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Deborah Swift
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The Poison Keeper: An enthralling historical novel of Renaissance Italy (Giulia Tofana Series) Kindle Edition

by Deborah Swift (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 2,890 ratings
Wishing Shelf Book of the Decade
BookViral Book of the Year

Naples 1633

Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill.

Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell her the hidden keys to her success. But the day Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade.

Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi.

The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under his thrall, insists that she should be consort to him.

Based on the legendary life of Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how courage and love can overcome vengeance.

'Her characters are so real they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf'Historical Novel Society

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  1. Part of series
    Giulia Tofana Series
  2. Print length
    410 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 18, 2021
  5. File size
    1.6 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

The Poison Keeper Image of woman

Paperback of Book 2 in Series

Quotation from Coffee Pot Book Club Review

Paperback of Book 1 in Series

Tagline with image of ereader

Editorial Reviews

Review

Swift has an almost visceral understanding of what makes history worth reading, and she is also the perfect tour-guide to take her readers on a trip back in time to a dangerous past ... a must-read for fans of quality Historical Fiction. Coffee Pot Book Club ★★★★★


With family secrets, exciting friendships and a tumultuous political backdrop, The Poison Keeper is a fast-paced and exciting read. 100 Pages A Day Blog


Wonderfully written and very insightful story - a book in a million. Book Bandit ★★★★★


Fast-paced action and intriguing secrets all within the stunning settings of Naples and Palermo - like a riding a carousel during an Italian masquerade - and ending with you anxious for the next chapter in Guilia's life.
Historical Fiction Press 5 Star Award ★★★★★

About the Author

Deborah Swift is the USAToday bestselling author of fourteen historical novels to date. Deborah is particularly interested in exploring the lives or ordinary people who are caught up in the extraordinary events of the past. Many of her books are in book group editions as she enjoys discussing the themes of her books with reading groups.

Before becoming a writer Deborah worked in theatre and TV as a set and costume designer and hopes she can create a visual feast for her readers in her books. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and The Historical Writer's Association, and mentors other writers for The History Quill.
Deborah lives in a beautiful area of England close to the mountains and the sea and enjoys escaping the desk by taking long walks in the countryside near her home, and by visiting old houses, especially the ones with a coffee shop!
Want to know more? You can join Deborah's newsletter on her website to keep in touch with her new books and receive 'The Astonishing Past'- a monthly digest of interesting history and bargain books.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0928WPHMH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quire Books; 1st edition (May 18, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 18, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 410 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 2,890 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift

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THANK YOU for visiting my author page! As you read this I'll probably be writing from my tall stone house which was once a school and built in 1902. This is a house that is "new" in English terms, as many of our local villages date back to the 1630's or even earlier.

I write historical fiction, a genre I love. I loved the Victorian classics such as Jane Eyre, Little Women, Lorna Doone and Wuthering Heights. As I child I loved to read and when I had read my own library books, I used to borrow my mother's library copies of Anya Seton and Daphne du Maurier. I have loved reading historical novels ever since; though I'm a bookaholic and I read widely - contemporary and classic fiction as well as historicals.

In the past I used to work as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV, so I enjoy the research aspect of creating historical fiction, something I loved doing as a scenographer. More details of my research and writing process can be found on my website. I like to write about extraordinary characters set against the background of real historical events.

I live in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District, a beautiful area made famous by the Romantic Poets such as Wordsworth and Coleridge. I love exploring the mountainous landscapes and interesting coastline near my home.

'Her characters are so real that they linger in the mind long after the book is back on the shelf. Highly recommended. ' The Historical Novels Review.

Visit my website deborahswift.com for a free story,

WW2 Books:

Past Encounters

The Occupation

The Lifeline

The Silk Code

The Italian Renaissance Series:

The Poison Keeper

The Silkworm Keeper

The Fortune Keeper

The Pepys Trilogy:

Pleasing Mr Pepys

A Plague on Mr Pepys

Entertaining Mr Pepys

17th Century Books:

The Lady's Slipper

The Gilded Lily

A Divided Inheritance

Books for Adults/Young Adults:

Shadow on the Highway

Spirit of the Highway

Lady of the Highway

Find me on my website www.deborahswift.com

or on Twitter @swiftstory

or facebook - authordeborahswift

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
2,890 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel captivating and well-written, with well-described characters and unexpected plot twists. Moreover, the pacing is fantastic, and the book is well-researched and informative, with one customer noting how it evokes the atmosphere of 17th century Naples. Additionally, they appreciate how it transports readers to Renaissance Italy.

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56 customers mention "Historical fiction"52 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the historical fiction elements of the book, finding it captivating and worth reading as a true story.

