Howdunit Book of Poisons (Howdunit)

Discover Deadly Doses to Kill Off Characters

The readers of your crime and mystery stories should be trying to figure out whodunit–not wondering why your facts don't make sense. If you want to kill off characters with something poisonous, you need to know how a villain would gain access to such a poison, how it would be administered, and what the effects on the victim would be. Book of Poisons can help you figure out all of the details of proper poisoning.

This thorough guide catalogs the classic poisons, household poisons, poisonous animals and plants, poisons used in wars, and more. With information on toxicity, reaction time, effects and symptoms, and antidotes and treatments, you'll know exactly what your villain needs to succeed and exactly what could foil his plans. You'll also find:

information about how real toxicologists uncover poisoning crimes

a history of famous poisoners

advice on how you can create your own fictional poison

case histories that give examples of when the poisons listed were used in literature, movies, and real life

With alphabetical organization and appendices that cross-reference by symptoms, form, administration, and other methods, you'll be able to find the perfect poisons to fit your plot. Plus, a glossary of medical terms makes decoding symptoms and treatments easy for the writer with no medical background.

Book of Poisons is the comprehensive reference you need to create deaths by poison without stopping readers dead in their tracks over misguided facts.

Written in plain English, this reference for writers of crime and mystery stories provides accurate information on a wide variety of lethal poisons. Introductory chapters trace the history of the "dreaded art" and discuss the work of the criminal toxicologist. In the main part of the volume, the toxins are organized into general categories, such as household poisons, snakes, street drugs, and radiological weapons. Entries follow a common format that includes data on toxicity, reaction time, symptoms, antidotes, and treatments. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

* Gives writers at every level--and in every genre--the information they need to make their work more accurate and gripping* Provides a much-needed alternative to expensive and confusing medical reference booksWhether they're writing a short detective story, crime novel or an episode of CSI, writers will find everything they need to know about poisons in this straightforward tome. It cuts through the medical jargon to give readers the information they want--everything from a poison's symptoms and reactions to how it can be administered. There's also a glossary of medical terms and a handy cross-reference system that makes research easy. This is the most up-to-date and interesting guide to poisons on the market!* Gives writers at every level--and in every genre--the information they need to make their work more accurate and gripping* Provides a much-needed alternative to expensive and confusing medical reference booksWhether they're writing a short detective story, crime novel or an episode of CSI, writers will find everything they need to know about poisons in this straightforward tome. It cuts through the medical jargon to give readers the information they want--everything from a poison's symptoms and reactions to how it can be administered. There's also a glossary of medical terms and a handy cross-reference system that makes research easy. This is the most up-to-date and interesting guide to poisons on the market!

Whether they're writing a short detective story, crime novel, or something else, writers at every level--and in every genre--can find the information they need to make their work more accurate and gripping in this reference that cuts through the medical jargon to address everything from a poison's symptoms and reactions to how it can be administered.