Ever heard of a book where the main character's job is the problem? 'Marchand de Poison' (which translates to 'Poison Merchant') does exactly that. We follow a man who makes his living by selling toxic substances. His clients come to him with desperate motives—revenge, escape, greed—and he provides the means. The story kicks into gear when his business starts to collide with his personal life and the very community he operates in. He's not a monster in a castle; he's a businessman in a city, and that makes everything more tense and real.

Why You Should Read It

This book grabbed me because it refuses easy answers. The poison merchant isn't a simple villain. Ohnet makes you understand his logic, even as you're horrified by his actions. The real strength is how it shows the ripple effects of one bad choice. A single bottle sold in secret can unravel families, spark scandals, and destroy lives you never even see. It's a stark look at how commerce, morality, and human weakness crash together. The characters feel like real people making terrible, believable decisions.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love historical fiction with a sharp, almost modern edge. If you enjoy stories about moral gray areas and the dark side of ambition, this is for you. It's not a light read, but it's a compelling one. Think of it as a legal and ethical thriller set in bustles and waistcoats. You'll finish it looking at everyday conflicts in a whole new, slightly more suspicious, light.