Ok, don't even know how to start to prase this book.
The story follows a scholar in a London university in the 1920s. Here Saffron struggles to earn her place in a feals dominated by men. Working against prejudice, rumor, and attempted murder. Because the last party made by the university ended up with poisoning, and Saffons only supporter is being blamed. This will lead Saffona and her new friend Alexander to pursue their own investigation. As they find new evidence they find themselves in multiple complicated scenarios.
The setting and the characters are unique and amazing. Saffron is a strong woman who is constantly proving her worth. her personality and background are marvelously written. Her life story shows how she came to be the charter we meet on the first page. And her narration makes you fall in love with her from the very beginning. On the other side, we get to meet Alexander. He is a little more distant than the other narrator but it works perfectly with his personality. He is the embodiment of a well-written character. His past is amazingly developed, including his participation in the war and what it caused to him. His reactions and mind are fulfilled to the limit and it definitely contributes to adding spice and thickening the story. The book simply attracts from the begging and it's impossible to put down. If you ask me, this book is definitely a must-read for 2022.

My favorite kind of novel. A murder mystery set in the 1920's England. Saffron Everleigh is a researcher of botany. She has a very hard time fitting in since she is one of the only female researchers in the University. Saffron attends a high society party which is expected of her and which she detests. You see Saffron comes from a high society family. Only Saffron wants no part of her grandparents class of people. Since her father has passed away both her mother and grandparents believe she should find a suitable husband settle down and forget about her so called job.
Well she attends this party and things start to go from bad to worse. Not only does she meet handsome Alexander Ashton who will be going on an expedition that Saffron would love to be on. A murder is attempted and there are a number of suspects. What should she do after both she and Alexander hear a very private conversation between the victim Mrs. Henry and a few guests of the party. Next thing you know Mrs. Henry is falling to the floor and ends up in a coma. Dr. Maxwell, Saffron's mentor who is not at the party is questioned and jailed for the crime. They think he has the poisonous plant that put Mrs. Henry in the coma. They also know that Dr. Maxwell and Dr Henry fought a few days prior because he was not allowed to go on the expedition. Did Dr. Maxwell commit this horrible crime. Saffron does not believe it and both she and the handsome Alexander Ashton must prove it, while keeping themselves alive.
I totally enjoyed this novel. I loved how Ms. Khavari developed the characters. Saffron was a sort of wall flower in a big garden of men. How she proved fearless and determined to clear Dr. Maxwell's name. She never stopped even though it could have cost her her live. The story moved along very quickly, the author did not dwell on one certain area of the story for to long. That is why I read it in one day.
I would recommend this to anyone as a quick read, and enjoyable read. I would hope Ms. Khavari would write more stories of Saffron and Alexander. There could be many many adventurers for both of them. There could also be more trouble for them also. Either way I would read that book in a heartbeat.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, Ms. Khavari for a delightful read.

London, botany, mystery, and romance. Oh, and historical fiction! This book had all of my favorite things wrapped into one and all under a beautiful cover. This book was very fun to read and it I was caught between not wanting it to be done and wanting to keep reading!

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been reading a number of books that have gorgeous covers, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons included.

I love how the design team created this beautiful image around something that is lethal.

Khavari’s historical fiction is a promising one. It has layers of possibilities that I hope she will flush out and dive deeper as she builds on Saffron Everleigh’s story. Give me a historical fiction book with a cast of feminist characters who fight against the male dominated agenda on practically everything.

Hopefully Khavari will bolster Everleigh’s character with more feminist values to have her stand out even more in the predominantly white male crowd of University.

Now, as for Everleigh’s love interest, Alexander Ashton, think actor Ben Barnes, he is definitely made from a different cloth when compared to his fellow researchers and collogues. I think we’re at the surface with his character in this book. That over the series (fingers crossed) we’ll see him shape into one of the rare male characters who continue to seek out, want, and value the opinion of Everleigh because of her knowledge and background.

One aspect of the novel to note is sexual harassment in academia. Kate Khavari touches on this in her novel and I have mixed feelings. Granted, there were no laws at this time to protect women in academia against male predators. However, I do feel that when writing about this topic, regardless of time period, it does need to be made clear that any type of sexual harassment is wrong. And I don’t think Khavari conveyed that message completely. From either point of view be it Everleigh or Ashton.

The message should clear. And my concern here is the lack of options for Everleigh. I understand the time period, though this is a work of fiction so I felt the author could have pushed back on societies view on women who are sexually assaulted: that no one (including law enforcement) will help you.

And as authors, writing a historical fiction gives you an opportunity. An opportunity to reshape these views to encompass a space for discussion on societal changes towards women. Even if it’s between the two main characters, it can start somewhere.

