Poison is a Woman’s Weapon sees Irini of Athens, the only Byzantine empress who sat on the throne in her own right, gain power by murdering her male relatives—nothing that any male emperor hadn’t done before. Janet McGiffin takes us on a thrilling adventure through the perils of medieval Constantinople, led by the indefatigable young nun Thekla through whose eyes we experience the streets, churches, monasteries, food, and smells. The glory of the Great Palace and the suffering of the common folk are brought to life with a deft and knowledgeable hand.