"Brilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh is ready for her next thrilling adventure in the newest installment of Kate Khavari's mesmerizing historical mystery series.

London, 1923. Returning from Paris, botanical researcher Saffron Everleigh finds that her former love interest Alexander Ashton's brother, Adrian, is being investigated for murder. A Russian scientist working for the English government has been poisoned, and expired in Adrian's train compartment. Alexander asks Saffron to put in a good word for Adrian with Inspector Green. Despite her unresolved feelings for Alexander, Saffron begins to unravel mysteries surrounding the dead scientist.

As if a murder case weren't enough, her best friend Elizabeth's war-hero brother, Nick, arrives in town and takes an immediate interest in Saffron. Saffron learns Alexander has been keeping secrets from her, including a connection to Nick, who Saffron and Elizabeth begin to suspect is more than he seems.

When another scientist is found dead, Saffron agrees to go undercover at the government laboratory. Risking her career and her safety, she learns there are many more interested parties and dangerous secrets to uncover than she'd realized. But some secrets, Saffron will find, are better left undiscovered."

Lots of familial connection causing chaos!

Loved the 1st book, thought the second was fine, I just cannot get into this one. There's a lot going on, and nothing's holding me

The third Saffron Everleigh historical mystery has the botanist looking into a lab which may by turning biologicals into weapons of mass destruction.

Alexander Ashton, former love interest who might become a love interest again, comes to Saffron to urge her to convince the police that his brother Adrian had nothing to do with the death of a man sharing his train compartment. The man was an emigre and scientist at a government sponsored research laboratory.

Meanwhile, Saffron's roommate Elizabeth's brother Nick has come to call. This older brother has been scarce for years. He is supposedly former military and now working for the agriculture department. He makes a fuss over both is sister and Saffron. It doesn't take the young women long to become suspicious of Nick since evidence seems to indicate that he's a spy.

Nick recruits Saffron to work in the suspicious lab playing on her patriotism, her curiosity, and her desire to make sure science isn't used for immoral purposes after a second suspicious death connected to the lab. Her involvement attracts the attention of other ruthless characters.

This was an enjoyable historical mystery set in the years following World War I. I like Saffron both for her intelligence and for idealism.

London, 1923: Saffron Everleigh has just returned from a conference in France when she gets dragged into another murder case. This time it’s her friend (and sort of / former love interest) Alexander Ashton’s brother, Adrian. While she’s willing to do what she can to help, she’s also angry with Alexander; at the end of the last book their romantic relationship fizzled when he demanded she stay away from the dangerous investigations.

At the same time, her roommate Elizabeth’s brother shows up. Nick and Elizabeth haven’t seen each other in several years, so there’s a lot of tension there, but he also wants Saffron to help with a case.

While I still enjoyed the book, I felt like it dragged in places. I do like how the characters continue to develop and how we get a glimpse of what it was like being a female in a male dominated profession back in the 1920’s without feeling too forced or Saffron acting too modern. And I loved the epilogue that sets up the next book beautifully.

Recommended!