Not only does Khavari focus on women making their way into academia, but she also touches on PTSD. Where Ashton after serving in the military during WWI has found ways to cope with the trauma he experienced.

By including this layer into her novel, Khavari gave a new shape and complexity to Alexander’s character. It shows what war does to people psychologically and ways to manage and cope with what was seen and experienced. Fingers crossed we see more development and how Everleigh can be part of that healing process for Ashton.

As the series progresses I hope Khavari includes more women at the University that Everleigh can mentor and find kinship as well as a more diverse cast of characters.

If you love a good mystery, where the main character takes on the role of playing detective, a slow burn romance this book is one to consider.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons
was a very fun read and I loved the academic background. I was not disappointed with the ending. The only problem I had was with the characters. I wasn’t really connecting with them. But this was a cozy little mystery and I would recommend it. I believe that this is the first in a series and I would read the second one.

Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party at University College London. She expects the conversations will focus on the university's investigative expedition to the Amazon but she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives, to be poisoned by an unknown toxin.

Saffron’s mentor, Dr Maxwell, is the chief suspect. As evidence mounts against him and the expedition's departure draws nearer, she decides that if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.
Joined by fellow researcher Alexander Ashton, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth in time?

***
I enjoyed this novel, which is set in 1923 London. It’s a cosy mystery at heart with an inquisitive heroine who simply will not give up trying to uncover the poisoner.

It was the botanical background that appealed to me initially (plus it has a fabulous cover) but soon I was keenly following the clues as the story progressed. Set against the aftermath of WWI and the effect it had on the English community, it was a good read and I look forward to a sequel.

Some of the language needs checking (I doubt the term “wheelhouse” was in use in 1923 in the context in which it was used in this novel!).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

A fun and interesting murder mystery novel, I enjoyed the historical setting and the botanical aspect. However I found the story to get a bit redundant after a while - Saffron and Alexander sneak into somewhere they shouldn’t be and find a new clue but don’t know where it leads - became sort of repetitive and less interesting after a while.
I also found some character development left unexplored. There’s a point in the novel where Dr. Maxwell warns Saffron to stay away from Alexander which piqued my interest in his past. But nothing really came of that warning. We learn of Alexander’s past and his condition after the war but I thought there could have been more history to his character and why he could have been dangerous rather than the vague background we got.
Overall not a bad murder mystery, it was still an enjoyable and enticing read even if it slowed down in some parts. 3.5 stars for me!

A cute fun story with a strong and determined female lead and just a hint of romance. I enjoyed the story and found it very readable but also felt somewhat let down at the same time. Based on the title I expected it to be a little darker than it was so this is more an issue with me having false expectations then with the story itself. If you are looking for dark and sinister or twisted this is not it. This is a fun light hearted fluffy murder mystery.

If you are looking for something fun and light this is it.

Trigger warning for sexual harassment.

I received an arc but my opinions are my own.

Enjoyable story and mystery. Found it interesting but sometimes all the botany references were a little overwhelming. Nice setting and characters. Enjoyed the writing style.

Arc received from net galley

I was seduced by the cover, and I found the study of botany (particularly poisonous plants) in a historical academic setting was intriguing. I thought the book started out well, but found the middle pretty slow. I found myself skimming, because I found much of the dialogue clunky and the action repetitive, as Saffron kept making stupid decisions. The ending was not particularly surprising, and it was disappointing to see no explanation for why Harper/Blake and Berking didn't just leave after they got the money they were after. From the book - "If the goal was to run of with thousands of pounds, why wait for the expedition at all? Why didn't they take the donations and run? No one seemed to have an answer to her question." And there never was one, even though the entire ending of the book hinged on this. I see there is a second book planned, and the main characters have potential to make for an interesting series. I like the potential of strong female character and the struggles a female encounters in the world of academia and in science, particular in the time this series is set.

Wonderful book! As a lover of botany, I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I read the synopsis. I was thrilled to receive an advance copy! That’s the most excited I’ve ever been to receive an eARC and this novel did not disappoint. The writing style is excellent and pulled me in immediately and I love the character descriptions and development. My only “complaint” (if you can call it that) is that the primary plant that the book is centered upon does not appear — from my research — to be a real plant. So there was a bit of disappointment there, but I can also understand the desire to create a fictitious plant for the sake of the storyline. Definitely give this book a read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!

'A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons' was an enticing take on the academic mystery, but perhaps a little too slowly-paced for readers who do not frequent the genre.

Saffron Everleigh is a resourceful, level-headed, overall likeable protagonist; a bright young woman in STEM in a time when it was even more dominates by men than it is now, and I absolutely found myself rooting for her from the first. Centred around botany and set in post WW2 London, this novel aptly captures both the fun of the era and the struggles of being a woman of science at the time.

That said, 'A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons' leans much harder into its mystery aspects than its academic ones. Twisty and charming, if a little predictable and slow to get moving, Khavari has crafted a solid mystery that will be fun for fans of the genre.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thankyou to netgalley for providing me with a copy of this in return for an honest review.

I'm sure I'm not the only person who needed to read this book just because of the beautiful cover!
And after reading it I can say that the inside is just as beautiful as the outside.

Set in the 1920s after WW1 we meet saffron an assistant to a botanist Professor maxwell at University college in London.
Professor maxwell and his colleagues are preparing for an expedition to the amazon.

I liked saffron immediately.. shes a young, intelligent and level headed woman working in a man's world. She's also a botanist herself following in her late fathers steps.

Before the expedition a party is thrown to celebrate where Dr henrys wife suddenly collapses and falls into a coma.. it seems her drink has been spiked with poison!! But was her drink meant for her or her husband.

Saffrons boss is immediately a suspect but saffron sets out on her own investigation along with the lovely Mr Ashton (swoon) to prove his innocence. But obviously it's a very bumpy yet thrilling road ahead.

This books had twists and turns that I just didn't see coming. Saffron and Alexander's friendship is just beautiful and I'm really hoping there's going to be a book 2 to follow

<i>Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

3.5/5 stars.

I downloaded this book because it was about a poisoning in a botany department in London after WWI. The premise checks all my boxes. The story, however, took about half the book to really get going. Saffron is a plucky hero, but honestly, I was hoping for more plant discussions a la Outlander.

Overall, this is a good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes an academic mystery.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Saffron Everleigh is a botany student/research assistant who is attending a party when the host's wife collapses suddenly...poisoned! Convinced that her mentor Dr. Maxwell is innocent, she teams up with Alexander Ashton, another researcher, to investigate.
I was very much reminded of Agatha Christie's style of writing while reading A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons and will certainly recommend it to my fellow mystery fans. I hope to see more of Saffron in the future!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for the copy.
I found this book enjoyable, set in my favourite time and with academics as the characters.
I really like the heroine and very promising premise of the book , but I think that it needed more of editing.
However it is my personal opinion and other readers may find this book delightful.

I better start off by saying that the cover of this book is gorgeous, and the title is absolutely compelling. These components may or may not have been a part of why I requested this book in the first place…
I really love the concept of this book. The mystery surrounding the poisonous plants, the intrigue of the botany department, a woman trying to make her way in the academic world in the 1920s. I think the latter point was my favourite and was what made me the most excited about this book.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting through this one, though. The plot moved along a bit too slowly for my taste. The main characters were likeable; Saffron had her moments and overall was smart and determined. She and Alexander also developed a really sweet relationship. However, the writing was heavy and lacked the excitement to keep me engaged all the way through.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a beautifully written book with an engaging mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would greatly recommend it. It was a great historical fiction which gave the book cozy vibes from the past. The characters were also written well and Saffron was easily understood and was interesting to read about!

Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance copy. This was a nice read. As a biologist, I certainly enjoyed the botany angle. For me, the plot was a bit slow and I never really felt connected to the characters.

When I saw this historical mystery with its Beautiful cover on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. And I was lucky enough to receive it as well. And then it took me months to actually pick it up… but it seems the release date has been pushed back as well so its okay right?

We follow Saffron who works in the biology department of London University. Her professor gets arrested for poisoning, and Saffron has made it her mission to prove his innocence. In this she is helped by Alexander, who struggles with shell-shock. Of course, romance ensues.

I thought our main characters were fine… they were likeable, but especially Saffron could annoy me at times. I guess she is smart and straightforward, but also incredibly irrational and naïeve at times. I also get quite irked by women who shamelessly flirt just to get their way (especially when one of their major ‘character traits’ is being sexually abused). But that is something personal for sure. But she never felt real to me, nor did Alexander and their romance. Like yes, on paper they work. But I never felt anything for them.

The mystery itself and the plot were fine as well. Again, there is something lacking due to which it just doesn’t quite work. I feel that something is some kind of structure. Saffron and Alexander break into a bunch of offices to gather random clues and have a whole host of theories that don’t really make sense. There is a particular guy they dislike so they hope that he did it. And that is also the whole reasoning behind their solution. ‘He did it because we want him to have done it. The why and how don’t really matter.’ And then culprit actually reveals himself. The case is never really solved.

I now sound very negative, but it wasn’t a bad book. I guess it is a tad slow at times but I didn’t have a problem with that at all. It was a fun and easy read, and the start of a series I will definitely be continuing. But it is also nothing special and apart from the gorgeous cover didn’t stand out to me at all. It was fine…