The New York City Police Department goes to Columbia University in search of Professor Craig Kennedy whenever they come across a problem that is so bizarre that it appears impossible to solve. When he's not educating students about chemistry, Kennedy uses his brilliant mind and skill with cutting-edge technology to apprehend the city's evilest criminals. In "The Confidence King," he competes with a criminal who can imitate fingerprints and also paper money. In "The Firebug," Kennedy uses advanced handwriting analysis to stop an arson epidemic. The title story's unexpected cure for cyanide poisoning also turns out to be as harmful as it is beneficial. The Poisoned Pen is one of the best mystery novels written by Arthur B. Reeve. The book contains many ups and downs which might give a thrilling experience to readers.