I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

My review might contain a few minor spoilers. No big revelations or such, but some character dynamics and trends throughout the story are described in order to support my opinion and arguments.

~~~~~~~~~

The cover, the blurb and the ending of the second book convinced me to give the third book a try as well.

Sadly, I had to push myself through the first 200 pages. Only then the characters and plot managed to draw me in again. It's only from there on that the story starts showing the distinctive elements I recalled enjoying in books 1 and 2. In this book, a lot of new characters are being introduced and the storyline is also a lot more complex. It might be that this causes the slower pacing.

The investigative aspect of the storyline wasn’t how I expected it to be. Only halfway through, the characters finally start making progress in their search. Before that, there were things happening but it felt more like these were irrelevant little things instead of main story elements. The things they did discover throughout the book often felt like random stuff they suddenly stumbled upon as well. The general credibility of the story just didn’t sit right with me.

I did like the way Alexander and Saffron finally opened up some more to each other and tried to overcome their differences. Even though I didn’t feel the chemistry, I was happy they finally started to behave like responsible and understanding adults in their relationship. Saffron and Lee on the other hand, it felt like she was just using him when she needed his help, instead of trying to sustain a friendly relationship with him.

My favourite character was, without doubt, Elizabeth. I love how she got her own POV in a few chapters and played a more prominent role in this book. I feel like I also really got to know her better. Her character also had at least some depth. Saffron on the other hand had barely any character growth.

The last 70 pages are suddenly high paced and make you want to keep on reading. There is action and tension, there are new revelations and twists, secrets get exposed, … everything you were waiting for. But this does not outweigh how the first half of the story kind of disappointed me.

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets is the 3rd installment of the Saffron Everleigh mystery series. While having read the previous 2 books is not absolutely necessary for enjoying this one, I do recommend them, as it provides a lot of background and development of the characters, particularly the FMC, Saffron Everleigh. To simplify things, she is a botanist and expert in poisonous plants, who has helped law enforcement as a consultant in several murder cases.

Set in 1923, Saffron Everleigh is back to help solve another murder case, this time: two scientists who have been fatally poisoned. They had been doing work for the government, and it may be just that work that have gotten them killed.

Adrian, the brother of Saffron's former love interest (Alexander), is being suspected of the murder of a Russian scientist. Alexander wants Saffron to put in a good word for Adrian with Inspector Green but Saffron is battling her unresolved feelings while trying to unravel the details and mysteries of the case. On top of that, Nick, brother of Saffron's BFF Elizabeth, arrives in town and takes a romantic interest in Saffron.

But everyone has secrets, and Alexander is hiding a very specific secret involving a connection to Nick. Apparently, Nick isn't who he seems. And when another scientist is found dead, Saffron must risk her career and safety to go undercover at the government laboratory. There she finds even more suspicious people and dangerous secrets. This may be one instance where it may have been better to leave well enough alone.

"Society and Secrets" is a very clever and well-plotted mystery, full of romance and poisonous plants. Plant-lovers and fans of puzzles and mystery/thrillers will love this installment of the series. I will definitely be recommending this series to my bookish friends.

I loved all of the character advancement in this book. I feel like we learned quite a bit about Saffron’s core group, especially Alexander. I do feel that the author left a significant plot point unsatisfactorily unresolved (Adrian?), but the introduction to the new Big Bad makes up for it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC!
I LOVED the previous Saffron Everleigh books and this one is no different. While they're all structured similarly plot-wise, each book has given something different and exciting in the wide world of botany.
I felt that introducing Elizabeth's POV added more depth to world and it was interesting to see their relationships with Saffron in more detail, we got to see more of their almost sister like dynamic where previously I saw them as just close flatmates. Same with Alexander getting more detail on his background and what goes on in his mind helped understand his actions and thought processes.
It was a little slow to start but once you get going it really kicks off and ended on a great set up for book 4, I can't wait to continue solving crimes with this trio!

Thank you to NetGalley for receiving this ARC. I have been lucky to review all 3 of this series.

I enjoy the different characters. They are well written. It was fun to catch up with Saffron and Elizabeth. I really enjoyed seeing more Alexander. I missed Dr Lee.

One negative thing I would have to say is the pacing was a little off. It took me way too long to get hooked in. The different POV kinda threw me in the beginning. But I’m glad I kept going, as the murder mystery was interesting and fun to figure out.

I am looking forward to book 4.

I have received an advanced reader copy of this book for my honest review for the publisher in NetGalley, so let’s jump into it.

I did enjoy this book more than the second book. I really enjoyed the mystery and I did like the addition of some new characters. I will say that I wish Alexander’s brother had to do more with the plot. I really feel like he was just there, so that was saffron Alexander we get closer which like that’s fine but I didn’t do as much as I wanted. I did enjoy Elizabeth’s brother. He was an interesting character and then I also love that we got to see Lee in this book. Honestly, I am shipping Lee and Elizabeth. I really think they should get together. The freaking end of this book made it so good. I am so excited for the fourth book to come out and to read it because I just wanna know what happens next.

Saffron Everleigh and Alexander Ashton are back and knee-deep in a murder that involve fungi this time. I enjoyed the first two installments of this series. This one starts slowly as it builds up the action and character development so that the end is a page turner! Saffron is back from her Paris adventure and Alex involves her in trying to help his brother, Adrian, who is under investigation for murder. Saffron's roommate, Elizabeth's brother, Nick, shows up and Saffron is not happy that Alex and Nick seem to know each other but she's not sure how. Nick works for the government and working on an investigation that may connect to the murder. They are all involved in visiting underground casinos, breaking into labs and homes to find clues and evidence, and finding their way out of the clutches of the thugs causing havoc.