"Historical fiction that is easy to become enmeshed in. Complex characters and a good feel for the time and place." Read more

"Historical fiction is always tricky; very good story but the author isn't a particularly good writer...." Read more

"...But that's the beauty of historical fiction, where fact melds with fiction, and the author can create a higher purpose for the actions of historical..." Read more

"...So that may sway your opinion of the book. I found it to be a fun read, and interested in the story line from beginning to end. Highly recommended." Read more

26 customers mention "Writing quality"20 positive6 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well thought out and professionally crafted, with one customer highlighting the author's confident voice.

"...I loved this book. It has everything and is extremely well written, with non-stop action, while still having good characterisation...." Read more

"...Deborah Swift's writer's voice is confident and evocative. I enjoyed the nuanced portrait of Giulia and will continue the series." Read more

"I really enjoyed "The Poison Keeper"...not only for its original content, but also because it was a story woven intricately around true events...." Read more

"...fiction is always tricky; very good story but the author isn't a particularly good writer. The historical vernacular is sloppy and distracting...." Read more

25 customers mention "Character development"22 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the nuanced portrayal of Giulia and another noting the interestingly drawn Renaissance characters.

"Historical fiction that is easy to become enmeshed in. Complex characters and a good feel for the time and place." Read more

"...The author brings her characters to such life that you feel as though you are in the middle of the story." Read more

"...Naples, and she has populated that colorful city with satisfyingly complex characters...." Read more

"This book was such a good read. It was fast paced. It is based on an actual person who lived in the 1600s as an alchemist...." Read more

19 customers mention "Plot"14 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as action-packed with twists and unexpected turns, and one customer notes that almost every chapter is unique.

"...There are plenty of surprises, and the hard questions of right and wrong are given their full weight, without glib or easy answers...." Read more

"...I found it to be a fun read, and interested in the story line from beginning to end. Highly recommended." Read more

"Historical fiction is always tricky; very good story but the author isn't a particularly good writer...." Read more

"“How did we get here?” answered in a beautifully laid out story that helps develop characters and fill in the holes of the Poison Keeper’s past." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as quick and fantastic, with one customer noting its non-stop action.

"...It has everything and is extremely well written, with non-stop action, while still having good characterisation...." Read more

"...This fast-paced story kept me reading late into the night, utterly absorbed in Giulia’s transformation: from an innocent teenager in an impossibly..." Read more

"This book was such a good read. It was fast paced. It is based on an actual person who lived in the 1600s as an alchemist...." Read more

"...The plot was gripping and moved at a steady enough pace to keep the reading fresh and interesting throughout the entire book...." Read more

6 customers mention "Information quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-researched and very informative.

"...an innocent teenager in an impossibly difficult situation to the resourceful, resilient, nuanced woman she becomes...." Read more

"This book was absorbing, exciting and enchanting. Informational also..." Read more

"Alchemy is such an interesting field and this story was very informative and exciting I so enjoyed this true life adventure" Read more

"Wonderful book, well researched, was very interesting to the last page!..." Read more

5 customers mention "Era"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of Renaissance Italy, with one customer noting how it evokes the atmosphere of 17th century Naples.

"...I enjoyed the insight into Renaissance Italy, and the social commentary was there, without being in your face...." Read more

"...Swift immerses her readers in the chaos, energy, and teeming life of 17th century Naples, and she has populated that colorful city with satisfyingly..." Read more

"...enjoyed it -- it kept me reading and it really evoked the atmosphere of 17th century Naples...." Read more

"...I was transported back to Renaissance Italy in this wild & scary adventure!!! Fascinating story. I highly recommend!" Read more

4 customers mention "Ease of use"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to use, with one mentioning that the setting is easy to envision.

"Historical fiction that is easy to become enmeshed in. Complex characters and a good feel for the time and place." Read more

"...questions of right and wrong are given their full weight, without glib or easy answers...." Read more

"...The characters are well described. The setting is easy to envision and the climate of the people is easy to imagine...." Read more

"It was the 1st book I read from Deborah Swift. I just loved her easy, fluid way to tell a wonderful story weaved into historical research...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • rsallen
    5.0 out of 5 stars so well written and researched
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Historical fiction that is easy to become enmeshed in. Complex characters and a good feel for the time and place.
    One person found this helpful
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  • sly311
    4.0 out of 5 stars Historically Intriguing
    Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Historical fiction is always tricky; very good story but the author isn't a particularly good writer. The historical vernacular is sloppy and distracting. Nothing like an Ariel Lawhon who captivates you with her style and passion from the get go.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • joselli see
    5.0 out of 5 stars captivating!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    My goodness, I was completely enthralled with this story from beginning to end. The author brings her characters to such life that you feel as though you are in the middle of the story.
    One person found this helpful
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  • PB
    3.0 out of 5 stars Nothing Great ......
    Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    First let me say I like this author, loved her book The Silk Code but this book falls far short. The characters were not developed, the plot was nothing you couldn't see coming, the style of writing was hard and didn't flow easily which made it a difficult read. IMHO I say skip this one read the Silk Code instead.

