Firstly, I would like to thank NetGalley & Crook Lane Books for the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, and I also apologize for reading and writing the book after its publication date.
Lately, when picking historical fiction, I am looking to learn about different events and periods, not only books set during WWII. A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is set after WWI, and the plot's premise is intriguing. Yes, it is a historical mystery, and I can be more concrete by saying that it is a cozy historical mystery because our main character, Saffron Everleigh, is the academic detective investigating the poisoning and the crime.
The cover reminds me of The Lost Apothecary. So it is another reason I asked for the e-arc.
Saffron, our main character, is very sophisticated and takes her academic job seriously. Being a scholar is very important to her because of her father's work, and she wants to continue his legacy after he dies in the Great War.
After an incident of poisoning at a party for an upcoming Amazonian exhibition, the professor Saffron works for becomes the main suspect. To help him prove his innocence, she begins investigating her account with a fellow scholar, Alexander Ashton, who she meets at the party and slowly becomes fond of her.
Kate Khavari did a lot of research about the poisonous plants, and I sometimes got lost in explaining so many plants. The story is mostly a historical mystery, even though we have some glimpses of something romantic on the back burner. The relationship would have to be on hold for six months, making me think we can have a sequel, or we will have several books with Saffron and Alexander as sleuths solving mysteries/crimes.
I am giving A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons 3.75 stars.

3.5 stars

I inadvertently stumbled upon a theme by reading A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons after Murder for the Modern Girl: 1920s mysteries with a sweet, slow-burn romance and a heavy science theme.

Saffron and Alexander may be the worst detectives. As with most cozy mysteries, a lot of the plot depends on them being in the right place at the right time and stumbling over evidence, mostly accidentally. I think they may have been more productive in causing themselves physical harm than purposefully solving any mysteries.

I really appreciated the slow-burn romance. It's possible that the 1920s social norms helped keep Saffron and Alexander from jumping into things too quickly. Still, I loved that there was so much more to their relationship than just instant physical connection (although that was good too!) - the way they helped each other at work, learned from each other and supported one another was beautiful. Alexander took Saffron and her goals seriously without downplaying the adversity she faced as a woman in a predominately male field.

There are a lot of misdirects here, and I can honestly say I was pretty surprised by the outcome. I loved Khavari's writing - it balanced the zany antics expected from a cozy mystery with a well-told story. She set the scene perfectly, recreating the 1920s naturally and easily. There may be future Saffron Everleigh mysteries, and I will be sure to watch out for them.

The cover is what hooked me to this book, but the writing and characters kept me so intrigued.

Saffron and Alexander were just the right amount of Sherlock/Romance. I loved how they used their minds to explore all the options. From the moment I read Saffrons name I knew I would love her. As well as her Best Friend Elizabeth. They were everything I wanted from women of the 1920’s.

Elizabeth was courageous, outspoken and willing to give her friend a talking to. Alexander was sweet, but had some sorrow in his backstory which I thought was well written.

Of course this book is about poison, but it also has a ton of amazing research. As well as his trivial accuracy, how Saffron was seen by her college as well as most of her male counterparts was spot on unfortunately. Also the way the author wrote about post war England, and how the world was then. How people came back from war different and how they overcame the trauma or tried to.

I also enjoyed the inspector even though he was a typical male of the time during a good portion of the book. He came around and I really loved him at the end.

The whole mystery angle was a whirlwind and I loved being swept up in it. From the botanists becoming detectives to clear someone’s name to the multiple people I thought were involved. This book kept me on my toes and I loved every minute of it.

Kate touched on a lot of sensitive subjects and did it so well. As a historical fiction this book hit all my expectations and exceeded some as well.

You know that feeling when you finish a great book, and feel almost euphoric that was me after I finished the last line.

I can not wait to see what Saffrons story has in store!

In Kate Khavari's A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons, we meet Saffron Everleigh, a young botanist who makes her way through tough university circles as a professor's assistant, suffering bullying and ridicule from some of her male colleagues.
During a party that our protagonist attends, one of the guests is poisoned, thus starting a race against time in which Saffron's curiosity leads her, as a good scientist, to try to find the truth, unmasking the culprit and freeing his beloved mentor who is the main suspect of the crime, without taking into account the dangers he could face.
A very entertaining and unusual story, which has left me wanting to read more books by Miss Khavari.

I really liked the cover and the title of this one. Was a little disappointed there was not many parties. I can only recall one.

The time period was good and I liked Saffron and Alexander and their blossoming relationship. Early on in the book I was getting confused by all the characters.

