Hemlock & Silver

Hemlock & Silver is told from the point of view of Anja, a self-described plump, middle-aged spinster who has spent her life studying poisons and their antidotes after seeing her cousin die after eating hemlock.  

She is plucked from the comfort of her workshop and pressed into service by the recently widowed king to identify the poison that is slowing killing his daughter, and she is whisked to the desert estate where Snow is being kept.

Anja is a funny narrator, self-deprecating and sharing her humorous opinions with us of those around her. 
She cares more about animals, such as her “colleague”, a chime adder she keeps to milk for venom, than she does most people and is constantly resisting efforts from those around her who suggest she should step in as a mother figure for Snow. 

Anja begins to investigate what - and who - is poisoning Snow, and we see themes from Snow White, such as poisoned apples and mirrors, being utilized in unexpected ways.

In classic T. Kingfisher style, Hemlock & Silver is filled with intrigue, adventure, surprise, and humor , sprinkled with a touch of body horror and a little romance. 

Anja’s words at the end seemed to leave it open for us to hear more of her story, and I hope we do. 

Note on the audio production: pristine production value and expertly performed by Jennifer Pickens. 

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.