Crime Traveller
No Result
View All Result
  
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Research

    Do criminals freely decide to commit offences? How the courts decide

    We might not be able to understand free will with science. Here’s why

    Indian Trafficked Brides: The Stories of Three Women

    Trending Tags

    • Neuroscience
    • Mental Health
    • Criminal Brain
    • Juvenile Crime
  • Psychology
    Image: Shutterstock

    Psychopaths – Born Or Made?

    The Question of Why: Did Ted Bundy have Dissociative Identity Disorder?

    Teenage psychopathy

    What Should We Do With Teenage Psychopaths?

    Trending Tags

    • Narcissism
    • Psychopathy
    • Profiling
    • Mental Health
    • Psychology
  • Family Violence

    Reckless Speculation about Jeffrey MacDonald

    O. J. Simpson Trial: 26 Years Later

    O. J. Simpson: Murder in the First Degree

    Reasonable Doubt: The Hendricks Family Murders

    Melanie McGuire

    A Convicted Killer, Two Criminologists, and One Podcast: Direct Appeal Investigates ‘Suitcase Killer’ Melanie McGuire Case

  • True Crime
    Justice For Helen Book Cover

    Helen’s Law: A Mother’s Long Fight For Justice

    Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 2]

    Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 1]

    Trending Tags

    • Unsolved
    • Serial Murder
    • Documentaries
    • Guest Posts
  • Book Reviews

    Details are Unprintable: Wayne Lonergan and the Sensational Café Society Murder

    Operation Jacknap: A True Story of Kidnapping, Extortion, Ransom and Rescue

    Stephanie Scott

    United in Grief: The Murder of Stephanie Scott

    Book Review: Reckless Speculation About Murder

    David Lazar by Robert Kalich: A Book of Truth Merged With Fiction

    An Interview with Dylan Howard: True Crime Books Release And The Truth Behind The Epstein Scandal

    Psychiatric Killings In The UK: Blood, Voices and Missed Appointments

    New True Crime Book Series from Skyhorse Publishing

    She’s So Cold: Murder, Accusations and the System That Devastated a Family

  • SPECIALS
    • CrimeConUK
    • Crime Spotlight
      Dr Sohom Das is host of the YouTube channel A Psych For Sore Minds

      A Psych For Sore Minds: An Interview with Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das

      How Prisons Are Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic

      Don`t Become a Victim: What Info Not To Share About Yourself Online

      How Altering Our Education System Can Help Us Reduce The Crime Level

      What You Should Do When You Become A Victim Of Carjacking

No Result
View All Result
Crime Traveller
  • Home
  • Research

    Do criminals freely decide to commit offences? How the courts decide

    We might not be able to understand free will with science. Here’s why

    Indian Trafficked Brides: The Stories of Three Women

    Trending Tags

    • Neuroscience
    • Mental Health
    • Criminal Brain
    • Juvenile Crime
  • Psychology
    Image: Shutterstock

    Psychopaths – Born Or Made?

    The Question of Why: Did Ted Bundy have Dissociative Identity Disorder?

    Teenage psychopathy

    What Should We Do With Teenage Psychopaths?

    Trending Tags

    • Narcissism
    • Psychopathy
    • Profiling
    • Mental Health
    • Psychology
  • Family Violence

    Reckless Speculation about Jeffrey MacDonald

    O. J. Simpson Trial: 26 Years Later

    O. J. Simpson: Murder in the First Degree

    Reasonable Doubt: The Hendricks Family Murders

    Melanie McGuire

    A Convicted Killer, Two Criminologists, and One Podcast: Direct Appeal Investigates ‘Suitcase Killer’ Melanie McGuire Case

  • True Crime
    Justice For Helen Book Cover

    Helen’s Law: A Mother’s Long Fight For Justice

    Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 2]

    Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 1]

    Trending Tags

    • Unsolved
    • Serial Murder
    • Documentaries
    • Guest Posts
  • Book Reviews

