A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is the first book in a new series, the Saffron Everleigh Mysteries, by Kate Khavari. Set in 1923, this fascinating mystery story features a strong, independent young woman with an interest in botany.
Title: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons
Author: Kate Khavari
Series: Saffron Everleigh Mysteries, Book 1
First Published: June 7, 2022
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher via Netgalley
*** Thank you to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, for providing me with an e-copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. ***
London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university’s large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.
Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition’s departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor’s name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.
Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?
An intriguing main character
I’ll admit it – I was initially drawn to this book because of the gorgeous cover. I mean, just LOOK at it. It’s stunning. But the book description really hooked me as well. I love mystery books with interesting main characters and since I read A LOT of cozy mysteries, I end up hearing a lot about bakers, innkeepers, and librarians (not that there’s anything wrong with that – I’m obviously still reading them!) but I always like discovering books with unique vocations or hobbies.
Enter Saffron Everleigh (many of the names in this book relate to plants, for obvious reason). She’s a research assistant who specialises in botany at a university. Which isn’t that unusual, but this book is set in the 1920s, so it makes it a lot harder for Saffron to be taken seriously. Saffron not only has to deal with a rough work environment (she’s the only woman working in the department), but she also has to deal with chauvinistic male colleagues and superiors, plus several doses of sexual harassment (including one quite serious one).
I liked most of Saffron’s character – she’s brilliant, assertive, fiery, and capable. She’s often a victim of the times but there’s one situation in the story that I found quite… shall we say irresponsible? (No spoilers but wow, that was a dumb move Saffron!). I would describe her as brilliant but impulsive.
A brewing romance and more botany please
I did like her banter with Alexander Ashton, who helps her in her investigation. The two of them together are quick and witty and you can definitely see the romance brewing between them from the start. The scenes with the pair of them together were a highlight for me. Alexander has his own troubled background and he was one character I definitely wanted to learn more about – hopefully in future books!
I also get her allegiance to her mentor, Professor Maxwell, and why she’s working so hard to clear his name. He seems to be the only decent faculty member in the department and the loyalty Saffron displays to him is well deserved.
The geek in me wanted a bit more botany and nerdy scientific tidbits, but I guess that’s probably not for many people so the book is light on that subject. The mystery itself almost took a backseat to all the personal issues Saffron had to deal with so I didn’t spend much time trying to figure out whodunnit and just arrived at the conclusion when the book did its reveal.
The interesting characters and intriguing premise will definitely bring me back for the next book in the series.
Quote from A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons
