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Love & Other Poisons
1857, Glasgow.
A young socialite named Madeleine Smith stands accused of murdering her lover. Thousands wait outside the court to hear the result. The scandalous nature of the affair, detailed explicitly in letters published in newspapers across the world, has made her case a worldwide sensation. But when the jury find themselves unable to decide whether she is guilty, they render a verdict of 'Not Proven' - and Madeleine is freed.
1927, New York.
Harry Townsend, a handsome Hollywood film scout believes he has found the woman once known as Madeleine Smith. He wants to tell her story on film for the new 'talkie' generation. Since her trial she has lived under many names, as a glamourous society hostess in bohemian Bloomsbury to the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, George Bernard Shaw and William Morris. Until suddenly, in 1890, when she disappeared off the face of the earth.
Could this quiet, secretive widow of an Irish labourer be the same Madeleine Smith who once stood trial for murder and escaped?
And if not, what has she done with her?
A young socialite named Madeleine Smith stands accused of murdering her lover. Thousands wait outside the court to hear the result. The scandalous nature of the affair, detailed explicitly in letters published in newspapers across the world, has made her case a worldwide sensation. But when the jury find themselves unable to decide whether she is guilty, they render a verdict of 'Not Proven' - and Madeleine is freed.
1927, New York.
Harry Townsend, a handsome Hollywood film scout believes he has found the woman once known as Madeleine Smith. He wants to tell her story on film for the new 'talkie' generation. Since her trial she has lived under many names, as a glamourous society hostess in bohemian Bloomsbury to the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, George Bernard Shaw and William Morris. Until suddenly, in 1890, when she disappeared off the face of the earth.
Could this quiet, secretive widow of an Irish labourer be the same Madeleine Smith who once stood trial for murder and escaped?
And if not, what has she done with her?
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
3 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Lesley McDowell
6 books17 followersLesley McDowell is an author and critic living in Scotland. She earned a PhD for work on James Joyce and feminist theory before turning to literary journalism. Her first novel "The Picnic" was published in 2007 and she is the recipient of a Scottish Arts Council award for a second novel, based on the life of a childhood friend of Mary Shelley. She reviews regularly for the Herald, the Scotsman and the Independent on Sunday.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/profile/le...
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/profile/le...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 8, 2025
I wasn’t sure whether to read this new novel by Lesley McDowell as I didn’t get on very well with her last one, Clairmont. Although I liked her writing, I struggled with the structure, the way it would jump from one timeline to another and the lack of context to explain characters’ backgrounds and relationships. I like to give authors a second chance, though, and this book, based on a true crime, did sound intriguing…
In 1857, Madeleine Smith is put on trial in Glasgow for the murder of her lover, Emile L'Angelier. After listening to witnesses and examining the evidence, the jury, still unable to decide whether she is guilty, give a verdict of ‘Not Proven’ and Madeleine is set free. Seventy years later, Harry Townsend, an aspiring filmmaker, believes he has tracked down the woman who used to be Madeleine Smith, now living in New York as a respectable elderly widow, Mrs Sheehy. Harry wants to interview her about Emile’s murder, but when Mrs Sheehy refuses to cooperate, Harry is forced to question whether he has got the right person after all.
We move back and forth between 1857 and 1927 throughout the book, but I found it much easier to follow the plot and understand what was going on than I did with Clairmont, which was a relief! The first few sections were interesting as they set the scene and introduced the characters, but then we settled into the 1857 period and the story of Madeleine’s relationship with Emile and my attention began to waver. There’s a lot of focus on their sexual encounters, some of which are described quite explicitly (I understood why later on), and I started to get impatient waiting for the murder to happen. It does happen eventually, of course, and I was glad I stuck with the book as I found the aftermath of the murder and Madeleine’s trial much more compelling to read about.
Although I did have some sympathy for Madeleine’s position – Emile had become very manipulative and controlling, threatening her with blackmail – I never really warmed to her as a character and I felt that she could have handled the situation differently. I also didn’t like the way she implicated not just the maid Christina, who arranged meetings and passed letters between Madeleine and Emile, but also her own twelve-year-old sister, Janet. None of the other characters in the book were very likeable either; the way Harry Townsend treated the older Madeleine was horrible and I hoped he would never get to make his film! There’s a twist in that particular storyline which I hadn’t guessed, but which seems to fit well with the historical facts.
