A book about female poisoners throughout the years that explores their stories. It has a few pages at the front about poisonous plants and animals. I thought the plants section was helpful because most of the stories involved one of these (or the metals). The animals was not as relevant I thought but still a fun addition. Then the book splits up stories based on why the women were poisoning - professional, romantic, political, etc. I thought this was a good way to break it up instead of just chronological! The illustrations within are also very beautiful.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The League of Lady Poisoners.

I was so excited my request was approved because I'm always eager to read anything related to female serial killers.

Hmm...that didn't come out right.

As I was saying, this was a well-researched and fascinating read about more than twenty-five accused women poisoners, exploring the circumstances and skill sets that led them to lives of crime.

Some of the women were familiar to me, having recently read a book about female serial killers, but others were not and I was glad to learn more.

I love the author's idea to organize the chapters based on the women's motives, and I did enjoy the poison primer about the origins uses, and deadly side effects used through history.

Another big plus: great illustrations!

This was just a fun interesting read. I was enthralled with everything about this book and I really want to see more as soon as possible.

The League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin is an illustrated book of true stories of dangerous women. I’m not sure what exactly drew me to this book; perhaps it was the title or the cover, whatever it was though, my curiosity was piqued. I did appreciate the background research and explanation that not all of the women were evil or cruel. Many were desperate and looking to escape impossible situations where they felt trapped.
The chapters are divided out by professional poisoners, escape and defiance, money and greed, power and politics, anger and revenge, and love and obsession. The author is careful to stipulate as these are not necessarily motives, as motives are complex and multi factorial.
The stories are told with a lot of detail and description (but you will not find recipes). Some of the stories were familiar, others I’ve never heard of. In both cases, as one who appreciates stories of true crime, I was enlightened. It is macabre as well as interesting. My curiosity was satiated and I learned quite a bit about these women.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I think I can thank Bailey Sarian for getting me really into women killers, as she has a few that feature women and poisoning was one of the main themes among them. I can't remember where I first heard it, if it was in fiction or someone real, but the saying was "poison is the choice of women who kill."

So, basically I have always been a fan of reading about the topic. This was a really cool collection, even though I do wish the histories were longer. Maybe because I was really interested in the topic, I just craved more. Overall, I liked this a lot!

I loved this one. The layout is perfect. I loved the illustrations and the charts. I loved the stories and the chapter titles.
If I still had a bookclub this would be a pick for sure. I need to get a copy for my coffee table.
the illustrations are to die for. Did I mention that?

Thank you for the ARC!

I was only able to read through the first section of this, before some personal compulsion issues that I thought weren’t a problem anymore turned out to absolutely be a problem when reading a book about poison.

Thus, what follows is based largely on the introduction section, and on the assassins section, with the added bit of the bibliography which I also look through.


I found this to be by far the best researched and well cited example of its genre (illustrated vignette pop history). I noticed none of the glaring issues or repetition of apocryphal stories so very common on the form, especially considering the subject at hand.

I appreciated both the art and the writing style, and the level of detail is good for a coffee table type book.

I appreciate he frequents quotations sand use of primary sources as well.

This is a book I may or may not go and finish due to my own issues, but would be quite likely to recommend to anyone with a not especially serious interest in any of its covered subjects.

I received an e-ARC through net galley.


I am not putting this review up on my StoryGraph at this time, as I did not finish the book and feel it would be disingenuous.

I will however go and tell several friends about it, including a couple who are likely to be much more inclined to read the thing cover to cover than I was.

Amazon book! Reading like a true crime podcast with the perfect mix of humor and history. The book follows the story of female poisoners throughout history proving what’s myth and what’s fact while showing how patriarchal views shape their stories. I also loved how it starts out with a explanation for poison before going into to the stories. And the beautiful artwork tied it all together. First nonfiction book I’ve read in years and did not disappoint. Definitely recommend reading :)

Gorgeously illustrated and engagingly written, The Lease of Lady Poisoners is, in many respects, an extremely lovely and thorough annotated bibliography moreso than a novel, but I do not say that derogatorily. Greatly appreciated are Perrin's efforts to include a broad scope of women from different backgrounds and cultures; this book features both the notorious and the little-known (who are often more deserving of the notoriety given to their myth-shrouded but white and European counterparts).

Some of the poisoners discussed are a bit of a reach for their given category, some probably did not have quite enough information to merit their own section (though I am sympathetic to why this is occasionally the case), and it does take about twenty percent of the book to get to the actual titular lady poisoners, but it's a fine, fascinating historical sampler nonetheless.

Also not unnoticed is Perrin's empathy and acknowledgement of the difference in approach necessary in discussing the (allegedly) true crimes of the very-historic past and those from the past century, which do not feature heavily here. Those who are interested by, but feel put off or uncomfortable with the tone sometimes taken in our true crime obsessed culture towards killers whose devastating impact is still being felt today by grieving friends, relatives, and descendants will likely find this a refreshing and useful resource.

I recommend this to anyone intrigued by psychology, history, and the role of gender construct and performance in our perception of the human capacity for violence. An excellent compilation of sources with stunning visuals.

Thank you to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this! I enjoyed this lethal jaunt into the stories of women who were associated with poison. The illustrations add a whimsy and charm to the discussion of murder and women fighting abuse in many cases. I appreciated the context she gave historically and the wealth of information in a condensed format. I also love in works like these to have the specific sources cited so clearly. Well researched, well written, and well illustrated!

This might be dark to say but I had so much fun reading this. The author brings nuance and levity at just the right times to balance the darkness of the topic while also respecting the seriousness and horror of poisoning. I think many people have a lot of preconceived notions when it comes to women poisoners and this book dispels a lot of myths. It also gives the perspectives of many different kind of women who used poison from those who did it out of necessity to escape an abusive situation, to women who used it to raise their station and of course the famous “angel of mercy” killers. The author includes a diverse array of women from many different countries and backgrounds as well, which was super interesting. The book was informative in an easy to read way, and for people interested in reading more the source list is organized in a way that makes reading up on the people and topics that most interested the reader easy to find. The illustrations by the author were also really delightful and beautiful. I only wish there would have been even more to read because the topic was so interesting. I’m looking forward to more from this author in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. Everything from the structure to the art to the content. It was a pretty quick read, and I appreciated how the women were addressed with understanding. The author made sure to put their crimes in context, and add information regarding social and societal structures that could have led to them poisoning others. For some it was escaping abusive situations, for others it was financial independence and freedom, and for others it was truly because of horrific reasons where they did not appear to have a conscience and did it for their own gain. The author also walked through what the poisons would do to individuals, to also center that there were victims in this as well that would have died horrific deaths. I thought overall the book was well rounded in how it presented the information, addressed its subjects, and in how it kept the reader engaged. The artwork was beautiful and I loved the themes the artist chose. I also learned a lot about historical women from all walks of life and while many women likely disappeared from the historical record, I thought the author did a great job at attempting to make sure women of all classes, cultures, and backgrounds were represented. Overall I really recommend.

Please be advised I received a free advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing me with an ARC.

I was pretty excited when I saw this book because I have never read or seen anything similar.

I really enjoyed the illustrations that paired with each story and thought they added a nice touch.

Overall, the book was super interesting and very informative. I would definitely recommend reading this if you are a fan of true crime or history.

Illustrated true crime. The genre I didn’t know I needed until now.

I love this. It’s absolutely gorgeous to start. The cover, the illustrations - beautiful. The stories of our female poisoners in history is also fantastic. There are many that we’ve never heard of (or at least I hadn’t) and of course the famous ones we’ve all heard of (Aqua Tofana, anyone??). It’s informative and gorgeous. What more could someone want?

Huge thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Enjoyable, great pacing, exciting settings kept me hooked. Fun novel that will be the perfect to lose yourself in. Thank you Net Galley for ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

This is a fantastic book. The way that Lisa Perrin showcases the different aspects of the poisons used and why each of “the league” did what she did is so fascinating and descriptive. Even as a true crime fan I was able to learn more about each lady. I will definitely recommend this book to others.

This one was a spectacular breath of fresh air, strangely enough. The educational yet joyful vibes of this authors writing kept drawing me further and further in. There’s nowhere to get bored in this. If you’re a fan of true crime but would love more featuring women and the horrors that have happened well within the past, this is for you!

I loved this book! It was thoroughly researched, well written, highly entertaining, and beautifully illustrated.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC that was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved reading this book. I was completely drawn into the topic and could not stop reading it.

So this is one I need to have in my library! It’s just so pretty! I enjoyed the eARC from NetGalley but absolutely must own a copy of this! Thank you!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.
I don’t normally read books similar to this, but I thought the cover was really pretty, so I decided to give this a chance. I was pleasantly surprised. The illustration style was beautiful. The book presented the history in an entertaining manner and it did not read like a textbook at all. The drawings of the plants was probably my favorite part of the book.

This book was so awesome!! I love true crime books and let's face it womens like poison as their murder choice normally. This book was so good and so well researched. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend this book to anyone who likes true crime.
I just reviewed The League of Lady Poisoners by Lisa Perrin. #TheLeagueofLadyPoisoners #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

"The League of Lady Poisoners" by Lisa Perrin is a unique work, effectively combining artful visuals with dark tales of infamous female poisoners throughout history. Perrin’s meticulous research shines through the narratives, providing an intriguing perspective on the lives and motives of these women, who hail from diverse backgrounds and time periods.

This book presents the grim artistry of crime in a captivating way, making it an engaging read for fans of true crime and historical biographies. Each chapter is thoughtfully arranged based on the poisoners’ motives, shedding light on their sometimes macabre, sometimes sympathetic choices. The detailed illustrations and Victorian-style aesthetics further amplify the narratives, offering readers an immersive experience into this chilling aspect of history.

While some of the classifications can feel somewhat stretched, and a few profiles could benefit from more detail, these are minor criticisms within the scope of the overall work. Yes, it takes some time to reach the titular 'lady poisoners', but the contextual groundwork laid is vital for a full appreciation of the stories that follow.

One of the book's most commendable qualities is Perrin's empathetic approach. She handles the more recent crimes with tact and sensitivity, showing an awareness of the ongoing effects on the victims' families and friends.

"The League of Lady Poisoners" is an enriching read for those fascinated by the intersection of psychology, history, gender, and crime.

What an informational read! This story was very eye opening. I loved reading about the poisons and why women chose to use them. I feel like many women from many walks of life were represented in this story. I also enjoyed the artwork that went along with the story.

Loved this book! The perfect combination of wit and facts. The author references a number of people's work on similar topics and has done a lot of research on these women.

What first intrigued me about The League of Lady Poisoners is the mention of Giulia Tofana. I have been fascinated with her story since she was featured on Bailey Sarian's "Murder, Mystery, and Makeup Monday" series on YouTube. If you have ever watched Bailey, then you know she has an amazing way of telling true crime stories that pull you in, and I have been looking for a book that gives me a similar vibe. I definitely felt that from Lady Poisoners. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the author does a good job at inserting witty quips when appropriate. It keeps the book light hearted despite the subject matter. Lisa Perrin also does not paint all the women as gruesome murders without a conscience. She sheds light on their humanity as many were forced into circumstances due to a patriarchal society and lack of mental health awareness.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am excited to purchase this book and add it to my shelf because it is stunning.

This was a fun read, and was obviously well-researched. Covering a variety of notorious female poisoners, this book takes a look at the women behind the stories and the reasons they may have had for doing what they did. The profiles are grouped by the motive-political gain, escape from domestic abuse, collecting life insurance, etc.-and each one includes a illustration. The illustrations are well done, with vibrant colors and fun designs. I felt like there was a good selection of people featured, though I would have like to see more diversity if it was possible. Overall, this was a fun, quick read.

I will be honest, I picked up this book based on the cover. It is one of the prettiest covers that I have seen in a long time. I was drawn into the book by the interior illustrations too. The subject matter is grave and the author did a great job both informing and keeping the information about each lady poisoner brief but yet highly informative. I was shocked to see how many lady poisoners there were even though I assume there are numerous that were never recorded for history. I look forward to any other books that Lisa Perrin writes.

I really enjoyed this well-researched book about the history of poisons and how women have used poison to kill. Some of the stories are typical Victorian-era stories of women disposing of abusive husbands with a little arsenic in their tea, but there were also stories of psychopathic serial killers and women who allegedly used poison for political gain. Some of the women were people I've heard of, but many were not, so it was great to get this overview of many different stories and time periods;

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"You know,
the way most friendly neighbors are there to
lend a cup of sugar or a thimbleful of the dust
of human remains."

A delightful look at poisons and some of the true crimes that women committed using them throughout history. Whether motivated by money, power, or fear these women all had a motive for their crime.

This book was tongue in cheek, snarky and sarcastic, funny and informative. The author did a great job with her illustrations that helped bring the stories to life as well along with her writing. This book is beautiful and I will be buying myself a hardback copy

Thank you NetGalley and the author for the advance copy of this book.

An interesting concept for a book, that takes the reader back through the ages at all the famous, or should I say infamous lady poisoners. Good details and images throughout, and while easy to read a bit and then put down again, I would highly recommend this book.

Wow, this book was absolutely mind-blowing! You can tell that a ton of work went into the research and writing of "The League of Lady Poisoners." It is, unfortunately, “not a how to book”, but as a reader, I seriously appreciate the insane amount of time and effort that was put into it.

What made this book really come alive for me was the author's use of humor and storytelling. Perrin knows how to spin a tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I found myself laughing out loud and getting totally engrossed in the narratives of these notorious poisoners. It's like they jumped off the page and into my imagination!

And let's talk about the graphics in this book, folks. They were downright beautiful. Perrin's attention to detail and artistic talent really shine through. The illustrations are just stunning and perfectly complement the stories being told. They're like eye candy, seriously.

"The League of Lady Poisoners" is a true masterpiece that showcases Perrin's incredible skills as a researcher and storyteller. She manages to blend historical facts with captivating storytelling in such a seamless way. You learn a ton while being totally entertained.

Listen, this book isn't just for die-hard true crime fans. It has something for everyone. The meticulous research, the gripping narratives, and the jaw-dropping visuals make it a must-read for anyone who loves a good story. Trust me, you'll be hooked from the first page.

In a nutshell, "The League of Lady Poisoners" is an absolute gem. Perrin knocked it out of the park with this one. It's a wild ride that will leave you in awe of these deadly women and hungry for more. So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to have your mind blown!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the the eARC.

I loved this book! The exact balance of entertainment and history, blended with crime. The illustrations and design of the book are spot on, and gorgeous. Cyanide green!

Advanced reader copy.

This was an interesting look into women who posion. From product of their time to deemed as crazy.

This was a fun and informative true crime novel. It was interesting to learn how history shapes lady poisoners and society and male dominate society add in myths and ledgends.
I also really enjoyed the art. I cannot wait to see what this looks like in print.

Thank you netgally and publisher for the ARC.

I admit, the gorgeous cover and title are what drew me to this book (kind of sounds like a graphic novel 😊). Thankfully, this one did not disappoint.

The chapters were broken down by the main motives of the poisoners (love, revenge, desperation, etc), which was a nice change from the usual chronological breakdown. The included illustrations and quotes were nice additions to the various stories.

I was familiar with some of the stories, but there were definitely more that haven't been repeatedly covered...will be busy for a while going back over my MANY bookmarks reading up more on these 😉.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this as an ARC ebook and my only regret is not reading it in print. I will be getting this book. The illustrations are gorgeous. You can tell Lisa Perrin took time and effort to research.

If you like true crime you will love this.

This book is gorgeous, stunning, wicked. It's beautifully illustrated and I will be buying my very own hardcopy ASAP to display on my shelf with all of my knick-knacks and plants. Intertwined with tales of women murderers, a pretty rare breed of individual (look at the stats!) is a commentary on historical womanhood, the patriarchy, and the double standards that are often used when reviewing the crimes of men vs. women, and even "average" vs. attractive women.

Interesting and beautifully illustrated, but I wish it had a bit more depth. Some of the information I was already familiar with, and I found myself disappointed when the events were simplified or glossed over. However, I did appreciate the attention paid to events from all over the world, and women who have not been reported on extensively before. I also liked how the author made an effort to evaluate the societal pressures and issues that led to these crimes. However, at times I wish the murderers had gotten less sympathy and the victims had gotten more, especially in cases where the victims were the children of the killer.

I have appreciated Lisa Perrin’s art for a while now, both on Instagram and on the various book covers she has designed. Her style is perfect for a book like this, and her illustrations are utterly gorgeous. Her writing also feels incredibly well researched and is so entertaining. With such a collection of stories about women poisoning people, you’d think it would become monotonous after the tenth or twentieth one, but each account is distinct, sometimes told with humor, and sometimes with social commentary on the circumstances of these fascinating women. The subject matter is certainly not for everyone, but if you like history and are mildly morbid, you will enjoy this one.

A curiously fascinating book. Was it the poisonous-green artwork on the cover, the clever title, or the idea of women secretly using poison to change their life stories that drew me to this book? Probably all three! Lisa Perrin’s illustrations throughout masterfully blend with the narratives of women seeking love, revenge, money, control of their own lives, or helping others get out of bad situations.

Some of these names will be familiar—after all, they are notorious killers, and women at that! Their methods are intimate, as they carefully dole out poison in food, drink, or in medicines meant for sustenance or cures. Their unsuspecting targets are within the household realm or in the workplace, and the poisoners often are in positions as caretakers. Grouped by possible motives, these short biographies provide the setting, the backstory (if known), the crime, and the verdict for 25+ women. And, if you want more, Perrin provides a wide variety of sources to dig into afterwards.

A touch of wit balances the macabre theme, while solid research, riveting stories, and judicious use of illustrations round out Perrin’s debut book. I wonder what topics she’ll tackle next!

Prerelease book provided by NetGalley and Chronicle Books for review consideration.

#TheLeagueofLadyPoisoners #NetGalley #ChronicleBooks

3.5 stars, rounded up

The gorgeous cover of this book caught my eye while browsing through the NetGalley catalog. The title and book description clinched it, as I’m fascinated by what would probably be called “bad girls.” I was disappointed that the book was only available in PDF format, which resulted in having to read it on my laptop. I could open the file in the NetGalley Shelf app on my phone, but was unable to enlarge the text enough to be able to read it, and the NG Shelf app is apparently not available for my tablet or for Kindle (Why not? Other books available from NG can be read on a Kindle.)

Once I got past that frustration, I enjoyed this book. It’s obvious the author has done extensive research into the topic of female poisoners throughout history, and I like that it’s broken down into chapters based on the women’s motives – professional poisoners (those hired to do a job), escape and defiance, money and greed, power and politics, anger and revenge, and love and obsession. The stories of these women were sometimes compelling, sometimes curious, and sometimes repulsive, but they were all written well. I learned a bit from reading this book, and will recommend it to my reading friends interested in history, feminism and murder by poison.