Saffron has grown as a character and she feels more comfortable in her own shoes. She has found out more about who she is and what she wants. I like that the characters are not perfect, as Alex has physical imperfections from his time in the war and Saffron makes mistakes and errors in judgments. Elizabeth loves and hates her brother at the same time which I think many can relate to. I could picture the house/apartment, lab, the fungi samples, and earwigs in the vivarium as the characters move through the settings set in 1923.
I'll be looking forward to the next installment and how Saffron has to deal with her family developments. If you are looking for a fun and engaging historical mystery, I recommend this third installment (especially if you read the first two).

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
#ABotanitsGuidetoSocietyandSecrets #NetGalley

I enjoyed this historical magic realism installment of the Saffron Everligh series.

I loved getting all 3 POVs of the sisters. I really liked that Elizabeth had a stronger role in this one. I was disappointed that Saffron’s character fell a bit flat for me and did not experience much growth.

I enjoyed that the plot started rolling fairly quickly and moved at a good pace throughout and that character backstories were further expanded on.

The winning trio of murder/mystery, romance and female companionship made this an excellent read!

I have been waiting for this third installment on Safforn Everleigh mystery. It follows the same vein…you come across so many new things about plants! As usual a death happens. And the person who is a suspect is Alexander’s brother, Adrian. Alexander convinced Saffron to take up the case…and whoosh the adventure starts!! A cup of murder, a pinch of saffron, a teaspoon of romance, couple of tablespoons of female friendships..and viola!!

I enjoyed reading about Saffron’s latest adventure. She’s starting to rely more on her friends. I especially appreciated Elizabeth taking a more active role this time around. I’m pretty sure my favorite scene was her impromptu questioning of a room full of suspects.

I was intrigued by the way family held a role in this story. All three POV characters (Saffron, Elizabeth, and Alexander) are unexpectedly visited by a semi-estranged family member. They each deal with the disruption in different ways based on their personality and circumstances, which was very interesting to see play out.

The mystery itself was confusing and a little convoluted. It felt like the whole purpose of this book was to set up the next one. To be fair, it worked. The stakes got very high in the last chapter or so. I’m very interested in what’s about to happen in Book 4!

Note: This is the third book in the Saffron Everleigh mystery series. It could possibly be read as a standalone, but certain characters and events will make more sense if you read the other books first.

3.5 stars

A 1920s historical mystery featuring female botanist Saffron Everleigh. Saffron is principled, headstrong, and fed up with the sexism of being a female scientist in this era. Because her specialty is poisonous plants, she has gotten drawn into a couple of murder investigations. This time out her sometimes love interest Alexander asks her to help his brother who stands accused of the murder of a research scientist at a lab. Since she and Alexander disagreed on whether Saffron should get involved in murder investigations, it's a bone of contention.

There are a lot of characters in this book: Saffron, her oddly portrayed roommate and best friend Elizabeth and family, co-workers, miscellaneous university and lab personnel ... and a few police officers as well. It is sometimes confusing keeping everyone straight. The plot is a little complicated because it touches on Saffron's feelings about government involvement in scientific evil-doing like germ warfare. She is haunted by her scientist father's death and the general World War I ghastliness. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This series is fun to read with an interesting lead character in Saffron Everleigh, a researcher at a London university in 1923. The books' plots usually require Saffron to use her knowledge of plants to help solve the mystery and unmask the killer. In "Society and Secrets," Saffron is asked by fellow scientist and maybe romantic interest to help clear his brother of the murder of another scientist. The plot is pretty convoluted, and, unfortunately, I thought the book dragged during the first half. I did enjoy the character development of Saffron's roommate Eliza and the introduction of Eliza's brother, Nick, who is a shadowy government official. Readers should know that while the mystery is solved, the book ends with a cliffhanger. I do think these books need to be read in order.

Loved this sequel! The drama with the two brothers was quite interesting, especially since we get some backstory on pretty importnat characters.
Saffron is so smart. She olves issues faster than anyone else, and always does so with her knowledge of plants.
I can't wait for the next book!

Research botanist Saffron Everleigh recently returned from a conference in France. While she was there she observed areas destroyed by chemicals released during WWI, strengthening her resolve to never work in a government project. That resolve is tested when she is thrown into another investigation. Alexander Ashton, who Saffron has feelings for, asks for her help when his brother Adrian becomes a murder suspect. The victim was a scientist working in a government lab. While Adrian had no connection to the scientist, he shared a train compartment with him as he became ill and died. As Saffron research’s possible poisons that may have caused the death, her roommate Elizabeth faces problems o her own. Her brother Nick is arriving for a visit. Nick had served in the war and is still attached to the government. When a second scientist is killed, he asks Saffron to go undercover in the lab to discover what the scientist had been working on and who was responsible for the deaths.

Saffron is following in her late father’s footsteps, much to the dismay of her grandparents, who want her to return home and settle down. She has little contact with them and has lost their support, but she is determined to succeed. She has placed herself in danger in past investigations. Alexander fears that her work for Nick will once again threaten her life. He had run across Nick in Greece during the war and he knows that Nick can be ruthless and uses people to succeed in his assignments. Using Saffron allows her to discover that the greatest danger may not come from the killer, but from the lab itself. This is the third book in Kate Khavari’s series. Her characters are well developed and face the challenges of a changing world. Saffron’s field is dominated by men and she must constantly prove herself. Alexander’s mother is Greek, but he has adopted the mannerisms and speech of his English father to be accepted in society. Their strengths and weaknesses bring them to life and Khavari ends her story with a glimpse of the danger to come. I would like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for my review.

'A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets' by Kate Khavari is a fun next installment in this historical fiction novel. Though if you've not read the previous novels this one may fall a little flat.

In this next installment of the investigative adventures of Saffron Everleigh the intrepid botanist is pulled into a web of intrigue surrounding mysterious deaths, government research, gambling dens, and disreputable suitors! When Saffrons best friend Elizabeth’s brother Nick reappears he sems to be about socializing but Saffrons beau Alexander knows he’s a government agent and dangerous. Of course Nick sweeps them all into an investigation that could have lethal consequences.