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A Message in Poison
Sparks fly as Dr. Lily Robinson—brilliant pathologist and covert assassin for the U.S. Government—investigates two seemingly unrelated deaths alongside her lover, Agent Jean Paul Marchand, and Washington, D.C. Medical Examiner Dr. Logan Pelletier.
A U.S. Senator and the president of a developing nation are found dead in their beds. As governments thousands of miles apart react to the fallout and begin their investigations, no one claims responsibility, and no motives are clear. Yet, the cause of death implies a link between the two—one that only a mind versed in poisons and politics can decipher. With her personal relationships teetering on the brink and her loved ones facing foreign threats, Lily must unravel the mystery and uncover a plot more calculating than anyone could imagine—but it may be too late.
A Message in Poison, the third book in the series (The Queen of All Poisons and The Power of Poison), continues with twists and turns as Dr. Lily Robinson travels the globe, stares down death, and finds herself at "another crossroad, another choice between life real or imagined..."
A U.S. Senator and the president of a developing nation are found dead in their beds. As governments thousands of miles apart react to the fallout and begin their investigations, no one claims responsibility, and no motives are clear. Yet, the cause of death implies a link between the two—one that only a mind versed in poisons and politics can decipher. With her personal relationships teetering on the brink and her loved ones facing foreign threats, Lily must unravel the mystery and uncover a plot more calculating than anyone could imagine—but it may be too late.
A Message in Poison, the third book in the series (The Queen of All Poisons and The Power of Poison), continues with twists and turns as Dr. Lily Robinson travels the globe, stares down death, and finds herself at "another crossroad, another choice between life real or imagined..."
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2022
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
BJ Magnani
5 books95 followersBJ Magnani’s fascination with toxicology led her to a career in pathology and laboratory medicine. She is currently Professor of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Emerita at Tufts University School of Medicine and writes the Dr. Lily Robinson series about a poison-savvy physician recruited by the U.S. government as an assassin.
Before becoming a full-time author, Barbarajean (BJ) Magnani, PhD, MD, FCAP was the former Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Tufts Medical Center and at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and served as the Chair of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Toxicology Committee.
Dr. Magnani, internationally recognized for her expertise in clinical chemistry and toxicology, has been named a Top Doctor in Boston magazine and has received recognition from Castle Connelly for Exceptional Women in Medicine. She was also named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Laboratory Medicine Professionals in the World by “The Pathologist.”
A portion of the proceeds from her Dr. Lily Robinson series will help support See, Test & Treat, a free cancer screening and health education program from the College of American Pathologists Foundation.
Before becoming a full-time author, Barbarajean (BJ) Magnani, PhD, MD, FCAP was the former Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Tufts Medical Center and at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and served as the Chair of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Toxicology Committee.
Dr. Magnani, internationally recognized for her expertise in clinical chemistry and toxicology, has been named a Top Doctor in Boston magazine and has received recognition from Castle Connelly for Exceptional Women in Medicine. She was also named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Laboratory Medicine Professionals in the World by “The Pathologist.”
A portion of the proceeds from her Dr. Lily Robinson series will help support See, Test & Treat, a free cancer screening and health education program from the College of American Pathologists Foundation.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 2, 2022
A Message in Poision is my first BJ Magnani and Dr. Lily Robinson novel and will not be my last. I loved every moment of this twisty tale. I've also been interested in toxicology and jumped at the chance to be a part of this tour. The story revolves around Lily Robinson and her jobs as a toxicologist and government-sponsored assassin who uses poisions that kill. I really ejoyed the plot being
The author's background provides a realistic picture of what a day in the life of both roles look like and the conflict the main character tries to come to terms with her realitiy. While we learn more about her background and betrayals she's only now learning about.
While this book does reference previous situations from books one and two, the writing is so good, this could be a stand alone book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good spy thriller, this one won't disappoint.
I'll be reading the first three while awaiting book four. I can't wait to see how this story continues to unfold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Encircle Publications, BJ Magnani, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
The author's background provides a realistic picture of what a day in the life of both roles look like and the conflict the main character tries to come to terms with her realitiy. While we learn more about her background and betrayals she's only now learning about.
While this book does reference previous situations from books one and two, the writing is so good, this could be a stand alone book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good spy thriller, this one won't disappoint.