I’ve never read about the Madeleine Smith case before, although it seems to be well documented, and I wonder whether my perception of this book would have been different if I already knew some of the details before I started to read. Anyway, it was all new to me and I was fascinated by the author’s note at the end of the book where she explained the origins of the novel – the idea was suggested to her by fellow author Emma Tennant who had wanted to work on it as a joint project before her death – and how she chose to interpret some of the historical evidence. She discusses her theory regarding the murder method and weapon (this is where the strong sexual content earlier in the novel suddenly made sense), and how she tried to piece together the clues we have regarding Madeleine’s later life after the trial.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, having seen a lot of very mixed early reviews – but at the same time, I do understand some of the criticisms. Still, I found it interesting to learn about a true crime I was previously unaware of and which has inspired a large number of other novels, plays and adaptations.
In 1857, Madeleine Smith is put on trial in Glasgow for the murder of her lover, Emile L'Angelier. After listening to witnesses and examining the evidence, the jury, still unable to decide whether she is guilty, give a verdict of ‘Not Proven’ and Madeleine is set free. Seventy years later, Harry Townsend, an aspiring filmmaker, believes he has tracked down the woman who used to be Madeleine Smith, now living in New York as a respectable elderly widow, Mrs Sheehy. Harry wants to interview her about Emile’s murder, but when Mrs Sheehy refuses to cooperate, Harry is forced to question whether he has got the right person after all.
We move back and forth between 1857 and 1927 throughout the book, but I found it much easier to follow the plot and understand what was going on than I did with Clairmont, which was a relief! The first few sections were interesting as they set the scene and introduced the characters, but then we settled into the 1857 period and the story of Madeleine’s relationship with Emile and my attention began to waver. There’s a lot of focus on their sexual encounters, some of which are described quite explicitly (I understood why later on), and I started to get impatient waiting for the murder to happen. It does happen eventually, of course, and I was glad I stuck with the book as I found the aftermath of the murder and Madeleine’s trial much more compelling to read about.
Although I did have some sympathy for Madeleine’s position – Emile had become very manipulative and controlling, threatening her with blackmail – I never really warmed to her as a character and I felt that she could have handled the situation differently. I also didn’t like the way she implicated not just the maid Christina, who arranged meetings and passed letters between Madeleine and Emile, but also her own twelve-year-old sister, Janet. None of the other characters in the book were very likeable either; the way Harry Townsend treated the older Madeleine was horrible and I hoped he would never get to make his film! There’s a twist in that particular storyline which I hadn’t guessed, but which seems to fit well with the historical facts.
I’ve never read about the Madeleine Smith case before, although it seems to be well documented, and I wonder whether my perception of this book would have been different if I already knew some of the details before I started to read. Anyway, it was all new to me and I was fascinated by the author’s note at the end of the book where she explained the origins of the novel – the idea was suggested to her by fellow author Emma Tennant who had wanted to work on it as a joint project before her death – and how she chose to interpret some of the historical evidence. She discusses her theory regarding the murder method and weapon (this is where the strong sexual content earlier in the novel suddenly made sense), and how she tried to piece together the clues we have regarding Madeleine’s later life after the trial.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, having seen a lot of very mixed early reviews – but at the same time, I do understand some of the criticisms. Still, I found it interesting to learn about a true crime I was previously unaware of and which has inspired a large number of other novels, plays and adaptations.
July 22, 2025
New York, 1927. Ninety-two-year-old Mrs Lena Sheehy is approached by a young filmmaker from Hollywood, Harry Townsend. He believes her to be Madeleine Smith, who in 1857 was tried for the murder of her lover, Emile L’Angelier. Mrs Sheehy vehemently denies these accusations, but the young man is adamant that he has found her. Is he correct?
This book is based on a true story of Madeleine Smith, a young socialite from Glasgow, who in 1855 met Emile L’Angelier of the island of Jersey. He was a clerk, and Madeleine knew that their parents would disapprove of this match, so they began a secret love affair. They wrote many letters to each other but also enjoyed sexual relations.
