A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup
Final Rating: 4.3/5
A lethal combination of fiction, branches of science, and bygone crimes that make one compulsive read…
No matter the spectrum of knowledge that a reader arrives with at this deadly social of toxins and poisons, they are sure to leave with a new appreciation of: nature, science, forensics, or the undeniable eye for detail and research that the Queen of Mystery (aka Agatha Christie) displayed in her historic books and short stories. In A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, 14 fascinating opportunities are given to the reader to inspect well-known and lesser recognized poisons and compounds that range from Arsenic to Veronal and their lethal marks on fiction, history, and the human body. Many different subjects are injected, stirred, and poured into the chapters but the conclusion of the section focuses back on the plot and details of one of Christie’s murder mysteries. Even if the reader has never read a novel or story by the Queen of Crime means little because it only aids in the favor of this work as an intriguing introduction for the unfamiliar to a whole new world of literary entertainment. Ms. Harkup certainly has done her research and presents in these pages her passion for chemistry and Agatha Christie mysteries; she also understands that her audience may not have read one of Christie’s works and gives ample warning about potential or full-blown spoilers of the books.
Even though overall strangely entertaining and addictive this book can be slow, over-explain at certain portions, and miss opportunities to examine better recognized historic cases pertaining to the poisons. Depending on the reader they may not even notice or turn the pages a little disappointed after anticipating a section only to soon realize that it might not be as in-depth as other chapters. It may also help to note: that a little medical knowledge is very useful when reading A is for Arsenic. At times passages could be seen as confusing without some prior knowledge of human or animal anatomy and physiology. Although the mentioned historic events that served or were possibly inspired by one of Christie’s novels are sometimes short sections (and are a rare treat to read about) facts can be confused with speculation and myth. Still, this is a fascinating inspection of 14 harmful substances and classic mysteries, so pick your poison, get cozy and enjoy!