Parts of the story were a bit frustrating but overall an easy read.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher, but all opinions expressed are my own. 3.75 stars rounded up to 4. A Botanist's Guide is the first title set in the period following WWI featuring Saffron Everleigh, an post-graduate assistant in the field of botany. Facing the discrimination common to educated women during the period, Saffron is hoping to get be able to further her studies and is attending a dinner hosted by the benefactor of an upcoming expedition to the Amazon. While there, she formally meets Alexander Ashton, a member of the faculty. The dinner party swiftly comes to the end when the wife of the head of the expedition is poisoned and near death. When Saffron's mentor and employer is arrested for the poisoning, she decides to use her knowledge of botany (and poisons derived from botanicals) to prove his innocence.

I found this title to be a nice addition to the growing historical mystery titles set in the period between world wars. Saffron is very likable and her interest in botany adds some unique elements to the story. The mystery itself was well done and had a few twists and turns.to keep me guessing. There is a hint of potential romance to be developed in future titles and I hope to learn more about Saffron's friend Elizabeth. Overall, I really enjoyed this title and hope for future books featuring Saffron and friends.

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons, by Kate Khavari, is a quick, easy read. This historical fiction novel involves an exciting murder mystery with a small side romance. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Saffron Everleigh is doing her best to get out from under the shadow of her father’s legacy in the Botany department, but it is an uphill battle, especially since she is a woman in a man’s world. When the professor she works for is arrested for poisoning the wife of a colleague at a dinner party where Saffron was also in attendance, she decides to try and clear his name. Along the way she becomes entangled with an attractive colleague from the biology department, who becomes an unexpected ally.

I have been on the search for a new cozy mystery series and I was immediately drawn to this one for two reasons, the 1920s university setting and the name Saffron Everleigh. This story was enjoyable. I liked Saffron and her roommate, they came across as strong, competent women in a time period when women were trying to find their place in a post war world. The love interest felt right for the story as well, I liked that Saffron pushed Alexander to question his privilege and his role in society in relation to hers, especially in regards to their professional lives.

Ultimately though the mystery itself fell a little flat for me, and Saffron wasn’t a very good sleuth. I really disliked that almost every clue that was discovered was found by Saffron doing something very stupid and being rescued by Alexander, or completely by accident or coincidentally. For this reason I don’t think I will be picking up any subsequent books in the series.

If you don’t mind the bumbling sleuth and a damsel in distress I think you will enjoy this story more than me, but both of those things are pet peeves of mine and took away from my desire to continue following Saffron’s exploits.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a free eARC in exchange for my honest review.

nice read. felt juvenile at times, but still enjoyable.

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an early review.

I really enjoyed this book, similar style and era to Agatha Christie and/or Sulari Gentill. The title probably builds an expectation that is not quite met, but I still found the story quite intriguing.
Saffron Everleigh is a young woman, and the only female researcher at University in London. Located in the botany department Saffron battles to get herself taken seriously and fend off the unwanted advances of her male counterparts. While attending a faculty party a guest is poisoned and Saffron is horrified to discover her mentor and support Dr Maxwell appears to be the prime suspect.
Saffron takes on the 'boys club' and the police in trying to clear Dr Maxwell's name at the same time putting her own self and career in perilous danger.
A lovely debut novel, I am looking forward to reading more by this author. Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Set in the 1920’s this book was full of historical facts mixed with a murder plot. Good writing and a great main character in Saffron, this was an engaging and enjoyable read.

Quick easy read. Fun plot that has added subplots to figure out. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie type books.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you NetGalley, Kate Khavari and Crooked Lane and hearing my honest review. Looking forward to reading more with you
#partner

4.5/5 stars
I really appreciated the obvious historical research the author did before writing this novel. It felt authentic. The author did a really great job of providing plenty of botany information without overwhelming the reader and making things too hard to understand or remember. I thought Saffron was charming and really enjoyed her curiosity, drive, intelligence and caring. I loved that she was a scientist but didn’t feel cold or clinical. Her interactions with her roommate and her love interest were perfectly done. Would definitely read another book by this author.

This book has a gorgeous cover and I love the concept of a woman in science in a historical setting. Saffron uses her knowledge to track a poisoner, which is interesting, but at times the flow lags and some of the characters get confusing.


I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, opinions are my own.

A strong debut and an enjoyable read. Many twists and turns (won't give much detail to avoid spoilers)
A solid mystery with a touch of romance.

Can't wait for the next book to see how the romance evolves and what is in store for Saffron

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I think I was expecting a slightly different type of book to what this one ends up being. I found it to be enjoyable if not particularly memorable. The way the first scene is written at the party I felt like we were just given loads of names of characters with not much to pick them out from one another which was confusing when it came to knowing who who later on.

