A Passion for Poison: A true crime story like no other, the extraordinary tale of the schoolboy teacup poisoner

Graham Young was a British criminal who poisoned a schoolfriend and family members in 1962, resulting in his detainment at Broadmoor. On his release, he worked at Hadlands, a photographic supplies firm, and caused stomach pains to numerous staff members. This book provides a psychological insight into Young's mind and is praised for its true crime nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

The whole story is so terrible. You will be disgusted and amazed.

Graham Young, confessing his crimes to detectives, presents a criminal case that is both astonishing and less well known. Set in the post-war London suburbs, this quintessentially British crime story revolves around two sensational trials, murders both certain and probable, a clutch of forgiving relatives, and scores of surviving victims.

On the 14th of July in 1962, Graham stood in the Old Bailey dock, charged with poisoning a schoolfriend and family members by adding antimony to their packed lunches, Sunday roasts, and morning cups of tea. Diagnosed with multiple personality disorders, Graham's trial resulted in his detainment at Broadmoor, where he was the youngest patient.

However, it was upon his release from Broadmoor that Graham caused the greatest harm. Finding employment in Hadlands, a photographic supplies firm, his role as a junior storeman meant he was expected to make tea and coffee for his colleagues. And very soon, numerous members of staff began experiencing crippling stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The symptoms were initially attributed to food poisoning, but as the days passed, it became clear that something more sinister was at play. Graham's colleagues began to suspect that he was the culprit, and they reported their suspicions to the police.

Investigations were launched, and it was soon discovered that Graham had a history of poisoning people. He had been arrested in the past for similar crimes, but he had always managed to evade punishment.

Graham was arrested again, and this time, he was charged with multiple counts of poisoning. The trials were sensational, and the media coverage was intense. Graham's defense team argued that he had multiple personalities, and that one of his personalities was responsible for the crimes.

The jury found Graham guilty, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. However, his case gained international attention, and he became a celebrity in his own right.

Graham's story is a psychological insight into the mind of a complex and intriguing individual. A Passion for Poison is true crime at its best, providing a fascinating look into the world of a serial poisoner.

Praise for Carol Ann Lee's book has been widespread. Somebody's Mother, Somebody's Daughter: Victims and Survivors of the Yorkshire Ripper is described as "a psychologically astute insight into the mind of a complex and intriguing individual." Lee's book gives voice to the women who came into the sights of notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, providing a deeply poignant account of their experiences.

My book of the year... the first time the stories of the women who came into the sights of notorious serial killer Peter Sutcliffe have been told, and it gives voice to their families... deeply poignant - Lynda La Plante. One of Your Own: The Life & Death of Myra Hindley is praised as "scrupulously unsensational and as good a biography of Hindley as we'll get." The book is praised for its unbiased and accurate portrayal of Hindley's life and death.

In conclusion, Graham Young's criminal case is a fascinating and astonishing tale of crime and punishment. Set in the post-war London suburbs, this story involves two sensational trials, murders both certain and probable, a clutch of forgiving relatives, and scores of surviving victims. Graham's case is a psychological insight into the mind of a complex and intriguing individual, and A Passion for Poison is true crime at its best. Carol Ann Lee's book provides a powerful account of the women who came into the sights of the Yorkshire Ripper, and One of Your Own: The Life & Death of Myra Hindley is praised for its unbiased and accurate portrayal of Hindley's life and death.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789464344