    Details are Unprintable: Wayne Lonergan and the Sensational Café Society Murder

    Operation Jacknap: A True Story of Kidnapping, Extortion, Ransom and Rescue

    Stephanie Scott

    United in Grief: The Murder of Stephanie Scott

    Book Review: Reckless Speculation About Murder

    David Lazar by Robert Kalich: A Book of Truth Merged With Fiction

    An Interview with Dylan Howard: True Crime Books Release And The Truth Behind The Epstein Scandal

    Psychiatric Killings In The UK: Blood, Voices and Missed Appointments

    New True Crime Book Series from Skyhorse Publishing

    She’s So Cold: Murder, Accusations and the System That Devastated a Family

  • SPECIALS
    • CrimeConUK
    • Crime Spotlight
      Dr Sohom Das is host of the YouTube channel A Psych For Sore Minds

      A Psych For Sore Minds: An Interview with Forensic Psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das

      How Prisons Are Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic

      Don`t Become a Victim: What Info Not To Share About Yourself Online

      How Altering Our Education System Can Help Us Reduce The Crime Level

      What You Should Do When You Become A Victim Of Carjacking

Crime Traveller

Deadly Poisons, An Introductory Text for Forensic Investigators

A comprehensive and engaging text on the subject of poisons, aiming to educate and provide a valuable tool to aid forensic investigators

by Fiona Guy
12 February, 2018 - Updated on 13 November, 2020
in Book Reviews
Reading Time: 7min read
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare
“Author Dr. David J. George’s considered approach to a subject deeply embedded in science has made his work accessible to people from all backgrounds and encouraged it to stray into the realm of true crime, with chapters dedicated to female poisoners, healthcare poisoners, drug abuse fatalities and drug-facilitated crimes.”

BUY FROM AMAZON

Poisons are something we all have curiosities about. Substances, that when they enter the human body cause a toxic reaction which can threaten life. There are many routes to an individual being exposed to a deadly poison; homicidal acts, accidental instances and suicidal intentions, all are circumstances forensic investigators when presented with a poisoning case need to examine closely.

When it comes to using poison as a murder weapon, there is a clear shift from the use of physical objects like guns or knives commonly used in violent acts, to using a substance to quietly and often slowly take the life of a victim. When internally ingested by an individual, it is a waiting game for the toxicity to build and for the human body’s own chemical reactions to activate and adversely affect the individual from within.

Women are more commonly associated with using poison to murder.  Believed to be a less violent and confrontational method of killing, the image of the passive female suits such a silent unassuming method of murder.  Poisons, however, are anything but unassuming. A killer using poison simply stands back and allows patience to win out in order for them to claim their prize.

Poisons: An Introduction For Forensic Investigators is a comprehensive reference textbook written by Dr. David J. George, a clinical toxicologist and general pharmacologist with many years experience both in academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. George has written Poisons in a manner which will appeal to professionals in the field of pharmacology and forensic science and investigation, and to be accessible and engaging for those with no toxicology or science-based background.  The technical terminology is explained and a full glossary is included at the end of the book providing every opportunity for reference, confirming understanding of any section within these pages.

This is not a true crime novel, nor is it a compilation of crimes and criminals, yet it is a book which is a compelling read for those with a nose for criminal activity involving poisons. Poisonous women, healthcare poisoners, drug-facilitated crimes and assassination using poisons are all covered here.

This is a technical textbook designed to be informative, accurate and educational to forensic investigators which it has certainly achieved, but it has also managed to appeal to the true crime fan, the CSI enthusiast with a thirst for knowledge and case histories in a manner that doesn’t terrify them with toxicology and pharmacological language that they cannot follow.

“Individuals who choose poisons to kill are most often interested primarily in eliminating someone from their lives without getting caught. This appears to be the defining characteristic attracting both men and women to employ poison as a murder weapon.”

Poisons is organized and presented in the perfect formula for a reference textbook that can be picked up and put down when needed.  Chapters are clearly labeled with concise numbered subheadings.

Labels are informative and accurate allowing any section of the book to be located at a glance.  This book is without a doubt an invaluable source of reference and an excellent learning tool.

