The Marquise De Brinvilliers

When it came to the art of poisoning, Marquise de Brinvilliers had a rare talent.

She honed her craft by testing out mixtures on hospital patients. And then began her most ambitious project, murdering first her father, and then her two brothers. Her motive? The substantial family fortune. Her crimes shocked 17th century France, and triggered a nationwide panic about poisoners in the nobility.

Her story inspired works by numerous writers, including Robert Browning and Arthur Conan Doyle. In his version, Alexandre Dumas picks apart the Marquise's case and trial, including her excruciating torture by 'water cure'. Recommended for fans of grisly true crime.