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READERS ARE GRIPPED BY A POISONER’S TALE!

‘A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read’ -5-STAR Reader Review

‘An incredible debut that I simply could not put down’ -5-STAR Reader Review

‘This book will stay with me for a very long time’ -5-STAR Reader Review

‘Historical fiction at its best’ -5-STAR Reader Review

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THIS IS A POWERFUL FEMINIST RETELLING OF THE BEST SERIAL KILLER YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF. . .

‘Not for the faint-hearted’ SCOTSMAN

Rome, 1656

In Rome’s shadowy backstreets lies an apothecary’s shop – 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 begin to fall like flies.

With 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?

MURDERER OR SAVIOUR? YOU DECIDE.

A dark and gothic historical novel inspired by the true story of Giuia Tofana, the first documented female serial killer in history. A POISONER’S TALE explores the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society and takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey.

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‘Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE

‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER

‘Moving and unforgettable.’ STELA BRINZEANU

‘Incredibly compelling.’ GRIMDARK MAGAZINE

‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN

‘Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.’ NAOMI KELSEY

Publisher Review

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 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 * 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 * Gripping. Devastating. A beautifully intense read. * ISABELLE SCHULER, author of Lady MacBethad *