I sped through this book, enjoyed it, an easy read and quite light mystery, I'd go as far as to put it in the cosy mystery genre that has seen much love of late. This is the first in the Saffron Everleigh (great name) Mysteries, and I will be picking up the others.

Thank you to Kate Khavari and Crooked Lane Books for making this available as an ARC. I'm only sorry it took me this long to pick it up.

I liked the topic and the setting, in post WWI England. Saffron is an assistant to a professor, who is the main suspect in a poisoning. She teams up with a colleague to solve the crime, and does so successfully. She has some out of the box ways of investigating, and those closest to her do not always like her methods. I am definitely interested in continuing with this series.

Another story of a young, smart and clever girl in science in a “man’s world”. Great knowledge of plants and plant life.

I REALLY expected to love this book! A woman breaking into a male-dominated field? That title? That cover? Heck yes! But it just didn't hit for me. There was VERY little character development. The characters seemed mostly one-dimensional, so I didn't really care about what was happening. I didn't feel invested in the story. This is the first in a series, so maybe there will be more character development in the upcoming books.

*I own a physical copy*

In 2019 my health started going down hill and I didn't take into consideration what that would mean for my book reviewing. Sadly, I've been trying to play catch up for years and it's been affecting my ability to keep up with present day tasks. So I greatly apologize for this but I am going to clear out all these older review books and focus on present day. I will come back and update this review if I end up reading the book, which is very possible as a lot of these books are still ones I would like to read, I just don't think the pressure looming over me is helpful. Thank you for giving me a chance to early read these books and I am so sorry I wasn't able to provide what was needed.

A new mystery series of a female scientist in the male driven field of botany set in 1920s London was one I had to check out. It seemed a bit slower than what I usually read which made it more challenging to get into. Saffron took charge in unheard of ways for a woman at that time which made this particularly intriguing. I probably won’t read the rest of the series but this one was interesting enough.

Thank you to Crooked Lane for the advanced copy. ❤️

I was really hoping to love this book! Unfortunately, I found the writing unnecessarily long and essentially a word salad. Just because you can use big words doesn't always mean you should. Great premise, just not for me.

Thanks also to NetGalley and Kate Khavari.

I thought I already reviewed this but maybe I didn't. I was really looking forward to this book but I found it cumbersome and could not keep going. I found it twisty and confusing and I'm sad to say I had to give up halfway through.

I was hoping that I would be able to read it before it got archived but I wasn’t able to. I will look at it now that it’s available in physical copy as it does sound great..

A perfect mystery to show off the skills and knowledge of a fantastic new character in this exciting new series. Kate Khavari has earned a place of prominence on my TBR list

I am rating this two stars because I could have forced myself to finish it but chose to walk away. I struggled to connect with the story and the characters. From the very first page, it felt very trope heavy, and that is not something that I find enjoyable.

Foi difícil engatar na leitura, talvez por não estar acostumada com o tipo de narrativa em inglês. Ainda assim, gostei da ambientação e quero me desafiar a ler mais do estilo.

I was definitely expecting something very different so almost set myself up for disappointment with this one. I wanted more fantasy, more whimsy...and less botany. All in all a good story, just not what I was looking for.

The central mystery is engaging, with well-crafted twists and intriguing ideas. Saffron Everleigh emerges as a promising new character, though the historical setting felt somewhat underdeveloped. The time period, only briefly touched upon in the publisher’s summary, lacked depth in capturing the essence of early 1920s London. References to the aftermath of the Great War were present, but more vivid details would have enhanced the historical atmosphere. The romantic subplot brought a delightful and engaging element to the story, especially through the chemistry between Saffron and Alexander. Their dynamic was charming, and I found myself looking forward to their interactions whenever they were separated. While Alexander's well-developed backstory made him a standout character, Saffron occasionally felt somewhat one-dimensional in comparison.

Overall, “A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons” is a delightful historical mystery with a touch of Agatha Christie’s Poirot vibe. It’s a lighthearted read that fans of the roaring twenties and cozy mysteries will likely enjoy. I look forward to seeing more of Saffron Everleigh’s adventures in future installments.

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari is a historical mystery set in 1920s London, where the vibrant world of botany meets the dark intrigue of a murder mystery. The story follows Saffron Everleigh, a determined young botanist working at the University College of London, as she navigates a male-dominated academic environment while also unraveling a dangerous mystery.

From the outset, the book’s cover and intriguing title drew me in, and the premise did not disappoint. Saffron Everleigh is a captivating protagonist—intelligent and fiercely independent, yet often reckless in her pursuit of the truth. Her journey is one of resilience, as she strives to prove herself in a field where women are rarely taken seriously. However, her impulsive decisions frequently put her and others in jeopardy, making her a character you root for while also wanting to caution against her more dangerous choices.

The dynamic between Saffron and Alexander Ashton, a biologist who becomes her reluctant ally, adds an interesting layer to the story. While I didn’t feel a strong romantic chemistry between them, their interactions and collaborative efforts to solve the mystery were engaging and provided some of the book's most compelling moments.

One of the book’s standout features is its detailed portrayal of botany. The scientific elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering a fascinating glimpse into the study of plants, particularly poisonous ones, and how they play a crucial role in the unfolding mystery. This aspect of the story is not only educational but also adds depth to the historical setting, making the world of 1920s academia come alive.

However, the novel does have its shortcomings. The pacing can be slow at times, particularly in the middle sections, which might detract from the overall suspense. Additionally, some characters and plot points felt underdeveloped, leaving me wishing for a bit more depth and complexity. Despite these flaws, the story manages to maintain an air of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged.

In conclusion, A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is a charming and atmospheric mystery with a strong, if sometimes frustrating, female lead. While it may not fully satisfy those looking for a fast-paced thriller, it offers a unique blend of historical fiction, botany, and amateur sleuthing that makes it a worthwhile read. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of academic intrigue and a richly detailed setting, this book is likely to be a delightful addition to your reading list.

I believe it is safe to say that the book cover and title caught my attention first to this story.

Saffron Everleigh is quite the character. One moment you want to shake her and the next you want to hug her. She tends to be a bit reckless and puts herself in dangerous situations without thinking it through. Eveleigh is a woman of intelligence in a male dominated field and has to work even harder to been taken seriously. You see the struggle through the story and she doesn’t give up but her reckless actions wasn’t helping much for her I kept thinking. When I thought she’s finally learned her lesson she goes and does another life altering dangerous thing and puts herself and a colleague’s life on the line. I must say I had wondered how she was going to get out of that sticky situation to say the least!

While I wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Saffron and Alexander, I did enjoy their interactions and talking through the what ifs on who is the perpetrator.

While I felt a few details and characters could have been fleshed out a little bit better and the pacing was slow at times, this was an entertaining story. As for this story being a series, I’m hoping what I felt needs to be approved upon happens in the books after this one.

I did enjoy the Botany aspects of the story very much.

This book had all of the hallmarks of magical realism, but instead of going deep into a magic system in 1920s London, it went deep into the study of botany. Saffron was a likeable scientist navigating an academic system with the help of her best friend, Elizabeth, and her crush (for lack of a better word!), Mr. Ashton.

I was on the edge of my seat to see how the mystery would play out. Violence was not a surprise coming from Berking, but I was surprised by Blake, who seemed like a flat character leading up to the ambush on Saffron and Alexander.

I’m intrigued to see what direction the next installment in the story takes.

I received a complementary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the author and the publisher.
Saffron Everleigh (is this not the best name?) is a female botanist in 1923 trying to make her way at the University College of London when a mystery befalls the department and she becomes an amateur sleuth, digging in to things and coworker's backgrounds. I enjoyed this historical fiction, cozy mystery type of book. There are some interesting references to plants, some poisonous and the author does a great job of describing them that you feel like you can actually see them. A mystery that keeps you wondering and waiting to read who is the next suspect.

**A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons** is an enjoyable read with an interesting premise, but it doesn't quite reach its full potential. The novel is set in 1920s London, where Saffron Everleigh, a young botanist, finds herself embroiled in a mystery after her mentor is accused of poisoning a professor’s wife. The historical setting is well-researched, and the details about botany add a unique touch, making the book stand out from other historical mysteries.

However, while the concept is intriguing, the story itself can be a bit slow at times. The pacing occasionally drags, especially in the middle sections, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Saffron is a strong protagonist, but her investigative journey lacks the tension and suspense you might expect from a mystery novel. The romantic subplot, while charming, sometimes distracts from the central plot rather than enhancing it.

Overall, **A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons** is a decent read, especially if you’re interested in botany or the historical period. It’s a solid choice for a quiet afternoon, but it may not be gripping enough for readers looking for a more intense or fast-paced mystery.

I wanted to love "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons" more than I did. The writing was excellent, the historical setting was immersive, and Saffron, the protagonist, was a strong lead. I also found the focus on poisonous plants fascinating.

However, the pacing was slow, especially in the middle, which made it hard to stay fully engaged. The romance felt forced and didn't have the chemistry I was hoping for. I might have been expecting too much, especially since the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries series is one of my favorites, and this just didn’t hit the same notes.

Despite these issues, it wasn't a bad read, and I’m open to trying the next book.

Thank you to Kate Khavari, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for sending me the eARC in exchange for an honest review.