Book Review: A is for Arsenic

A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup is a delightful, entertaining, and thoughtful look at how one of literature’s greatest mystery writers used poisons. Some might consider the topic a bit morbid, but Harkup’s approach to the material is actually educational and fun.

For mystery and suspense writers, this book should be required reading for both the historical perspective it offers and as a matter of craft. For fans of the genres, the book provides a unique insight into Agatha Christie’s body of work.

This isn’t just a list of which poisons are used in which stories. Harkup presents the science behind the poisons as Christie would have understood it. Christie was well versed in the science behind her preferred method of murder, having worked extensively in pharmacies during both world wars. She also understood the logistics of poison: how easy or difficult they were to obtain, how easily they could or could not be traced, and how investigators would go about identifying them.

Instead of taking a dry, academic approach, Harkup adopts a more conversational tone that will make the book more accessible to casual readers. The approach, however, may put off those expecting a straightforward scientific discussion. This isn’t a science book and it certainly won’t tell you how to poison anyone today. But it does offer an extensive historic look at the use of poisons throughout history and how that knowledge was used by Christie.

A is for Arsenic is a wonderful look into the mind of Agatha Christie and would be a welcome addition to the library of any fan.

Reviewer Note: I was given a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for a review.