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The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York,
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Christine Howard
Having the cases and how they developed was one of the most interesting things about the book. How can you understand if it isn't illustrated how the murders occurred.
Jill Potenz
I thought all of the cases were interesting because each of the cases represented a new development. After all, the name is 'The POISONERS Handbook'.
JZ
You were, perhaps, expecting a "how to" book?
Erica Tjelta
Well, not me, that's for sure. I loved it all the way through!
Mark
I agree, but it was the third one for me.
Diannalynn
I've listened to the audiobook of this, twice. And I enjoyed it immensely, both times.
Germaine Komor
This is a fascinating view into a world that I knew little about. It reads like a thriller to me.
H. P. Reed
You are not alone!
Amy
I never got bored with this book in fact I could read it 50 more times
Catwalker
I'm not sure what you were expecting. Yes, a few of the cases showed similarities (crime is as boringly monotonous as other human activities). It was exciting when the forensic techniques developed led to different outcomes in successive cases, thanks to the testing know-how developed by Norris, Gettler and Co. Given how quickly people seemed to be dispatched to the electric chair at the time, these advances were particularly important.
As well, it was fascinating to learn about the ways people used to be poisoned by accident (fumigation techniques, industrial accidents), or by snake-oil medicine.
Given Deborah Blum's breezy style, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Sorry you found it unrewarding.
As well, it was fascinating to learn about the ways people used to be poisoned by accident (fumigation techniques, industrial accidents), or by snake-oil medicine.
Given Deborah Blum's breezy style, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Sorry you found it unrewarding.
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