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A Poisoner’s Tale

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What to expect

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

Critics Review

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.
STELA BRINZEANU, author of Set in Stone
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.
NAOMI KELSEY, author of The Burnings
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.
CultureFly
A gorgeous historical novel about the legend of female poisoner Giulia Tofana, brimming with rich detail and intrigue.
C. J. COOKE, author of The Lighthouse Witches
A captivating historical novel that weaves intrigue, danger and politics into a richly-detailed narrative
Glamour
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.
ELIZABETH LEE, author of Cunning Women
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.
LAURA CARLIN, author of The Wicked Cometh and Requiem for a Knave
Gripping. Devastating. A beautifully intense read.
ISABELLE SCHULER, author of Lady MacBethad
A Poisoner’s Tale is incredibly compelling
Grimdark Magazine
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
Scotsman
Author Cathryn Kemp
Narrator Gabrielle Nellis-Pain, Steve John Shepherd
Duration 11 hours and 49 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9781529938265
Format Audiobook
Publisher Transworld
Genre Fiction based on or inspired by true events, Historical fiction, Occult fiction
Availability AU, GB, IE

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