The Poison Keeper

An Enthralling Historical Novel of Renaissance Italy (Italian Renaissance Series)

By: Deborah Swift

Narrated by: Diana Croft

Naples, 1633. Aqua Tofana: One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.

Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.

Giulia must run for her life and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed and learns of the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.

The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the "Camorra", the mafia. Worse, her aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.

Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets and how vengeance can be overcome by courage and love.

"Her characters are so real they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf." (Historical Novel Society)

©2021 Deborah Swift (P)2022 Deborah Swift

Italian historical fiction!

If you enjoy historical fiction this is a great choice! Narration brings the book to life!! Loved it!

A book that will keep you wanting more

This book is not only beautifully written, but one that firmly places you in this world. Deborah ‘s gift for language holds you from chapter one and rarely lets you go. I can’t wait to keep reading

great book

great naration by dianna croft
cant wait to start the next book
the silkworm keeper.

Not as good as similar novels

The characters are very simple and not developed very well, and appear to have no consciences at all that they wrestle with. Just good enough to keep you listening. Good for “company”—nothing you have to pay close attention to. I don’t mean to sound so negative, it’s just so so.

A Truly Enthralling Story

The first book in the Italian Renaissance Series and my first novel by Deborah Swift was one of the best Historical Fiction stories I've read. I was mesmerized from the first Chapter to the last.

This novel has so much imagery you can't help but feel you're there. The intrigue, secrets, lies, and revenge in these pages had me saying "Just One More Chapter" until the end, which came too soon.

I'm anticipating the next book in this series. Deborah Swift is a brilliant storyteller and Diana Croft narrated this story beautifully.

Cool Story

i really liked the Storyline, especially with the historic background. i wished the narration would have been a little livelier, it sounded quite monotone sometimes

Compelling story of revenge

This is an excellent audiobook. The narration, perfect. The story is tightly drawn and compelling. But it is based on fact is even more interesting. It brings up the ideas of women over the centuries and the terrible traps they have been put in because of their gender. It makes one wonder what would I do in that circumstance of abuse. Well worth the time and money.

A new look at the Renaissance

A spellbinding book that looks at the women of the Renaissance in a very different way. The performance had a great narrator who could separate the characters very well.

Poisonously Good!!

Really loved this book, I’m a huge fan of historical fiction - I crave it and this one hit the spot! Believable characters, great twists snd turns, and intriguing tidbits about the period. Can’t wait to read her next one!

Very entertaining

Very good read I was so invested and emotional by the end
And will definitely read the next book in the series