The Botanist’s Assistant is a story of the ultimate victory for the determined underdog. The main character uses her OCD nature to unravel a murder mystery in a college science lab. There is a good bit of plant information included. My favorite setting is her cabin on the hill and how it symbolizes the struggle to attain her sense of well-being. The book is all set for a sequel.

It's inspiring to watch a character in need of a change figure out how to transform their life. Our heroine is pretty much just going through the motions at the beginning of the book and by the end you can see how much happiness is on the horizon for her. A very hopeful book, especially for someone who is no longer a spring chicken.

If you love your mysteries with a side of quirky characters, precise schedules, and just a hint of the strange, then The Botanist’s Assistant is right up your alley! Margaret Finch might be tall, big-boned, and obsessively organized—think of her as the human embodiment of a meticulously labeled seed catalog—but don’t let her eccentricities fool you. She’s an invaluable research assistant to a charming botanist, and her attention to detail makes her the perfect sleuth when dark secrets start sprouting in her small university town. Peggy Townsend weaves a delightful tale that blends botanical intrigue with a dash of detective work, all wrapped up in Margaret’s perfectly timed routines and quirky personality. When a mysterious death occurs, Margaret’s instincts—and her newly acquired night custodian ally—push her into the role of amateur investigator. The plot thickens like a good compost pile, and I loved every moment of this charming, slightly offbeat mystery. A wonderful read for anyone who appreciates a clever protagonist, lush descriptions of plant life, and a story that blooms with surprises. Four stars—definitely a garden worth exploring!

Margaret is the consummate lab assistant to Dr. Deaver, always noticing important details and task oriented, so when she discovers his body and the college insists it’s not foul play, she knows she has to investigate. A quirky character who is delightful, this is an enjoyable mystery with an interesting plot. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.