Rome, 1656, and in the 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?
A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp is published in paperback on 6 February, 2025.
Cathryn’s written a piece for Historia about the true story behind her novel. She asks: was Giulia a murderer — or a saviour?
Have a look at Historia’s list of over 130 books published this year to get more ideas for historical fiction you might like to read.
