What I loved:
The Murders. Like in the last book, Flowers and Fatality is centered around an initial murder that blossoms into a whole situation. “Blossom” is the operative word here, since all of the murder victims are found with a bouquet of beautiful yet deadly flowers that speak the language of flowers. Each victim is silently accused through the choice of their bouquet. Saffron is brought into investigating these murders because not only is she well-versed in the deadly flowers themselves, but is also high bred enough to interpret the hidden meanings. I love the explicit and implicit symbolism here and got to learn a lot. Saffron’s skills are so unique to this case that it was also fun to see her being respected and appreciated by at least *some* men of the time. While I normally hate amateur sleuths interfering with police investigations, here I felt like Saffron struck the correct balance with Inspector Green. Overall a well structured and paced murder.
The Setting/Timeline. I said it in my review of the last book, and I will say it again: The roaring twenties are fun to read about on both sides of the pond. As compared to the last book, we get to see Saffron let her hair down a little. There is flapper dresses and cocktails, late night parties and dancing. The inherent sexism is still present, and the looming cocaine epidemic that took over England after World War I is addressed, and with Khavari painting a vivid scene of society at that time.

What didn’t work as well:
The love triangle. I absolutely despise a love triangle trope. It is especially bad when it tries to villainize a beloved member of the triangle. Without going into any spoilers, the first book’s love interest Alex is abroad for most of this book, and Dr. Michael Lee is the handsome, feckless, overly charming man in the room (literally, him and Saffron are officemates). While I grew to like Dr. Lee in the end despite himself, I hate that Khavari (1) felt the need to add this as unnecessary drama, and (2) make Alex look even slightly less appealing compared to Dr. Lee. Saffron didn’t come out of all of this completely rosy, either. With such a strong second book in the series, I was not thrilled about this development.

In "A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality", Saffron Everleigh is back and once again proving that being the smartest person in the room is both a blessing and a curse—especially when that room is full of men who think women shouldn’t do anything besides pour tea and look pretty. It’s 1923 London, and Saffron is trying to rebuild her career at University College after the events of book one (yes, you can jump in here without reading the first, but you’ll get more out of it if you start at the beginning). Just when she thinks she can finally focus on her botanical research, the police, in all their wisdom, decide they desperately need her expertise to solve a case involving women dropping dead after receiving bouquets of carefully curated poisonous flowers. Because sure, call the one female botanist you regularly dismiss when you need to clean up your mess.

The mystery itself is layered, twisting through high society scandals, love affairs, and the secret language of flowers—because what better way to say "I love you" (or "I would love for you to die painfully") than with Victorian floriography? Saffron is sharp, determined, and increasingly frustrated by the fact that her male colleagues and the police still treat her like a delicate little flower—which, to be clear, she absolutely is not. Her dynamic with the insufferably charming Dr. Michael Lee brings plenty of sparks (some romantic, some I will throttle you in your sleep energy), and the return of her best friend Elizabeth keeps things lively. Khavari does a fantastic job weaving in themes of gender inequality, academic sexism, and the constant uphill battle of being a woman in a field where men take credit for your work while simultaneously underestimating you.

While the mystery itself is engaging, some twists are more obvious than a rose in a bouquet of weeds, and the hint of a love triangle feels unnecessary when Saffron already has enough on her plate (like fighting for basic respect). However, the atmospheric setting, strong character growth, and well-placed humor make this a worthy follow-up. A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars for clever storytelling, a protagonist who refuses to be underestimated, and the reminder that sometimes the deadliest thing in a room isn’t a poison—it’s a woman who’s finally fed up.

I enjoyed Kate Khavari's first book in the Saffron Everleigh series, A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons and looked forward to reading the next book. I must say A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality does not disappoint.

Saffron, as a result of the work she did in Parties and Poisons, is now officially a researcher at University College of London. The research grant requires her to check out poison reports and document the flora that might be involved. Saffron enjoys the chance to be working in her field, even if that means she has to work with Dr. Michael Lee, a person she views as more of an annoyance than a help with the study.

The work also has long periods when no poisonings are reported leaving Saffron plenty of time to worry about her mentor, Dr. Maxwell, who is on extended leave after supporting her for this research grant, and the constant hazing by the male faculty. There's also Dr Alexander Aston, who is now on an expedition in Brazil, she expects him to bring back many new and exciting plant specimens for further study.

So, when Detective Inspector Green asks her to consult on a murder case, Saffron jumps at the chance. The case involves several deaths where the case looks clear cut but there is a bouquet tied with a black ribbon at each scene. Saffron notes the bouquet is a strange mix of hot-house flowers and common weeds. Perhaps these bouquets have more meaning than first appears. Saffron determines to figure out why the bouquets are sent to the victims, she's convinced they mean something. Due to Saffron's ability to move in the same social level as the victims, she's well placed to learn more about them.

Saffron Everleigh can't let a mystery remain. Thus, she once again steps beyond what the detective asked of her and is determined to find the actual killer. The tension rises as she, along with Dr. Lee, follow the clues that will lead them to the killer. Only to find themselves squarely in the sights of the murderer. Will she manage to survive long enough to let the police do their job? Will she live to finish her report for the research grant? Things get tense as they get closer and closer to unearthing the killer and several side issues arise that may feature in future stories in this series.

