Perfect Poison: A Female Serial Killer's Deadly Medicine

I love the way Phelps writes because he speaks as though you could be having a conversation with him and he's explaining this horrific story to you in person, which by the end further becomes alarming when you realize that she (Kristen Gilbert) can't possibly be the only one out there of her kind, working in the medical field. It's not only about the Perfect Poison, but the "perfect place" to get away with murder, if one were so inclined.I also like the way Phelps puts the time frame into perspective by comparing current events of the day with what's going on in the world. For example in Chapter 75 "The biggest story in the nation on Tuesday, January 20, 1998 wasn't...." basically what was going on in that neck of the woods but about the scandal at the White House between Clinton and a certain intern. Which reminds me of the King George III's diary entry for July 4th, 1776, "Nothing important happened today" which compares the perspective of what we know is happening in our lives compared to things that are currently happening that we know nothing about, until of course much later ... as I did in discovering this book. I'd read some of Phelps's other work but somehow missed this one from 2003? I think is the original publish date. Kindle versions always give the date it was electronically written, which bugs me, but that's another story.Also, I'm not surprised at all what happened to "the good guys" by the VA, as I've worked around the medical field and getting anything out of the Veteran's Admin is nigh on impossible. Getting a diabetic his/her supplies proves an impossible feat, as no one doctor will take responsibility for any of their patients and no nurse will advocate for their patients. Okay, there are some that will as in the case in this book, but they are few and far between. Health care has become a nightmare, government healthcare, well, not surprised Kristen got away with what she did for so long. My guess is she was doing it long before anyone was onto her, she probably practiced a bit first, creating situations to view the outcome. Anyway, this book was great, I literally couldn't put it down, carried it with me and read while I was "working" but not in the health field, no worries there ... only at home.Thanks Mr. Phelps for such a unique perspective on true crime.

Another good book of M.William Phelps . Interesting story to read about a female serial killer. Held my attention to the end

Though the book does have some slight flaws I couldn't put it down. Curses on the author. You kept me up until 1AM on a weeknight. Then the next day I closed my office door and just read all day. Thank God for Kindle PC LOL.I was living out of the country at the time which may explain why I hadn't heard of the case. Especially since I grew up and still live in the area. I'm amazed at the lack of notoriety and attention this case has received.Anyway, I read A LOT of true crime books and this was clearly one of the best I have read. So good that its slight faults do not warrant a deduction of a star. The author was exhaustive in his research. This was not a cut and paste book. I've rarely seen a true crime book researched so thoroughly. With all the research facts presented it could have easily become tedious to read. The author's talent did not allow that to happen. This is one of those rare nonfiction books that was both a great read and a great piece of journalism.I'm a little leery of noting my one complaint in the review. I only want to encourage fans of the genre to get the book. So lets consider it a point of discussion instead of a criticism. I believe the author went more than a bit to easy on the medical staff that worked with Gilbert. In my opinion they were way to slow in taking action. It's fortunate they did but they were way to interested in personal and professional preservation. I suppose that may be another story entirely though. I would have liked a little more information on all her suspected murders. I suppose I can do a little googling on that myself.If you like the genre get the book.

After reading a dozen of Phelps true crime drama, much of the the depravity that a human being can inflict on another has been clinically laid out for the reader. I found this book, however the most scary book of his I had read. Not because of the gore or the torture inflicted by the murderer who shed almost to none of the victim's blood. The horror in these murders were not the how they were carried out but by the persona of the Grim Reaper. A petite, young and pretty nurse who looked like an angel of mercy was actually the angel of death.According to "Tim Braun, president of Braun Consulting & Investigation, LLC," the shocking part of the crimes committed by serial killer and nurse Kristen Gibson, is not the brutality of the crime, but instead “[I]t’s the environment they choose to work in and the victims they choose to kill.” In fact where would someone feel safer than a hospital under the care of the most competent medical personnel available. Or so one would assume. Even Phelps acknowledges the irony of being killed by someone trained and pledged to care for patients, "Which, for my money, makes the nurse/caretaker serial killer the most dangerous killer out there."

What a gifted writer. I am truly impressed and oh so hooked!I highly recommend this book as well as Obsessed. Actually all M. William Phelps books.

This is my fifth book by M.Williams Phelps, and it is by far the best yet.The story centres around Nurse Kristen Gilbert, who works in a veterans hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts.The Angel of Mercy, turns into an Angel Of Death, as she killed many brave veterans with a powerful drug that brings on Cardiac Arrest.This goes into detail, explaining her relationships with her Husband, her security guard lover and co-workers.She is a compulsive liar, who manipulates everyone to get attention. Basically, she is you're worse nightmare.The writer goes into her background bringing up accounts from those closest to her.I was hooked from the first page and her story will stay with you. This is a well written account of a complex woman.

I have read quite a few books on true crime, but this one is the best yet. I have even gone back and re-read it a few times. The story is perfectly structured, with an even mix of background information (without chapter-long tedious information) and plot evolution. Its a definite page-turner which will keep you up all day and night until you finish. Kristin Gilberts special brand of psyphopathy is accurately described with selected examples, and the whole story reads like a creepy, scary movie playing out in real life, which will leave you jumping in your seat with anticipation.

What a book could not put it down. Mr w phelps is one of my favourite authors he gets right down into every detail. Have read most of his books never disappoint . Thanks for a great read.

Great book for anyone who likes true crime. She should have been given the death sentence. Very well researched

I have never come across a criminal like this before. Having read about others of this kind, She has no great aim to be a heroine. She kills patients for the flimsiest of 'reasons' and foresees very little trouble for herself. A nightmare.