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A Poisoner's Tale

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

'They will forget that we are flesh-and-blood women who have lived, and who now die, at the mercy of those who judge us.'

Discover the dark and gothic historical novel inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana, the first documented female serial killer in history. Perfect for fans of The Familiars and The Lost Apothecary.
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Murderer or saviour? You decide. . .

Rome, 1656

In the shadowy backstreets of the Eternal City lies an apothecary – 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.

©2024 Cathryn Kemp (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Historical Fiction Horror Renaissance Women's Fiction Crime Murder Rome

Critic 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.
An utterly captivating tale of poisoners and papal intrigue, this novel is a taut, thrilling and wholly immersive journey through Rome’s underbelly. Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.
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.
A gorgeous historical novel about the legend of female poisoner Giulia Tofana, brimming with rich detail and intrigue.
A captivating historical novel that weaves intrigue, danger and politics into a richly-detailed narrative
A Poisoner's Tale is a compelling story of sisterhood, defiance and revenge. In Giulia, Cathryn Kemp has created a complex and courageous heroine who is not afraid to walk a dark and dangerous path for what she believes in, and I fell in love with her from the start.
A Poisoner's Tale is a mesmerizing story of power and subjugation; both temporally and emotionally absorbing; gripping and poignant from beginning to end. The two main characters are beautifully crafted, complex and subtle. . . A perfect example of quality historical fiction.
Gripping. Devastating. A beautifully intense read.
A Poisoner’s Tale is incredibly compelling
Kemp has brought Giulia back to life through rich layers of detail. This gruesome story is not for the faint-hearted, but whatever the rights and wrongs of Giulia’s mission, this novel forces us to question how far society has come – and how far it has yet to go
All stars
Most relevant
Superbly crafted, a tale of exploitation, patriarchy, obsession and revenge. Explores the dark side of Christian patriarchy, the hidden sexual abuse and pedophilia, the cruelty of the inquisition in its treatment of woman. At the same time it celebrates the kindness, strength and loyalty of women, in the face of persecution and death they shine. Loved it.

Celebratory & Affirming

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For anyone who liked Prize Women, The Manningtree Witches, The Familiars, any feminist literature based in reality.
This is an interesting tale spun from the harsh and horrid realities of being a woman in a male dominated society. It is a tale which leaves readers considering who is good and who is evil in a religious setting.
Cathryn Kemp is a talented writer who cleverly conjures characters, settings and tone in her beautifully woven descriptive language.
Moreover, the narrators intertwine perfectly to add even more layers to the imagery and emotive responses created by the words on the page.
I look forward to exploring this author and narrators in further listenings.

Historical fiction based on real life women’s plights

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The narrator was excellent and the book was beautifully written. Would definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator

Very enjoyable

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This is a stunning book. I could feel, touch and taste 15th century Italy. The characters feel so real. Fear and loathing, power play and domination.
There’s very real violence, very realistically portrayed, but it’s never gratuitous.
Hard to put down and always very moving.
Fabulous.

Amazing story well written

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Fantastic, vivid writing. Enjoyed it immensely. I felt like I was in the story. Audio was fantastic as well, highly talented professionals.

Fantastic story, fantastic writer.

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