    If you enjoy reading about the past or history may I suggest The Nightingale by Hannah or A Room on Rue Amelie by Harmel or The Secrets We Left Behind by Lane or A Fire Sparkling by Maclean or The Paris Secret by Lester which is one of the best books I've ever read.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Di
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intrigue and action-packed
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Move over, Lucretia Borgia! Giulia Tofana should have as much notoriety, if not more, since her story (seemingly) comes from a purer place. But that's the beauty of historical fiction, where fact melds with fiction, and the author can create a higher purpose for the actions of historical figures. I loved this book. It has everything and is extremely well written, with non-stop action, while still having good characterisation. I enjoyed the insight into Renaissance Italy, and the social commentary was there, without being in your face. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
    7 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Tinney S. Heath
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vivid and absorbing!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Deborah Swift immerses her readers in the chaos, energy, and teeming life of 17th century Naples, and she has populated that colorful city with satisfyingly complex characters. This fast-paced story kept me reading late into the night, utterly absorbed in Giulia’s transformation: from an innocent teenager in an impossibly difficult situation to the resourceful, resilient, nuanced woman she becomes. There are plenty of surprises, and the hard questions of right and wrong are given their full weight, without glib or easy answers. I love a story about real but little-known women in history, and this one is a gem.
    14 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Michelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book was such a good read. It was fast paced. It is based on an actual person who lived in the 1600s as an alchemist. She made remedies but also poisons that would aid in the poisoning of abusive husbands of arranged marriages which was a tradition. Back then, investigative techniques weren't as advanced as they are today and these poisons wouldn't be detected in the deceased so she was able to get away with it for a while. At some point the leaders of the city are looking to arrest her. She's on the run, she meets people along the way, some good, some bad. This book is a bit more plot driven than character driven. So that may sway your opinion of the book. I found it to be a fun read, and interested in the story line from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Lucy Grace
    4.0 out of 5 stars Skillful, worthwhile historical fiction
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Our world seems particularly violent these days. It's been valuable for me to spend some time in a world even more violent and unjust than ours -- when women had even less power than we have now. I did quickly skim some fight scenes because I just cannot stomach them. Deborah Swift's writer's voice is confident and evocative. I enjoyed the nuanced portrait of Giulia and will continue the series.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Plain Jane
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, worthwhile historical fiction
    Reviewed in Spain on June 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Guilia D'Adamo's mother is executed for creating a poison to help abused women be rid of their cruel husbands. Guilia thinks what she has done is entirely wrong, until she becomes the victim of the sadistic religious maniac Domenico Verdi - whose misuse of power and perversions are bringing Naples' closer to starvation. Guilia takes on her mother's role, knowing it will almost certainly lead to the same punishment. Author Deborah Swift's skill is giving her reader hope that Guilia will not only survive but find love and happiness. But these are dark days and Swift is writing about a real person. What makes this book so very good is the way history, especially 'women's history', and a fast-paced plot are woven together to create a compelling thriller. I couldn't put this book down until I knew what was going to happen to the heroine. Which came as surprise - but no spoilers.
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  • CAROL MCGRATH
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poison in Seventeenth Century Naples
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Poison Keeper is a fascinating story based on real events in shadowy seventeenth century Naples and Palermo. We are introduced to Guila Tofana and her persecution by the Duke de Verdi. She flees to her aunt in Naples after her mother is arrested as a poisoner for providing a poison to the Duke’s wife. The Duke survives and is determined to find and eliminate Tofana after ordering her mother’s execution. The novel takes many twists and turns . It is beautifully written and expertly plotted. The kingdom of Naples was under Spanish rule controlled by a Spanish viceroy. The Duke and his brother imposed a cruel rule during an era when the Spanish Inquisition was oppressing Neapolitan citizens. Details of life in Naples at this time transports the reader into a mysterious dangerous world and whilst Guila is a trained herbalist and perfumer and becomes a poisoner seeking revenge she evokes sympathy throughout the novel. Every setting is convincing moving through a city of narrow streets, palazzos, churches and even a courtesans’ mansion transporting us into a sinister world inhabited by craftspeople whose survival and livelihoods are jeopardised by the ruler’s greed, oppressive dictates and punishments where no one, especially women are safe. Will Guila find revenge for her mother’s execution and will she and those she loves survive? It is a story peopled with colourful and engaging personalities. It contains at least one love story. It’s a book that touches the human heart, an engrossing read with many surprising turns in the narrative and one which I absorbed over one weekend. It is an excellent and a delicious read. I loved it. Highly recommended.
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  • Jo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating read.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this story. I cannot wait to read the other two.
    Report
  • Karen Macor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written but emotionally challenging
    Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This story was well written and held my interest but I had to put it down several times as the story was so revulsive yet true. It challenges your moral code and puts into question the line between good and evil. I liked the discussion questions at the end and wished I had read this with a group to hear their answers.
    Report
  • Natascha
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a thriller!
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely love this book. It pulled me in right away and I forgot about everything around me. What a thriller and pageturner. I'm going to start the second book right away.
    Report

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