V is for Venom Agatha Christie's chemicals of death

Agatha Christie had a wonderful way with plots and poisons, according to Harkup, a former chemist and author of A Is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie (2015), which was both shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and recognized for its outstanding contribution to medical literature by the British Medical Association. This follow-up presents fourteen more letters in the toxicology ABCs, and the Christie tales that showcased the poisons. Chapters include "A Is for Arrow Poison" in "The Case of the Caretaker"; "H Is for Hydrochloric Acid" in Murder in Mesopotamia; and the snake-derived "V is for Venom" as deployed in Death in the Clouds. Poison was Christie's preferred method of dispatching her victims, and her "toxic choices were perfect," according to Harkup's introduction, which details how Christie came to her in-depth knowledge by serving as a pharmaceutical dispenser during WWI and WWII. Harkup explains chemical compounds and symptoms in a way both fascinating and clear throughout, all the while writing with admiration about how inventive and accurate Christie was in picking her poisons. Readers needn't fear whodunit revelations; Harkup provides spoiler alerts. A must for chemistry buffs and Agatha Christie fans alike.

Former chemist Harkup follows up her A Is for Arsenic with this new book. A long-time fan of Agatha Christie, Harkup focuses on 14 different poisons and how they were used as murder weapons in Christie's various stories. Readers of this book should have some interest in chemistry, as each type of poison is explored in-depth, often alongside diagrams of chemical structures, making the text quite science-heavy for the casual reader. However, Harkup's explanations are engaging, clear, and forthright, which helps the readability for those who are less science-inclined. Each chapter contains an introduction to the poison, a thorough description, instances where Christie used various versions of the chemical in her stories, how the poison kills, and a discussion of any antidotes. Along with the science, Harkup uses many examples from Christie's writings where these poisons were utilized so that fans of her works will have enough to keep them busy. There are two spoilers in the text, but they are well-marked. VERDICT Fans of Christie's novels, especially readers interested in the use of chemistry and poisons in crime fiction, will find this book worthwhile.--Holly Hebert