By beginning the novel with a brief history of poison immediately attracts the readers attention as it discusses something that everyone knows about yet not in the detail described. By using the knowledge of British history coinciding with the history makes it more understandable for those who aren't already interested in the macabre. The first chapter was gripping, describing a 14 year boy without labelling him as a psychopathic killer, nor making him seem monstrous. It spoke about the confusion of the public and the unusual age for a killer to be brought to justice. Very interesting concept and definitely something I will enjoy reading as I have an interest for serial killers, but I know very little about this boy.