What do you think?
Rate this book
Poison Kisses
'Poison Kisses' by Karen Teasdale has been nominated for the White Rose International Film festival 2026. It is a harrowing true story of survival, betrayal, and the unthinkable cruelty hidden behind closed doors.
From the outside, she was a doting mother. Behind the scenes, she was a narcissistic psychopath with a terrifying obsession to cause pain. Professionals were baffled though later her daughter was informed her mother had many complex mental health problems including Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy but her manipulation went far beyond seeking attention—she thrived on control, humiliation, and abuse.
Her daughter was her primary target. Her son, also a victim, was manipulated into becoming a reflection of her—developing traits of a malignant narcissist. Their father, caught in the crossfire, became another casualty of her cruelty. The situation spiraled into chaos, with police attending the family home 237 times in just 18 months due to her son's escalating violence. Authorities couldn’t understand why she refused to let him go—but their toxic bond, rooted in her narcissistic psychopathy, meant they depended on each other in a deeply disturbing and destructive way.
This is the raw, emotional account of a child made to believe she was sick, a family torn apart by psychological torment, and a woman who fought to uncover the truth after decades of abuse. From childhood confusion to adult revelations, this memoir sheds light on the dark reality of living with a parent whose love was a lie—and the strength it took to survive it.
On her father’s deathbed, she made a promise to tell their story. This is it.
This book contains themes of child abuse, psychological manipulation, and family trauma, including strong language and emotionally distressing content. It is intended for mature readers aged 18 and over.
While based on true events, some names and identifying details may have been changed or anonymised to protect privacy. This story includes discussion of mental illness and disturbing behaviour that some readers may find triggering. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
From the outside, she was a doting mother. Behind the scenes, she was a narcissistic psychopath with a terrifying obsession to cause pain. Professionals were baffled though later her daughter was informed her mother had many complex mental health problems including Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy but her manipulation went far beyond seeking attention—she thrived on control, humiliation, and abuse.
Her daughter was her primary target. Her son, also a victim, was manipulated into becoming a reflection of her—developing traits of a malignant narcissist. Their father, caught in the crossfire, became another casualty of her cruelty. The situation spiraled into chaos, with police attending the family home 237 times in just 18 months due to her son's escalating violence. Authorities couldn’t understand why she refused to let him go—but their toxic bond, rooted in her narcissistic psychopathy, meant they depended on each other in a deeply disturbing and destructive way.
This is the raw, emotional account of a child made to believe she was sick, a family torn apart by psychological torment, and a woman who fought to uncover the truth after decades of abuse. From childhood confusion to adult revelations, this memoir sheds light on the dark reality of living with a parent whose love was a lie—and the strength it took to survive it.
On her father’s deathbed, she made a promise to tell their story. This is it.
This book contains themes of child abuse, psychological manipulation, and family trauma, including strong language and emotionally distressing content. It is intended for mature readers aged 18 and over.
While based on true events, some names and identifying details may have been changed or anonymised to protect privacy. This story includes discussion of mental illness and disturbing behaviour that some readers may find triggering. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2025
25 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 29, 2025
I do appreciate the matter-of-fact style of writing. It is however, at many times repetitive. Is a good book, a true story, it helps you understand the twisted ways of some people. Is raw emotion. I did finish it but I needed many breaks to spread the « dark clouds above my head ». During this week many cats were hissing at my darkened mood. Poor baby…
But Karen, you are a strong woman and I admire your courage to put everything out there for other people to relive. I hope you read this and realise that you are not just a survivor. You are a Champion.
PS: A day later, still thinking about Poison kisses, I finally have the words to describe it. Because the vibe of a book is immensely important to me. It makes the difference between a good or a mediocre one. And that’s why I changed my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars.
And now: Poison kisses feels like the confession of a child. Frantic, raw, repetitive at times, overexplained. It felt like you had 4 years old Karen in front of you, on a chair. She let all of it out, words chaotically trembling out.
But Karen, you are a strong woman and I admire your courage to put everything out there for other people to relive. I hope you read this and realise that you are not just a survivor. You are a Champion.
PS: A day later, still thinking about Poison kisses, I finally have the words to describe it. Because the vibe of a book is immensely important to me. It makes the difference between a good or a mediocre one. And that’s why I changed my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars.
And now: Poison kisses feels like the confession of a child. Frantic, raw, repetitive at times, overexplained. It felt like you had 4 years old Karen in front of you, on a chair. She let all of it out, words chaotically trembling out.
October 6, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down. What a heart wrenching true story!
September 3, 2025
I'm a little lost for words as to what I want to say . Heartbreaking from start to finish and just shows you never truly know what people have to endure . I found myself asking continously why did the authorities not pick up on this sooner . So much hurt pain and abuse carried out by the one person who's meant to take care of you. Well done to the author for putting pen to paper and getting this out there .
February 19, 2026
so devastating and sad
Absolutely heart wrenching sad reminded me of my own mother the total wreck they leave you everyone should read the book and to the author I have to say I feel so very proud of you I could never write mine but that takes guts well done !! so wonderfully truthful not everybody’s mother is an angel
Absolutely heart wrenching sad reminded me of my own mother the total wreck they leave you everyone should read the book and to the author I have to say I feel so very proud of you I could never write mine but that takes guts well done !! so wonderfully truthful not everybody’s mother is an angel
September 25, 2025
2.5 stars Tragic and eye-opening but poorly written imo.
December 26, 2025
relatable
Until I read this book, I have realised I am not alone. Thank you KAREN Teasdale for writing this book, tears of relief in behaviours I never understood.
Until I read this book, I have realised I am not alone. Thank you KAREN Teasdale for writing this book, tears of relief in behaviours I never understood.
December 31, 2025
Brilliant
Unbelievably good couldn't put it down till I finished it Karen is one really strong woman to cope with all she's been through
Unbelievably good couldn't put it down till I finished it Karen is one really strong woman to cope with all she's been through
January 10, 2026
I started this book on the 9th Jan and finished it on the 10th! I couldn't put it down. Such a sad, interesting read. I wish this had of been a different outcome for Karen & her family
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews