🎧 I received this as an audiobook to review. The narrator is Penelope Rawlins. I had no issue with her reading of the book and her rendition of each character but I do think the story could have benefited from a cast of narrators to seal the deal.

While the author took dramatic liberties the book is inspired by a true, historical case in Victorian Liverpool. Constance is accused of murdering her husband William.☠️

Spanning the life of Constance, “the murder”, the trial and the aftermath of the arsenic poisoning, this book was just so interesting. There were so many injustices and I really felt for Constance.🪦

Fans of historical fiction, deception and murder mysteries will enjoy this read. And maybe, just maybe, dig into the true story of Florence Maybrick.

The cover art is absolutely beautiful. It really drew my attention to it and I was even more sold when I read about this historical murder mystery!🦚

Thank you to the author, Tonya Mitchell, NetGalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received this advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The audiobook is set to publish June 25, 2024.

#TheArsenicEatersWife #NetGalley

The Arsenic Eater's Wife, by Tonya Mitchell is based on a Victorian true crime story. This audio book is storytelling at it's finest, and the narrator did a wonderful job bringing each character to life. I found myself hanging on every word, so much so, that I stayed up until 5:00a.m. finishing it!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“The Arsenic Eater’s Wife” by Tonya Mitchell is a compelling historical fiction that delves into the murky depths of Victorian society, where the line between medicine and poison is frighteningly thin. Set against the backdrop of 1889 Liverpool, the novel follows the trial of Constance Sullivan, a woman accused of murdering her husband with arsenic—a substance he willingly consumed as a remedy.

Mitchell masterfully weaves a narrative that is as much about the societal norms of the time as it is about the crime itself. The story is inspired by the true case of Florence Maybrick, and Mitchell pays homage to this historical context with rich detail and a palpable sense of place. The reader is transported to the shadowy streets of Liverpool, where every corner seems to whisper secrets of the past.

Constance Sullivan is a character of many layers, and Mitchell does an exquisite job of peeling back each one to reveal the complexities of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Her husband, William, is a hypochondriac whose self-medication with arsenic and strychnine is as much a character in the story as the people themselves. The novel’s portrayal of their tumultuous relationship is both heart-wrenching and infuriating, as we see Constance’s life unravel before our eyes.

The narrative structure, which jumps back and forth in time, serves to build suspense and deepen the mystery. As the trial progresses, the reader is left to ponder the fine line between victim and perpetrator. The supporting cast of characters—from the household servants to the barrister—adds to the rich tapestry of the story, each with their own motives and secrets.

Mitchell’s prose is evocative and immersive, with dialogue that rings true to the era. The courtroom scenes are particularly gripping, as they lay bare the prejudices and legal constraints of the time. The novel also touches on themes of infidelity, self-harm, and domestic abuse, making it a dark but important reflection on the issues that transcend time.

I“The Arsenic Eater’s Wife” is a novel that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the historical treatment of women and the dangerous practices of an era not so far removed from our own. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who appreciate a story that can both chill and charm. Mitchell’s work is a testament to the genre and a reminder of the power of storytelling to illuminate the darker corners of human history.

Thank you to Netgalley, Tonya Mitchell Dreamscape media for the Audio arc of The Arsenic Eater's Wife.
Narrated by Penelope Rawlins

I really enjoy listening to historical fiction that's been based on historical cases and this one did not disappoint. The premise of the book is compelling and even though it's a slow burn with 2 timelines, it well worth it. The POV is in first person of a lady who has been arrested and tried for the murder of her Husband, William. The story starts out almost immediately from the arrest and then splits clearly into the past and present. As the trial unfolds, she is reflecting back into her past relationship and the months leading unto her Husbands illness and death, which nicely wraps and merges into what's happening in the courtroom.

As her story unfolds, I found that I became absolutely appalled in how she was treated, but of course, it's set in the last 1800's and women were treated as such. It made it much more real, knowing that this book is based on a case which provoked all sorts of emotions. The characters are all very real and well fleshed out. I loved the world building. I could picture very clearly her life and the streets of Liverpool.

This was also narrated by Penelope Rawlins who'd a brilliant job in making sure that the characters had a distinctive voices. I loved listening to this audio version.

4 stars

3.5⭐️
Stunning Historical gothic fiction based off of a true story!
I really enjoyed the way this story was told and the gothic style of the story. I did not know this was based off a true story as I went into this completely blind. I can say I did predict the ending about 60% of the way through the book but I still enjoyed listening to the way in which the story is written. This tale of a woman whom is accused of killing her husband and then spends 15 years in jail only to be released to find out she was framed by people she trusted was devastating but to watch said woman grow and become strong through her troubles, to come out better than before, was beautiful.
Thank you to NetGalley and dreamscape media for the opportunity to listen to this book for an honest review.

Book Title: The Arsenic Eater’s Wife
Author: Tonya Mitchell
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narrator: Penelope Rawlins
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller – Historical Fiction
Audiobook Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 2.5 rounded up
Pages 334

Inspired by an 1889 case; this story features Constance Sullivan was accused of murdering her husband with arsenic.

Constance’s husband William is a hypochondriac and takes arsenic and strychnine as medicine.
(In the nineteenth many would self-medicate with arsenic as it was considered an appropriate treatment. In fact, Arsenic was thought to be an aphrodisiac as well as a general tonic. Ladies used it for that whiter-than-white complexion which many women wanted.)

I love good courtroom drama. But as the witnesses emerge with incriminating negative facts I doubted them and was sure Constance was being framed.
I was pulling for Constance.
However, I did struggle to get through this story.
… I am sure you are going to laugh at my big objection to this story- ---
I am very sensitive to smells. There was a lot of talk about nasty smells - vomit, diarrhea, and the awful smells in the prison-Far more than I wanted to hear about.
I hung in there but . . . .,

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this early audiobook.
Audiobook Release Date scheduled for June 25, 2024.

"The Arsenic Eater's Wife" by Tonya Mitchell, narrated by the talented Penelope Rawlins, is a suspenseful tale weaving together a complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that hooked me from the beginning.
The story is set in late 19th and early 20th century Liverpool, England, and follows the tumultuous marriage of Constance and William. William, a wealthy and older man, marries Constance, a naive 17-year-old woman, after a whirlwind romance on a boat to Liverpool. As their relationship unfolds, it becomes clear that William is a cruel and abusive husband, with a penchant for eating arsenic due to his past struggles with TB. Constance, trapped in a loveless marriage, finds herself accused of murdering her husband after his sudden death.
I was blown away by how the author structured the story, alternating between the past and present to build tension and suspense. The pacing is quick and relentless, with each new revelation keeping me on the edge of my seat. The characters are expertly crafted, with Constance being a particularly complex and relatable protagonist. Her struggles to navigate her suffocating marriage and her desires are deeply sympathetic, making her eventual descent into darkness even more heartbreaking.
What I found most fascinating about this story was its basis in real-life events. It's astonishing to think that this tale is inspired by a true historical case, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the narrative. The gothic atmosphere is palpable throughout the book, with the dark and foreboding setting of Liverpool's fog-shrouded streets adding to the sense of unease.
Penelope Rawlins' narration is superb, bringing each character to life with her pleasant voice and impressive range. She has a knack for conveying the emotional turmoil that Constance experiences throughout the story, making it easy to become fully invested in her journey.
Overall "The Arsenic Eater's Wife" is for fans of suspenseful historical fiction. The twists and turns are expertly handled, keeping you guessing until the end. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and true historical roots, this book is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

The Arsenic Eaters wife is based on true event that took place in Liverpool in the 19th century. We follow Constance in dual timelines throughout the book. The present is during her arrest and trial as she tries to clear her name for murder, and in the past for a few years prior to the death of her husband.
A very interesting historical read with complex characters and a great pace!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

I’ll start by saying that I requested this whist very tired and didn’t realize what I was getting into! Historical fiction can be hit or miss for me but this one was a great read.

It’s based off a real case that the author took some
Dramatic license with that added to the story in a great way. The prose was rick with details which I loved. Some folks may take pause with some of the details and their graphic nature but I don’t think it goes too far.

The narrator was lovely for the most part. Although that times she got a bit too dramatic and would color the scenes with her own vision Which took away some of my imagination.

If you like historical fiction and especially with a real crime twist, hide this book a go!!

Could not put this book down! I'm not sure what I expected, but it was riveting. The only reason I gave it a 4/5 rather than a 5/5 is because I really wanted to see some resolve with the kids. I wanted to know more about their potential reunion. I am also very grateful that the author gave us the confrontation at the end with the true criminal. Very, very good historical fiction thriller. Have already recommended!

Thank You for the opportunity to listen to this book.
The Arsenic Eater's Wife by Tonya Mitchell was a read that kept me hooked till the end.

Set in the late 19th century this tale of a woman assumed to have poisoned her cheater of a husband had all the ingredients for a cozy rainy day read.

I will definitely recommend reading it.

Thank You!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Penelope Rawlins who does a fantastic job telling this story! I recommend the audio version.

I really enjoyed this suspenseful tale about a woman accused of murdering her husband in Liverpool, England in the late 1800s, early 1900s. William marries Constance after a quick romance upon the boat to Liverpool. Constance is a naive 17 years old, which is more than 20+ years younger than her husband, very wealthy, and of a higher social status than Willian. William is a stodgy older man who abused Constance and habitually eats arsenic due to his having had TB. Constance quickly finds herself trapped in a failed marriage and suddenly accused of murdering her husband. There are lots of secrets, infidelity and betrayal in this marriage.

I liked the beginning which kicked off the story with the death of William and the trial of Constance. The alternating between the past and present worked well.

This is such an atmospheric, gothic tale with a quick pace and well developed, complicated characters. I was surprised to learn that this story is based on true events. Highly recommend!

This was such a serendipitous find, as I was just listening to a podcast about the real case that this is based on. I felt like Mitchell did a great job of telling the historical details of the case while adding in her own artistic license. This is such a tragic story, and she definitely did it justice. The characters were so well developed, and the slight twist at the end was really fun. Definitely recommend for mystery and true crime lovers alike!

I thought this book was fantastic! This is a historical mystery fiction about a woman who is getting accused of poisoning her husband with arsenic. I did not guess the twist which made it more fun for me! I was never bored and I was kept guessing the entire book. I really enjoyed and liked the female main character. The narrator for this book did an AMAZING job. I’m giving this book 4 starts because the ending did fall a little flat for me. But this books is very much still worth the read!

This seems like an intriguing story, but it’s too graphic for me.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.