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Poisonous People: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life
University of British Columbia psychopathy expert Leanne ten Brinke draws on the latest science to help you identify and manage dark personalities—from the difficult to the deadly—and dramatically reduce their impact on our relationships, workplaces, and society at large.
Everyone knows how much damage one bad apple can do. One bully in a classroom can create a culture of fear. A controlling spouse can crush an entire family’s sense of stability, security, and independence. A domineering boss can tank a team’s performance. A ruthless, shameless politician can set a whole country on edge. But who are these poisonous people? How much harm and misery do they really cause? And what can the rest of us do to stop them from ruining our homes, workplaces, and communities?
In Poisonous People, award-winning psychologist Dr. Leanne ten Brinke offers a brilliant new perspective on dark personalities. Weaving together personal stories and pathbreaking research, she depicts a surprising a small portion of the population causes most of the world’s suffering. People with psychopathic and related personality traits commit a disproportionate amount of crime, with an economic cost estimated in the trillions of dollars. They also poison communities by spreading negativity, violating trust, and eroding norms. Fortunately, science offers powerful solutions. By understanding the harm dark personalities cause, identifying them when we see them, making informed decisions about whether to exit relationships with them, and knowing how to manage them when we decide to stay, we can dramatically reduce the pain we and others around us suffer.
In Poisonous People, ten Brinke gives us powerful, science-based tools for navigating dark personalities in a range of everyday contexts. As she argues, we have the power to reduce their power over us, whether at home, at school, at work—even in the political realm. Poisonous People shows us how to use that power to improve our lives—and the world.
Everyone knows how much damage one bad apple can do. One bully in a classroom can create a culture of fear. A controlling spouse can crush an entire family’s sense of stability, security, and independence. A domineering boss can tank a team’s performance. A ruthless, shameless politician can set a whole country on edge. But who are these poisonous people? How much harm and misery do they really cause? And what can the rest of us do to stop them from ruining our homes, workplaces, and communities?
In Poisonous People, award-winning psychologist Dr. Leanne ten Brinke offers a brilliant new perspective on dark personalities. Weaving together personal stories and pathbreaking research, she depicts a surprising a small portion of the population causes most of the world’s suffering. People with psychopathic and related personality traits commit a disproportionate amount of crime, with an economic cost estimated in the trillions of dollars. They also poison communities by spreading negativity, violating trust, and eroding norms. Fortunately, science offers powerful solutions. By understanding the harm dark personalities cause, identifying them when we see them, making informed decisions about whether to exit relationships with them, and knowing how to manage them when we decide to stay, we can dramatically reduce the pain we and others around us suffer.
In Poisonous People, ten Brinke gives us powerful, science-based tools for navigating dark personalities in a range of everyday contexts. As she argues, we have the power to reduce their power over us, whether at home, at school, at work—even in the political realm. Poisonous People shows us how to use that power to improve our lives—and the world.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
82 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 13, 2026
This is a clearly written discussion of psychopathology and what the author refers to as “dark personalities” in our midst and their impact on us in our personal and professional lives and how they can use their financial and political power to make the world a worse place.
The author suggests that these personalities rarely change much and thus it’s best to stay away from them and not allow them into positions of power if possible. She also describes a phenomenon where these callous and empathy-lacking folks are applauded by those who see them as “successful” but assures us that research shows they are actually poor leaders.
She provides some guidance on how to handle those with these traits when you have to although her stance is basically try not to be around them.
Further, she suggests doing some reflection on our own darker tendencies.
Despite including some research, this is an easy read and seems aimed at a non-academic audience.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The author suggests that these personalities rarely change much and thus it’s best to stay away from them and not allow them into positions of power if possible. She also describes a phenomenon where these callous and empathy-lacking folks are applauded by those who see them as “successful” but assures us that research shows they are actually poor leaders.
She provides some guidance on how to handle those with these traits when you have to although her stance is basically try not to be around them.
Further, she suggests doing some reflection on our own darker tendencies.
Despite including some research, this is an easy read and seems aimed at a non-academic audience.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2026
This book is well-written and filled with great examples to demonstrate the various ways poisonous people may infiltrate your life. It serves as a great introduction to the topic and breaks it down in an easily digestible way for readers. Because it was straightforward, I find I don't have many thoughts. This isn't a bad thing, simply shows that the book did its job.
As a mental health counselor, this is a book that I could use to supplement my therapy sessions, a book to give clients for further reading. While I didn't come away learning anything new, there were great quotes to share and I love adding new material to my toolbox.
As a mental health counselor, this is a book that I could use to supplement my therapy sessions, a book to give clients for further reading. While I didn't come away learning anything new, there were great quotes to share and I love adding new material to my toolbox.
May 10, 2026
Toto som teraz potrebovala ako soľ. Veľmi ma zaujíma psychológia a vzťahy. Každý z nás sa chce chrániť pred útokmi nezdravých jedincov. Táto kniha vám o nich povie mnoho faktov a zaujímavostí. Zhltla som ju. Pre mňa je to zatiaľ najlepšie dielo o týchto diagnózach. Určite mal každý z vás dočinenia s takýmito ľuďmi a ani ste si to neuvedomili. Po prečítaní si to ale uvedomovať budete. Psychologička nám poskytla zoznam otázok, ktoré nám pomôžu rozpoznať toxických ľudí a zabrániť im v prístupe do nášho života. Na príkladoch ľudí, ktorí sa chceli podeliť o skúsenosť s touto častou spoločnosti, nám otvára oči, a tiež odpovedá na otázku, či sa temné črty povahy dajú odstrániť alebo nie. Ak ste s nejakým človekom, ktorý sa vymykal normálu, mali tú česť, bude vám to až priveľmi známe.
Autorke sa podarilo náučným štýlom informovať a rozšíriť povedomie o takýchto ľuďoch. Vraví nám, kde všade sa nachádzajú a ako ich zvládnuť. Dokonca som sa dozvedela, na čo všetko si mám dávať pozor. Je toho veľa. Až z toho mrazí. Výborná kniha, ktorá robí to, čo má: vzdeláva, aby sa ľudia cítili bezpečnejšie a nenechali sa obalamutiť.
Na konci nás necháva zamyslieť sa nad vlastným správaním. Či by sme nemohli byť empatickejší a láskavejší k druhým. Či sme bez chyby. Veľmi dobré zamyslenie. Hovorí zo srdca.
Autorke sa podarilo náučným štýlom informovať a rozšíriť povedomie o takýchto ľuďoch. Vraví nám, kde všade sa nachádzajú a ako ich zvládnuť. Dokonca som sa dozvedela, na čo všetko si mám dávať pozor. Je toho veľa. Až z toho mrazí. Výborná kniha, ktorá robí to, čo má: vzdeláva, aby sa ľudia cítili bezpečnejšie a nenechali sa obalamutiť.
Na konci nás necháva zamyslieť sa nad vlastným správaním. Či by sme nemohli byť empatickejší a láskavejší k druhým. Či sme bez chyby. Veľmi dobré zamyslenie. Hovorí zo srdca.
March 31, 2026
I reread it as soon as I finished it because it is so well presented and informative. Dr ten Brinke writes with a clear and accessible voice taking the reader through a logical exploration or the harm caused by psychopathic traits and how to think about them. Ultimately she encourages the reader to reflect on their own characteristics as we all have a role to improve social well being. Much to learn.
March 19, 2026
There is a particular genre of human we’ve all encountered—the charm-forward, accountability-averse, faintly unnerving operator who leaves you wondering if you imagined the whole interaction. Poisonous People is, in essence, a field guide to exactly those people. And reader, it is excellent.