I'm looking forward to the next Saffron Everleigh novel.

I enjoyed this book as much as the first by the same author. It was a cozy, easy read with enough mystery to keep me interested. In future books by this author, I would like to see more of the botany, both common information and the more obscure details only really noticed by gardeners, botanists, and herbalists. Readers will do some research, so leave us easter eggs.

An interesting concept for a book, I had not realized this was the second in a series so went to read the first one before reading this one, and I liked the first one more. This new relationship feels shoehorned in and if Dr. Lee had been likeable I probably wouldn't have minded but I found him to be the worst part of the book. The mystery itself was fun but could not make up for the lack of character development.

In 1920s London, research assistant Saffron Everleigh is working at the University College of London. Saffron is researching and traveling the countryside with Dr. Michael Lee in response to reports of poisonings. When Detective Inspector Green is given a case with a set of unusual clues, he asks for Saffron’s assistance. Can she figure out the clues to find the culprit?
I wanted to like this mystery more, but I couldn't get into it. The pacing was slow, and the story didn't hold my interest. It seemed too disconnected from the first story as another male character was introduced, and the original male character was sent traveling. I want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Kate Khavari brings us entry two in botanist Saffron Everleigh's work at the University College London Biology Department. She shares an office with Dr. Lee as they are partners in a project responding to accidental poisonings caused by plants. Saffron is in her office when Inspector Green comes in to request her assistance in identifying plants/flowers in bouquets left at the scene of several women's murders. She finagles her way into the investigation proper, taking Dr. Lee with her. Saffron is still involved at least in a friendship with Alexander, her love interest in the first novel who went on a South American expedition. Dr. Lee flirts with her but as she gets to know him, they do become friends. In investigating the plot, the two frequent the Blue Lounge where the cocaine snorting jet set dance to 1920s music. The dead women may have connections to some of the partiers there.

In the course of this, we learn more about poisonous plants, Saffron's independent spirit, sexism at its worst in a male dominated field in the 1920s and the murders are solved as well. Good book. I personally really enjoy this cosy/historical mystery series. Not sure why it isn't flying for others. I did not find it anything but fun to read and try to solve.

As in the first book of The Botanist's Guide series, this story grabs your attention right from the start and takes you through a great mystery starring a brilliant female botanist just after WWI. The writing is intelligent and fast paced and mixes in just enough romance to keep it interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I loved diving back into this world with saffron. She's working with a doctor named Lee and studying poisnings and plants. They get drawn into solving another murder and this time they get bouquets before they are killed.
It was such a good mystery and I am already clamoring for the next one.

Loved this new series. For fans of Deanna Raybourne, it’s a perfect next read. Saffron Everleigh has great character development as a young botanist protégée in training. Alexander Ashton adds the dash of spice as a microbiologiist — but spark of connection for Saffron and mystery-solver companion. A bit or romance and of course murder made it a fun read.

The second in a series, this title sees Saffron assisting the police with a series of murders. It had been some time since I read the first book, but I didn’t have trouble picking off where things had left off. I really liked the inclusion of the language of flowers in this plot, and it was interesting to see some slices of life from the 1920’s. I partially guessed the mystery’s resolution but not entirely, and though I did feel the book could’ve been a bit more concise, I appreciated the twists it took to the full reveal.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the complimentary digital review copy of this title.

I did not realize this was book 2 so I had to quick go and read book 1. I am so glad I did as Saffron is wonderful! This second outing sees Saffron and Alexander separated by Alexander's trip to Brazil. Saffron has continued on with her work at the University College but has gotten herself a research appointment, a project and a new partner, Dr. Michael Lee. Saffron's expertise in poisonous plants gets her involved with Inspector Green again and she and Dr. Lee end up undercover in order to find answers. High jinx ensue and Alexander returns at an inopportune moment. I can't wait for book 3!

Kate Khavari immerses Saffron Everleigh in a second set of murders that require her knowledge of botany and the language of flowers in A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality. Saffron and her colleague Dr. Lee join the1925 jazz and cocaine consuming club crowd to find who is killing and being killed. Lots of red herrings. A new romantic interest bumps against her former colleague and friend who explored the Amazon. Read this intriguing and intricate mystery.

Like the first, this was delightful. I wasn't sure about the addition of Lee, but he grew on me but he still hasn't completely won me over yet. I was however disappointed that Alexander was absent for most of the book.

I saw the whodunnit it towards the end but it was still a good mystery and I will still continue to follow Saffron on her next journey.

I am loving this new trend of Victorian cozy mysteries, but when they ultimately become too saturated this will be the series I will stick with.

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted ecopy. All views expressed are my own.

With Alexander off on the expedition to the Amazon, Saffron has spent her summer working at the university on a project with the annoyingly charming, Dr. Lee, a medical doctor, dealing with reports of poisonings across the city and in the neighboring countryside. Saffron can hardly believe it when Detective Inspector Green walks through her office door, requesting her assistance on an active murder investigation. Still coming off her high of solving the university related murder from the last book, she is sure she can get to the bottom of these new murders.