Section I covers exposure, absorption, biodisposition and poison detection and treatment in an easy to read, concise introduction to the field of toxicology and to some of the crucial knowledge required when dealing with any case of poisoning.

Related: DNA Crime Investigations: Solving Murder and Serious Crime

What is pleasantly surprising about Poisons and probably the one thing that sets this book apart from others in a similar educational resource category, is the sheer number and variety of case studies the author has painstakingly collated to illustrate each chapter.  They are truly fascinating to read and embed the more technical side of the information being read, complementing the text perfectly.

Some case studies are surprising, like the 28-year-old woman in 2007 who died from hyponatremia due to water intoxication after taking part in a water-drinking contest for a local radio station. The 30-year-old mother in 2000 whose husband was dying from terminal cancer. Her response to his illness was to kill him sooner in order to claim from his life insurance. She added sodium azide, an odorless and colorless substance which prevents body cells from utilizing oxygen correctly, to his food and medication.

Impatient by the slow reaction of the poison and not killing her husband quick enough, she lost her temper one evening and physically attacked him, beating and stabbing him to death.  She was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death.

“Poisoners are frequently characterized as individuals who are cunning, sneaky, and creative, have superior intelligence, and are likely to be females. These descriptors may very well fit some poisoners, but many poisoners tend to be individuals with ordinary skills and average intelligence.”

There is the 38-year-old mother of two who presented both her sick 3 and 5-year-old children to the hospital with what appeared to be a severe case of stomach flu in 2005.

The unexplained fluctuations in their conditions and the death of the 3-year-old led to an investigation which uncovered a pattern of poisoning by the mother, using the prescription medication clonidine. In 2006, she was charged with child abuse and murder, convicted and sentenced to two life terms behind bars.

Poisons And Their Effects

Section II focuses attention on individual poisons, providing key information on each including opioids, benzodiazepines, pesticides, plants and mushrooms and emerging recreational psychotropics. Psychotropic drugs which Dr. George highlights “These chemicals can produce profound changes in behavior, mood, and consciousness, and have significant toxic potential.”  Each overview includes details on exposure situations and the symptoms of poisoning and a selection of real-life case studies involving each poison.

Poisons is a very well researched, expertly crafted and presented book covering a complex scientific topic in an agreeable and engaging way appealing to a wide range of readers.

While packed with science, this is not a dry textbook unable to keep the reader’s attention for long.  In fact, it manages to draw the reader in. The author’s decision to end each chapter with a set of case studies serves to embed the information just presented in real life cases, providing too much temptation not to turn the page and move onto the next chapter.  The more you read and the further the chapters progress, the more fascinating this book becomes.  If criminal poisonings are why you picked up this book, the latter half and final set of chapters in Section III will delight you, with chapters dedicated to different types of poisoners, circumstances, and outcomes from a criminal poisoning perspective.

Related: The Yorkshire Witch: The Life & Trial of Mary Bateman

If you have a curiosity about poisons, their mechanisms and dangers, and the cases in which they have been used or maybe you are writing a novel which involves a case of poisoning whether homicidal, accidental or suicidal, Poisons should be your first port of call. With an extensive list of references included at the end of each chapter, you will not need to search any further for the information you are looking for.  An excellent informative read which will educate regardless of your current level of knowledge on the subject of poisons.

‘Poisons: An Introduction For Forensic Investigators’ by Dr. David J. George is published by CRC Press and available at Amazon.

  • Writing Style
  • Readability
  • Enjoyment
5

Summary

Criminal poisoning may not be the most common method of harm to another but it is one which can be difficult to investigate forensically. In a poisoning case, knowledge of poisons themselves, their absorption and effects needs to be applied alongside forensic testing to establish quantities and potencies within the human body. Not all poisonings of course are the result of homicidal actions. Some are accidental, some are due to suicidal intent, but all provide a level of fascination on substances that when internalized inside the human body can have devastating effects. Poisons, written by Dr David J. George provides a comprehensive and engaging text on the subject of poisons, aiming to educate and provide a valuable tool to aid forensic investigators. His considered approach to a subject deeply embedded in science has made his work accessible to people from all backgrounds and encouraged it to stray into the realm of true crime, with chapters dedicated to female poisoners, healthcare poisoners, drug abuse fatalities and drug-facilitated crimes. Chapters are complimented with real-life case studies illustrating the range of circumstances in which dangerous substances have been used and the outcomes affecting those involved. Whether you have a scientific background or not, Poisons is a fascinating read and proves to be an extremely useful reference text and a learning tool.

Unlimited reading on any device, try Kindle Unlimited from Amazon for free
Prefer Audiobooks? Audible 30-Day Free Trial with free audiobooks

Share70Tweet21Pin8
Previous Post

One Family’s Dark Secret: Joseph Tarricone, A Death On Canyon Road

Next Post

Blaming Violent Video Games For Violence: It’s Time To End The Debate

Related Posts

Helen’s Law: A Mother’s Long Fight For Justice

21 January, 2021
Justice For Helen Book Cover

More than 30 years on from her daughter's murder, Marie McCourt's fight for justice has changed the law. Marie will be at CrimeCon in London...

Read more

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 2]

14 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021

In 2016 the FBI and Houston police were on the hunt for a real-life sniper believed to be a serial killer and robber whose M.O....

Read more

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 1]

4 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021

The first part of this incredible true story of a Houston criminal who specialized in robbing armoured trucks and murdering the guards, and how he...

Read more

Comments 1

  1. Kimmy Vaultz says:
    11 months ago

    I would have liked more coverage on poisons.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Stay Connected

What's New?

True Crime & Justice

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 2]

14 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021
True Crime & Justice

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 1]

4 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021
True Crime & Justice

Court TV Expands UK Footprint with Launch on Freesat

19 December, 2020
Load More

Search

No Result
View All Result

Categories

#StaySafe

Coronavirus
(COVID-19)


Information & Guidance
World Health Organisation  
US - coronavirus.gov
UK - gov.uk/coronavirus

You Might Also Like

True Crime & Justice

Newsweek JonBenet Ramsey Case Special Issue

24 September, 2016 - Updated on 30 June, 2018
Book Reviews

Harry Roberts and Foxtrot One-One: The Shepherd’s Bush Massacre

5 October, 2017 - Updated on 13 November, 2020
Crime Spotlight

Trapped: The Rise in Domestic Violence During Coronavirus Lockdown

22 April, 2020 - Updated on 26 October, 2020
Book Reviews

David Lazar by Robert Kalich: A Book of Truth Merged With Fiction

6 January, 2020 - Updated on 9 November, 2020

RECENT

Justice For Helen Book Cover

Helen’s Law: A Mother’s Long Fight For Justice

21 January, 2021

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 2]

14 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021

Get Rich or Die Hard! The FBI Manhunt for Houston’s Northside “Sniper” [PART 1]

4 January, 2021 - Updated on 30 January, 2021

POPULAR

Newsweek JonBenet Ramsey Case Special Issue

Harry Roberts and Foxtrot One-One: The Shepherd’s Bush Massacre

Trapped: The Rise in Domestic Violence During Coronavirus Lockdown

David Lazar by Robert Kalich: A Book of Truth Merged With Fiction

Site Links

  • About Crime Traveller
  • Contact Page
  • Become A Guest Contributor
  • Get Your True Crime Book Reviewed
  • Crime Spotlight
No Result
View All Result
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimers
  • Cookies
  • DMCA
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2016 - 2021 Crime Traveller, a website owned and operated by Alythium | All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Crime Research
  • Psychology of Murder
  • Family Violence & Homicide
  • True Crime & Justice
  • Crime Spotlight
  • Book Reviews
  • Get Your True Crime Book Reviewed
  • Become A Guest Contributor
  • Newsletter

Copyright © 2016 - 2021 Crime Traveller, a website owned and operated by Alythium | All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.