I'll be reading the first three while awaiting book four. I can't wait to see how this story continues to unfold.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Encircle Publications, BJ Magnani, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
June 6, 2022
A truly great book! I will begin my master in forensic toxicology this fall and marked up the book with notes that I could associate with things I have learned and might find helpful in the future. A Great page Turner and I’d have to say my personal favorite!
April 30, 2022
"A Message in Poison" is a spy novel about Russian interference with the United States obtaining scarce minerals required for advanced electronic technology used in military defense systems, renewable energy sources, and consumer products that include electric cars, smart phones, and hundreds of devices that utilize electronic chips. When the US is in the final stages of formalizing a supply agreement with a developing country having a rich source of a particular critical mineral, the two key individuals for finalizing the agreement unexpectedly die. They were elderly. One was the president of the country, the other was a senior US Senator. With new leadership in the country, there is a reconsideration of the agreement, and an opportunity for Russia to exert its influence to obtain exclusive rights to the critical mineral supply.
The opportunistic value of the deaths for Russia doesn't slide by the eyes of US watchdog agencies, and a covert team is assigned to investigate weather the deaths were in fact due to natural causes, or a product of professionals who arrange "convenient" deaths. The team has skills, knowledge, and resources that allow it to operate throughout the world. And, it has wide latitude for dealing with and neutralizing problems that pose a threat to the US.
Dr Lily Robinson is a member of the investigating team. (It is through her eyes that the story is told.) She is an accomplished academic physician who works in a major medical center, and unbeknownst to her colleagues, serves as a secret government agent on a team that "looks into" sensitive matters involving national security, and may require actions beyond anything that can be documented or otherwise acknowledged. She has two medical specialities: pathology and toxicology. Both are especially suited for investigating (or arranging) deaths that appear to have resulted from natural causes.
Dr Robinson has a truckload of past. Her family history is intertwined with her secret spy world. She saves lives and she kills. She has stable romantic relationships as well as transient encounters. She is always dressed to be noticed and admired. She has command of a vast amount of knowledge, is often rewarded by her keen instincts, and is capable of accomplishing most any goal in either of the two worlds where she works. Readers can choose wether to see this novel as a spy story about the geopolitical aspects of rare minerals, or a story about the personal and secret agent lives of an accomplished, attractive female physician. I choose the latter.
There is a puzzling change in Dr Robinsons behavior and attitude during the story that becomes a concern for her associates. This appears to be a reflection of the increasing stress imposed by her intense complicated life. This was very interesting and adds considerable depth to the story.
The story takes place in several countries. There are many details about medical matters and poisons. Descriptions of characters, places, actions, and feelings are well done. Clearly, the author is very familiar with foreign travel, and the food, customs, etc., of countries where Dr Robinson finds herself. The story flows at a nice clip, providing forensic challenges, lessons in intimacy, and leaves space for reader speculation.
Being a toxicologist, I liked reading about the poisons and the clever ways utilized to administer them. There is covert poisoning as well as poisonings up close and personal in instances of self defense. A number of poisons make their appearance in the novel with the toxic scorpion having the staring role.
The book was a stimulus for me to look deeper into the uses and sources of rare earth minerals, and gave me a better insight into the implications of the Russia-Ukraine crises relative to the US supply of these minerals from Russia. The economic sanctions imposed on Russia will likely disrupt the US supply line for these critical elements for a time.
I enjoyed the book very much and highly recommend it to other readers.
June 21, 2022
My superpower is starting book series at or near the end of the series.
And I continue to not disappoint.
A Message in Poison is the third book featuring Dr. Lily Robinson, a pathologist, toxicologist… and an assassin for the U.S. government. A unique blend of occupations, all of which Lily is brilliant at, but it’s her knowledge of poisons that makes her a standout, and a deadly assassin.
When two members of different governments are found dead in their beds, Dr. Robinson is part of the team called in to investigate and finds a link in the cause of death. Now she has to uncover the mystery of why and what it means.
Of course, while Lily is brilliant in her work, her personal life, not so much. While I haven’t read the first two books of the series, I get feelings of ennui from her that have been building for quite some time. A flawed, complex character, she’s having internal struggles with her love life, the safety of her family, and her skilled professions. As a doctor she’s taken an oath “to do no harm,” but as an assassin, she does in some truly creative ways. (I don’t like bugs, but high heels? Okay!)
