Kathryn Harkup

The Secret Lives of the Elements by Kathryn Harkup offers an intriguing journey through the atomic world, perfect for those looking to escape our human-sized existence. As Helen Arney, science comedian and broadcaster, states: 'The perfect book to escape our human-sized existence and take a tour of the atomic world instead.' When we think of the periodic table, we often...

'A delightful and engaging treasure trove of a book that brings the chemical elements to life and gives them personalities of their own. A wonderful read for young and old alike to get you inspired by chemistry.' – Jim Al-Khalili 'The perfect book to escape our human-sized existence and take a tour of the atomic world instead.' – Helen Arney,...

Finalist in the 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Awards (Best Critical/Biographical) ‘Hugely entertaining and informative’ — Mark Aldridge ‘Harkup balances the macabre with the scientifically intricate’ — New Scientist Fourteen stories. Fourteen more poisons. Just because it's fiction doesn’t mean it's all made-up ... Agatha Christie is renowned for her captivating plots and creative ways of killing off ill-fated victims. And...

What happens when you really get under the skin of the world around you? Everything that surrounds us—and we ourselves—are made of molecules, constructed from a limited set of elements that can combine to form an almost limitless kaleidoscope of possibilities. Dr Kathryn Harkup reveals the inner lives of the invisible molecules that make up our world, ranging from the...

‘Witty and well researched.’ THE TIMES ‘A scientific dose of reality.’ MAIL ON SUNDAY ‘A fun and comprehensive exploration.’ LINDA McROBBIE ‘Endlessly fascinating.’ LIBRARY JOURNAL The science behind James Bond’s exploits – armaments, tactics, plots and enemy tech. The adventures of James Bond have thrilled readers since Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie...