Howdunit Book of Poisons: A Guide for Writers Paperback – January 1, 2007

Fun reference for mystery readers or mystery writers.

Awesome book, great for research .

I bought this book when I learned my previous copy was so hopelessly out of date that wikipedia was a better resource. (The edition before this one was called Deadly Doses) A lot has changed about research since the first one was written and it's obvious the author put on her wellies and waded through a lot of information. More poisons more pages. It's amazing what she crammed into this bookLike the old one it has several ways you can cross reference by your needs, such as time to take effect or application. The font is small, but it's easier to read than the one before, and the touch of colour makes the whole thing much easier to navigate. This book is so good I was asked for the name by a chemistry student because he didn't have anything like it.

I must say, before i write my review. That this book can be used to deepen ones understanding of poisons, however, to the large variety of poisons mentioned, many have short and brief summaries.So, like i said. I bought this book hoping to deepen my understanding of poisons. However, it had just arrived today (punctual, of course) so i only had the time to skim through the pages.Mentioned in the first paragraph, this book does have a large variety of poisons. Very large, in fact. To more complex poisons, the summary is more detailed and the poison is explained in a reasonable manner. This does arouse many problems. The poisons that are not mentioned in detailed manner, i don't believe are explain thoroughly. I am no writer, but i would've preferred longer and detailed summaries for several other poisons.For Writers: This is a satisfactory 'handbook' for writers willing to obtain a deeper and more truthful understanding to poisons (including how they are obtained and given). This book explains how the poison will affect the 'external form' of the body as well as the organs it will affect. Recommended for writers even with a faint knowledge of poison.

Excellent comprehensive book about poisons for those of us who are not chemists or criminal toxicologists, but want to murder a character in a mystery novel. Poisons are identified and grouped from every angle you can think of, and more. Such as: symptoms, forms, household poisons, poisonous animals and plants, wars---just to name a very few of the many; along with histories, access and antidotes. "Exactly what your villain needs to succeed and exactly what could foil his plans." Aside from the foregoing there are chapters of just plain old good reading. And the BONUS: a chapter on "Create Your Own Poison," along with reasons why you might need to do so. The two authors are well qualified to tell you what you want to know and what you didn't realize you need to know - about poisons. As for me, the only creatures I want to kill are ticks, but I'm not accountable for what my villains want to do. HowDunit - The Book of Poisons

The media could not be loaded. Was pleasantly surprised with how brand new it seemed. The condition was definitely better than expected for a used-like new, the book has been on my wishlist for about 5 years, and now, thanks to the incredibly quick shipping- a beautiful copy now sits on my bookshelf. The book is filled with ideas on how to torture your characters with different ailments. Incredibly grateful for the condition of the book and the swiftness at which it now sits upon my shelf. 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 Thank you!

This book is a must have for any author who wants to use herbs or poisons in their story. It's an easy and quick reference to what is what when it comes to making your poisons, real or fantasy, have a believable effect. Goes through what each poison is, how they work, and how to counteract it.If you're looking for something to add that sense of realism to your murder scene or to make an assassin's poisons that much more realistic, this isn't something you should overlook.

I love this book. Took me 2 hours to match the combination of poisons I needed for the death symptoms. Complete and comprehensive I wish I had found this book a couple years ago.Update: I took this book to a writers group as a research tool for others to use and it is now dog eared from use. If you are a writer and need help with your poisons i.e. symptoms, availability, plants, metals, and cause of death this is the book for you.