The Poisoner’s Handbook
By Deborah Blum – published by Penguin Press ISBN 978-59420-243-8 at $25.95
This is a book about intentional poisonings at the dawn of forensic science, and how detectives begin to catch up with the technology and abilities of the poisoner. It is a fascinating time in jazz age New York as we watch Charles Norris develop the science of Forensic Pathology and the profession of the Medical Examiner in the Coroner’s Office. The Poisoner’s Handbook is a grand and fast paced read. WARNING – do not read while dining in a public restaurant. The title prompts people to look at you askance and become unusually vigilant with their food and drink.