Surrounded by realistic, well-developed characters, Lily and the situations in her life and their meanings add more depth to her inner conflict of woman versus assassin.
Full of international intrigue, at the heart of the story are two super powers at deadly odds, not over just weapons of mass destruction, but technological components and the rare-earth elements (REE) needed to manufacture them, and a laundry list of other modern-day devices.
Like her protagonist, author BJ Magnani is a pathologist and noted toxicologist, and it’s her professional knowledge that lifts this read from your average whodunit to smart fiction. She doesn’t have Lily and her colleagues dumb down the science but also doesn’t explain it in a condescending manner, and as a reader, this knowledge pulled me further into the story and how poisons are administered… and kill.
While I enjoyed this read immensely, I recommend reading books one and two first to better understand Lily and her motivations. But hurry back to A Message in Poison. It’s a masterful must-read!
Enjoy!
And I continue to not disappoint.
A Message in Poison is the third book featuring Dr. Lily Robinson, a pathologist, toxicologist… and an assassin for the U.S. government. A unique blend of occupations, all of which Lily is brilliant at, but it’s her knowledge of poisons that makes her a standout, and a deadly assassin.
When two members of different governments are found dead in their beds, Dr. Robinson is part of the team called in to investigate and finds a link in the cause of death. Now she has to uncover the mystery of why and what it means.
Of course, while Lily is brilliant in her work, her personal life, not so much. While I haven’t read the first two books of the series, I get feelings of ennui from her that have been building for quite some time. A flawed, complex character, she’s having internal struggles with her love life, the safety of her family, and her skilled professions. As a doctor she’s taken an oath “to do no harm,” but as an assassin, she does in some truly creative ways. (I don’t like bugs, but high heels? Okay!)
Surrounded by realistic, well-developed characters, Lily and the situations in her life and their meanings add more depth to her inner conflict of woman versus assassin.
Full of international intrigue, at the heart of the story are two super powers at deadly odds, not over just weapons of mass destruction, but technological components and the rare-earth elements (REE) needed to manufacture them, and a laundry list of other modern-day devices.
Like her protagonist, author BJ Magnani is a pathologist and noted toxicologist, and it’s her professional knowledge that lifts this read from your average whodunit to smart fiction. She doesn’t have Lily and her colleagues dumb down the science but also doesn’t explain it in a condescending manner, and as a reader, this knowledge pulled me further into the story and how poisons are administered… and kill.
While I enjoyed this read immensely, I recommend reading books one and two first to better understand Lily and her motivations. But hurry back to A Message in Poison. It’s a masterful must-read!
Enjoy!
May 26, 2022
This is the 3rd book of the Dr. Lily Robinson series. I did not have the opportunity to read the 2 prior but I think it would be very beneficial to readers to start from the beginning book. This book can be read as a stand alone but I think a reader would get more out of it and would have excitement going in to start it.
The author and the protagonist Lily Robinson are both toxologists. The book discusses many medical procedures, and also the use of exotic poisons and how they can kill people. Other aspects we read about are foreign travel, betrayal, the Russian gov., and complex relationships. This is a spy murder mystery and the author does a wonderful job with all the details. Being a toxologist herself, she uses her skills to reveal how the poison(s) were administered and the after effects leading to death. Her knowledge and her research brought the politics from around the globe and how they are kept quiet to the readers. This book flows nicely and gets this point across of the story and the plot without dragging it out or using a lot of fluff words. Dr. Lily struggles with the knowledge that if what she keeps secret were to ever be leaked, it could become tools in the anti- terrorist unit. She knows that if these two worlds collide, it could be deadly. What path should she take? Could she live with herself if she chooses wrongly? The investigation of the two deaths that pull the US and Russia together…. Can either help the two countries or it could lead to a terrorist attack by poison. This book will definitely have you thinking about possible scenarios that can play out. Lots of intrigue and mystery….