Bouquet of flowers, most of which are poisonous, were found at the crime scenes of three different murders. They seem unconnected otherwise. When her own knowledge of flowers falls short in coming up with answers, Saffron delves into the old Victorian practice of floriography, in which each flower holds a special meaning. Dr. Lee is eager to help despite Saffron's initial misgivings. The two of them go undercover, befriending the high society group of suspects, taking them into a dark jazz club and exclusive parties. Dr. Lee definitely seems to have the gift of fitting in and drawing people out, where as Saffron is more awkward at it. Perhaps it is the rules of society for women during that time period, or just her trying too hard to be accepted so she can get the answers she's seeking. This only makes her more relatable as a character for me.

Like in the first book, the reader gets a glimpse of how difficult it is for a woman in the world of male academia, especially one in Saffron's position. One of the reasons I especially liked this second book was the amount of growth Saffron does over the course of the book in finding her own voice and standing up for what she wants. Not only with her work, but in her love life too. There definitely was a darker overall plot line in this installment. I found the mystery fascinating, from the historical aspect as well as the complexity of the characters and their possible motives.

The first half of this is pretty solid. We have a lot of reminders about how the last book ended (is critical to read this series in order); which was good for me, but could be annoying for anyone who just came from book 1.
The interpersonal relationships were well done and interesting. Our characters remainder engaging and had good narrative voice. However the overall plot was dull. Initially the poisonous flowers were kind of neat; and a great way to excuse why the Inspector went to Saffron about them. As time went on I got bored by the constant nagging of why Saffron shouldn’t be doing what she was doing. To the point of actually putting the book down in annoyance.
Which is probably what led to the ending just dragging on and on for me. The ‘twist’ is not really that twisty (or good) and so I was done with this one before it was done telling me the story.
All that said I will still read the next book in the series as I do love the characters and think the plot was the issue here for the most part. Not the characters, setting or narrative voice.
Additionally the little teaser at the end (that I would normally hate) actually worked for me.

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

Is a review valid if all I say is “this is one of my absolute favourite mystery series i hope there’s 100 planned”

No?

Fine.

This is absolutely one of my favourite series though, even with only 2 installments so far I’m just in love with the world and the characters so much! It had been a while since I’ve read the first book and I was worried that I wasn’t going to remember enough to dive back in but it took no time for me to fall right into the story and to remember the important parts of the first book.

I love Saffron as a main character, she has such a lovely personality while also being a total badass and doing exactly what she needs to do. I love reading from her perspective and seeing where she takes us! I also love the side characters, both old and new, the different relationships all feel so genuine and organic and I enjoy seeing how they all interact with each other.

I also really enjoy the academic setting of this series, it feels very different from other historical mysteries that I’ve read and I love that we get that aspect while still having a female main character.

If you like cozy mysteries with a fantastic side of romance then you need to check out this series! The third book comes out in June and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

What a fascinating novel of deadly plants sorted out by a clever heroine. The study of Victorian language given by flowers is really clever to spell out a murderer.

It's easy to be misled by a slightly above-average start to a series, as it creates an impression that the series will only improve from there. While sometimes this may hold true, as in the case of the Plated Prisoner series, on other occasions, it leaves you pondering over where everything went wrong after finishing the second book.

Alexander spends all his time collecting specimens and completing research for Saffron, who is fixated on shiny things and has the memory of a goldfish. Saffron thinks they never put any labels on their relationship, while Lee annoys and pesters her. Saffron deserves some of his treatment as she is condescending and patronizing towards him. Lee suddenly decides he's interested in Saffron, and all it takes is paying attention to her and not leaving the country.

The story lacked character development and growth as most of the interesting dialogue happened in the characters' heads. Lee was self-centered and only showed personality in his private thoughts. Saffron thought deeply but failed to express her thoughts. Alexander was the opposite of Saffron, only speaking the worst possible things in the worst way.
I was disappointed that an outside character purposely included to make Lee look like a good person was given such a limited and self-serving role. Romesh knows what it is to be discounted, overlooked, and discriminated against in his chosen field of work, yet he’s awfully quick to believe hurtful gossip about Saffron and pile on. But don’t worry, Lee was nice to him a few times while they were studying together, so at least Lee is a good person. Romesh honestly shows up for a few pages, but it really stuck out to me that Khavari chose to include a person of colour, and instead of making him an empathetic and understanding voice of reason in his one interaction with Lee, she made him part of the system that so devalued and belittled him.

It's strange how Saffron spends so much time with someone, yet doesn't give them a heads up about her past and the way she's treated by colleagues. It would have been easy to say, "I'm Saffron. My mentor was wrongly involved in a murder mystery, which I got caught up in. I'm a woman, so I've struggled to get respect from men at the university. Also, my boyfriend's away on a work trip. Let's keep this professional." Writing a strong female character requires commitment.

I am loving this series. It's like Agatha Christie, but fancy. It's a historical mystery but with acknowledgment of the problematic treatment of women back in an idolized historical period.