Madeleine’s parents wanted her to marry well, and they thought they found her a perfect match – William Minnoch, a wealthy merchant.
Not wishing to disobey her parents, Madeleine agrees. At that time, she grew a bit tired of Emile, who was jealous and controlling. When she asked for her letters back, Emile refused and started to blackmail her. This sent a spiral of events leading to Emile’s death by poisoning.
Eventually, when L’Angelier’s body was discovered, the police found Madeleine’s letters at his lodgings. She was convicted of his murder, but when she was tried, the verdict was ‘not proven’.
This book is such a fabulous retelling of Madeleine’s story. I urge anyone to read the author’s note, as she sheds some fascinating new light on the case.
I have heard of Madeleine Smith and the ‘not proven’ verdict before, but I didn’t really know the whole story. I was mesmerised by this case, and I kept asking myself, ‘What would I do if I were in Madeleine’s shoes?’ . She found herself in such a tricky situation, but was murder the only way? These are such hard questions to answer, as life in the Victorian period differed from a modern one, especially if you were a female. Women didn’t share the same privileges as men, and their only job was to marry and raise children.
This book has certainly been an informative but also a thought-provoking read. I really enjoyed it, and I definitely recommend it.
This book is based on a true story of Madeleine Smith, a young socialite from Glasgow, who in 1855 met Emile L’Angelier of the island of Jersey. He was a clerk, and Madeleine knew that their parents would disapprove of this match, so they began a secret love affair. They wrote many letters to each other but also enjoyed sexual relations.
Madeleine’s parents wanted her to marry well, and they thought they found her a perfect match – William Minnoch, a wealthy merchant.
Not wishing to disobey her parents, Madeleine agrees. At that time, she grew a bit tired of Emile, who was jealous and controlling. When she asked for her letters back, Emile refused and started to blackmail her. This sent a spiral of events leading to Emile’s death by poisoning.
Eventually, when L’Angelier’s body was discovered, the police found Madeleine’s letters at his lodgings. She was convicted of his murder, but when she was tried, the verdict was ‘not proven’.
This book is such a fabulous retelling of Madeleine’s story. I urge anyone to read the author’s note, as she sheds some fascinating new light on the case.
I have heard of Madeleine Smith and the ‘not proven’ verdict before, but I didn’t really know the whole story. I was mesmerised by this case, and I kept asking myself, ‘What would I do if I were in Madeleine’s shoes?’ . She found herself in such a tricky situation, but was murder the only way? These are such hard questions to answer, as life in the Victorian period differed from a modern one, especially if you were a female. Women didn’t share the same privileges as men, and their only job was to marry and raise children.
This book has certainly been an informative but also a thought-provoking read. I really enjoyed it, and I definitely recommend it.
January 9, 2025
What to expect:
- Dual timelines
- Historical fiction novel (1857 Glasgow/1927 New York)
- Mystery/Thriller
- Murder trial
- Based on a true story
- Socialites/ privileged social class
- Informative and interesting Author’s notes
A story about a former socialite in 1857 Glasgow, who was accused of and given a ‘not proven’ verdict of murdering her former lover. This book alternates between dual timelines, showing the reader the unfolding of events as they happened in 1857 to her modern-day life as a much older woman in 1927 New York where a hopeful filmmaker tracks her down to capture a long-awaited ‘tell-all’ story.
I requested to read this book because it had all of the themes I look for in a book rolled into one but unfortunately for me, it didn’t entirely deliver. What I did love, was that it was based on a true story, which made me head straight to Google mid-read and glean as much information as possible. This made reading the book more enjoyable! The author’s notes at the end were much appreciated and I must say, I enjoyed these probably more than the story itself.
I thought that the author’s character building of naive and insufferably privileged young Maddie was good (I couldn’t stand her!) The contrast between the attitudes to life and love with that of her working-class lover made for reflective reading for me. I also found the complete ignorance of Maddie startling and how she had to educate her sister to prevent her from making the same mistakes as her saddened me.
The author captured the culture of that time well, especially among young women, thankfully a stark difference to how things are in today’s generation.