The cover of this novel is lovely and drew me to it in the first place.

Perhaps not the right novel at the right time for me but not all can be new favourites.

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poison is the first mystery in the Saffron Everleigh mysteries. I thought that Saffron was a smart young woman. She is the first woman to be a research assistant for the University College of London. She also has a passion for plants. Therefore, she seems capable of being a female sleuth. I also like Alexander. He seemed very mysterious. The mystery itself is pretty predictable. There was not much going on in terms of a plot. However, it was an excellent introduction to some fun characters. Thus, this novel seems like a good start to a promising series. I recommend this for fans of Tessa Arlen, Jennifer Ashley, and Victoria Thompson!

A thrilling murder mystery set in the academic halls of University College of London, post World War 2!

Saffron Everleigh is the daughter of a renowned botanist Thomas Everleigh who had been engaged in the enthralling (to her) pursuit of the pigmentation of different kinds of tropical plants.. A research assistant in a male dominated landscape she’s no stranger to the sexual harassment, the discounting and bullying that pervades her chosen discipline.
When a professor’s wife is poisoned at a cocktail party and her kindly mentor is accused of attempted murder it’s Saffron who desires to prove the Doctor could not have been the instigator.
Her knowledge of plants and toxins prove invaluable. She is assisted by another department member, the very interesting Alexander Ashton. The interactions of the staff, the politics, the dismissal of Saffron as a serious scientist with a focused intelligent mind, her pursuit of the truth about the poisonings add tension that engage. A solid read, I’m looking forward to reading future works featuring Saffron!

A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

The cover is alluring and the title enchanting. The summary suggests a uniquely laid out plot filled with mystery and intrigue. Khavari gives readers a fast paced story right from page one. While the opening scene laid the much needed groundwork, it introduced way too many characters at once. Although all of the characters have distinctly different traits readers may have a hard time keeping them separate throughout the rest of the book. Something about the main character Saffron doesn't seem to have been fully explored/developed and therefore she seems a bit unmoored at times. What is unveiled about Saffron explains plenty about her determination level. Her inquisitiveness, curiosity, and dedication to unveiling the truth make for questionable decisions that ultimately make matters worse. Alexander Ashton makes a charming accomplice who balances out Saffron's compulsive side remarkable well. A mystery with plenty of twists and turns with a spark of romance on the side. A strong debut.

I received a copy of this title via NetGalley

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a historical mystery that is plenty entertaining. It’s 1923, and Saffron Everleigh is a botany assistant at the University College of London. At a dinner party to celebrate the college’s upcoming expedition to Brazil, a dinner guest falls into a coma under mysterious circumstances. When Saffron’s department advisor is under suspicion, she must race against the clock to clear his name before the expedition begins and the poisoner gets away scot-free.

This book was enjoyable, though not perfect. There are things Khavari does very well in this story, and things that are a bit lackluster. For one, Khavari does an excellent job of making the reader care about the characters. Saffron, Alexander, and Elizabeth all felt very real to me (if at times they weren’t the brightest). The main characters all felt like their own people, with their own motivations and quirks. I could see why they cared for each other, and that’s important to me as a reader. That said, some of the main characters did some pretty impulsive and even pretty stupid things. One of the most idiotic things Saffron does seems like a complete throwaway decision until it later comes into play, which makes it feel a bit predictable. Though the author did a fine job setting up this piece of plot so at least it made sense in the grand scheme of things.

Furthermore, some of the side characters felt a bit “mustache-twirly,” though all in good fun. In my opinion, this is more of a light-hearted mystery than Sherlock Holmes level sleuthing. Therefore, the stakes are moderate and everything Saffron unravels is believable. It’s less “unmatched genius” and more like stubborn-expert-in-the-discipline-who-sees-things-the-cops-don’t-know-that-they-don’t-know. What I’m getting at is that Saffron is clearly an expert in her field, but she wouldn’t do much good in an investigation that didn’t involve botany or her workplace. (Though she does certainly Nancy Drew her way into situations, so maybe she could.)

The characters also do a few very dumb things, and that could be a bit annoying.

Another thing Khavari does well is anchoring the reader in time. I’ve read books that are SUPPOSED to be set in the 1920s (*cough* These Violent Delights) that are indistinguishable from any other time or place. While reading this book, I felt as though we were firmly in the 20s.

Overall, this was a perfectly good time for me, but nothing revolutionary. If you like fairly uncomplicated/light historical mysteries with just a touch of romance, you’d probably have a good time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.