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mborer23's review against another edition
4.0
Great look at the true story of Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler, who brought the discipline of forensic medicine to America and revolutionized the prosecution of poison murders in the process. The cases offered up here are presented according to the poison of choice, and a helpful bibliography is available for those who want to read more.
wilkerwyrm's review against another edition
5.0
A highly entertaining book about the development of toxicology in New York. It’s also a great look at the Prohibition era without the glamour of many books about it. An easy read with lots of good information.
zephturner's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
While this is clearly more pop science than a deep dive into the mechanics of poisoning, it gave me a much deeper appreciation for the chemistry, science, and hard work that have made poisoning a detectable crime today, and for the work of the FDA, EPA, and other organizations at preventing Americans from being poisoned by everyday foods, cosmetics, and our workplaces. It's one of those books, much like The Devil In The White City, that highlights some of the taken-for-granted miracles of modern life, like not getting just straight up poisoned to death by hair removal cream or faulty gas lines.
immabehazzie's review against another edition
4.0
It bought this book a few years ago when I was at the museum but I never got around actually reading it. I didn’t know if I would like it because I only bought it because the museum had a poison exhibit and I wanted something to remember it. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The science in it was written well and easily understandable. The history part of it was also done really well which I appreciate because if a historical book isn’t written well for that time period then it takes me out of it. But it was more educational about poisons and science than focusing on the time period.
Overall, I think it’s a good book. I don’t think it’s for everyone but I don’t think that anyone who reads it will be bored or regret it.
Overall, I think it’s a good book. I don’t think it’s for everyone but I don’t think that anyone who reads it will be bored or regret it.
wamp's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Very informative, enjoyed the read