NPR

Court Life Is Murder In 'The Poison Bed'

Elizabeth Fremantle's twisty, deceptive new novel is based on the real-life story of the Earl and Countess of Somerset, who were convicted in the murder of a friend-turned-enemy in 1616.
Source: Pegasus Books

When the press release for The Poison Bed by Elizabeth Fremantle called it "Gone Girl meets The Miniaturist," I took notice — because while I enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, I flat-out loved Jessie Burton's 2014 debut The Miniaturist, which brought readers to a 16th-century Amsterdam as sugar-trade boomtown, a place few of us had ever considered.

You'll immediately get the Burton connection with Fremantle's fifth book, which is based on a 16th-century true crime, the case of Frances

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
What Are Sperm Whales Saying? Researchers Find A Complex 'Alphabet'
Researchers say sperm whales have a complex communication system, an example of how new technology is opening up the mysterious world of animal language.
NPR2 min readWorld
Israeli Forces Take Control At Rafah Crossing; How A Border Patrol Agent Sees His Job
Israeli forces have taken control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing into Egypt. A U.S. Border Patrol agent explains how he sees his agency's mission.
NPR5 min readAmerican Government
Adult Film Star Stormy Daniels Is Testifying Against Trump In New York Trial
Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, has spent the last several years in legal battles with former President Trump. She has taken the stand to testify against him in a criminal trial.

Related Books & Audiobooks