An unforgettable historical debut set in Second World War Brussels: exploring love, resistance and courage in all their forms

‘I adored it … It finds courage and love amidst the ruins, and I read with my heart in my mouth’ Rachel Joyce
‘A beautiful and deeply engaging novel' Ann Patchett
‘A richly textured, finely written, deeply thoughtful novel’ William Boyd
‘Historical fiction at its immersive, absorbing best’ Paula McLain

Charlotte Sauvin has always seen the world differently. At home on 33 Place Brugmann, in the heart of Brussels, her father and her closest friends and neighbours – the Raphaëls from the fourth floor, and Masha from the fifth – have ensured her secret is safe. But when the Nazis invade Belgium, and Masha and the Raphaëls disappear, Charlotte must navigate her new world alone.

Who can Charlotte trust in this world - where everyone is watching, and everyone is harbouring their own secrets? As the months pass, and the shadow of war darkens, Charlotte and her neighbours must face what – and who – truly matters to them most – and summon the courage to fight for more than just survival.

With soaring imagination and profound intimacy, 33 Place Brugmann is a captivating and devastating celebration of the power of love, courage and art in times of great threat.

WINNER OF THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD 2025

A dark and powerful feminist retelling of the best serial killer you've never heard of. Inspired by the true story of Giulia Tofana – one of history's most notorious and lethal poisoners.

'A gut-wrenching, empowering and gripping feminist read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Fully satisfying . . . Savoured every chapter' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Perfect example of quality historical fiction.’ LAURA CARLIN
'Not for the faint-hearted' SCOTSMAN

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Rome, 1656

In Rome’s shadowy backstreets lies an apothecary’s shop – a place for women to take their heartbreaks and troubles. Herbs for childbirth. Tarot readings to tell their fortunes. An undetectable poison that can kill in four drops.

Alongside her circle of female poisoners, Giulia Tofana dispenses her deadly potion to free the downtrodden women of the city from their abusive husbands. A path she’s determined to follow after a harrowing childhood in Palermo.

But even in a time of plague, it does not go unnoticed when the men begin to fall like flies.

With the Holy Office of the Inquisition on her tail, Giulia is in more danger than ever. . How far will she go for the women who need her help?

MURDERER OR SAVIOUR? YOU DECIDE.

A POISONER'S TALE explores the realities of what it is like to be a woman who rebels against society and takes the reader on a tense, challenging but spellbinding journey.

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'This book will stay with me for a long time' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An incredible debut that I simply could not put down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Superbly written' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Gorgeous. . . brimming with rich detail and intrigue’ C. J. COOKE
‘Devastating. A beautifully intense read.’ ISABELLE SCHULER
'Moving and unforgettable.' STELA BRINZEANU
'Incredibly compelling.' GRIMDARK MAGAZINE
'Kemp is an astonishingly talented storyteller, and her characters will linger long after you’ve finished reading.' NAOMI KELSEY