Pink warships that vanish at dusk, urinary maladies of an emperor, and a gold test for cocaine behold the chemistry of metal ions as never before.

In this book you will learn about the sarcophagus molecule, the Chen-Kao test, and how murderers can be caught blue-handed with the wonders of glowing luminol. You will also meet the hidden chemistry of metal ions in everyday life, from the clever modern devices that measure blood-sugar levels, to the leather on your shoes and chewing gum stuck to their soles.

Expect to encounter a fair share of heroes and villains, real and fictional, scientist and layperson. Such characters include an ex-MI5 employee running a hospital ward in London amid falling German V1 rockets, a notorious racing cyclist, a proud butler and the lady who first proposed nuclear fission (its not who you think it is).

With engaging, humorous and intelligent prose, the reader will discover the fascinating back-stories of chemical discoveries and inventions where metal ions have played a major role.

Featuring a foreword by popular science communicator Dr Raychelle Burks of St. Edward's University, Texas.

Fantastic Metal Ions and How to Catch Them; Rhubarb, an Emperor and the Butler's Pride; Mining, Magnets and Making New Elements; On Poisoning, Self-poisoning and the Euro; Down to Earth Chemistry; Chemicals from Trees and How the Pacific Yew Was Saved; Molecules and Murderers The Art of Detection and Measuring; Metal Medications and Metals Versus Medicines; Blood, Iron and Body Metals; Vanishing Warships and Sugary Gold