Kathryn Harkup, a chemist and author of 'V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death,' dives into the fascinating world of poisons in Agatha Christie's novels. She reveals Christie's remarkable grasp of chemistry, showcasing a variety of deadly substances that enrich her plots. Listeners will learn about the dual nature of compounds like phosphorus and the chilling effects of drugs like opium. The discussion offers a captivating blend of science and storytelling, making it both enlightening and a bit macabre!
41:16
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Diverse Mechanisms of Poisons
Poisons work in diverse ways and produce a wide range of symptoms. - There is no single predictable outcome when someone is poisoned.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Phosphorus: A Favorite Poison
Kathryn Harkup's favorite poison is phosphorus due to her chemistry background. - Agatha Christie used phosphorus in her novel "Dumb Witness" showcasing its gruesome effects.
insights INSIGHT
Deadly Liver Damage by Phosphorus
White phosphorus kills mainly by destroying the liver function. - The only antidote is a liver transplant, making it highly lethal.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
In 'Cards on the Table', Agatha Christie crafts a clever puzzle where a flamboyant party host, Mr. Shaitana, is murdered during a bridge game. The novel features four detectives, including Hercule Poirot, Colonel Race, Superintendent Battle, and the crime writer Ariadne Oliver, who work together to solve the crime. The story is noted for its humor, subtle writing, and surprising ending.
Dumb Witness
Agatha Christie
In 'Dumb Witness', Hercule Poirot investigates the death of Miss Emily Arundell, who suspected an attempt on her life. Initially believed to have died from natural causes, Poirot uncovers evidence suggesting foul play. The novel explores the intricate relationships within Miss Arundell's family and their motives, leading to a surprising revelation about the true culprit. The story also highlights Agatha Christie's fondness for dogs, as the plot involves a significant canine character.
Death in the Clouds
Agatha Christie
A is for arsenic; the poisons of agatha christie
A is for arsenic; the poisons of agatha christie
Kathryn Harkup
V is for Venom, Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death
V is for Venom, Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death
None
Kathryn Harkup
Death in the Air
The True Story of a Serial Killer, the Great London Smog, and the Strangling of a City
Kate Winkler Dawson
Humans are enthralled by stories about murder. And the mysteries we tell these days – like in the Glass Onion films or TV shows like The Residence – often follow a blueprint set by the iconic Agatha Christie. It turns out, Christie knew a whole lot about science.
In this episode, we speak to Dr Kathryn Harkup, a chemist who writes about the science behind famous works of literature. Her newest book, V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death, is her sequel to A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, exploring Christie’s expert use of dark chemistry.
She tells us about some of the poisons Christie used in her books – the brutal, the medicinal and the obscure – revealing Christie’s extensive chemical knowledge.
But be warned: this conversation gets quite dark. Listener discretion is advised.
Instant Genius 
