Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned writer and science communicator. Her interests are in anything gothic, gory and geeky, and preferably all three. She has written several books on the crossover between science, literature and pop culture including The Secret Lives of the Elements, The Secret Lives of Molecules, A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts, Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond and Vampirology: The Science of Horror’s Most Famous Fiend. Her latest book is V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death.
Kathryn also loves talking about the darker side of science. She is happy to help anyone devolop their plots to take over the world, or advise them on how to protect themselves from poisoners or the undead.
News & Events
V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death
Shortlisted for The Mystery Writers of America’s 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Critical/Biography
See all the nominations here
Northern Ireland Science Festival – Vampirology
7.30pm Friday 13th February 2026 – The Mac, Belfast
Our fascination with the vampire myth has scarcely diminished since Bram Stoker’s publication of the classic Dracula tale in 1897, but how much of the lore is based in fact and can science explain the origins of horror’s most famous fiend?
Dr Kathryn Harkup charts the murky waters of the vampire myth – from stories found in many cultures across the globe to our sympathetic pop-culture renditions today – to investigate how a scientific interpretation may shed light on the fears and phenomena of the vampire myth.
Tickets available here
Northern Ireland Science Festival – Deadly Dinner Experience
7pm Saturday 14th February 2026 – Walled City Brewery, Derry
Chemist Dr Kathryn Harkup, author of V is for Venom, returns for another Deadly Dinner, an unforgettable evening of food, fascination, and fatal facts at the Walled City Brewery.
Our talented chefs will be whipping up a menu that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun night out, this event is perfect for everyone. This is a shared table experience. You will sit with your group but others may be at your table also.
Your ticket includes:
A LegenDERRY welcome drink
A three-course à la carte dinner by Michelin-trained chef Tufty Moran
Curated drinks tasters paired with each course
Book now before curiosity kills your chance!
Tickets available here
Northern Ireland Science Festival – V is for Venom
7pm Sunday 15th February 2026 – Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
Explore the deadly world behind Agatha Christie’s mysteries with Kathryn Harkup’s V is for Venom.
Discover the real science, history, and true-crime stories behind fourteen poisons Christie used so brilliantly. A fascinating dive into toxicology, storytelling, and the Queen of Crime’s razor-sharp chemical knowledge.
Tickets available here
Granite Noir – Cocktails, Shaken Not Stirred
8pm Sunday 22nd February 2026 – His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
James Bond’s adventures thwarting the plans of the world’s greatest villains have thrilled and delighted audiences since Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale was published in 1953. Join Dr Kathryn Harkup as she explores 007’s exploits, from the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you, and – if your plan is to take over the world – whether it is better to use bacteria, bombs, or poison. This event will give you all the answers over a few glasses of James Bond’s favourite cocktails.
Tickets available here