Leanne ten Brinke approaches the subject with the kind of cool, forensic intelligence that suggests she could dismantle your personality in under ten minutes, but chooses, generously, to simply explain it instead. The result is a book that feels both rigorously researched and eminently readable; no small feat when dealing with the murkier corners of human behaviour.
What’s particularly striking is its refusal to descend into melodrama. There are no grand declarations that everyone in your orbit is secretly toxic. Instead, it offers something far more useful: clarity. The kind that arrives mid-chapter and has you pausing, tea in hand, thinking, well… that explains a great deal.
It is, at its core, a book about discernment. About recognising patterns, trusting instincts, and, perhaps most radically, accepting that not every confusing person is yours to figure out or fix.
Fiercely smart and quietly devastating in its accuracy, this is the sort of book that makes you feel both better informed and slightly more formidable.
Which, frankly, is a public service.
Leanne ten Brinke approaches the subject with the kind of cool, forensic intelligence that suggests she could dismantle your personality in under ten minutes, but chooses, generously, to simply explain it instead. The result is a book that feels both rigorously researched and eminently readable; no small feat when dealing with the murkier corners of human behaviour.
What’s particularly striking is its refusal to descend into melodrama. There are no grand declarations that everyone in your orbit is secretly toxic. Instead, it offers something far more useful: clarity. The kind that arrives mid-chapter and has you pausing, tea in hand, thinking, well… that explains a great deal.
It is, at its core, a book about discernment. About recognising patterns, trusting instincts, and, perhaps most radically, accepting that not every confusing person is yours to figure out or fix.
Fiercely smart and quietly devastating in its accuracy, this is the sort of book that makes you feel both better informed and slightly more formidable.
Which, frankly, is a public service.
March 23, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down from the moment I started reading it. The author achieves the perfect balance between presenting her research-backed guidance and hooking the reader with fascinating stories from both her personal experience and the interviews she has conducted. Despite the seemingly dark topics covered, this book is an enjoyable read that will shed light on how to deal with even the darkest of personalities - Highly recommend!
March 24, 2026
“Toxic” people, gaslighting narcissists, and now “poisonous” people—whatever term we use, the idea is the same: certain individuals seem to wreak havoc on the lives of others. They disrupt workplaces, fracture families, and dominate public life in ways that feel wildly disproportionate to their numbers.
How much damage do they really cause? And what, if anything, can the rest of us do about them?
In Poisonous People, psychologist Leanne ten Brinke argues that a relatively small segment of the population—those high in traits like psychopathy, narcissism, and manipulation—accounts for an outsized share of human misery. These are not just difficult personalities. They are people who erode trust, manufacture conflict, and use others as tools for personal gain.
Her advice—set boundaries, recognize red flags, limit exposure—will be familiar to anyone who has read popular psychology.
Using real-life cases (names and locations altered for privacy), she takes us from toxic workplaces to dysfunctional relationships to politics. She uses Donald Trump as a Poster Boy for dark personalities operating on a large scale.
Readers may wonder where the line falls between a difficult personality and a truly destructive one—and how often we might mislabel others (or even ourselves). Ten Brinke reminds us that if we fixate on the darkness of others, we may overlook or deny our own defects, telling ourselves, “I may not be perfect but I’m better than *that* person.”
We all harm others in various ways–we just don’t do it as much as poisonous people do. Still, we should look at the Dark Behavior Scanner from chapter 4 and ask ourselves the same questions. Can we say “never have I ever” done the things toxic people do?
In a book that seems to be treading a lot of familiar ground, one suggestion stands out from the rest. Ten Brinke suggests that “poisonous” individuals often need the very attention and validation they demand, and that offering measured affirmation might sometimes be an effective strategy for managing them.
“The Case for Goodness” in chapter 8 is compelling, with examples of children who actually overcome their dark traits with the help of a caring, compassionate mentor.
In the same chapter, the section titled “Be Good . . . Even When They’re Not” issues a challenge we may find daunting: we “should try to muster more empathy for dark personalities of all ages.”
Showing compassion and empathy for dark personalities is in our own self-interest, ten Brinke asserts. Canceling others does not help. Being ostracized makes rude people even ruder. People with pyschopathic traits might actually need more empathy and warmth than the rest of us do. They’re awful at giving it but they “actually do need validation.”
What does that really mean? How do we affirm and validate these people without enabling them? Perhaps we need a follow-up to this book.
I applaud her conclusion: “The antidote to poisonous people isn’t some magical drug or transformative therapy. It’s the benevolent majority. It’s you.”
THANK YOU to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
How much damage do they really cause? And what, if anything, can the rest of us do about them?
In Poisonous People, psychologist Leanne ten Brinke argues that a relatively small segment of the population—those high in traits like psychopathy, narcissism, and manipulation—accounts for an outsized share of human misery. These are not just difficult personalities. They are people who erode trust, manufacture conflict, and use others as tools for personal gain.
Her advice—set boundaries, recognize red flags, limit exposure—will be familiar to anyone who has read popular psychology.
Using real-life cases (names and locations altered for privacy), she takes us from toxic workplaces to dysfunctional relationships to politics. She uses Donald Trump as a Poster Boy for dark personalities operating on a large scale.
Readers may wonder where the line falls between a difficult personality and a truly destructive one—and how often we might mislabel others (or even ourselves). Ten Brinke reminds us that if we fixate on the darkness of others, we may overlook or deny our own defects, telling ourselves, “I may not be perfect but I’m better than *that* person.”
We all harm others in various ways–we just don’t do it as much as poisonous people do. Still, we should look at the Dark Behavior Scanner from chapter 4 and ask ourselves the same questions. Can we say “never have I ever” done the things toxic people do?
In a book that seems to be treading a lot of familiar ground, one suggestion stands out from the rest. Ten Brinke suggests that “poisonous” individuals often need the very attention and validation they demand, and that offering measured affirmation might sometimes be an effective strategy for managing them.
“The Case for Goodness” in chapter 8 is compelling, with examples of children who actually overcome their dark traits with the help of a caring, compassionate mentor.
In the same chapter, the section titled “Be Good . . . Even When They’re Not” issues a challenge we may find daunting: we “should try to muster more empathy for dark personalities of all ages.”
Showing compassion and empathy for dark personalities is in our own self-interest, ten Brinke asserts. Canceling others does not help. Being ostracized makes rude people even ruder. People with pyschopathic traits might actually need more empathy and warmth than the rest of us do. They’re awful at giving it but they “actually do need validation.”
What does that really mean? How do we affirm and validate these people without enabling them? Perhaps we need a follow-up to this book.
I applaud her conclusion: “The antidote to poisonous people isn’t some magical drug or transformative therapy. It’s the benevolent majority. It’s you.”
THANK YOU to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
May 3, 2026
I’ve read a ton of books on psychopathy, but this one hit differently.
What sets this book apart is the author’s deep grounding in empirical research. You can feel that this isn’t just a synthesis of other people’s work—it’s written by someone who has spent years immersed in the field, grappling with real data, real cases, and the ethical complexities that come with studying psychopathy. The explanations are precise without ever becoming dry, and the book strikes a rare balance between accessibility and scientific integrity.
One of the most compelling aspects is how it challenges common stereotypes. Rather than sensationalizing psychopathy, it carefully disentangles myth from evidence, showing how traits exist along dimensions and how context matters profoundly. I found myself rethinking assumptions I didn’t even know I had!
It’s also quietly thought-provoking on a broader level: about responsibility, and about our fundamental similarities with these typically “otherized” individuals.
If you’re interested in psychology and want something that goes far beyond surface-level explanations, read this book. It’s rare to find a work that is this well-researched, yet still accessible and highly engaging.
