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 9781399413077

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

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