A powerful historical fiction debut inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana, the first documented female serial killer in history. Rome, 1656 In the shadowy backstreets of the Eternal City lies an apothecary - a place for women to take their heartbreaks and troubles. Herbs for childbirth. Tarot readings to tell their fortunes. An undetectable poison that can kill in four drops. Alongside her circle of female poisoners, Giulia Tofana dispenses her deadly potion to free the downtrodden women of the city from their abusive husbands. But even in a time of plague, it does not go unnoticed when the men of Rome begin to fall like flies. With a newly elected Pope hell-bent on ridding the city of heretics and witches, and the Holy Office of the Inquisition on her tail, Giulia is in more danger than ever. . . How far will she go for the women who need her help? A Poisoner's Tale is a spellbinding reimagining of the legend of Giulia Tofana.