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #bjmagnani for an ARC copy of this mystery spy thriller fiction. I have read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The author and the protagonist Lily Robinson are both toxologists. The book discusses many medical procedures, and also the use of exotic poisons and how they can kill people. Other aspects we read about are foreign travel, betrayal, the Russian gov., and complex relationships. This is a spy murder mystery and the author does a wonderful job with all the details. Being a toxologist herself, she uses her skills to reveal how the poison(s) were administered and the after effects leading to death. Her knowledge and her research brought the politics from around the globe and how they are kept quiet to the readers. This book flows nicely and gets this point across of the story and the plot without dragging it out or using a lot of fluff words. Dr. Lily struggles with the knowledge that if what she keeps secret were to ever be leaked, it could become tools in the anti- terrorist unit. She knows that if these two worlds collide, it could be deadly. What path should she take? Could she live with herself if she chooses wrongly? The investigation of the two deaths that pull the US and Russia together…. Can either help the two countries or it could lead to a terrorist attack by poison. This book will definitely have you thinking about possible scenarios that can play out. Lots of intrigue and mystery….
Many thanks to #partnersincrimevbt and the author, #bjmagnani for an ARC copy of this mystery spy thriller fiction. I have read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 14, 2022
Lily Robinson, the central character in A Message in Poison, is a toxicologist, as is the author. As a side gig, Lily employs her knowledge of poisons as a government-sponsored assassin, unlike the author (one assumes).
The third in a series, the novel continues as a character study as well as an engaging thriller. Lily has grown more and more weary of her assignments and is especially concerned for her daughter, with whom she has an unusual relationship. A half dozen other characters tell their own compelling stories through their own points of view.
The novel is steeped in medical procedures, especially exotic poisons and how they kill.
The plot revolves around the Russian government’s attempt to get its hands on rare-earth metals, which are vital components in electronics.
A Message in Poison is the story of poisonings (of course), an abduction, foreign travel, gun fights, betrayal, complex relationships and high heels that kill—literally.
The novel ends with a suggestion that this isn’t the last we’ll see of plucky Lily Robinson. Can’t wait.
The third in a series, the novel continues as a character study as well as an engaging thriller. Lily has grown more and more weary of her assignments and is especially concerned for her daughter, with whom she has an unusual relationship. A half dozen other characters tell their own compelling stories through their own points of view.
The novel is steeped in medical procedures, especially exotic poisons and how they kill.
The plot revolves around the Russian government’s attempt to get its hands on rare-earth metals, which are vital components in electronics.
A Message in Poison is the story of poisonings (of course), an abduction, foreign travel, gun fights, betrayal, complex relationships and high heels that kill—literally.
The novel ends with a suggestion that this isn’t the last we’ll see of plucky Lily Robinson. Can’t wait.
June 2, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author so I have jumped into a series without reading the previous books. I did hope I wouldn't get lost with not having the benefit of reading the others.
What I found was that, it was so well written, I was immersed before I realised. Lily Robinson is a toxicologist and the main character. She uses her knowledge of poisons as a government sponsored assassin in a covert anti-terrorism unit too. It is so clear that the author has extensive knowledge of everything she brings to.this story. I found it a riveting read. Spies and covert ops, bring the mystery in spades.
I love a story that keeps me glued to a book. This one is full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting answers. It's definitely thrilling, with characters that feel so real. The character development is so clear, although this is the third book, I could play see Lily still growing as the story unfolded.
Central to the plot is the Russian government attempting to get hold of rare-earth metals, which are vital components in electronics. This is a thriller that has poisonings, plenty of travelling around the globe, abductions, gun fights and everything that makes this a proper page turner.
A well researched, thrilling, edge of your seat read that has made me add two more books to my extra long to be read list! This is a book for anyone who loves, mystery, spies and all that they entail. I hope to see Dr Lily Robinson in a new instalment sometime soon.
What I found was that, it was so well written, I was immersed before I realised. Lily Robinson is a toxicologist and the main character. She uses her knowledge of poisons as a government sponsored assassin in a covert anti-terrorism unit too. It is so clear that the author has extensive knowledge of everything she brings to.this story. I found it a riveting read. Spies and covert ops, bring the mystery in spades.
I love a story that keeps me glued to a book. This one is full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting answers. It's definitely thrilling, with characters that feel so real. The character development is so clear, although this is the third book, I could play see Lily still growing as the story unfolded.
Central to the plot is the Russian government attempting to get hold of rare-earth metals, which are vital components in electronics. This is a thriller that has poisonings, plenty of travelling around the globe, abductions, gun fights and everything that makes this a proper page turner.
