Book Log 2011 #40: The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum


We take forensic chemistry for granted nowadays, expecting that any substance used to kill someone will be detected. That was not the case at the start of the 20th century, when coroners were often appointed for political reasons and actual science didn't come into play when the police tried to solve crimes. It took a crusading doctor and a like-minded colleague to change this in New York City, as they modernized methods, testing and procedures in an attempt to catch those people who, previously, could poison with impunity.

There is something for just about everyone here, from true crime to public health to medicine to US urban history. The book is organized by chapters involving one particular poison, showing how each came into vogue, cases where it was used, and ways in which the coroner came up with or improved tests to uncovers killers who would have succeeded under the old regime.

The book is well-written and the subject matter greatly interesting, at least to me. Definitely recommended if you're into this sort of thing.