Poisoned Blood: A True Story of Murder, Passion, and an Astonishing Hoax

by Philip E. Ginsburg

Pretty, smart, and pampered, Audrey Marie Hilley grew up in a small Alabama town believing she was entitled to the best of everything. But marriage to her high school sweetheart, a cushy secretarial job, and motherhood were not enough to satisfy Marie, and she soon began to act out in troubling ways. Only when her husband, Frank, became sick with a mysterious illness, did it seem that she was ready to put someone else’s needs ahead of her own. The truth was far more disturbing.
 
Four years after Frank died, Marie’s daughter, Carol, began to experience debilitating stomach pains. The young woman was near death when the horrifying reality finally emerged: Marie had poisoned her husband with arsenic and was attempting to do the same to her daughter. It was the first in a series of shocking twists that exposed Marie Hilley as a cold-blooded chameleon capable of the most sinister of crimes. From Alabama to Florida to New Hampshire, her trail of death and deceit included multiple identities, a second marriage, a false kidnapping, a fake death, several dramatic escapes, and a final act of desperation that brought the whole sordid saga to an astonishing end.
 

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, History, Audiobook, Biography, Mystery

555 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Philip E. Ginsburg enjoyed several careers, sacrificing the advantages of continuity and seniority for the pleasures of new challenges and a variety of experience and learning. The common thread was writing, and each profession fed his curiosity about individual lives and how they fit together in a mosaic of politics and culture.

Ginsburg started writing before he was a teenager as a reporter for a short-lived summer camp newspaper. After college and a term in the Peace Corps, he worked as a newspaper reporter, a college professor teaching comparative and Chinese politics, and executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council. On a sabbatical from the Council, he turned what was intended to be a magazine article harking back to his journalism days into a book, Poisoned Blood, which became a New York Times bestseller. His subsequent career as a freelance writer produced histories, brochures and other materials—mostly for nonprofit organizations—and a second true crime work, The Shadow of Death. Since retiring as a writer, Ginsburg has worked as a volunteer advisor/mediator at the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau and a court guardian for children in abuse and neglect cases. He also served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Reviews

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Another fantastic old true crime book. It is terrible that I have to search for old true crime goodies because there is nothing good to read that is newly published. Well I do ask friends to give me recommendations for newer books but I guess they are in the same boat.

A lot of newer books are or biased, or telling everything in the first chapter, or are boring and only based on newspapers and trial transcripts.

Take a look at the 3 old tc books I just read.


Shallow Grave in Trinity County

This book was a good old fashioned true crime book but to be honest I also had to skip a few chapters in the beginning to not be spoiled. But the book was good.

Then I picked a jewel
Serpentine

This is not only a true crime book but also an adventure.. What fantastic writing and not only that but also fantastic research. This is how you write a book.

Then I finished this book Poisoned Blood last night.
What a story and also a lot of research.

Such an interesting read. Lots of back story about the people surrounding Marie Hilley.

Another true crime book I highly recommend.
The story in it self was great but I think this must have been a lot of work because this case was very confusing.

Alas my book is now read in 2 halves. I know my mum will enjoy reading this so I hope she does not mind. It also had a lot of photo's.


Message to True crime authors of the now. Please take note.

*We do not want a very biased account (Ann Rule). I understand there will be always a little bit of bias cause we are human, but please try not to be so biased. If you constantly feel the need to tell us how mean so and so was and how good his or her victim, it feels like you think we have no brains. We have thank you and we can make up our own minds.

* Please do not assume we know about the case. Best books are the one written in chronological order. Youth, life, killing , trial if there.

Thanks for listening.

p.s readers of true crime: feel free to add your own pet peeves in the comments section.
4.6

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lady killer was one of my family member's next door neighbor, here in Alabama. Of course, everyone said said she was the sweetest lady, they never would have thought she was a murderer looking at her appearance. She was classy, pretty, and dignified, fooling everyone with her looks and charm. This scandal was very huge in the South during this time period, and her name is forever part of history here. This has even been made into a movie, starring Judith Light.