What sets this book apart is the author’s deep grounding in empirical research. You can feel that this isn’t just a synthesis of other people’s work—it’s written by someone who has spent years immersed in the field, grappling with real data, real cases, and the ethical complexities that come with studying psychopathy. The explanations are precise without ever becoming dry, and the book strikes a rare balance between accessibility and scientific integrity.
One of the most compelling aspects is how it challenges common stereotypes. Rather than sensationalizing psychopathy, it carefully disentangles myth from evidence, showing how traits exist along dimensions and how context matters profoundly. I found myself rethinking assumptions I didn’t even know I had!
It’s also quietly thought-provoking on a broader level: about responsibility, and about our fundamental similarities with these typically “otherized” individuals.
If you’re interested in psychology and want something that goes far beyond surface-level explanations, read this book. It’s rare to find a work that is this well-researched, yet still accessible and highly engaging.
April 25, 2026
I wish I had read this one two decades ago.
It’s a fascinating and highly accessible read—grounded in strong academic research, yet written in a way that feels practical, clear, and immediately relevant. What stands out is how effectively it bridges theory and real-world application. The insights feel just as valuable for leaders running large organisations as they are for anyone navigating everyday relationships.
Ten Brinke builds a compelling case for why “dark” personality traits aren’t just an individual concern, but a broader societal issue—with implications for everything from workplace culture to politics and decision-making at scale. She connects the dots in a way that makes the topic feel both urgent and actionable.
In a space that’s already saturated with discussion online, it would be easy to question whether another book is needed. This one genuinely earns its place. It’s evidence-based without being heavy, pragmatic without being cynical, and ultimately leaves you feeling more informed, aware, and equipped rather than overwhelmed.
It’s a fascinating and highly accessible read—grounded in strong academic research, yet written in a way that feels practical, clear, and immediately relevant. What stands out is how effectively it bridges theory and real-world application. The insights feel just as valuable for leaders running large organisations as they are for anyone navigating everyday relationships.
Ten Brinke builds a compelling case for why “dark” personality traits aren’t just an individual concern, but a broader societal issue—with implications for everything from workplace culture to politics and decision-making at scale. She connects the dots in a way that makes the topic feel both urgent and actionable.
In a space that’s already saturated with discussion online, it would be easy to question whether another book is needed. This one genuinely earns its place. It’s evidence-based without being heavy, pragmatic without being cynical, and ultimately leaves you feeling more informed, aware, and equipped rather than overwhelmed.
March 26, 2026
Our society is accustomed to using pop psychology flippantly in everyday dialogue or throughout social media platforms. What Dr. Leanne ten Brinke offers in her work, “Poisonous People,” is the hard work, dedication, research, experience and wisdom into the depths of dark personalities. She helps the reader to truly distinguish, identify, and understand these dark personalities that are often mentioned throughout casual conversation.
Her writing is both engaging and accessible to the reader. She is able to put her research into the hands of every reader which is truly a gift to the general public. Every person encounters some level of a dark personality in everyday life and this book is an incredible tool and resource to rely upon when dealing with such people.
I highly recommend everyone to have a copy of this book in their library. Thank you, Dr. Leanne ten Brinke for what you’ve offered the world in your dedication, energy, research and work.
Her writing is both engaging and accessible to the reader. She is able to put her research into the hands of every reader which is truly a gift to the general public. Every person encounters some level of a dark personality in everyday life and this book is an incredible tool and resource to rely upon when dealing with such people.
I highly recommend everyone to have a copy of this book in their library. Thank you, Dr. Leanne ten Brinke for what you’ve offered the world in your dedication, energy, research and work.
April 10, 2026
I am clearly in the minority as the more I think about this book the more I dislike it. I ended the book not knowing what it means by "poisonous people." It falls prey to the slip between a word's ("psycopathy") clinical definition being used as opposed to the common vernacular definition and seemingly uses them interchangeably. It then throws in a term ("temporary psycopathy") to describe concepts that, while it shares the actual word, don't really have relevance to the book. The advice is contradictory or codependent. Look for people lying, but people can only tell if people are lying half the time. Standing up to poisonous people will only enflame them to lash out but to have a relationship with them, tell them your rules that you demand of them, including explicitly saying no cheating. And then it's on you to verify and make sure they're following the rules. I would not recommend this book at all.
May 1, 2026
If you’ve ever walked away from an interaction feeling drained, confused, or subtly undermined, Poisonous People is worth a read.
It doesn’t try to diagnose or fix difficult people. Rather, it provides a clear lens for spotting harmful patterns early and practical ways to protect your energy, confidence, and focus. I appreciated being reminded of the simplicity: once you can name the behavior, you can stop internalising it and start responding more deliberately.
Recommended if you want to:
- understand why certain people consistently throw you off balance
- build stronger boundaries without unnecessary conflict
- stay composed and effective, especially in challenging environments
It’s not a deep psychological treatise, but I think that’s the point. It’s a pragmatic toolkit for navigating real-world interactions with more clarity and control.
It doesn’t try to diagnose or fix difficult people. Rather, it provides a clear lens for spotting harmful patterns early and practical ways to protect your energy, confidence, and focus. I appreciated being reminded of the simplicity: once you can name the behavior, you can stop internalising it and start responding more deliberately.
Recommended if you want to:
- understand why certain people consistently throw you off balance
- build stronger boundaries without unnecessary conflict
- stay composed and effective, especially in challenging environments
It’s not a deep psychological treatise, but I think that’s the point. It’s a pragmatic toolkit for navigating real-world interactions with more clarity and control.
March 20, 2026
Lo mas importante es que las personas venenosas, al final, también son seres humanos, y que todos tenemos algo de venenosos, unos mas que otros.
El segundo punto que creo es muy importante, es el pensamiento generalizado de que las personas prepotentes, egocentricas, narcisistas, que hacen lo que sea para lograr sus objetivos son buenos líderes, y los proponemos para posiciones de poder, el mejor caso es Trump, y el tremendo daño que hacen estas personas desde el poder.
El segundo punto que creo es muy importante, es el pensamiento generalizado de que las personas prepotentes, egocentricas, narcisistas, que hacen lo que sea para lograr sus objetivos son buenos líderes, y los proponemos para posiciones de poder, el mejor caso es Trump, y el tremendo daño que hacen estas personas desde el poder.
March 28, 2026
A fascinating exploration of psychopathy and its cost on our day-to-day lives. Great insights on how to manage living with individuals that are predisposed to care less without dehumanizing them or excusing their behaviors. As someone that works with survivors of trauma, I find this book a great resource for anyone navigating toxic people. Spare yourself headaches and be proactive about who you let in your life!
March 31, 2026
Poisonous People is an absolute must read! Dr. Leanne ten Brinke presents a vast amount of psychological research in a way that is engaging and easy to digest, making the writing accessible to a wide range of readers. Despite focusing on the darker aspects of human behaviour, the book ultimately feels optimistic and empowering. Readers come away with practical insight into recognizing and protecting themselves from toxic people.
March 31, 2026
I thought psychologists weren't supposed to diagnose people they haven't personally tested? Brinke breaks this rule on almost every page of this book. Beyond that, I'm not sure the book introduces anything new, except for maybe a kind of gossipy approach to the subject. It's also quite repetitive despite being short. Not recommended.
March 21, 2026
3.5. Pretty good book, easy to read. It explains dark personalities in people in a clear way with some research. Not super new or mind-blowing, but the stories are the best part. Real examples of toxic people, makes you go "wow, these people really exist" and feel less alone but also want to slap them.
April 17, 2026
Overall a good book about toxic individuals. I have read a handful of these types of books and this one didn’t stick out as much as i wanted it to. Relevant examples and helpful tips, but at times also felt easier said than done.
Review of advance copy
This one is aimed at you, Donald...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews