Equal parts true crime; twentieth-century history; and science thriller; The Poisoner's Handbook is "a vicious; page-turning story that reads more like Raymond Chandler than Madame Curie" (The New York Observer) A fascinating Jazz Age tale of chemistry and detection; poison and murder; The Poisoner's Handbook is a page-turning account of a forgotten era. In early twentieth-century New York; poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime. Science had no place in the Tammany Hall-controlled coroner's office; and corruption ran rampant. However; with the appointment of chief medical examiner Charles Norris in 1918; the poison game changed forever. Together with toxicologist Alexander Gettler; the duo set the justice system on fire with their trailblazing scientific detective work; triumphing over seemingly unbeatable odds to become the pioneers of forensic chemistry and the gatekeepers of justice.In 2014; PBS's AMERICAN EXPERIENCE released a film based on The Poisoner's Handbook.
#16329 in Books Penguin Books 2011-01-25 2011-01-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x .70 x 5.40l; .60 #File Name: 014311882X336 pagesPenguin Books
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An educational page-turner!By Thrilled2PiecesReads like a tell-all or thriller novel--loved it! I hated to get to the end. Reminds me a lot of Erik Larson's terrific books---going back and forth between historical fact and the private lives of good guys. I learned a lot--might read it again soon.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent bookBy HelpThis book is set as the Cover says; in the Jazzy 1920's; But is also a testament to one of the American Chemist Heroes Gettler who tirelessly solved and fixed Americas Growing pains of the Big City life as it bulged at the seams sewn together by the Gilded Age with Gildings Depth in how far can you go proven every day in that illustrious world of America where some famous Nursery Rimes a books like the Wizard of Oz gave testament to Gilded Corruption; Every page of the Poisoners Handbook to the Section I'm at and cant wait to finish; walks you through a Decade of Deceitful people that gave rise to unsung Heroes;This is a Very good book; I've been through several Doctors offices not as a patient while waiting; reading bits a pieces of itSparking interest in several occasions in a quick review of the book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good introduction in an easy-to-read formatBy Elaine L. OrrI thought this book read like a novel. I had bought it as a reference; and have used it as such; but read it from cover to cover. I've noted there are critiques that say some of the science is incorrect; so I suppose I'd check before I used a specific point in your own novel. I would not let the criticism deter you from buying it. The discussion of alcohol poisoning during Prohibition is enough reason to read this. I don't mention my own books in a review of others;' but in this case it's a compliment to Ms. Blum. Her Prohibition discussion helped me a lot as I wrote Rekindling Motives. Rekindling Motives (Jolie Gentil Cozy Mystery Series Book 2) I recommend this book for anyone who wants a broad overview of the topic.