I wanted to love this book but I found myself skimming quite large chunks of the book to get to more compulsive reading, which didn’t seem to ever come. That being said, I appreciate the research the author must have put into this book to put it together and that is evident in her writing. I also liked the quotations taken from historical documents throughout the book which complimented the story nicely.
I think this book would appeal more to those who have a penchant for true crime perhaps more than historical fiction lovers and I gave it a rating of three out of five stars. 🌟🌟🌟
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Books for the opportunity to read this before publication, in return for an honest review.
- Dual timelines
- Historical fiction novel (1857 Glasgow/1927 New York)
- Mystery/Thriller
- Murder trial
- Based on a true story
- Socialites/ privileged social class
- Informative and interesting Author’s notes
A story about a former socialite in 1857 Glasgow, who was accused of and given a ‘not proven’ verdict of murdering her former lover. This book alternates between dual timelines, showing the reader the unfolding of events as they happened in 1857 to her modern-day life as a much older woman in 1927 New York where a hopeful filmmaker tracks her down to capture a long-awaited ‘tell-all’ story.
I requested to read this book because it had all of the themes I look for in a book rolled into one but unfortunately for me, it didn’t entirely deliver. What I did love, was that it was based on a true story, which made me head straight to Google mid-read and glean as much information as possible. This made reading the book more enjoyable! The author’s notes at the end were much appreciated and I must say, I enjoyed these probably more than the story itself.
I thought that the author’s character building of naive and insufferably privileged young Maddie was good (I couldn’t stand her!) The contrast between the attitudes to life and love with that of her working-class lover made for reflective reading for me. I also found the complete ignorance of Maddie startling and how she had to educate her sister to prevent her from making the same mistakes as her saddened me.
The author captured the culture of that time well, especially among young women, thankfully a stark difference to how things are in today’s generation.
I wanted to love this book but I found myself skimming quite large chunks of the book to get to more compulsive reading, which didn’t seem to ever come. That being said, I appreciate the research the author must have put into this book to put it together and that is evident in her writing. I also liked the quotations taken from historical documents throughout the book which complimented the story nicely.
I think this book would appeal more to those who have a penchant for true crime perhaps more than historical fiction lovers and I gave it a rating of three out of five stars. 🌟🌟🌟
Thanks to NetGalley and Headline Books for the opportunity to read this before publication, in return for an honest review.
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March 30, 2025ARC. Rating to follow
December 28, 2024
Considering how fascinating and, in the way, mysterious the real story behind this book is, this was majorly disappointing...
I found writing style extremely boring and hard to power through. At no point did I feel interested enough in what happens next that I had to force myself to put the book down.
I was hoping that the ending might be good and at least end the story on the high, but that didn't happen either.. in fact, the best part was "notes", where we get some more details of the real story.
I think the blanks could've been filled in a much more interesting and fascinating way, the story should've been at least a little more dynamic.
Thank you #NetGalley for my free ARC
I found writing style extremely boring and hard to power through. At no point did I feel interested enough in what happens next that I had to force myself to put the book down.
I was hoping that the ending might be good and at least end the story on the high, but that didn't happen either.. in fact, the best part was "notes", where we get some more details of the real story.
I think the blanks could've been filled in a much more interesting and fascinating way, the story should've been at least a little more dynamic.
Thank you #NetGalley for my free ARC
November 25, 2025
Title: Love and other Poisons
Author: Lesley McDowell
Publisher: Headline (JBP)
Reviewer: Beryl Eichenberger
I found this novel rather dark; full of sinister undertones, manipulative characters; all who eventually turn on each other, changing identities to protect the not-so-innocent, a murder unsolved; a span of 50 years and yet a sympathy as the novel closes.
Lesley McDowell has reimagined the true story of Madeleine Smith, in Love & other Poisons. An infamous murder trial set in Glasgow in 1857, the accused Smith was acquitted on the basis of ‘Not Proven’. And therein lies the tale, a mystery that was never solved - enough to irk the imaginative mind of a writer. Particularly as there is archival material just crying out to be used. McDowell has researched extensively and brings a compelling story to the page as she paints an interesting picture of how things might have evolved. Within her research there were anomalies to unravel, leading to a fascinating account, immensely readable and plausible. But it doesn’t just move across Scotland, the winding road of this tale takes us across to the USA and fifty years to 1927 and McDowell caps it with a surprisingly clever ending.
