A Poisoner's Tale

A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of, perfect for fans of Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Elizabeth Fremantle.

'Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue.’ C. J. COOKE, award-winning author of The Book of Witching

‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER, bestselling author of Lady MacBethad

'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN

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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'Moving and unforgettable.' STELA BRINZEANU, author of Set In Stone

‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN, author of Requiem for a Knave

'Incredibly compelling.' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE

'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY, author of The Burnings

Readers LOVE A Poisoner's Tale:

'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This book will stay with me for a very long time' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Superbly written . . . a real page turner that I didn't want to end' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Fully satisfying . . . savoured every chapter' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

**WINNER OF THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD 2025**