I'll admit I first was drawn to this novel just for the wonderful cover. But, after reading it, I can say that Perrin masterfully crafts a great introduction to the history of poisons. She starts with a brief chronology of poison including even the foundation of the FDA and the Agency on Toxins, but she also give a brief overview of some of the most well-known poisons - both flora and fauna. For each, she gives illustrations to help the reader identify them in-person. Then, the rest of the novel gives historical background to some of history's renown poisoners - saving lives, fighting for freedom, fighting against the patriarchy to even fighting for love - each woman has a unique story behind their poisonous ventures. Lisa Perrin, you have.a knew found fan, and I cannot wait to read the other works you have, or will have.

*I received this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This was really interesting and so well done. The illustrations are gorgeous. I loved the educational bits about the history of poison, what happens to the body, and different types of poison. It was fascinating!

I’d definitely recommend this to lovers of true crime like myself. I even have some friends I’m going to suggest this to.

I’d like to thank Chronicle Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!

Lisa Perrin wrote eloquently about these historical women, organizing the chapters beautifully. It’s always a treat to read about Giulia Tofana, especially when well researched. The illustrations throughout the narrative were amazing, it was a nice touch and makes for a gorgeous book. I can’t wait to have it on my shelves!

Perrin's The League of Lady Poisoners is a lovely and informative book that's fun to read. Her illustrations for each lady poisoner entrance and the accompanying entries engage. Insight and research fill each page in an easily digestible flow. I was familiar with many of the poisoners profiled (hello, Lucrezia Borgia) but was pleased to discover several I was not (such as Frances Howard Carr). Overall, a worthy book for any history buff or poison aficionado's bookshelf.

Fascinating collection. Well written, combining history with a bit if humor to tell the stories of these women. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I absolutely love the cover of this! I saw a sneak peek on Lisa Perrin's Instagram page and the foil cover is absolutely stunning! Plus it has green gilded edges too. I can't wait to buy this book, it's such a unique text that will make a beautiful addition to our shelves. From the very first page I knew it would be great, the illustrations and typesetting are visually eye catching and done in Lisa's unique style. They illustrations are both stunningly beautiful and haunting at the same time. The foreward was a really interesting read that helps set up the book and grab interest from the get go. The book also includes a toxic timeline which details the discoveries and uses of poisons throughout time, poisonous plants with beautiful detailed illustrations, poisonous creatures, and then several pages of lady poisoners. I would highly recommend for readers who enjoy history, art and design.

This book was wild! There was a broad range of women poisoners; some were righteous, most horrific, and a few truly bizarre. The illustrations were beautiful and haunting. Even if you don’t like true crime, I would recommend this book. It’s important to know the good and bad histories of women and how their actions were shaped by their role in society. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Hemlock & nightshade & arsenic, oh my! This was an informative look at the history of poisons, how they are used and the women who used them. The front section gives you the broad-strokes of the more scientific aspects of the various forms of poisons; whether it is a plant, chemical or animal. From ancient Rome to 1950s American South, a wide variety of poisoners and their reasons behind doing so are explored. I've read books on poison before so was familiar with some of the stories, but I definitely learned a lot that I had never even heard of before. As a bonus to all the interesting information, the illustrations are beautiful. It is a fun read (can I say that about a book about poison?) and the illustrations take the enjoyment to the next level. If you have any interest in science, women's history or true crime, I think this would make an excellent next read!!

Many thanks to Chronicle Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

This book is about women poisoners throughout history and how their actions, and the reactions of others, can tell us a lot about what society was like. Perrin organizes her book into six parts: Women poisoners as professionals, using poison as self defense, financial gain, politics, revenge, and love.

The book is beautifully illustrated and brings a unique look into non-fiction books. Perrin writes in a non academic voice which could help readers trying to get into non-fiction works. Perrin tries to make the book as culturally diverse as possible.

Overall, it was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed learning about women poisoners throughout history and the motives that influenced their decisions.