Heavenly Intrigue: Johannes Kepler, Tycho Brahe, and the Murder Behind One of History's Greatest Scientific Discoveries Book

I got roped in. As I began this book I had a cynical, preconceived notion that the "murder" of the great astronomer Tycho Brahe by the even more famous astronomer Johannes Kepler promoted in the title was but bait to increase retail sales. I quickly came to the belief I was wrong. Heavenly Intrigue certainly contributes to the reader's appreciation of how professional astronomy emerged prominently from the previously more common mysticism of astrology. It contributes to an understanding of the early enlightenment and western culture's embrace of what would be called the scientific revolution. Finally, the lay reader receives a vivid picture of two larger than life personalities of the time - Brahe and Kepler. But the foundational story is, actually, the death of Brahe and the authors' contention that it was the result not just of a murder but a homicide committed by Johannes Kepler - the author of laws of planetary motion - a man who communicated with Galileo.
Kepler's own writing and the respondent's replies strongly suggest he had a mental illness. The authors present 2009 scientific evidence that hair samples showed Brahe had been subjected to huge amounts of mercury - a poison. Like a focused criminal reporter the authors show means and motive that point directly to Kepler. It was Kepler who immediately absconded with a treasure trove of astronomical data - data Kepler coveted.
Sigh. The book is dated.
Late 2012 a new team of scientists conducted a new set of tests and this time on Brahe's bones and teeth -
No mercury poisoning is now the conclusion. So I assume the debate can rage on. Better to embrace the cynical notion that no 400 year "murder" will be proved in a 270 page book written for the common reader and simply enjoy getting to know Brahe, Kepler, The Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution just a little more deeply.