Kathryn Harkup's V Is for Venom: Agatha Christie's Chemical of Death is a delightful read--and an illuminating exploration of the subject close to the heart (and demise) of many a Christie character: poison. Harkup (Death by Shakespeare; A Is for Arsenic) is a chemist and science writer whose expert perspective enhances the world of the "Queen of Crime," plumbing the ingenious ways in which toxic substances feature in Christie's plots with zest for both the subject matter and the source material.
Harkup blends her scientific expertise with deep knowledge of Christie's extensive body of work. She illustrates, for example, how arsenic functions on its own as a substance and within the narrative intricacies of Christie's first detective novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles. Harkup explains the effects of cyanide and its role in the plot of Sparkling Cyanide, and delves into the complexities of nitroglycerin in the context of The Chocolate Box, one of Christie protagonist Hercule Poirot's early cases.
Readers gain a genuine appreciation for the meticulous research that Christie herself undertook and her knowledge gleaned from her studies in pharmacology. There's also valuable historical context to be had here, as Harkup explores the use of these substances in real-life crimes and medical treatments. In one case, she describes why "arrow poison" completely captured the British imagination.
V Is for Venom is a celebration of Agatha Christie's enduring relevance as a crime writer and a fascinating read for anyone curious about the deadly details lurking within the pages of a classic Christie mystery. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash.