4 STAR REVIEW: THE POISON KEEPER by Deborah Swift

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The Description

Publication Date: May 18, 2021

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 Giulia the hidden keys to her success. When 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 Domenico’s thrall, insists that she should be consort to him – the brother of the man she has vowed to kill.

Based on the legendary life of Italian poisoner Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how even the darkest desires can be vanquished by courage and love.

The Review

Throughout history, many deaths have been attributed to poison. While you might think its administration is random, it turns out that in 17th century Italy, serving as a poisoner was actually a career. In The Poison Keeper, author Deborah Swift highlights a four-month period in the life of Giulia Tofano.

While acknowledging that a significant amount of fiction exists regarding Giulia, the author explains to readers in the historical notes any liberties she took in developing the story. This section really helped me understand Swift’s approach to the story. In fact, there’s even a teaser that later events would have to wait for another book.

At age 23, Giulia is ready to take her place at her mother’s side in the family business. What she doesn’t realize is the remedies open the door to something dark and dangerous—the fine line between life and death.

When tragedy strikes, Giulia is forced to seek refuge with an aunt. Family secrets come to light, coupled with more danger as Giulia tries to make a living the only way she knows how. The drama and intrigue are intense, leaving the reader wondering if Giulia will be exposed as a poisoner or if she will escape.

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About The Author

Deborah Swift is the author of three previous historical novels for adults, The Lady’s Slipper, The Gilded Lily, and A Divided Inheritance, all published by Macmillan/St Martin’s Press, as well as the Highway Trilogy for teens (and anyone young at heart!). Her first novel was shortlisted for the Impress prize for new novelists.