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Poison Kisses
Poison Kisses by Karen Teasdale, nominated for the White Rose International Film Festival 2026, is a harrowing true story of survival, betrayal, and cruelty hidden behind closed doors.
To the outside world Karen's mum appeared a devoted mother. In reality, she was a narcissistic psychopath obsessed with control, humiliation, and causing pain. Later, her daughter was told her mother suffered from complex mental health issues including Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, but her manipulation went far beyond seeking attention.
Her daughter became her primary victim. Her son was manipulated into mirroring her behaviour, developing traits of a malignant narcissist, while their father became another casualty of the abuse. Chaos consumed the household, with police called 237 times in just 18 months due to escalating violence. Authorities struggled to understand why she refused to let her son go—but their toxic, co-dependent bond made separation impossible.
This memoir is the raw account of a child forced to believe she was ill, a family destroyed by psychological torment, and a woman determined to uncover the truth after decades of abuse.
Karen's father Brian was found brain injured in his own home and on her father’s deathbed, Karen promised him that she would tell their story. This is that story.
This audiobook contains themes of child abuse, psychological manipulation, family trauma, strong language, and distressing content. It is intended for mature listeners aged 18+. Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. Listener discretion is advised.
To the outside world Karen's mum appeared a devoted mother. In reality, she was a narcissistic psychopath obsessed with control, humiliation, and causing pain. Later, her daughter was told her mother suffered from complex mental health issues including Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy, but her manipulation went far beyond seeking attention.
Her daughter became her primary victim. Her son was manipulated into mirroring her behaviour, developing traits of a malignant narcissist, while their father became another casualty of the abuse. Chaos consumed the household, with police called 237 times in just 18 months due to escalating violence. Authorities struggled to understand why she refused to let her son go—but their toxic, co-dependent bond made separation impossible.
This memoir is the raw account of a child forced to believe she was ill, a family destroyed by psychological torment, and a woman determined to uncover the truth after decades of abuse.
Karen's father Brian was found brain injured in his own home and on her father’s deathbed, Karen promised him that she would tell their story. This is that story.
This audiobook contains themes of child abuse, psychological manipulation, family trauma, strong language, and distressing content. It is intended for mature listeners aged 18+. Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. Listener discretion is advised.
Audible Audio
Published March 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 27, 2025
I do appreciate the matter-of-fact style of writing. It is however, at many times repetitive. Is a good book, a true story, it helps you understand the twisted ways of some people. Is raw emotion. I did finish it but I needed many breaks to spread the « dark clouds above my head ». During this week many cats were hissing at my darkened mood. Poor baby…
But Karen, you are a strong woman and I admire your courage to put everything out there for other people to relive. I hope you read this and realise that you are not just a survivor. You are a Champion.
PS: A day later, still thinking about Poison kisses, I finally have the words to describe it. Because the vibe of a book is immensely important to me. It makes the difference between a good or a mediocre one. And that’s why I changed my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars.
And now: Poison kisses feels like the confession of a child. Frantic, raw, repetitive at times, overexplained. It felt like you had 4 years old Karen in front of you, on a chair. She let all of it out, words chaotically trembling out.
But Karen, you are a strong woman and I admire your courage to put everything out there for other people to relive. I hope you read this and realise that you are not just a survivor. You are a Champion.
PS: A day later, still thinking about Poison kisses, I finally have the words to describe it. Because the vibe of a book is immensely important to me. It makes the difference between a good or a mediocre one. And that’s why I changed my rating from 4 stars to 5 stars.
And now: Poison kisses feels like the confession of a child. Frantic, raw, repetitive at times, overexplained. It felt like you had 4 years old Karen in front of you, on a chair. She let all of it out, words chaotically trembling out.
September 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four stars
This was a difficult one to rate because, despite some things I questioned along the way, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I really felt for Karen throughout the book, and especially for little Karen. Some parts were incredibly difficult to listen to, and I found myself thinking about what she experienced long after I’d finished.
I also found it refreshing and easy to connect with, particularly hearing familiar places and references close to home.
There were a couple of details I found myself questioning. One was the police accounts. I only remember hearing one police incident in the book, despite the mention of the very large number of police attendances. I haven’t listened to the podcast or researched the story beyond the book, so perhaps there is more context there that I’m missing.
I also noticed what I believe may be a small continuity error: on one occasion the item found is described as an eyeshadow, but when the incident is referred to again later, it is described as a lipstick. Unless I’ve misunderstood something while listening, I’m fairly sure this changed between the two accounts.
These are small points, but they did stand out to me.
Overall, four stars from me. Whatever questions I had, I couldn’t put this book down, and I really felt for Karen and what little Karen experienced. ❤️
This was a difficult one to rate because, despite some things I questioned along the way, I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
I really felt for Karen throughout the book, and especially for little Karen. Some parts were incredibly difficult to listen to, and I found myself thinking about what she experienced long after I’d finished.
I also found it refreshing and easy to connect with, particularly hearing familiar places and references close to home.
There were a couple of details I found myself questioning. One was the police accounts. I only remember hearing one police incident in the book, despite the mention of the very large number of police attendances. I haven’t listened to the podcast or researched the story beyond the book, so perhaps there is more context there that I’m missing.
I also noticed what I believe may be a small continuity error: on one occasion the item found is described as an eyeshadow, but when the incident is referred to again later, it is described as a lipstick. Unless I’ve misunderstood something while listening, I’m fairly sure this changed between the two accounts.
These are small points, but they did stand out to me.
Overall, four stars from me. Whatever questions I had, I couldn’t put this book down, and I really felt for Karen and what little Karen experienced. ❤️
October 6, 2025
Couldn’t put this book down. What a heart wrenching true story!
September 3, 2025
I'm a little lost for words as to what I want to say . Heartbreaking from start to finish and just shows you never truly know what people have to endure . I found myself asking continously why did the authorities not pick up on this sooner . So much hurt pain and abuse carried out by the one person who's meant to take care of you. Well done to the author for putting pen to paper and getting this out there .
September 25, 2025
2.5 stars Tragic and eye-opening but poorly written imo.
February 19, 2026
so devastating and sad
Absolutely heart wrenching sad reminded me of my own mother the total wreck they leave you everyone should read the book and to the author I have to say I feel so very proud of you I could never write mine but that takes guts well done !! so wonderfully truthful not everybody’s mother is an angel
Absolutely heart wrenching sad reminded me of my own mother the total wreck they leave you everyone should read the book and to the author I have to say I feel so very proud of you I could never write mine but that takes guts well done !! so wonderfully truthful not everybody’s mother is an angel
August 4, 2026
Heartbreaking with a beautiful eventual ending of a brave, strong woman and her experience being raised by a mother with munchousen by proxy, along with her brother and father. This book is a must read, esspecially for those with their own traumatic childhoods, i have shared my copy with 3 of my other family members. This is an impactful and emotional book which is worth the time reading it.
December 26, 2025
relatable
Until I read this book, I have realised I am not alone. Thank you KAREN Teasdale for writing this book, tears of relief in behaviours I never understood.
Until I read this book, I have realised I am not alone. Thank you KAREN Teasdale for writing this book, tears of relief in behaviours I never understood.
December 31, 2025
Brilliant
Unbelievably good couldn't put it down till I finished it Karen is one really strong woman to cope with all she's been through
Unbelievably good couldn't put it down till I finished it Karen is one really strong woman to cope with all she's been through
January 10, 2026
I started this book on the 9th Jan and finished it on the 10th! I couldn't put it down. Such a sad, interesting read. I wish this had of been a different outcome for Karen & her family
October 12, 2026
Great read.
What a great read this book was... Totally gripped from the start. What an awful life Karen had and glad to read that she's doing well now and recovering.
What a great read this book was... Totally gripped from the start. What an awful life Karen had and glad to read that she's doing well now and recovering.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews