Kate Parkin at Firefinch has acquired world rights in actor and dramatist Katherine Tozer’s debut crime novel The Art of Poison from Kevin Conroy Scott at Tibor Jones. Described as a novel of love, murder, scandal and revenge, The Art of Poison will appeal to true crime fans of Kate Summerscale’s The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and Hallie Rubenfeld’s The Five, and to readers of historical fiction by Sarah Perry, Stacey Halls and Tracy Chevalier.  It will publish in February 2027.

Kate Parkin said: ‘This dramatic re-telling of one of the most notorious murder cases of the Victorian era offers an ingenious and chilling solution to a devious killing that has baffled armchair detectives for 170 years. Katherine Tozer’s ability to get under the skin of these real historical figures is truly compelling.  We are thrilled to welcome her to the Firefinch list.’

Agent, Kevin Conroy-Scott, said: ‘Katherine Tozer has written something to rival the great popular courtroom scandals of our time. She writes with a light, propulsive touch.’

Katherine Tozer said: ‘When I came across the story of Glasgow socialite Madeleine Hamilton Smith, whose trial for the murder of her lover, Pierre Emile l’Angelier, scandalised mid-Victorian society, I was rapt. Delving through her erotically charged letters, I was transported to the murk of the second city of the Empire to unspool the half-life of the heinous events that led to Emile’s horrific death.

‘I am thrilled that Kate and the hugely experienced team at Firefinch have put their faith in my first book. It is a real honour to join their lauded inaugural list.’

Early praise for The Art of Poison from Phyllis Nagy, Oscar nominated screenwriter of Carol: ‘It’s riveting. Everything is so expertly woven and layered – It’s so damned right and strong and resonant. I shall continue thinking on the entire Madeleine Smith affair for a long while…’

After reading English at Oxford, Katherine Tozer went on to act in roles ranging from Phaedra to Blanche duBois and in productions staged by the RSC, Donmar, Almeida, Young Vic and NT. In 2013, she founded Palimpsest, creating multi-platform immersive stories, which have included Hedda Gabler, as well as original plays for London historical venues.  Her BBC radio adaptations include The Cherry Orchard, The Seagull, Ivanov and The Castle of Otranto.

‘Katherine Tozer is the most thorough historical playwright working in London today’ On In London

The Art of Poison by Katherine Tozer will be published by Firefinch Publishing in spring 2027