Customer Reviews

HowDunit - The Book of Poisons

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally purchased this book to serve as one of several references for a book I was writing for NaNoWriMo ([...]) but it turned into the only reference I really needed. There is lots of very good information available in an easy to understand form. While I learned that killing someone with rhubarb leaves was just not conceivable, unless they had a really odd rhubarb allergy, I could rather easily accomplish the same goal using oleander. And I learned that the authorities are smart enough to look for oleander poisoning in suspicious circumstances. Like I said, lots of good information for writers.

The book very specifically states that the information contained therein is not to be used to break any known or future laws and that the information is to be used for reference for writing and other mind games. (I am paraphrasing wildly.) Good book. Worth every nickel.

I bought this book for my daughter who is interested in forensic sciences and she liked it so much that I started to read it. It was very informative and an excellent source of reference for anyone who is intrigued by this sort of subject. Thank you.

This book tells you the name of the poison,what area it effects(heart,breathing,muscles,ect.) What the reactions are of the one poisoned,

and how long it takes for this reaction to kick-in. Its great if you want

to use the correct poison for the job at hand( this pertains to writing,or

its listing of symptoms could help identify a type of poison,so you might

treat them as patients.

Pretty much the greatest book ever. Gives ratings on how dangerous the poison is, where it can be found, its side effects and what parts of the body it affects, how quickly it takes effect, and the antidote for it. All-in-all, very well put together and completely amazing.

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

This is a must-have for the aspiring murder mystery writer who is interested in authenticity. Too many authors just make it up as they go, and the audience loses interest because the story is just not believable. Using a book like this, or others from the series can definitely help a writer tell a better story.

This is the perfect book to keep you safe in the garden and elsewhere. The information is detailed enough to help write any mystery thriller.

I am pleased with how many poisons are featured, the descriptions given and more. Well worth the money for any budding literary assassin, novice detective, thriller. Enjoy

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 book

Like 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 purchased the book for my mini essay on pesticides and I loved the way each section was broken down. Not only did the book provide accurate information, it also gave a brief history of the poison and details. I did not find the need to acquire more books after this little buddy. And I could not help myself, but read the remainder of the book as well! It is a must have for all beginner, like myself, that are interested in poison.