A Poisoner's Tale

WINNER OF THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD 2025

A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of. Inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana – one of history's most notorious and lethal poisoners.

'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fully satisfying . . . Savoured every chapter' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN
'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN

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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 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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'This book will stay with me for a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Superbly written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'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
'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY