I love this series. Might be my new favorite. The characters and plot jump off the page. I am thoroughly obessed with it!

I loved the first installment of Khavari's series),and had no doubt I would enjoy this one. Saffron is back with a new mystery to solve and the stakes are far higher than before. In Saffron, we see more growth and more of her back story, as well as that of Eliza's and in the end, Alexander's. Khavari introduces us to a new character, Lee, whom I personally adored. He was the perfect balance of pompous ass and bumbling, unsure heartthrob. And Saffron is caught in his web well before she knows it! The atmosphere of this book, from the smoke thick Blue Room, to the crime scenes and archaic academia of 1920s University College London, is spot on. Khavari does an excellent job of weaving classic tea cozy/murder mystery, with a contemporary heroin whose shoes we all want to wear. At least, sometimes. Fantastic sophomore book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!
I would give this book a 3 - 3.5 out of 5
I thought that this book looked interesting, so I found the first instalment at my local library to read before I started it.
If you or your readers liked the first book, you should like this one too. I would like to say that I struggled with the first book - I found the presentation and the characters poorly written and unrealistic.
This book is a huge improvement in plotting, character development and style (maybe there was an experienced editor at work?)
The main character, Saffron, has, I guess, gotten a promotion, since her supervisor (from the first book) is on indefinite leave. Her kinda boyfriend, from the first book, is on an expedition to South America. A new love interest is added, a guy she clashes with professionally.
The stern police inspector has decided that while he still finds her annoying, her botanical knowledge might be useful for a puzzling case he has.
Saffron, of course, must gather her friends together and investigate on her own.
I found that the point of her as protagonist, her being a botanist, got kinda lost as the book carried on. So the 'mystery' part of the book was pretty rote. The characters are getting more interesting - I particularly like 'the roommate' - and I like that Saffron is struggling with questions about who, if anyone, she wants to date (both of her men friends are fairly chauvinistic).
I hope that this author continues to improve, I would read a third book with interest.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Kate Khavari for the ARC!

I absolutely loved the first book and the very clever and unique story line. I was so thrilled to read A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality early!

Saffron Everleigh is back navigating a 1920s male dominated University of London, and after a promotion she is now studying the effects of local poisonings with an attractive but infuriating Dr. Lee. Soon she is paid a visit by none other than Inspector Green who is requesting her help with two murders and she is more than happy to help. Both victims received a bouquet of poisonous flowers and it's up to Saffron to find out what it means. As they begin to entertain a high stakes and dangerous crowd where nothing is what it seems, Saffron and Lee become more involved with the case and each other.

I really enjoyed this book and was happy to see the character development. I can't wait to see what happens next!

A BOTANIST'S GUIDE TO FLOWERS AND FATALITY is the second book in the Saffron Everleigh mystery series by Kate Khavari. I was impressed, from the very beginning of the book, on how much research the author must have needed to accomplish to provide so many interesting details to make it realistic. Not only were poisonous plants and flowers showcased along with their Victorian floriography (which I found fascinating), but the historical details of the 1920s as well. Ms. Khavari seamlessly wove the details into the storyline without detracting from the engaging characters and the intriguing mystery. I especially admire the protagonist, Saffron Everleigh. She’s intelligent and determined, yet has a playful side that lightens the story. Her banter with her co-researcher, Dr. Lee, and her best friend, Elizabeth, brought the characters to life. My only quibble is the introduction of a love triangle, of which I am not a fan. It appears that it was resolved by the end of the book, but there’s a hint that makes me wonder.

The mystery itself was well-plotted and had a couple of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Given the problem of having three vastly different women murdered within a short timeframe (and each had received a bouquet of flowers that contained sinister blooms) it wasn’t easy for Saffron or the police to narrow down a list of suspects. Ms. Khavari adroitly builds upon the clues and created a clever mystery that kept me turning pages while trying to suss out the killer. This highly entertaining book has me eagerly waiting for the third in the series, especially with the epilogue teaser in A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In her second outing, Saffron is consulted by the police about flower arrangements found as the homes of murdered women. Eager to help, she gains the assistance of a handsome young doctor and together the risk their lives.

Going into this book with really high expectations because I absolutely loved a Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, this one fell a bit short for me.

I think it’s really nice how Saffron gets to determine her own path in this book and is given the opportunity to officially assist the police in a murder case, how she remains true to herself and dares to defy the others around her. Unfortunately, the strong focus on the police investigation was at the expense of the botanical side and more in depth development of the rest of the story. Even though Saffron is called upon because of her botanical expertise, this only comes up briefly a few times in the book. I had hoped to simultaneously see a bit more of her own research at the University, and more generally the way things are going there. However, there is a strong focus on the social aspect of the police investigation on the one hand (even though she isn’t supposed to look into that part), and her relationship with Lee on the other. I get why these pieces also play an important role, but I regret it had to come at the expanse of such other great things (in my opinion, the mystery and the plot twists were also better planned and executed in a Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons). The same goes for the character development, I get the feeling that Saffron’s personal development remains rather a status quo (except for one scene at the end of the book). In addition, there is also a love triangle built into the story that I really felt was put in to make something happen in the story rather than because it really fit. I also missed the engaging and witty dialogues that were more prevalent in a Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, but this may be due to the fact that both Elizabeth and Alexander play less prominent roles in most of a Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality. Hopefully they’ll get bigger parts in the next instalment. The pacing at the beginning was also a little bit too slow, but at the end it was really impossible to put this book away because of the fast paced developments.

On the positive side, I again really enjoyed Kate Khavari’s writing style, it’s a real pleasure to read anything she has written. In addition, with Saffron she also establishes a strong character around whom several more books could be written, there is a lot of potential in her story. The multiple POV's were also a real added value. And the title and the cover, both are just gorgeous!

So all things considered, I certainly didn't think this was a bad book, I was just a little disappointed in several parts due to my high expectations. Notwithstanding, I do look forward to how the series will continue to evolve and what plot twists Kate Khavari still has in store for Saffron and her readers.

3.5/5 ⭐

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for a chance to review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Book 2 in this new series by Kate Khavari.

I love seeing how authors flesh out their characters. Saffron is a colorful (see what I did there) character. A young lady, turning her back on her posh upbringing to attend university and become a research assistant while she works on her master's. All this while in the 20s, after the great war.

The author has done a great job of researching the period, including touching upon PTSD and how women were treated in 1920s England.

The mysteries are good, and they keep you guessing. I did figure out who the culprit was, but not the level of deceit by the murderer. This book will entertain and keep you guessing.

If you love a strong protagonist, good background info and intelligent plots, this book, and this series will keep you coming back for more

I had high hopes for this book after the first one, but I dnf it after the first 30%. It just wasn't for me. I still like Saffron and found Lee to be a much more interesting love interest than Alexander. The 1920's setting was fantastic and I loved the bits about the poisonous plants. I especially liked the beginning of the book when Saffron and Lee help the little boy and to me the story would have made more sense if the mystery had emanated from that event because I had a big problem with the story: WHY did Saffron need to start investigating? After naming the poisonous flowers in the bouquet, she had absolutely nothing to do with the murders, and that the police let her investigate was just unrealistic. Saffron just appeard annoyingly nosy and I could look past that.

Thank you Netgalley for providing an Ecopy of The Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality!

I'm surprised by how good and underrated this read is! It has the perfect blend of mystery and romance with the 1920s setting.

Saffron is such an intelligent and independent character which I admire, she's being involved to help in solving a few murder cases where a bouquet of flowers with black ribbon were left/sent to the victims. As a botanist and someone who comprehend the language of flowers, Saffron assist Detective Green to decipher the meaning behind each bouquet.


It's the perfect murder mystery to cuddle up and read on a rainy/cozy day!

The second installment in the Saffron Everleigh series is engaging and intriguing. Saffron is smart, independent and capable of making her way in a world that isn’t ready to see her as an equal. This mystery keeps you guessing, and has you rooting for Saffron and her partner (romantic??) to solve the crime. Surprises abound but our intrepid hero won’t be kept down!

I absolutely adore Saffron Everleigh! I was so excited to be able to read an ARC of A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality - the second book in this series. I love the idea of Saffron using her knowledge of botany and the symbolic meanings of flowers to solve murders. And the interaction with her two potential love interests was just enough of a hint of romance without taking over the whole story line. I look forward to reading more of Saffron's adventures in the future.

An intriguing and fast paced second book in the Saffron Everleigh historical mystery series. 1920’s London…Saffron has been named a researcher in the Botany Dept at University College. She’s still not accepted by the crusty old men in her Department, her colleague and “man of interest” Alexander Ashton is off on a months long expedition to the Amazon and she has a testy relationship with her partner, the habitual flirter, Dr. Michael Lee, in a new study about the impact of toxic plants on human health. Her old pal, Detective Green asks her to consult on a difficult multiple murder case because the victims were each sent an unusual bouquet of flowers before they were killed. Lee and Everleigh become entangled in a group of hedonistic young people who use alcohol and cocaine and dance to Jazz all night…and may or may not include a killer.
Lots of great atmosphere, fascinating characters and a very surprising ending. Looking forward to the next installment…Saffron’s next investigation and advancement of her career and personal life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Saffron Everleigh, botanist, aspiring detective, is spunky. She has the air of many women in spaces that are traditionally male dominated, in the best way. She’s sarcastic and intelligent and stubborn. And she wants adventure. So when a request for help from the local police department pulls her away from her study on poisons with the attractive Dr. Lee, she juggles both. Following the clues on a case with mysterious bouquets of poisonous but beautiful plants Leads her deep into historical London‘s night scene. Into twisty intrigue, secret affairs and many, many parties.

