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The Poisoner's Handbook

[Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York]
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Apr 16, 2011Ubalstecha rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Author Deborah Blum has done an amazing thing. Chronically the development of the New York medical examiner's office, she also gives her readers an overview of the different poisons that were popular at the turn of the century. Each chapter covers approximately one year and gives a snapshot of the use of a specific poison in at least one murder case. The real stars of the book are New York's chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler. Norris is a child...moreAuthor Deborah Blum has done an amazing thing. Chronically the development of the New York medical examiner's office, she also gives her readers an overview of the different poisons that were popular at the turn of the century. Each chapter covers approximately one year and gives a snapshot of the use of a specific poison in at least one murder case. The real stars of the book are New York's chief medical examiner Charles Norris and toxicologist Alexander Gettler. Norris is a child of wealth who is obsessed with procedure and doing the best job possible. He even uses his own money to supplement the meagre departmental budget. This is a complex and well written tale that is so worth the time. Delicious as an audio book