A Very Expensive Poison

Luke Harding

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"A Very Expensive Poison" by Luke Harding is a gripping true story that delves into the mysterious assassination of a Russian whistleblower, Alexander Litvinenko. This meticulously researched and captivating book presents a chilling account of international espionage, political intrigue, and the deadly use of a rare radioactive substance.

Set in the heart of London in November 2006, the narrative unfolds with the sudden hospitalization of Litvinenko, a former FSB agent turned critic of the Russian government. As his condition rapidly deteriorates, British authorities become suspicious of a potential poisoning, leading to a high-profile investigation.

Harding skillfully uncovers the complex web of events that led to Litvinenko's tragic demise. From tracing the dangerous journey of a lethal poison, polonium-210, from Russia to a central London hotel, to revealing the involvement of Russian state actors, the book sheds light on the disturbing tactics employed by those in power.

Through in-depth interviews with key witnesses and analysis of classified documents, Harding reveals shocking revelations about Litvinenko's life and how he became a target. This captivating account also explores the wider implications of his murder, including the strained relations between Russia and the Western world.

"A Very Expensive Poison" is not only a thrilling investigation into a brazen act of state-sponsored violence, but also a chilling examination of the ever-evolving tactics used by modern intelligence agencies. Harding's storytelling prowess keeps readers on the edge of their seats as he masterfully unveils the complex layers of this compelling true crime story.

Explore More Books

See All
The Trap
The Amber Spyglass
The Columbian Exchange
Mindfulness
With All Due Respect
Information
Ford vs. Ferrari
San Fransicko
Influence
The Transit of Venus
Physics of the Impossible
Other People's Money
The Art Of Doing Science And Engineering
Game of Thorns
Facing Codependence
Freakonomics
Bitcoin
Son of the Morning Star
Heaven on Earth
Lenin
The Gray Lady Winked
Self Belief
The Reluctant Mr. Darwin
Seeker
One of a Kind
Stuff and Nonsense
The Golden Trade of the Moors
Farsighted
The German Generals Talk
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind
The World That Wasn't
Search Inside Yourself
Blink
Chapterhouse: Dune
The Upside of Inequality
Be Here Now
The Great Gatsby
Nonviolent Communication
United States of Socialism
First Friends
Lean In
The Writing Life
How To Live
Putin's Kleptocracy
Job Stacking
Life in the English Country House
Private Truths, Public Lies
Save The Cat!
Adultery
If The Universe Is Teeming With Aliens...Where Is Everybody?
Rock On
We Are The Nerds
Marc's Mission
The Story of Civilization: The Age of Reason Begins
I Will Teach You To Be Rich
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
The Book of Nothing
The Last Lecture
Ice Age
Home Economics
Opportunity Knocks
History of the World
Value Investing
Not Fade Away
Nixonland
Ponzi's Scheme
Necessary Dreams
Fleishman Is In Trouble
The Spy and The Traitor
Hoover Dam
One Monster After Another
Count Down
Of Wolves and Men
The Cost Of Hope
The Things They Carried
Alchemy
Execution
The Bottomless Well
Blitzscaling
Thinking with Type
The Book of Life
Certain To Win
Just Mercy
V for Vendetta
The River of Doubt
The Paris Architect
The Heart
The Madness of Crowds
Living With A SEAL
Four Quartets
Gay Like Me
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
COAN
Ready Player One
Look to Windward
Hamlet
The Storm of Steel
Whiplash
The Sovereign Individual