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this woman was a real piece of work!

She poisoned, murdered, deceived - and nearly got away with it!

Then there was more...

At nearly twenty hours, it is a long listen, and could have been shorter - and the narrator reads slowly!

[Suzie Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

First question, how the hell do you support a wife who pretends to be dead and then come back as her own twin sister???
Second, why in the world are prisons letting convicted murders out on weekend passes?? Especially unsupervised ones??? How the eff is that, or was that, ever a thing???

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive account of an absolutely bonkers case. It drags at times, but overall, it is very well done. I am fascinated by how crazy this woman was and how she could have probably avoided accountability if she wasn't so self-destructive.

[Hannah Elhard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A marathon (634 pages ‼️) but a great one ! Don’t want to spoil so just know that if Gypsy Rose is interesting to you, you’d like this book. Excellently researched with many interviews personally collected by the author.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a riveting true story of a woman who went about her business of poisoning loved ones that she no longer wanted around. An astonishing complex case that keeps us on the edge of our seats. The tale of a woman with a genius for deception and the saga of this cold cruel person is told expertly by this amazing author. I highly recommend it for all true crime fans.

[Bookishknits · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story, but too long-winded. I listened to the audio book, and it was nearly 20 hours. The narrator changed his voice for any women talking (particularly for Marie Hilley) and not in a good way.

I knew about this story beforehand, and even if I am really interested in true crime, this book almost had too many details.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, but when I came across the ebook version I realized that I couldn't remember many of the details so I gave it another go. I'm glad I did because it's very good. If you want a detailed account of a sociopath at work over the years, check it out.

[Dolores]

Why? It's really my only question

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable story

Like many I watched the made for TV movie about Marie Hilley. For me I was fascinated how a woman could fool so many people into believing that she was one type of person when in reality she was someone else. It also shows how trusting people were in the 70's and early 80's. How in the south as long as you dressed nicely had, your makeup flawless, hair perfect everyday and attended church people would believe only the best of you.
Would never believe you poisoned your husband and planned to murder your daughter the same way. That you could be a fugitive and when tried and convicted could talk your way out
of prison.
Audrey Marie Hilley is someone who lived to get what she wanted no matter what she had to do. Even after reading the book I am still fascinated.

[Caz Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking how on earth did the authorities not spot the clues for so long

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing true story!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have the urge to read a book that is straight out of a Dateline episode this is it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can’t make this stuff up. It’s why I read true crime.

[Pat Wittorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

In-put-downable

I give you fair warning don't start this book if you don't have time to finish it it's that kind of book . Writing true crime books might seem to be simple . I mean the Facts are all out there it's just a matter of collecting all the data and putting it on paper . The truth of the matter is though is that they are perhaps the most difficult to write . The author encounters mountains of minutia and it's his job to wade through it and take out what's necessary to tell the story properly and keep it interesting. That had to be especially difficult in this case since the truth of the case is almost beyond belief. As a matter of fact if that had been written as a fictional detective story I would probably have put it down there shortly after starting it since it just defied logic. However Mr. Ginsberg kept my interest from page 1 to the end which included an almost sleepless night for me but it was worth it. Unfortunately there are still unanswered questions but perhaps that's always the case in a true crime story how can we ever truly know the heart of a person.

[Mrs. Read · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was surprised by the number of 4- and 5-star ratings of Philip Ginsburg’s Poisoned Blood, not that so many readers liked it (one man’s meat, etc.*), but that so many were able to slog their way through hundreds of pages of turgid speculation about the minutiae of the murderer’s complicated history. Marie Hilley’s crimes are not obscure; they’re frequently discussed in books about American female killers or poisoners. I was able to answer the question of whether the quality/quantity of information about the non-murderous parts of her life justified a book devoted entirely to her by reading about 15% of Poisoned Blood. Verdict: everybody else liked the book better than I did, so who you gonna believe?

*many thanks for acknowledging another clever pun

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible true-crime story about a woman in Alabama who poisons her father, tries to poison her daughter, is put in jail, escapes jail, moves to New Hampshire for three years under a new name, moves to Florida, becomes a blonde and returns to New Hampshire as her twin sister, is finally found out by the people of her small town in New Hampshire, is arrested; the cops discover who she really is after checking around the country, and she finally goes back to Alabama to be tried. Gets put into prison, escapes from prison again......you can imagine the ending.

[Shuaronda Loney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start by saying this is my first ever true crimes book. Audrey Marie Hilley amazes me. Her psyche is so befuddling. The whole time I was reading this book I was trying to understand her mindset. The book book an explanation but I truly believe it was more in-depth then what the author said. The woman poisoned so many people. I just couldn’t reason out in my mind her actions. I believe Audrey Marie Hilley should be studied by mental health community. She is a fascinating subject. For me this book was a page turner I couldn’t put it down.

[Daryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Of the true-crime books I’ve read, this is one of my favorites.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well researched and written true crime book. The story is the history about Marie Hilley also known as the black widow.
Marie is good looking, smart and has a warm personality that draws people to her. Marie has two healthy children and a husband who loves her very much until he catches her in bed with her boss when he comes home feeling sick.
Marie is a narcissist, and sociopath who manages somehow to charm her way into a life of long undetected evil. Marie goes on and poisons both her husband and daughter.
The book starts with her capture, and when she gets caught, her deception is so good that the minute she is released Marie manages to jump bail. Marie fakes her own kidnapping and manages to allude her capture for three years. Marie changes her identity several times and impersonates her twin sister and her husband John believes his wife died and he is now living with her twin.
You will be asking yourself and wondering how the woman in question did not slip up sooner with her deception as it must have been very hard for her to stay in character each time, she became someone else. Marie also stays in the same town and works and goes out with work colleagues and friends even after she becomes the twin sister.
The book will keep you on the edge of your seat as and it is not who did the crime but how did they finally catch her after Marie evades capture. What was Marie doing in between until her final escape and the end will surprise you!
I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Poisoned Blood: A True Story of Murder, Passion, and an Astonishing Hoax" by Philip E. Ginsburg is a gripping exploration of a chilling true crime narrative that captivates from start to finish. This book tells the harrowing tale of Marie Hilley, a woman whose charm and intelligence mask a dark and twisted reality.

Ginsburg's writing style is engaging and vivid, effectively drawing readers into the chaotic life of Marie, who not only poisons her husband but also attempts to do the same to her daughter. The author skillfully unfolds the layers of deception that Marie constructs, making it hard to believe that one person could orchestrate such a web of lies and manipulation. The story is packed with unexpected twists, including multiple identities and dramatic escapes, which keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

While the narrative is undeniably compelling, some readers may find certain sections a bit convoluted due to the complex timeline of events. A bit more clarity in editing could have enhanced the reading experience. Nevertheless, Ginsburg's ability to portray the psychological intricacies of Marie's character adds depth to the story, making it not just a recounting of crimes but an exploration of a disturbed mind.

Overall, "Poisoned Blood" is a fascinating read for true crime enthusiasts. It combines elements of suspense, horror, and psychological insight that make it a standout in its genre. I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars for its enthralling narrative and well-researched content, despite minor issues with pacing and clarity.

[Teddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie Hilley had a lot going for her. Good looking, smart, a warm personality that drew people to her, a husband who loved her, and two healthy kids. How were people to know that there was a darker side, and nobody near her was immune from danger. The book is written in chronological order (except for a short prologue), yet there is lots of foreboding that warns of what is to come. Eventually Marie makes a misstep, and she is arrested. But that's far from the end of the story. There's so much more that comes after that.

If I didn't know this was a true story, I would suggest several of the more sensational parts be deleted or softened to make it more believable. ***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT*** (...for anyone who hasn't read the synopsis of this book or seen the movie based on Marie's story.) Really! I mean, who fakes their own death and then comes back as their (nonexistent) identical twin? And I don't need to even ask, What mother poisons her own daughter? An evil one.

This is a well researched and well written book. I'm glad I chose it as one of the half dozen or so true crime books I read a year. 4.5 stars.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
I can't give more than that, it was rather repetitive and both the daughter and main police officer were named Carol..... maybe refer to him by his first name, or call him "officer carol."
I listened to the audiobook, so perhaps if you're actually reading it there would be a clearer indication as to which Carol was being referred to. Two main characters with the same name was just confusing.

Other than that, this is a bizarre story. I thought it was interesting how much emphasis was put on "a mother could NEVER do that to her child," and yet we hear stories of men killing family members all the time and there's never shock because a father would never do such a thing. I know the majority of homicides are committed by men, but this just seemed such a weird viewpoint to me. Family annihilators are fascinating to me, regardless of sex. They confirm my belief, based on my own experiences, that love is a humanmade concept - it is not inherent and those that take their experiences of parental love for granted shouldn't, it's not a universal guarantee.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild story. If it were a work of fiction I don’t think I would have thought it was credible. This woman, Audrey Marie Hilley, was quite a piece of work. All through the book I would stop and say to myself, and sometimes even aloud, “this woman is a nutbar”. A what a nutbar she was. I was captivated through the entire story. It is a well written book that tells the story of this woman’s life from start to the end of her spree.

The author is a reporter, so the book is written in a factual style without some of the slanted viewpoints of some true crime writers and without a lot of sensationalism. I really appreciated that fact. I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good true crime story.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago when it first came out. Looking back the approximate 35 years since I read it the first time I believe it was the reason I became interested in working in law enforcement, my degree in psychology, serial killers and in particular black widows. Ginsburg writes in a manner that draws you in and rather than a dry read, he takes you along in the mystery of who Audrey Marie Hilley was and how she may have ended up the way she was -- an unapologetic killer. The story stayed with me and I recently decided to read it again. If anything the story is even more compelling in the second reading. Ginsburg has written one other true crime -- I wish he had written more because of how he peels back the layers of the suspects.

[Chris Pezzella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complex case!!

This is a spellbinding case of a seemingly normal young girl who grew up to be a coldly calculating serial killer. She had many social skills which she used to her advantage to make people believe she was an innocent and falsely accused victim in the whole story. The end will surprise you! I was very taken with the story and wanted "more"! I found an episode about the case from the ID channel on YouTube in which her son discussed the case in depth and showed home movies of the family Search on "American Monster Alabama murder mystery" . If you are a fan of true crime stories, this will be one you won't want to miss!

[David A · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Poisoned Blood” by Philip E. Ginsburg is a page turner! From the first day I picked up this True Crime novel, it grabbed hold of me and would not let go!

The main character Audrey Marie, is a complex, driven and cunning predator. You will at times feel sorry for her and at times loath her - often - within the pages of the same chapter you are reading.

This is a true story; one that I was unaware of even though I grew up during the timeline Marie accomplished her plans and schemes.

If you love looking at the inside thoughts and dreams of a plotting feminine killer; this is a book you will devour from the 1st page until the last!

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book makes me think of the quote, “What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” It tells the true story of a master manipulator, a woman who murdered her husband, poisoned practically everyone she knew, assumed many identities and fled cap-ture multiple times, living all over the country. It was definitely a page turner as the author de-scribes a truly bizarre tale of a diabolical psychopath, con artist and pathological liar living in a fantasy world of her own invention. The story is truly disturbing and horrifying but the true crime crowd will love this title.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me a bit to get through. I felt like some more editing would have helped at times- the crazy timeline of events could have been made a bit more clear, it was made more confusing by some unnecessary repetition and pointed attempts at foreshadowing that mostly only led to uncertainty about when things took place. This mostly happened in the early and later parts of the book- the poisonings and the trial pieces. But the story. Wow. This woman. The stuff soap opera writers WISH they had come up with.