A well researched, thrilling, edge of your seat read that has made me add two more books to my extra long to be read list! This is a book for anyone who loves, mystery, spies and all that they entail. I hope to see Dr Lily Robinson in a new instalment sometime soon.
April 27, 2022
International intrigue and great fun for fans of forensic science. There are parts of this novel that only a world-renowned toxicologist could write. Who else could dream up characters like the wonderful Scorpion Wrangler?
May 2, 2022
I have read all the Lily Robinson books and each one has gotten more and more thrilling. BJ Magnani has perfected the technique of weaving medicine and toxicology into compelling espionage and assassination storylines for her heroine. This most recent novel, A Message in Poison, is the most intricate and had me on the edge of my seat. Lily Robinson's past and her current personal relationships do play a part in to the plot of A Message in Poison. They serve to demonstrate the complexity of the character and the fact that she is becoming more conflicted about the work she is doing. Lily Robinson was really brought to life in this current book. Beyond that, however, I loved the fact that geopolitics and toxicology were larger factors in this book. Very interesting and really propelled the story forward.
On the topic of Rare Earth Elements (REE's), BJ Magnani has done an excellent job of illuminating a dangerous situation on the world stage and the threats to the United States and other countries while deftly avoiding specific, polarizing aspects of our day-to-day politics. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to the next one, BJ !!
On the topic of Rare Earth Elements (REE's), BJ Magnani has done an excellent job of illuminating a dangerous situation on the world stage and the threats to the United States and other countries while deftly avoiding specific, polarizing aspects of our day-to-day politics. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to the next one, BJ !!
May 20, 2022
The storyline in A Message in Poison includes tantalizing references to the events and characters featured in the previous two books of the trilogy. While some readers might prefer to read the books in order, I found this story so well written that it easily stands on its own. The author skillfully integrates her in-depth expertise in toxicology and all things medical into a well-researched landscape of global politics and covert operations.
The author does a brilliant job of building multidimensional characters whose worldviews are the result of early influences and cataclysmic events that ultimately led them to their chosen paths. From the earliest chapters, it’s clear that Dr. Robinson is burdened by her own experiences and her complex—and seemingly contradictory—professions. She struggles with the knowledge that the secrets she carries would, if revealed, likely prove as deadly as the poisons that have become the tools of her trade in the covert anti-terrorism unit. As the story progresses, she recognizes the dangerous consequences should her two worlds collide. Can she find the right path for herself and for those she loves?
BJ Magnani delivers a well-plotted mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading far into the night. Highly recommend!
The author does a brilliant job of building multidimensional characters whose worldviews are the result of early influences and cataclysmic events that ultimately led them to their chosen paths. From the earliest chapters, it’s clear that Dr. Robinson is burdened by her own experiences and her complex—and seemingly contradictory—professions. She struggles with the knowledge that the secrets she carries would, if revealed, likely prove as deadly as the poisons that have become the tools of her trade in the covert anti-terrorism unit. As the story progresses, she recognizes the dangerous consequences should her two worlds collide. Can she find the right path for herself and for those she loves?
BJ Magnani delivers a well-plotted mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you reading far into the night. Highly recommend!
April 21, 2022
Book three of the Lily Robinson series is just as action packed as the previous two. Dr Lily Robinson, pathologist and toxicologist is once again involved in a murder mystery, but with an international twist. We meet a new character, a forensic pathologist, and suddenly Lily’s personal life becomes even more complicated.
We learn even more about the connections between some of the characters that were revealed in the second book, The Power of Poison. Lily’s internal struggle nearly comes to a boil, as she tries to deal with the revelations about her past, and the ways she was manipulated.
Author Dr BJ Magnani cleverly includes real science in the story, as Lily tries to explain what has happened. The book is a page-turner with an unexpected ending that will leave you wanting more. This is a great addition to the series, and hopefully not the last we will hear about Dr Robinson.
We learn even more about the connections between some of the characters that were revealed in the second book, The Power of Poison. Lily’s internal struggle nearly comes to a boil, as she tries to deal with the revelations about her past, and the ways she was manipulated.
Author Dr BJ Magnani cleverly includes real science in the story, as Lily tries to explain what has happened. The book is a page-turner with an unexpected ending that will leave you wanting more. This is a great addition to the series, and hopefully not the last we will hear about Dr Robinson.
April 26, 2022
Wow! Every book in the Dr. Lily Robinson series is great, but the newest one, A Message in Poison, drew me in most of all! The plot is ingenious, and I love the details…her romances, travel, exotic settings…even her clothes and the food they eat! The details reflect the experiences and knowledge of the author, Dr. BJ Magnani. I highly recommend this book…it’s a great getaway, and you will learn from it at the same time! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 23, 2022
Loved it! Dr. Magnani has don it again! i read and enjoyed her first two Lily Robinson books with much relish. After reading "A Message in Poison" all expectations were met and exceeded. Dr. Magnani has carefully woven each presenting situation into the existing complexity this book offers - drawing the reader in, leaving the reader hungry for answers. As the story line twists and turns, development of the characters grows. Complex relationships and emotions are deftly managed leaving the reader to fully identify with what the characters face. The longer I read the more I knew I wasn't going to be able to put this gem down until I had read the last word.
May 26, 2022
Kathy Reichs’ forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan focuses on bones; BJ Magnani’s pathologist Lily Robinson focuses on poisons. Where “Bones” investigates, Lily both investigates and delivers the poisons that cause untimely deaths. A Message in Poison involves her in a case with the twists we expect when she unravels an international drama. Magnani ups the ante when she has Lily caught in the labyrinth of her feelings toward the man she loves, the man she’s attracted to, and the daughter she can’t acknowledge. A Message in Poison humanizes Lily. She’s more than a sometimes assassin who struggles with how she sacrifices the one to save the many. An emotional read for fans of Kathy Reich and for those interested in the intricacies of poisons and of human relationships.
November 4, 2023
The third book in a series. Toxicologist Dr. Lilly Robinson has taken to her occasional top secret role of Queen of Poisons as part of defeating some global bad guy plots. Her story with her daughter Rose - and complexities with entwined biological relationships of a colleague play out also.
March 18, 2024
Ahhhh…book three.
Full of twists and turns with several surprises and new characters, this book will not disappoint. In and amongst the twists and turns we see more clearly the emotional side of Lily, a woman with feelings, a mother. In this book the character development exposes more of their human side in dealing with the everyday situations they find themselves in.
JP and Lily begin to assess their own mortality and question the depth of their relationship which makes Lily vulnerable, a side of her we rarely see, if ever. How does Lily handle this vulnerability? I refuse to be a spoiler.
Both face the reality of how their adrenaline charged jobs enhance their adrenaline charged relationship, but also affect their mortality.
You won’t want to miss Lily’s Mama Bear encounter with one of Markovic’s men, a favorite scene of mine.
Surprising connections are revealed between characters we have come to know and love: Lily and John Chi; Rose and Alexis; Alexis and Markovic; JP and Adrienne.
Dr. Magnani’s prose grows more poetic which, in book three, aligns with the more emotional Lily. Some of my favorite phrases are:
“Another blow to my heart, just between beats.”
“…the dark tide that I claim draws me out into a bottomless ocean.”
“Every thought, every emotion, and every feeling are merely a string of molecules put together in such a way that only God knows the code.”
“…a single tear balanced on the edge of her blue-gray eyes,”
“Once again, she wished she could roll back the stream of time and dip her toes into the youthful spring of freshwater before it all flowed downhill.”
A Message in Poison is a wonderful roller coaster of suspense and revealed secrets against the background of an eternal truth that crosses Lily’s mind …“It’s always about greed, power, money, or revenge.” Certainly apropos for the times we live in as well.
A surprise ending with some trickery and an anagram clue!?! There has to be another book.
It can’t end like this.
Full of twists and turns with several surprises and new characters, this book will not disappoint. In and amongst the twists and turns we see more clearly the emotional side of Lily, a woman with feelings, a mother. In this book the character development exposes more of their human side in dealing with the everyday situations they find themselves in.
JP and Lily begin to assess their own mortality and question the depth of their relationship which makes Lily vulnerable, a side of her we rarely see, if ever. How does Lily handle this vulnerability? I refuse to be a spoiler.
Both face the reality of how their adrenaline charged jobs enhance their adrenaline charged relationship, but also affect their mortality.
You won’t want to miss Lily’s Mama Bear encounter with one of Markovic’s men, a favorite scene of mine.
