Seductive Poison cover art

Seductive Poison

A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the Peoples Temple

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Seductive Poison

By: Deborah Layton
Narrated by: Kathe Mazur, Deborah Layton
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About this listen

Told by a former high-level member of the Peoples Temple and Jonestown survivor, Seductive Poison is the "truly unforgettable" (Kirkus Reviews) story of how one woman was seduced by one of the most notorious cults in recent memory and how she found her way back to sanity.

From Waco to Heaven's Gate, the late 20th century saw its share of cult tragedies. But none was quite so dramatic or compelling as the Jonestown massacre of 1978, in which the Reverend Jim Jones and 913 of his disciples perished. Deborah Layton had been a member of the Peoples Temple for seven years when she departed for Jonestown, Guyana, the promised land nestled deep in the South American jungle.

When she arrived, however, Layton saw that something was seriously wrong. Jones constantly spoke of a revolutionary mass suicide, and Layton knew only too well that he had enough control over the minds of the Jonestown residents to carry it out. But her pleas for help - and her sworn affidavit to the US government - fell on skeptical ears.

In this very personal account, Layton opens up the shadowy world of cults and shows how anyone can fall under their spell. Seductive Poison is both an unflinching historical document and a riveting story of intrigue, power, and murder.

©1999 Deborah Layton (P)2013 Random House Audio
Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Religious Studies

Critic Reviews

"A suspenseful tale of escape that reads like a satisfying thriller, Layton's account is the most important personal testimony to emerge from the Jonestown tragedy." (The Chicago Tribune)

"A fascinating account of a debacle that continues to resonate." (Entertainment Weekly)

"Shattering." (The Boston Globe)

All stars
Most relevant  
I’ve always been interested in the Jonestown story, and this book did not disappoint. I couldn’t stop listening, well written and also the best narrator I’ve listened to as well. 10/10, it was so interesting!

Best Audiobook I’ve listened to!

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great story, honest and proactive. good story to share with loved ones. this may stop them being seduced by cult leaders.

scary

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