I have never heard of Tanith Lee before, but definitely want to seek out her other works. This entire book was so campy and also horrific as you read about a young woman named Louisa who is focused on getting what she wants (lots of money and to walk down roads spilled with gold) and will take out whoever she has to.
Louisa the Poisoner follows a 19 year old Louisa who is raised by her aunt who though is a dirty/messy person, raises Louisa to walk/talk like a lady. Her aunt finally finds a plant that grows in their home of March Mire that she claims will kill someone with just a drop and leaves no trace behind. Louisa’s aunt is determined that she and Louisa will get set up in a wealthy home where they can pick off her husband eventually. But Louisa has other plans.
I found the character of Louisa repulsive and fascinating at the same time. Lee does a great job of showing you there’s nothing there but pure greed, but she’s smart. You have to wonder if she’s eventually going to get caught, and that’s half the fun in the story. I won’t like though, even though this is horror (and you do get some gross out deaths here) I found the book to be funny. Just a great Gothic novella that hit the spot.
I absolutely loved the ending since I thought things were going to go a different way.
