The Royal Art of Poison

I received this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

It takes a lot for a nonfiction book to truly capture me and this one did it. It grossed me out too, but I took needed breaks :)

This book is written really well, in my opinion. It is educational, but not dull. I also like the inclusions regarding when the doctors and researchers were taken by surprise or interested in a potential poisoning case. It felt like the author was also still interested in the work and that helped keep me interested.

The first part can be a bit dry, but it has to set the stage and explain things, such as living conditions, hygienic practices, and the most common poisoners. The beginning is background information yet still plain cool to read, but the most interest part of the book (to me, anyhow) is Part II when each chapter goes over a specific poisoning case – gives background, the pronouncement of the time, and then the modern findings. Knowing that people can tell from bones or hair is someone was poisoned is crazy. Super interesting.
The third part is about poisonings in the modern world which... mostly involve the Russians in some way. Poisoning is totally making a comeback, apparently.

I read this book in one day– but three different sittings, and is the fastest I've ever read a nonfiction book. If you are interested in the weird or dangerous side of the past and don't mind reading about exploding diarrhea, projectile vomiting, skin swelling and bloating up, or any other potentially disgusting thing bodies can do, then you should totally read this!! Not sure who I will recommend this book to, but I am so ready to recommend it!