Slow paced historical mystery with seemingly forced romance and did not really hold my attention. Her bestfriend was a breath of fresh air but in the end everything came together nicely so I am thankful for that.

Thank you for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

An Agatha Christie-esque historical murder mystery set on a college campus shortly after WWI
I read A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons in one sitting. It was the perfect read for the rainy and uncharacteristically cold summer afternoon. I don’t usually read historical fiction books, but I decided to lean into it because our MC was a trailblazing woman scientist.


Saffron Everleigh is the only woman researcher in the University College London Biology Department. She is attending a faculty party when Dr. Henry’s wife collapses. Her mentor, Dr. Maxwell, is accused of poisoning his colleague’s wife over a dispute about a research trip to Brazil. Saffron, a botanist, knows the facts don’t add up, and the plant that incriminates Dr. Maxwell is unlikely to be the poison used on Mrs. Henry. So, using her researcher and botanist’s skills and with the help of her colleague Alexander Ashton, Saffron sets out to find who had the motive and means to poison Mrs. Henry.

This story is simple and slow-paced, true to the Agatha Christie style. A historical glimpse of the 1920s with subplots that feel true to the times. A world that is reeling from a devastating war and the consequences for those who fought and their families. A world where a woman has to work five (fifty?) times harder than a man to be respected. In spite of the odds that are stacked against her, Saffron forges her path and leaves her mark.

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a sweet cozy mystery that reads fast and wraps up neatly.

Imagine, an intelligent female scientist who is both adept in her field and at solving crimes! It reminds me of Lidia Poet but with botany. I think the book itself was rather lacking. I wanted a bit more pizzazz or a bit more flavor in other areas of the book. Perhaps some witty comedy to supplement here and there, or maybe just more character depth would have done the trick.

Unfortunately, as a whole it was an okay book but it was just flat. Like looking at a photo of a place rather than being there and what I wanted was to truly be transported into the time period, feel the feelings and the fear, the urgency, and connect the dots along with the characters like in an Agatha Christie.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

📚 Review:

Kate Khavari's "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons" is a thrilling historical mystery set in 1920s London. The story follows Saffron Everleigh, a research assistant who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when one of the professors' wives is poisoned at a dinner party. With her mentor, Dr. Maxwell, suspected of the crime, Saffron must use her extensive knowledge of botany to uncover the truth and clear his name.

The novel is fast-paced and full of suspense, with a cast of memorable characters and an intricate plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Khavari's writing is engaging and vivid, bringing the steamy greenhouses and dark gardens of London to life with lush descriptions. The historical setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, as Saffron navigates a world where women are often overlooked and underestimated.

Overall, "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery. Khavari has crafted a compelling debut that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next book.

This actually was a DNF for me. While the premise was intriguing and I loved the setting, there was something about that writing that just fell short for me. I believe I was in a reading slump at the time, so that also could have impaired my judgment and I may pick it up again.

In the captivating blend of cozy mystery and historical thriller, set in 1920's London, I found myself enthralled by Saffron, our aspiring and fiery scientist with a deep knowledge of poisons. As she assists in the investigation of a suspicious murder attempt, her relatable and genuine traits quickly drew me into the story. Despite facing condescending colleagues, Saffron's determination and resilience shone through, making her a true heroine.

The narrative takes an exciting turn at a party attended by esteemed academicians and high society members, which unexpectedly turns into an attempted poisoning. When Saffron's teacher, Professor Maxwell, is accused, she embarks on a quest to find the real perpetrator, teaming up with the charming veteran Alexander Ashton. Their chemistry hints at a delightful romance that adds even more allure to the tale.

Although the story's pacing slowed in the middle and the identity of the perpetrator seemed far-fetched, I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing and well-executed cozy murder mystery. The time-traveling experience to early 20th-century London, combined with Saffron's compelling character development and the blossoming romance, earned this suspenseful adventure four stars—a riveting and tempting journey into a bygone era.

I really enjoyed this book. The beginning was a little slow for me, like I find most mysteries, but about 45% in, and I could not put it down. I love Saffon and her curiosity. I can't wait to read the next installment.

I really enjoyed this book and the journey it took me on as its reader. Saffron as a protagonist was someone who I loved when she was first introduced, but also loved being able to see her journey on furthering to develop and grow. The pacing of this book was a little slower, but I think that makes sense when you consider this is the first installment in a series rather than a standalone that might need to be faster to fit everything in. Overall, I just really enjoyed this read. I think it really transports you thought its descriptive words to a place that is filled with mystery, suspense and cut throat academia and from start to finish I was curious.