Madeleine Smith was a young woman ready for marriage, her rather distant and dour parents, desperately seeking a suitor. Sadly none seemed to be enamoured. But Madeleine’s rebellious streak leads her to entertain the attentions of a handsome, but poor, Frenchman in a local restaurant. Which leads to a secret liaison, a steamy but abusive affair accompanied by steamy letters. When the lover Emile, dies in strange circumstances, Madeleine is charged with murder. Even with the scandal of the letters used in evidence and printed in the newspapers, ‘Not Proven’ is the jury’s verdict.
1927 and New York. Harry Townsend is a handsome filmmaker – he thinks he has found Smith despite her numerous reinventions. He wants to exploit her story as a ‘talkie’ and sets out to persuade her. But the now Mrs Sheehy is a clever, secretive woman, he has no idea what he is dealing with and the lengths she will go to keep her family safe.
As I read, I found the young Smith thoroughly unlikeable; selfish, unaware, conscienceless, a voracious sexual appetite, out of control. But cleverly, as the elderly woman, McDowell has given her redeemable qualities which made me more empathetic. But that’s what historical fiction is all about – what we see on the surface is not what is going underneath. McDowell has ‘seen’ below that surface = is this the real Madeleine Smith?
Author: Lesley McDowell
Publisher: Headline (JBP)
Reviewer: Beryl Eichenberger
I found this novel rather dark; full of sinister undertones, manipulative characters; all who eventually turn on each other, changing identities to protect the not-so-innocent, a murder unsolved; a span of 50 years and yet a sympathy as the novel closes.
Lesley McDowell has reimagined the true story of Madeleine Smith, in Love & other Poisons. An infamous murder trial set in Glasgow in 1857, the accused Smith was acquitted on the basis of ‘Not Proven’. And therein lies the tale, a mystery that was never solved - enough to irk the imaginative mind of a writer. Particularly as there is archival material just crying out to be used. McDowell has researched extensively and brings a compelling story to the page as she paints an interesting picture of how things might have evolved. Within her research there were anomalies to unravel, leading to a fascinating account, immensely readable and plausible. But it doesn’t just move across Scotland, the winding road of this tale takes us across to the USA and fifty years to 1927 and McDowell caps it with a surprisingly clever ending.
Madeleine Smith was a young woman ready for marriage, her rather distant and dour parents, desperately seeking a suitor. Sadly none seemed to be enamoured. But Madeleine’s rebellious streak leads her to entertain the attentions of a handsome, but poor, Frenchman in a local restaurant. Which leads to a secret liaison, a steamy but abusive affair accompanied by steamy letters. When the lover Emile, dies in strange circumstances, Madeleine is charged with murder. Even with the scandal of the letters used in evidence and printed in the newspapers, ‘Not Proven’ is the jury’s verdict.
1927 and New York. Harry Townsend is a handsome filmmaker – he thinks he has found Smith despite her numerous reinventions. He wants to exploit her story as a ‘talkie’ and sets out to persuade her. But the now Mrs Sheehy is a clever, secretive woman, he has no idea what he is dealing with and the lengths she will go to keep her family safe.
As I read, I found the young Smith thoroughly unlikeable; selfish, unaware, conscienceless, a voracious sexual appetite, out of control. But cleverly, as the elderly woman, McDowell has given her redeemable qualities which made me more empathetic. But that’s what historical fiction is all about – what we see on the surface is not what is going underneath. McDowell has ‘seen’ below that surface = is this the real Madeleine Smith?
January 4, 2025
4.5⭐ for the story and 6 ⭐for the historical research/author's note
I really enjoyed this - a beautifully written historical fiction novel which has a dual-timeline between the real-life Madeleine Smith murder case in 1850s Scotland, and 1920s New York (where a film company lackey is trying to track down the elderly maybe-murderess).
