The Poisoner's Handbook (2010) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“Absolutely fascinating.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Vivid, compelling account of the establishment of forensic science in New York during the 1920s and 30s.”

• Rated 0 stars

“Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer Deborah Blum follows New York City's first forensic scientists as they struggle to apply the science of chemistry to the detection of poisons. Chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler investigate murders, industrial accidents and the detritus of Prohibition's the homemade alcohol as they struggle to make politicians understand the value of their work. A fascinating book written in a way that makes it enthralling even to the non-scientific. ”

• Rated 3 stars

“This was interesting but somewhat scientific for me. The chapters on alchohol poisoning during prohibition were excellent.”

• Rated 4 stars

“I'm not regularly one to read a book about science-related topics, much less detailed books about autopsies or medically explicit books but the combination of the 1920s culture, politics, and history really interested me. The book did not disappoint - it's written for the casual reader but is specific in its recounting of how all the different poisons are/were detected and how revolutionary the NYC coroner and his team were on the entire field of forensics. Highly recommended!”

• Rated 4 stars

“This was a great book. Norris and Gettler were trailblazers in forensic science and toxicology. This was one of those nonfiction books that read like fiction - New York City in the 20s and 30s was alive for me. The process of discover for these two men was fascinating. Many times they had to invent the tests they used to find poison in the bodies of the men and women they saw. Some were accidentally poisoned, some on purpose.
Melissa, Circulation ”

• Rated 5 stars

“Despite the fact that it took -forever- to read, I really enjoyed it. It included all the fascinating information about the time period and the poisons, but somehow managed to keep it reading like a good mystery (and just finding one of those is hard enough). Some of the cases it covers are truly bizarre, and the fact that it's all true is icing on the cake.”

• Rated 4 stars

“A terrific blend of murder, chemistry, and forensic detective work. I had no idea how common poisoning was nor how dangerous the consumer landscape had been prior to reculations. Well written, well researched, and well read.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Historical fiction set during the start of forensic chemistry in the U.S., full of tycoons, Typhoid Mary, Tammany Hall, high society, and everything else I love about old New York. Great overview of how one man brought science to the coroner's office, and how politics got in the way of his trying to improve public health as a result. Highly recommended.”

• Rated 4 stars

“Lots of interesting facts. I learned that the 20s and 30s were a dangerous time to live.”