Seductive Poison

A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the Peoples Temple

By: Deborah Layton

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur, Deborah Layton

Told by a former high-level member of the Peoples Temple and Jonestown survivor, Seductive Poison is the "truly unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews) story of how one woman was seduced by one of the most notorious cults in recent memory and how she found her way back to sanity.

From Waco to Heaven's Gate, the late 20th century saw its share of cult tragedies. But none was quite so dramatic or compelling as the Jonestown massacre of 1978, in which the Reverend Jim Jones and 913 of his disciples perished. Deborah Layton had been a member of the Peoples Temple for seven years when she departed for Jonestown, Guyana, the promised land nestled deep in the South American jungle.

When she arrived, however, Layton saw that something was seriously wrong. Jones constantly spoke of a revolutionary mass suicide, and Layton knew only too well that he had enough control over the minds of the Jonestown residents to carry it out. But her pleas for help - and her sworn affidavit to the US government - fell on skeptical ears.

In this very personal account, Layton opens up the shadowy world of cults and shows how anyone can fall under their spell. Seductive Poison is both an unflinching historical document and a riveting story of intrigue, power, and murder.

©1999 Deborah Layton (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A suspenseful tale of escape that reads like a satisfying thriller, Layton's account is the most important personal testimony to emerge from the Jonestown tragedy." (The Chicago Tribune)

"A fascinating account of a debacle that continues to resonate." (Entertainment Weekly)

"Shattering." (The Boston Globe)

Gripping

Any additional comments?

Hard to believe that so much suspense could be generated by a book that tells a story that is known so well. We all know how it ends, as we all knew what happened at Little Big Horn and on the Titanic. Yet Deborah Layton's first hand telling of the tale breathes life into the lurid headlines and puts a face, so many faces to the victims of this horrendous tragedy. Touching and chilling, "Seductive Poison" is a true cautionary tale that reads like a thriller. A must-read.

Wow

This book is a must read. Amazing story and shows how it could happen. Wow

Fascinating and unique in every way

A genuine and honest memories and details of true events by a brave soul who lived it. So much to learn and Ms. Layton’s experiences stand as a warning to those whom abdication of reason at a vulnerable time can end in a disaster. yet realizing the impossibility of application of logic and skepticism by the very ones trapped inside.

Outstanding read.

Great 1st hand account story

The middle drug on a little too long, but overall Great depiction of her account account.

Incredible tale of courage and survival

The story grabs your attention from the start. It is hard to believe individuals of such quality can be deceived in such a way. The events teach us to be aware and stay alert, and confirms that this could happen to anyone under certain specific circumstances. It educates us to recognize the signs and how to avoid falling into the trap.

heart breaking on so many levels

this book should be part of the high school academia around the world to bear witness to what is possible if you are only seeking and not fully realizing you own worth and value.

Awesome

Horrific story that is fascinating , thorough, honest, and captivating. Deborah Layton is a brave and courageous survivor .

What a view to such a mesmerizing story.

Deborah's story from her standpoint is a must read for all. Enlightening, captivating, and educational. Unfortunately, not everyone will feel compelled to do so, thus the astounding irony of "Those who do not remember the past, are condemned to repeat it" will at some point ring true again.
I enjoyed this book tremendously!

Tragic & Heartwrenching

Well written! Informative and enlightening. I learned so much more about the devastating Jonestown massacre.

Honesty

The honesty of the author about her misguided thoughts and feelings under Jones’ indoctrination came across as both humble and brave. It is truly an amazing look into humans’ tendency to trust the doctrine in front of them fully, without the ability to be swayed by basic reasoning. We see it today with people claiming to “trust the science” even when science is not being applied, only peer-pressuring and the careful increase of social inertia to turn up the temperature on individuals so they won’t point out obvious wrongs for fear of social rejection and even retribution. I would recommend this book to anyone, it is very insightful and interesting as well as tragic and heart-breaking.