Charles Norris, a famous chief medical examiner in the 1920s, along with Alexander Gettler, a toxicologist, investigated very different cases dealing with many poisons. They work to uncover the mystery behind each case that has its own story and its own chapter in this novel. At the same time, they face questioning from those above them about their jobs that are not the most popular of the time. They encounter chemicals, toxins and poisons sold at the drugstore or in homes commonly. Each chapter gives information about the toxin and newfound knowledge of the time as well.
I found this book to be fascinating because while it was a nonfiction book about chemistry and toxicology, it was also written in a very interesting manner. I found myself waiting to read the next chapter and learning about new poisons at the same time. Despite a common dislike of nonfiction books myself, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This is a good book for those trying to get into reading nonfiction novels and those interested in history and chemistry. Overall, it was a great book and I really liked the information and writing style.