Search

THE POISON KEEPER by Deborah Swift - A Reader's Opinion



A Reader's Opinion


An enthralling and historically rich novel.


Deborah Swift is a talented writer who sweeps the reader into the story from page one. A touch of mystery and unanswered questions keeps the pages turning until secrets are slowly revealed in stunning detail.

Sixteenth-century Italy is a time period in which I know nothing, but now have a better understanding of what life must have been like, and for Giulia Tofana, that life was filled with heartache, treachery, deep-rooted secrets, and a special gift. While one cannot in good conscience condone Guiula's actions, I could not help but sympathize with her and the other women.


The author weaves fact with fiction in a way that I could not tell one from the other, and found myself doing my own research after I closed the book. The interspersing of unfamiliar names made it difficult to keep track of everyone, but I learned to recognize each of them more by their actions and descriptions. The characters and setting linger in a way that makes the reader wish for more. Giulia Tofana made for an interesting subject, and I look forward to the next installment of the author's creation.


A recommend read for anyone who enjoys well-written and interesting historical fiction.

The Poison Keeper


Naples 1633


Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.


Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.


Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.


The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.


Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.


Get Your Copy

Historical Fiction | Pub: May 18, 2021 | 408pp | Quire Books

Format Read: E-book | Source: From the reviewer's digital library


Content Rating: PG-13

*As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.




Join us in the pages of a good book and open your gateway to other worlds.

Subscribe >

Browse Great Books

COMMENTS: You may comment as a site member or as a guest without a sign-in. Spam comments will be removed and the user who posted the spam will be blocked. Anyone who leaves a comment is expected to be kind and courteous towards others so that this remains a happy place. 

Book Review Disclaimer: When a book is provided by an author or publisher, the book is a complimentary copy and there is no expectation for a positive review, or a review of any kind. Since we only post reviews for books we enjoy, you can be sure you are getting the reviewer's unbiased opinion. We provide the book source for disclosure purposes only. No payment is received in exchange for any review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission for qualified purchases. This does not cost you, the consumer, anything, and helps us keep this blog operational. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”