A brilliantly fun way not only to learn some chemistry but also to better appreciate the genre's greatest writer.

Big Think

Harkup balances the macabre with the scientifically intricate.

New Scientist

Hugely entertaining and informative, V is for Venom is an expertly written exploration of a fascinating topic. It's also a brilliant reminder of Agatha Christie's incredible skills as the Duchess of Death.

Mark Aldridge

Harkup's book overflows with clear science, intriguing crimes both fictional and real, many warnings to aspiring murderers of the “Don't try this at home!” variety, and lots of interesting details about Christie's life in crime.

Air Mail

A is for Arsenic and V is for Venom are part history, part scientific explainer, and part literary criticism that aren't only fun, informative reads in their own right. They also heighten your admiration of Christie as a writer.

Big Think

I'll be keeping a copy of V Is for Venom handy … I hope it doesn't make me a suspect every time somebody dies unexpectedly after leaving my house.

Washington Independent Review of Books