A Taste for Poison

Eleven Deadly Molecules and the Killers Who Used Them

By: Neil Bradbury Ph.D.

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

This program includes an epilogue and acknowledgements read by the author

“A fascinating tale of poisons and poisonous deeds which both educates and entertains.” (Kathy Reichs)

As any reader or listener of murder mysteries can tell you, poison is one of the most enduring - and popular - weapons of choice for a scheming murderer. It can be slipped into a drink, smeared onto the tip of an arrow or the handle of a door, even filtered through the air we breathe. But how exactly do these poisons work to break our bodies down, and what can we learn from the damage they inflict?

In a fascinating blend of popular science, medical history, and true crime, Dr. Neil Bradbury explores this most morbidly captivating method of murder from a cellular level. Alongside real-life accounts of murderers and their crimes - some notorious, some forgotten, some still unsolved - are the equally compelling stories of the poisons involved: 11 molecules of death that work their way through the human body and, paradoxically, illuminate the way in which our bodies function.

Drawn from historical records and current news headlines, A Taste for Poison weaves together the tales of spurned lovers, shady scientists, medical professionals, and political assassins to show how the precise systems of the body can be impaired to lethal effect through the use of poison. From the deadly origins of the gin and tonic cocktail to the arsenic-laced wallpaper in Napoleon’s bedroom, A Taste for Poison leads listeners on a fascinating tour of the intricate, complex systems that keep us alive - or don’t.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2021 Neil Bradbury (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Details + stories. Both are required for a good listen.

The narrator is British which lends gravitas to the subject. I know it’s a prejudice, but it works. The book is well researched. Explanations of how the poisons affect the body are clear to a lay person. Interesting!

Poison, Murder, and So Much More!

There are some books that make you sit back and think, Oh My! "A Taste For Poison" was a book that I could not put down. From the start, I was hooked. When we think poison, we usually think of how they have been used for horrid deeds. While that is true, there were other uses - and sometimes it was misguided. 

Neil Bradbury takes us on a journey through the history of poisons. From their medicinal uses to make-up, wallpaper, and so much more - murder always comes in. While some of the poisons started out innocently enough, there is always someone that is going to figure out how to use it for nefarious means. I love that he takes you from the start to the finish, without unneeded information. The uses for medicine and murder really intrigued me, I could have gone for a book twice this length! I was not ready for it to end! The information flows smoothly, with background information, the names of those who used the poison for ill will, and ends with forensic breakthroughs, and high-profile cases.

Every single one of the poisons that were discussed were ones that I was familiar with, but I did not know their backgrounds. From accidental discoveries to advances in medical fields - I was amazed at the varied differences in the formulas, what makes it deadly, and if there are any antidotes available. 

Perfection in a book! Grab this one now, you will not be disappointed at all! I look forward to reading more from this author. 

highly entertaining

great narrator, lots of info. talked about the plant/metal/chemical, it's properties, how it affects the body on a cellular and biochemical level, and gives examples of tines in history it has been used. I really enjoyed this- part murder mystery, part science book

Poison? Cure? Everyone look out...

(As posted on Goodreads)
What an interesting combination of entertainment and education! I have always been interested in poison, disturbing though that may be, but I really appreciated learning both about poisons and poisoning.
There were several specific instances where an individual or more than one actually used specific poisons to commit murder (as has been done both privately and publicly, and pains were taken to explain the effects of said poisons on the body and how said effects could be detected and attributed.
The author also pointed out that poisons, in and of themselves, are not evil. As the well and overused statement goes, “The dose makes the poison,” and many substances that are considered poisons are also used as medicines or treatments as well.
As I said, this book was total entertainment and education.

Educational and Entertaining

So glad I picked this one up. It discusses a variety of poisons, the uses of each in a good way and in a murderous way. Cases are discussed and resolved. Very entertaining, informative, and educational. I deducted a star because of some inaccurate information given about the Jim Jones case that didn’t line up with a biography I read about him and that case. It pertains to the “Kool-Aid” incident….other sources site it was actually Flavor Aid.

Interesting.

Although, it was not what I was expecting, it was very interesting. It was very scientific.

Amazing

I don’t write reviews but this book deserves a much better one than I can give it. I enjoyed the stories and loved the medical science behind the stories! Well worth the purchase and definitely worth your time.

Good edutainment

I like the mix of science, history, and true crime. This kept the book fast paced and bite sized, almost podcast like.

Great information and unique cases!

I loved the form the narrative takes, showing you broad strokes for each poison, then leads you into a case study, and lastly the chemical and biological function/impact on the human body. It’s a fascinating listen and moves along well!

Interesting, We’ll Written

Right inside my wheelhouse with interests in forensics, plants, botany, true crime, biology, science, etc. Well written, and organized, with good narration. I finished it while doing a home project over a couple of days. Perfect listen.

Does mention a lot of the same poisons, plants, and stories found in Amy Stewart’s Wicked Plants from 2011.