Surprising connections are revealed between characters we have come to know and love: Lily and John Chi; Rose and Alexis; Alexis and Markovic; JP and Adrienne.
Dr. Magnani’s prose grows more poetic which, in book three, aligns with the more emotional Lily. Some of my favorite phrases are:
“Another blow to my heart, just between beats.”
“…the dark tide that I claim draws me out into a bottomless ocean.”
“Every thought, every emotion, and every feeling are merely a string of molecules put together in such a way that only God knows the code.”
“…a single tear balanced on the edge of her blue-gray eyes,”
“Once again, she wished she could roll back the stream of time and dip her toes into the youthful spring of freshwater before it all flowed downhill.”
A Message in Poison is a wonderful roller coaster of suspense and revealed secrets against the background of an eternal truth that crosses Lily’s mind …“It’s always about greed, power, money, or revenge.” Certainly apropos for the times we live in as well.
A surprise ending with some trickery and an anagram clue!?! There has to be another book.
It can’t end like this.
April 10, 2022
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review (publishing April 20, 2022).
This book is deep, steeped in the mysteries of how poison can kill a person. As a medical transcriptionist, at least ten of those years spent as a pathology transcriptionist, I found myself being fascinated with some of the language used in this book. Even though I don’t know what all the terms mean, my own background makes me familiar with the language. While this is book #3 in the Lily Robinson series, it can be read as a standalone, though I think having read the first two would give the reader a better idea of the background of the characters.
The premise of this tale is Lily Robinson being called in to take a closer look at the death of Senator Steinman, and then also being called in to take a closer look at a high-ranking official in another country. Both deaths are shrouded in the same mystery – why, how, who? There is also quite a lot of political intrigue underlying all of these questions. There may even be just the tiniest hint of romance, just to keep things interesting.
Dr. Magnani’s experience as a “pathologist, toxicologist, chemist, author” (as taken from her website) gives all the more credence of some of the finer details between the pages of this book. If you are even remotely interested in medicine and/or political intrigue, give this one a read.
This book is deep, steeped in the mysteries of how poison can kill a person. As a medical transcriptionist, at least ten of those years spent as a pathology transcriptionist, I found myself being fascinated with some of the language used in this book. Even though I don’t know what all the terms mean, my own background makes me familiar with the language. While this is book #3 in the Lily Robinson series, it can be read as a standalone, though I think having read the first two would give the reader a better idea of the background of the characters.
The premise of this tale is Lily Robinson being called in to take a closer look at the death of Senator Steinman, and then also being called in to take a closer look at a high-ranking official in another country. Both deaths are shrouded in the same mystery – why, how, who? There is also quite a lot of political intrigue underlying all of these questions. There may even be just the tiniest hint of romance, just to keep things interesting.
Dr. Magnani’s experience as a “pathologist, toxicologist, chemist, author” (as taken from her website) gives all the more credence of some of the finer details between the pages of this book. If you are even remotely interested in medicine and/or political intrigue, give this one a read.
July 6, 2024
Dr Lily Robinson faces her toughest cases yet but she makes it look like a piece of cake. Lily never loses her cool no matter what is happening whether it be in her personal life, career or her secret job as a assassin. In this one Dr Lily's love life is in turmoil although in true Lily style she handles it like a champ. Two very different men are vying for her love. While the main focus is the poison, my nails were tickled pink with the new and innovative ways she uses her different poisons. I will never look at a pair of stilettos the same after reading this series. The medical cases are so incredibly interesting and the author has told me that they are based on real occurrences! I myself have had a similar medical condition to one of the patients in this book although it was a different type of medicine for me. Although it is just a coincidence I found this to be highly intriguing. I love learning about the toxicology of so many different poisons and the many effects they have on our body. I imagine if they are used in the right way they can also have a positive effect.
July 19, 2024
I just could not put A Message in Poison down, from the mystery to the characters, this book is an absolute must read. Every aspect of this book is so real - the feelings, the opportunities, the conversations, the secrets, the fear - it's like you're really there. And I LOVE learning more about the science.
BJ - thank you for presenting all of the new material, plants, animals, and medicine in such a way that learning is fun, interesting, and exciting!
BJ - thank you for presenting all of the new material, plants, animals, and medicine in such a way that learning is fun, interesting, and exciting!
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