Once again, the writing was fantastic. I really enjoy the detailed way the author sets the atmosphere, especially for the glamorous 1920s club scene. (I did have a huge issue with the formatting, but I think that’s because it is an ARC and I hope it won’t be there in the final version) I also really like the characters, especially the new male lead. I was surprised by that because I usually dislike love interests that are introduced later on in series. I actually like Lee better than Ashton now :) In the first book, my biggest criticism was that there was no representation for minorities whatsoever. That did change, while no lgbt character appeared in the main cast, there were many side characters, especially during the parties, that were queer. I really appreciated that. The language used there wasn’t negative, but it was a bit strange. Im sure it’s historically accurate but it did rub me the wrong way a few times.
The mystery was exquisite. The bouquets were such an interesting subject and the twists were well-done and well placed. I did wonder why Saffron only really looked into one victim and then solved the other two murders „backwards“, because the choice of which victim seemed somewhat random to me. I didn’t mind much while reading though.

Overall, a fun mystery that kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen next.

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!

I adored Kate’s first novel in the Saffron Everleigh series, and this one was just as good! Some great banter, epic plot twists and turns and some romantic rivalry make for a fun and exciting read! I found the ending a tiny bit unsatisfying, but at the same time I love the MCs strength. A great read, highly recommend!

Loved the first book, second book did not disappoint! Historical mystery done perfectly with an immersive world and a well plotted mystery that grabs the reader and refuses to let go until the very end. There is nothing I would alter and it is an easy recommendation to readers.

A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari is the second instalment in what promises to be an ongoing murder mystery series. It follows Saffron Everleigh as she attempts to track down a murderer who leaves bouquets of flowers as a warning before striking, using the language of flowers in choosing each bloom.

I enjoyed the first book, and when I saw the second, I leapt on it. I really love the characters; even when adding in new ones, like Dr. Lee (Saffron’s research partner), they instantly become likeable, or, rather, I wanted to get to know them on a deeper level, like with the circle of associates who may have had something to do with the murders.

The last quarter or so of the book really gallops along, and becomes quite the page turner; I couldn’t help but stay up until dawn was breaking at my window because I HAD to see it all come to a conclusion. Truly, a satisfying book!

I suppose my one quibble is that the wrap-up with regards to one character (no spoilers!!) seemed way more abrupt than that of another, which was clearly brewing for quite awhile.

Still, I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one and be happy to point any friends looking for murder mysteries (doubly so if they enjoy period pieces as I do!) in the direction of this series.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In many ways I found this book more enjoyable than the original - the mystery was compelling, the locales intriguing, and a handful of characters all served as interesting suspects. I liked that the theme of plant-based murder veered off in a completely different direction, showing off the wide range of toxic plants and poisons that our protagonist can apply to her detective work.

While overall it felt more cohesive than the first Saffron Everleigh Mystery, it still ended up with a couple of the same problems. From the climax onwards it begins to feel rushed, especially in the explanation of how all the evidence they amassed ultimately points to the culprit. Sometimes the book struggles to find the balance between over- and under-explaining; while the intricacies of the case could use more detail, especially towards the end, the characters' emotions did not need to be as spelled out as they were.

I liked how this book didn't attempt to resolve the conflict between Saffron's two love interests and that, as well as the epilogue, promises another installment. This book definitely satisfied my need for a cozy mystery.

This is my second read by Kate Khavari. "A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality" is set in 1920s London and once again Saffron is being asked to assist the police ....this time with multiple murders. Each victim has received a bouquet, and every flower in it has a hidden meaning. Fascinating.....such an old idea and hardly known these days.
We meet Saffron's colleague Dr Michael Lee. In the first book of Saffron's adventures, we were introduced to a love interest Alexander Ashton...who is now in the Amazon. Will we see more romance? Personally it is the mystery and the twists and turns that keep me interested.
We meet a cast of victims, friends, suspects, future victims and we are kept on our toes learning more about each one....their habits, connections and weaknesses. All set against the background of Saffron's 1920s university life, contrasting with seedy jazz clubs, cocaine habits and country houses.
An exciting follow-up to "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons". But could be read as a stand-alone book. I wondered about some of the language used....did they say necking for kissing back then?
Overall I enjoyed and was intrigued by the unfolding mystery. I am not sure if a third book of the same bent would keep me as interested though. Love the cover!
Thanks to NetGalley, Kat Khavari and Crooked Lane Books for my copy.

AAAAAAAAA i read the first book earlier this year and loved the mystery and poisons so when i saw this on netgalley i immediately requested it and was so happy i got it. Saffron IS SO SMART yo. She's what i imagine i am on a good day. This was even better than the first one to be honest. more engaging. And we got more of Alex. My baby. Light of my life. The slow burn is slow burning.
And THE EPILOGUE OMG I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEWEST when it drops