph.D.

Narrado por: Derek Perkins

This program includes an epilogue and acknowledgements read by the author

“A fascinating tale of poisons and poisonous deeds which both educates and entertains.” (Kathy Reichs)

As any reader or listener of murder mysteries can tell you, poison is one of the most enduring - and popular - weapons of choice for a scheming murderer. It can be slipped into a drink, smeared onto the tip of an arrow or the handle of a door, even filtered through the air we breathe. But how exactly do these poisons work to break our bodies down, and what can we learn from the damage they inflict?

In a fascinating blend of popular science, medical history, and true crime, Dr. Neil Bradbury explores this most morbidly captivating method of murder from a cellular level. Alongside real-life accounts of murderers and their crimes - some notorious, some forgotten, some still unsolved - are the equally compelling stories of the poisons involved: 11 molecules of death that work their way through the human body and, paradoxically, illuminate the way in which our bodies function.

Drawn from historical records and current news headlines, A Taste for Poison weaves together the tales of spurned lovers, shady scientists, medical professionals, and political assassins to show how the precise systems of the body can be impaired to lethal effect through the use of poison. From the deadly origins of the gin and tonic cocktail to the arsenic-laced wallpaper in Napoleon’s bedroom, A Taste for Poison leads listeners on a fascinating tour of the intricate, complex systems that keep us alive - or don’t.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2021 Neil Bradbury (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Details + stories. Both are required for a good listen.

The narrator is British which lends gravitas to the subject. I know it’s a prejudice, but it works. The book is well researched. Explanations of how the poisons affect the body are clear to a lay person. Interesting!

Poison, Murder, and So Much More!

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. 

highly entertaining

great narrator, lots of info. talked about the plant/metal/chemical, it's properties, how it affects the body on a cellular and biochemical level, and gives examples of tines in history it has been used. I really enjoyed this- part murder mystery, part science book

Amazing

I don’t write reviews but this book deserves a much better one than I can give it. I enjoyed the stories and loved the medical science behind the stories! Well worth the purchase and definitely worth your time.

Good edutainment

I like the mix of science, history, and true crime. This kept the book fast paced and bite sized, almost podcast like.

Great information and unique cases!

I loved the form the narrative takes, showing you broad strokes for each poison, then leads you into a case study, and lastly the chemical and biological function/impact on the human body. It’s a fascinating listen and moves along well!

Excellent

Really informative and interesting!!! Brought me back to college biology and anatomy and physiology! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys science or true crime!

Unexpected enjoyment

Amazing book. So well written. The author makes the topic of poisons fascinating and educating. It made me appreciate how our bodies work and the medical progress.

Fascinating

A fascinating look at poisons, how they work, and famous cases involving poison. It was a little technical in parts going in-depth into the body chemistry, which I enjoyed, but often had to rewind to get all of it. For those sections, the written book would've been easier to follow than the audio. I plan to buy it, too, so I can re-read this and cross-reference between the two. I will definitely listen to this again and hope we might get a sequel one day.

So many poisons … so little time

Dr. Bradbury enchants, surprises, and delights readers with fascinating tales of poisoning and the science behind it. If it was a physical book, it would be a page turner. Hopefully there will be a sequel. A book to listen to again and again!