I gave into temptation and looked up the case on Wikipedia before I was half-way through (probably best to avoid this), but the story had some twists and turns up its sleeve anyway, so it wasn't predictable.
I loved the quotations from the historical documents which punctuate the text, and the absolute dedication/eye for detail with which the author had examined those documents and considered the main character's motivations and actions. I found the Author's Note, which laid out her thinking in developing the story using hints/gaps in the historical records absolutely mesmerising. If I have a minor criticism, it's that there wasn't really a character to love/root for, so I didn't feel emotionally invested in the outcome, though I was absorbed by the story.
The author explains that the original idea for this novel came from the writer Emma Tennant, who suggested they work on it together but passed away in 2017 while the project was still in its early stages. I felt this was sensitively handled in the Author's Note, which gave a lovely tribute to Emma Tennant, and fully acknowledged her contribution.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed this - a beautifully written historical fiction novel which has a dual-timeline between the real-life Madeleine Smith murder case in 1850s Scotland, and 1920s New York (where a film company lackey is trying to track down the elderly maybe-murderess).
I gave into temptation and looked up the case on Wikipedia before I was half-way through (probably best to avoid this), but the story had some twists and turns up its sleeve anyway, so it wasn't predictable.
I loved the quotations from the historical documents which punctuate the text, and the absolute dedication/eye for detail with which the author had examined those documents and considered the main character's motivations and actions. I found the Author's Note, which laid out her thinking in developing the story using hints/gaps in the historical records absolutely mesmerising. If I have a minor criticism, it's that there wasn't really a character to love/root for, so I didn't feel emotionally invested in the outcome, though I was absorbed by the story.
The author explains that the original idea for this novel came from the writer Emma Tennant, who suggested they work on it together but passed away in 2017 while the project was still in its early stages. I felt this was sensitively handled in the Author's Note, which gave a lovely tribute to Emma Tennant, and fully acknowledged her contribution.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the digital ARC of this book.
While the premise is intriguing, and I enjoyed the Author's note explaining more about the context and real story behind this book, this book, most of the time, had me wanting to vomit. The scenes of manipulation, near rape, suicide, self harm were all just too well described for me and I hated every section until the end. Why did I not DNF this book you ask? Because I needed to see that Emile would get his just desserts and that Henry in 1927 would not get his story. I skipped over the scenes of sex because they were just too disgusting to read, an older man conning a young girl desperate to be loved into having sex just so he can blackmail her into marriage and an advantageous match is deplorable. I just can't recommend this book because it is not enjoyable. Maybe there is no way to write Madeleine Smith's story without this level of vitriolic hatred and disgust for the guy being produced... but I just couldn't find any other positive points but the author's note and the absolute very end after all the horrible things were done and were being explained.
While the premise is intriguing, and I enjoyed the Author's note explaining more about the context and real story behind this book, this book, most of the time, had me wanting to vomit. The scenes of manipulation, near rape, suicide, self harm were all just too well described for me and I hated every section until the end. Why did I not DNF this book you ask? Because I needed to see that Emile would get his just desserts and that Henry in 1927 would not get his story. I skipped over the scenes of sex because they were just too disgusting to read, an older man conning a young girl desperate to be loved into having sex just so he can blackmail her into marriage and an advantageous match is deplorable. I just can't recommend this book because it is not enjoyable. Maybe there is no way to write Madeleine Smith's story without this level of vitriolic hatred and disgust for the guy being produced... but I just couldn't find any other positive points but the author's note and the absolute very end after all the horrible things were done and were being explained.
July 4, 2025
Overall: 3 stars.
Premise: A young socialite from Glasgow is accused of murdering her lover in a sensational trial that sweeps across the nation in the 19th century. 70 years later, a young g filmmaker hopes to unravel this mystery by bringing the now elderly woman out of her recluse. Based on a true story.
The book is written with chapters based on alternating timelines, which helped readers try to figure out this mystery while following along with the main protagonist. The prose is well written and the writing is descriptive; readers would empathise with the characters as well as easily feel annoyed by them. Although I quite enjoyed the fact this is built upon a true story and I truly enjoyed the descriptive prose, at times I felt perhaps the writing can waffle on with no actual substance and paragraphs that unfortunately douses the growing suspense.