Audiobook review
I enjoyed this book. I was excited by the blurb and cover as I thought it may help to scratch the itch of The Lost Apothecary- I've not felt a historical mystery consume me like that since I read it!
This started well, I liked the start and the narrator kept me engaged, listening around the house. I liked the characters, although some weren't likeable, that just made it enjoyable because I disliked them. Characters don't have to be likeable, I just want them to make me react and feel strong emotions!
The pacing then slowed by rather a lot and I found myself not as excited to listen much.
I enjoyed the ending too, but I was left feeling somewhat underwhelmed because of the middle.

The year is 1923. Saffron Everleigh is an up and coming research assistant and botanist at the University College of London. When the wife of a high-ranking academic is poisoned at a soiree, and her mentor is framed, Saffron launches into her own investigation to clear his name and find the real culprit.

This was a fun read. It had the slow, elegant pace of a period novel with the intrigue, red herrings and complex motives that accompany a mystery. There was the obligatory love interest, of course, but also some far deeper subjects: sexism in the 1920's, workplace harassment, corruption and PTSD, all of which were unexpected in a lighthearted mystery novel.

The climax of the story was a definite page turner, and while it wasn't entirely unpredictable, it was still good fun.

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~

This was a really fun book overall. Had a cute little love story mixed in the middle of the poisonings, and it was just fun. I will definitely be reading future books.

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 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.

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.

*** 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.

The roarin' 20's and in London? Yes please! I really enjoyed many elements of this one. It was not only a fun read but also highlights important things.

It was plot driven but I do feel like the characters had moments to shine.

The mindset of this time in history is frustrating - I can't even imagine actually living through some of it.

While at times mildly predictable the mystery was still fun to follow.

From the clever title to the historical setting, A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is a must-read. The writing is splendid. The humor is witty. And our lovely heroine is headstrong and a brazen light against the dazzling 1923 setting. This will leave you wanting more.

Set in the 1920s at a University College of London, Saffron Everleigh, a young botanist and the only female on the staff, wants to prove herself and do her own program.

After the WW, a veteran and biologist Alexander Ashton was recently asked to go to a new expedition to the Amazon.

After a poisoning occurs in a party they attended, they go at lengths to protect the only suspect – her own professor – and prove he wasn’t the killer.

The story is told from Saffron and Alexander’s points of view and I loved it. Both were compelling and interesting. I love how much they did to prove a man’s innocence.

I loved all the snooping around and the almost caught moments. It is very heavily based on science so if that’s not your cup of tea I wouldn’t recommend. But more than that it’s a murder mystery and I couldn’t but want to know the end.

There’s a lot of sexism and rumours, work place harassment, being the only female in the department. And for Alexander we have for sure PTSD. There’s also grief mentioned for both the characters. He grieves for the ones that lost their lives in the war while he survived, and Saffron is dealing with the grief of her own dad.

She turns to her professor for comfort after he took her on his wing when her father died, that’s why she is so keen to make sure the police do their jobs correctly. But you know how police was, any scape goat is often better than nothing….

I really enjoyed all the banter and the scientific part of the book, it made it more compelling and I think I learned a lot about poisonous flowers, which is incredibly interesting.

There’s also a romance evolving, that is slow and with a lot of flirting, which I loved. I like the duo of Saffron and Alexander a lot! It’s very 1900s and I loved all the dressing of the time and how much she tried to be taken serious for being a young woman.

I couldn’t but want to reach the end and know what the hell was happening and who is the murderer. Can’t wait for the next book and luckily I got it from Netgalley too! So expect a review!

The Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari is a historical fiction mystery. The book takes place in 1923 at the Univeristy of London. It follows Saffron Everleigh, a young woman who is an assitant to Dr. Maxwell a professor at the Univeristy .While is Saffron attending a party where the hostess is poisoned and left in a coma. Dr. Maxwell is soon arrested for the poisoning of Mrs. Henry and Saffron with the help of Alexander, must find out the truth to help set Dr. Maxwell free. With two weeks before a planned expodition to the Amazon Saffron and Alexander find clues that keep them in dark about who and why the poisoning had taken place. Saffron makes a tea out of the poisonous xolotl plant to try and see if this was indeed the poison given to Mrs. Henry. This book has is beautifully written and has an element of surprise and a little bit of a romance, that keeps you guessing on who was behind the poisoning. This is the first book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next book.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

When I saw this book I was beyond intrigued.
I thought of all the ways things could go wrong and get murdery,
But..
It was just ok for me.
I loved Saffron as a character, I thought she expressed her independence and joy for her work really well.
I wasn't a fan of how the mystery and solving it unfolded. With this title, I wanted it to be a bit more and darker with the characters.
Overall, not a bad read

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for a free ecopy.
This is a mystery novel set in 1920 London.
I love historical fiction and the element of mystery was great but I couldn't feel any chemistry between the couple.
Overall I enjoyed the book.