The Arsenic Eater's Wife (Paperback or Softback)

A woman is accused of killing her husband, but is she guilty? Inspired by a true historical case, this spellbinding novel will keep you guessing until the final heart-stopping revelation…

I’m on trial for the murder of my husband William. But no one knows the truth about my marriage.

I sit in the dock each day and listen to them tell their lies. That William wasn’t taking arsenic, that he was a nobleman who would never hurt anyone. That I’m a cunning, deceitful woman who should hang for what I’ve done.

Everyone betrayed me. My best friend, the family, the servants. Even my lover.

They think because I purchased arsenic that I’m the one who poisoned him. They think I’m dangerous. They think I’m mad.

But when this trial is over it will only be the beginning. Because I won’t rest until I get my revenge, even if I must claw myself from an unconsecrated grave to do it. . .



Praise for The Arsenic Eater’s Wife:

From the award-winning author of A Feigned Madness comes a Gothic mystery simmering with atmosphere, intrigue, and lies. “Mitchell is a welcome new voice in the world of Gothic fiction.”—The Poisoners’ Cabinet Podcast

“A provocative, suspenseful Gothic treat of a novel, inspired by real events. Mitchell’s atmospheric prose carries readers into the past as a woman accused of murder desperately tries to reclaim her innocence and survive a harrowing betrayal. Rife with secrets, intrigue, and serpentine twists. You won’t be able to put it down!”—Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of Parting the Veil

“Impeccably researched and rich with historical detail, The Arsenic Eater's Wife is a fictional mystery based on the true story of a woman wrongly convicted of her husband's murder. With more than a hint of the Gothic, Tonya Mitchell masterfully builds a palpable sense of dread throughout, but manages also to offer her characters grace even when their actions and feelings are deeply flawed. This is historical fiction at its best, offering justice in the form of story to a real woman who did not receive her due in life.”—Molly Greeley, author of Marvelous

“Tonya Mitchell’s The Arsenic Eater’s Wife renders a dark and intricately brushed portrait of the dichotomous business of human nature. Set against the scintillating murk of 19th Century Liverpool England, Mitchell’s novel simmers good, and hot, and glorious with atmosphere, arsenic, intrigue, and lies.”—Robert Gwaltney, award-winning author of The Cicada Tree and Georgia Author of the Year

“Based on a true story, The Arsenic Eater's Wife is a carefully plotted, suspenseful novel. Mitchell excels at fictionalizing historical figures. Brimming with rich details and unexpected twists.”—Kate Belli, author of The Gilded Gotham Mystery series