Dram of Poison

I can't remember the last time I was so engaged by a book that I read it in a single day. I loved "A Dram of Poison" and highly recommend it. In the first half, it's Hitchcockian--a small group of ordinary people with complex emotional relationships beneath the surface and not fully understood, the situation building suspense inexorably. The reader knows an explosion is coming but cannot predict what form it will take. When the "break" comes, the tone of the book changes completely into a frenetic quest sequence that is increasingly hilarious. But the suspense starts to build again, and we remain on tenterhooks, as we wait to see whether the quest will be successful. In the meantime, the characters discuss life, and we are made acutely aware of how the reality of the relationships and situation we saw only dimly in the first half of the book are, in fact, very different from what we were lead to expect. The ultimate message (Yes, this little suspense thriller has a message!) is one of optimism and respect for individuality and how one shouldn't judge a book by its cover. A gem. Highly recommended.

This book proves once again that is not only what the book it's about, but how it's written. This is a very simple story made into a classic mystery. Loved it

This book has plenty of intrigue and suspense when poison innocently labeled as olive oil goes astray. But it's also a life-affirming romp with an assortment of delightful characters whom you love enough to return to time and again. A celebration of life and of individuality.