A poisonous maiden, a Daoist sex cult, and a violent insurgency.

Polyandry—one or more males moving in and sharing the wife’s bed with her husband’s consent in exchange for money or labor—was common among the impoverished in Imperial China, though illegal, and the polyandrous Yan family in rural Shaanxi Province take in two carpenter brothers. When one brother is convicted of murder after killing their neighbor in a dispute, a constable threatens to expose the family’s rumored polyandry and extorts sex from their beautiful 17-year-old daughter, Qiezi. She happens to be addicted to the psychoactive, poisonous datura flower, and the toxins in her system are fatal to the constable. Now on the run as a murder suspect, Qiezi leaves a trail of sexual carnage wherever she goes. But a larger cataclysm awaits her when she gets caught up in the White Lotus Rebellion (1796-1804), which caused the deaths of 200,000 rebels, government troops, and civilians. Picaresque action, dark humor, and irony unfold in this visceral and cinematic novel.

Historical note: The Tao of Poison is extensively researched, including the author’s own travels to the scene of the rebellion in the Hubei-Shaanxi-Sichuan region to soak in the environment. Several novels have been published on the much better-documented Taiping Rebellion (1850-64) in China. This is the only novel in English on the White Lotus Rebellion. The sole Chinese novel on the rebellion, Wang Zhanjun’s The White-Clad Warrioress [Baiyi Xianü] (1982), was not used as a basis for The Tao of Poison. My inspirational model would have to be Patrick Süskind’s Perfume.

Editorial and author reviews:

“The bold characters, kinetic plot, unconventional take on justice, and rich sense of atmosphere make this epic tale a studied contemplation of how beauty can usher in tragedy and sorrow.” — BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

“An erotic, action-packed historical novel set in an unexplored period and centered on a powerful heroine.” — BlueInk Review

“A period piece full of memorable characters set in a tumultuous time for Imperial China.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A nascent warrior uses sex in a subversive manner in the piquing historical novel The Tao of Poison.“ — Foreword Clarion Reviews

“The racing flow of Isham Cook’s wicked sensuality sweeps his heroine through Qing Dynasty China’s deep interior….The Tao of Poison will not stand in for socio-sexual history; it is too entertaining.” — Hill Gates, author of China’s Motor: A Thousand Years of Petty Capitalism

“Qiezi’s adventures sweep through Qing Dynasty China in a way that provide a history lesson in themselves. So this book is highly recommended, in contrast with much of the safe and superficial historical fiction that currently passes muster.” — Kevin McGeary, author of The Naked Wedding

“Cook’s command of history is on full display – the setting is richly imagined – as is his knowledge of botany, which makes the story unique. At times, I was reminded of both Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer and Kill Bill….not for the faint of heart.” — Quincy Carroll, author of Unwelcome

“A fascinating read….A unique exploration of culture, history, rebellion, and sexual freedom which often seems to surface in times of uncertainty.” — Sonny Kohet, author of In Death as in Life

“A powerful, believable story set in 18th century China during the White Lotus Rebellion.” — Lloyd Lofthouse, author of My Splendid Concubine

Goodreads reviews:

“‘No one could make up a story this crazy’ one of the characters in this novel exclaims about halfway through, and I have to say that the same could very well be said of The Tao of Poison.”

“A fierce, flawed, and unforgettable protagonist, [Qiezi’s] descent into datura addiction, her terrifying calm in the face of trauma, and the way she navigates a society stacked against her made her gripping to follow.”

“This book is intriguing, and several parts honestly shocked me. The sexual abandon on display was both surprising and refreshing.”

“The writing has this raw, almost dangerous energy to it. Some parts are heavy and graphic, but they also make the story feel real.”

“A clever, complex and thought-provoking read which led me to think about the nature of relationships and human behavior. It was a page turner, and different from anything I’ve read in quite a while.”

“This book disappointed me in the best way possible….It’s chock-full of dark humor, sex, thrills and a desire to not only survive, but to thrive!”

“The book has very strong writing, a lot of characters and intrigue to keep one hooked.“

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Chapter 1: The poison maiden
Chapter 2: The haunted pagoda
Chapter 3: The bath
Chapter 4: The nunnery
Chapter 5: Purple Cloud Palace
Chapter 6: The obscene temple
Chapter 7: The Magu goddess
Chapter 8: The apothecary shop
Chapter 9: The inquest
Chapter 10: The bandits
Chapter 11: The executioner
Chapter 12: The ring of fire

Map of central China, as featured in the novel

Link to bibliography of research for The Tao of Poison

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MORE FICTION BY ISHAM COOK:
Lust & Philosophy. A novel
The Exact Unknown and Other Tales of Modern China
The Kitchens of Canton. A novel
The Mustachioed Woman of Shanghai. A novel