The league of lady poisoners Illustrated true stories of dangerous women

Illustrator Perrin debuts with an entertaining and enlightening survey of more than two dozen women who deliberately poisoned strangers or family members. Divided into six chapters according to their motivations, including "Money and greed," "Power and Politics," "and Love and Obsession," Perrin's subjects run the gamut from the famous (one section spotlights 19th-century serial killer Mary Ann Cotton; another surveys reports that Cleopatra was an expert poisoner) to the lesser known, including Wu Zetian, a seventh-century Chinese ruler whose introduction is indicative of Perrin's wry, winning voice: "The story of Wu's rise to power is almost Cinderella-like--if the story ended with Cinderella deposing her enemies, staying in power for decades, and becoming the sole ruler of an empire entering its golden age." Perrin's concise, insightful biographical sketches carry the penny-dreadful punch of Edward Gorey's vignettes, and her gorgeous full-color illustrations lend a note of playfulness to the macabre proceedings. This is catnip for true crime devotees. (Sept.)

A moody and eye-catching green, black, and gold cover aptly sets the scene as readers open to "humble picture maker and true crime aficionado" Perrin's compendium of deadly women. Following an introduction, a poison primer, a toxic timeline, and notes on poisonous plants, animals, and chemicals, poisoners are organized by theme (money and greed; power and politics) with occasionally irreverent commentary and a great deal of sympathy for women with complex motives for eliminating rivals and loved ones. Sources are provided, though qualifiers ("alleged," "thought to be," "suggests") appear frequently, allowing leeway for readers to second-guess the courts. Perrin's illustrations fit the tone and add to enjoyment. VERDICT True crime is popular, and followers will appreciate the stories of 25 deadly dames from days gone by.