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Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it’s all made-up . . .
Agatha Christie reveled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random–the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this is not the case with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts?
Christie’s extensive chemical knowledge provides the backdrop for A is for Arsenic, in which Kathryn Harkup investigates the poisons used by the murderer in fourteen classic Agatha Christie mysteries. It looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with the body, the cases that may have inspired Christie, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons, both at the time the novel was written and today. A is for Arsenic is a celebration of the use of science by the undisputed Queen of Crime.
Publisher : Bloomsbury Sigma; Reprint edition (January 3, 2017)
Language : English
Paperback : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 1472911326
ISBN-13 : 978-1472911322
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.7 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book fascinating and educational, with highly readable explanations of the science. They appreciate the detailed information about various poisons used by Agatha Christie, and one customer notes it’s a wonderful reference book for crime writers. The book receives positive feedback for its historical content, and one customer mentions it makes a perfect gift for a chemistry student.
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