Overall, although an interesting book, it can fail to entertain those that look for a fast paced murder mystery.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Premise: A young socialite from Glasgow is accused of murdering her lover in a sensational trial that sweeps across the nation in the 19th century. 70 years later, a young g filmmaker hopes to unravel this mystery by bringing the now elderly woman out of her recluse. Based on a true story.
The book is written with chapters based on alternating timelines, which helped readers try to figure out this mystery while following along with the main protagonist. The prose is well written and the writing is descriptive; readers would empathise with the characters as well as easily feel annoyed by them. Although I quite enjoyed the fact this is built upon a true story and I truly enjoyed the descriptive prose, at times I felt perhaps the writing can waffle on with no actual substance and paragraphs that unfortunately douses the growing suspense.
Overall, although an interesting book, it can fail to entertain those that look for a fast paced murder mystery.
Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
December 30, 2024
This story is told across two timelines, ranging from the sensational murder case for which a young socialite was put on trial in 1857 for allegedly killing her lover, and the subsequent investigation undertaken by a young man in Hollywood decades later, who becomes convinced that he has found her, none other than the elusive Madeleine Smith.
Why does he care? He wants to tell her story! But after all the identities under which she has lived, how can he be sure this is even the same woman?
Based on a true story, this had a number of elements that made the concept very interesting. I am not sure that the final story and the style of writing really did full justice to the potential that existed. But it may appeal to true crime lovers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Why does he care? He wants to tell her story! But after all the identities under which she has lived, how can he be sure this is even the same woman?
Based on a true story, this had a number of elements that made the concept very interesting. I am not sure that the final story and the style of writing really did full justice to the potential that existed. But it may appeal to true crime lovers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 10, 2025
This is a beautifully written historical fiction split across two timelines. The case of Madeleine Smith has been well researched by the author one I've never heard of. I loved reading how she has brought the story together and her thoughts about what Madeleine's actions and reasons could have been all included in the author's note.
The book is split across two timelines which I always enjoy. Madeliene is very naive mainly because of her upbringing I believe that's why she found herself in this situation with Emile. He was manipulative only to be looking to gain wealth and a name for himself in the upper class of society.
I'd never heard of Madeliene Smith I've come away wanting to know a lot more about her. A must-read for any historical fiction fan and stay for the author's note!
4.5 stars 🌟
The book is split across two timelines which I always enjoy. Madeliene is very naive mainly because of her upbringing I believe that's why she found herself in this situation with Emile. He was manipulative only to be looking to gain wealth and a name for himself in the upper class of society.
I'd never heard of Madeliene Smith I've come away wanting to know a lot more about her. A must-read for any historical fiction fan and stay for the author's note!
4.5 stars 🌟
August 3, 2025
I'm not a fan of true crime, but I do enjoy historical fiction, and this story is an intriguing mix of the two. It begins in Victorian Scotland and continues in New York in the 1920s. It is a complex literary fiction with a detailed trial, passages from trial documents and a tragic story of coercive control that leads to death. Madeline, the protagonist, is vividly portrayed and is a believably flawed character. It is hard to empathise with some of her actions, but her sheltered upbringing and the abuse she suffered mitigate these. It's a disturbing story, and this continues in the later timeline. It is well-researched and authentic, but is not written for entertainment, more for enlightenment.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
December 21, 2025
A superbly written novel that contained a twist I did not see coming! I must admit ignorance in relation to the case of Madeline Smith, and the steamy revelations of her real-life affair with an unsuitable (for her class) older man were engrossing. The characterisation of the main characters was lively and memorable and the latter part of the book, when Madeline, already a very interesting character, reappears as an older, mature woman, was realistic and rounded out her character nicely. And that twist! It is entirely conceivable, given the times and certainly gives one pause for thought. Even though I knew the basic facts of the case, I could not stop reading every page and will definitely be reading more of this writer's published work.
March 14, 2025
I felt like something was just missing.
An interesting story and I enjoyed the detail at the end of the book that gave the true history and the comparison of the one written in this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the general direction of the book but I just felt like I expected more from such a rich true story.
There were times where the story felt like it threw new characters into the mix without explaining who they were and so at times I wasn’t sure who I was reading about. It jumped through timelines very quickly and without warning sometimes and I felt like I had to really pay attention whilst reading.
Overall, a good story that I would say is worth a read.
An interesting story and I enjoyed the detail at the end of the book that gave the true history and the comparison of the one written in this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the general direction of the book but I just felt like I expected more from such a rich true story.
There were times where the story felt like it threw new characters into the mix without explaining who they were and so at times I wasn’t sure who I was reading about. It jumped through timelines very quickly and without warning sometimes and I felt like I had to really pay attention whilst reading.
Overall, a good story that I would say is worth a read.
October 19, 2025
2.5 stars
This book has a really intriguing premise, and the writing is incredibly beautiful at times while the author creates a haunting, almost dreamlike atmosphere that suits the tragic tone of the story itself. That said, the book didn’t fully click with me. The pacing felt uneven, and while the prose is lovely, it sometimes got in the way of the plot. I found it hard to connect with the characters, who felt more like ideas than real people. There’s passion and tragedy here, but I wanted more emotional weight behind it all. Overall, it’s an interesting and ambitious novel with its moments, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
This book has a really intriguing premise, and the writing is incredibly beautiful at times while the author creates a haunting, almost dreamlike atmosphere that suits the tragic tone of the story itself. That said, the book didn’t fully click with me. The pacing felt uneven, and while the prose is lovely, it sometimes got in the way of the plot. I found it hard to connect with the characters, who felt more like ideas than real people. There’s passion and tragedy here, but I wanted more emotional weight behind it all. Overall, it’s an interesting and ambitious novel with its moments, but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
March 22, 2025
The book was particularly intriguing because it featured two distinct timelines, adding depth to the narrative. The captivating story behind the book itself enhanced my reading experience, making it even more fascinating. However, I found the pacing to be slow, which led to a loss of interest before I reached the middle of the book. I pushed through, hoping the story would improve, but ultimately, it just wasn’t the right book for me. On a positive note, I found the notes included in the text to be very interesting. I got this ARC on a exchange of a honest review
December 6, 2024
Possible spoilers
At times I felt I could have happily committed the murder myself. What a piece of work Emile was, and how foolishly young Madeline was.
Madeline was a spirited character for sure. I particularly enjoyed her relationship with Christina.
An enjoyable tale over 2 timelines, with plenty of information on the true crime at the end of the story.
Definitely stay for that bit.
At times I felt I could have happily committed the murder myself. What a piece of work Emile was, and how foolishly young Madeline was.
Madeline was a spirited character for sure. I particularly enjoyed her relationship with Christina.
An enjoyable tale over 2 timelines, with plenty of information on the true crime at the end of the story.
Definitely stay for that bit.
February 25, 2025
I enjoyed the initial storyline which I understand was a true story but then the book seemed to wander and lose its way. I didn’t enjoy it. The notes at the end of the book helped to explain the story a lot more than the book itself. I would not recommend it. My thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC.
October 8, 2025
I didn't know what to expect with this book and it took a while to get into the story, but once I got my head round the dual timelines it was gripping. It's clear from the author's notes that an enormous amount of research has gone into this novel, and the way Lesley has taken the facts and woven such a fascinating and sensuous story around them is very clever. I especially enjoyed the twist!
August 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book, and devoured it within a week which is so quick for me these days. However, something about the ending was a little underwhelming and unbelievable.
Read
December 13, 2025Dnf
November 16, 2025
Love and Other Poisons is a historical novel based on a Scottish true crime. The book is split between the nineteenth century in Scotland where a murder takes place and twentieth century New York where a young film maker thinks he’s found a woman who got away with murder.
I already knew the story of Madeleine Smith from the Lady Killers and Shedunnit podcasts, so I was interested to see how the real crime would convert to fiction and was pleased to enjoy the book very much. A recommended read for anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction.
I already knew the story of Madeleine Smith from the Lady Killers and Shedunnit podcasts, so I was interested to see how the real crime would convert to fiction and was pleased to enjoy the book very much. A recommended read for anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction.
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