Before the Poison

ByPeter Robinson

Release Date: 2012-02-21
Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers

Score: 4

From 249 Ratings

Description

From New York Times bestselling author Peter Robinson comes this mesmerizing story-within-a-story about a man pulled into a murder from the past—and his quest to uncover the truth.

Quietly reeling from the death of his beloved wife, Chris Lowndes decides to return to the Yorkshire Dales after twenty-five successful years spent in Hollywood composing film scores. He purchases Kilnsgate House, a charming old mansion deep in the country, but something about the place disturbs him. His unease intensifies when he learns Kilnsgate was once the scene of a sensational murder. More than fifty years earlier, prominent doctor Ernest Arthur Fox was poisoned there, allegedly by his beautiful and much younger wife, Grace, who was subsequently tried, condemned, and hanged for the crime.

His curiosity piqued, Chris decides to investigate, and the more he discovers, the more convinced he becomes of Grace's innocence. Despite warnings to leave it be, his quest for the truth is soon leading him through dark shadows of the past . . . and into a strange web of secrets that lie perilously close to the present.

A complex, multi-layered thriller, Before the Poison is one of Peter Robinson’s most brilliant novels—and one readers won’t soon forget.

“A gripping tale that brings to mind not only old-time Hollywood but also British ‘golden age’ storytelling in the Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier tradition.”—Wall Street Journal

Reviews

A Brilliant Bit of Creative Writing
5
By JRRansom
I've been doing a marathon of rereading the utterly entertaining Inspector Banks series. After 11 of those I tried After the Poison. It was like a fine painting and brilliant piece of literature. I totally fell in love with Grace. A genuinely touching story. The characters came alive for me as Chris unravels the mystery of the house and it's former owners. This book is a definite change of pace from Banks and one I thoroughly enjoyed as I followed Chris' winding path to the truth. I felt you had fun creating this story, Peter, and I thank you for it.
Best ever!!
5
By 633hkj
I thought in a dry season was his best but this is one of the best books I have ever read! Plan to read it again soon. Really loved it sucked me in to where I felt I was part of every scene. The man is a major talent!
Before The Poison
5
By herzik
Detailed in a poetic way, I appreciated Peter Robinson's descriptions of his characters' everyday activities. I could vividly imagine the English pubs and countryside, the villages and wines of France, and the South African climate. Most of all, I could feel the intentions of Peter Robinson's characters through the many voices with which they spoke, and would never have predicted the ending. I recommend this suspenseful mystery to readers who love story characters, travel, and conversation!
Before the Poison
2
By silver swan
I did not enjoy this book. I could not wait for it to end.
Before the Poison
1
By Twinmom72
I never write reviews but this book was so terrible, I felt compelled to do so. There was all this build-up for nothing, literally, nothing. Waste of money and time.