43 pages • 1 hour read
Deborah BlumThe Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum chronicles how Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler pioneered forensic science in 1920s New York, developing methods to detect poisons and applying these techniques to high-profile murder investigations. Their work coincided with major events like Prohibition. The book explores different chemicals in each chapter, detailing their properties and uses as poisons. The narrative contains potentially triggering topics such as murder and poisoning.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Deborah Blum's The Poisoner’s Handbook is widely praised for its gripping recounting of early 20th-century forensic science advancements. Positively noted for its engaging narrative and meticulous research, it occasionally faces criticism for a dense scientific focus. Overall, it is celebrated for blending true crime with historical and scientific intrigue effectively.
Who Should Read The Poisoner’s Handbook?
A reader who enjoys The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum is likely fascinated by true crime, forensic science, and historical mysteries. They would also appreciate titles like Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Mary Roach's Stiff. This reader thrives on intricate, real-life detective work interwoven with rich historical context.
RecommendedReading Age
16+yearsLexile Level
1190L