This was a different type of mystery! It kept my interest from the minute I started to read. Absolutely fantastic!

2 stars at the absolute most.
I wanted to like this book. The cover is gorgeous and the concept is interesting. However, I did not like it at all. After the first chapter, which set the scene, it was all downhill. This could have been a good mystery. Unfortunately, this book was so full of unnecessary detail, meaningless conversation, and idiotic drivel, the mystery became lost. None of this extraneous material built suspense or atmosphere. Apparently the author was trying to fill a page quota with content that added nothing to the story. This book could have been half the length, and probably would have been better. When I reached ~40%, I knew I could not tolerate the remainder of this book. I read it on my phone, and the book totaled over 550 pages. In paper form, it is only ~300 pages. It felt much longer. I skimmed to get through it and doubt I missed much.
Early in the story, Saffron (the main character) tested the poisonous plant that was supposedly responsible for the victim's death on herself. Her fellow characters called her an idiot, so I did not feel too badly considering her an idiot myself. I had a hard time getting past the corny name, especially since Saffron's was not the only pun name in the novel. I wondered if this story was supposed to be a parody. I don't think so. Maybe it's supposed to be a cozy mystery. Whatever it was, it was not a good example of any genre.
The story takes place at a university in 1920s London. However, the author included current jargon/ corporate buzz words in the dialogue. No one in the 1920s "headed up" anything, nor did anyone talk about skills or knowledge within one's "wheelhouse". This jargon is annoying enough in 2021, I do not want to deal with it in a 1920s context. Maybe the author could have researched 1920s slang to create more authentic dialogue.
This book was just a yuck. I would not bother to read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book! First of all, the setting, both the time and place, are described so very well that readers feel as if they are there in the greenhouses with Saffron. The detective work Saffron engages in is quite difficult given the time period, so that made it more mysterious for me as a reader.

I enjoyed Saffron as a character. While she isn’t quite as headstrong and sassy as my other favorite heroine, Saffron is very likeable. Her almost demure personality, at first, can lull you into thinking she isn’t going to be able to follow the clues because she will cave due to pressure from men in her department and police involvement. However, her persistence is key. When Alexander wanted to discourage her, she couldn’t be convinced to put everything aside and let the police do their work.

I did enjoy the slight romance blooming between Alexander and Saffron. It did not encompass the entire book, and there was no grand build up of “will they or won’t they,” yet the relationship evolved seamlessly. I’ll be interested to see what the author does with Alexander and Saffron in subsequent books. Alexander was to head off on the expedition in place of Dr. Maxwell, who is to say he will be a featured character in future books.

I’m assuming the author plans to continue this as a series. I will look forward to reading more!

The cover of this book is GORGEOUS. I want to purchase a physical copy!!! The story is great and interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this boom because the cover art is absolutely gorgeous. Luckily I enjoyed what was on the pages as much as I enjoyed the cover. The story is set in 1920's London. The Great War has ended, and it's impact is felt on everyone. Our main character (Saffron Everleigh) lost her father in the war and is following in his footsteps and is a botanist at the same university he once worked at. She's the loyal assistant to Dr. Maxwell, and gets swept up in the investigation of an attempted murder, once her boss becomes the prime suspect. Working alongside Alexander Ashton, a handsome & charming fellow scholar, she sets out to clear Dr. Maxwell's name.

I enjoyed the characters immensely. Saffron was delightful. She was smart, spirited and intelligent, and determined to be her own woman in her chauvinistic and sexist world. She gets herself into her fair share of trouble, but she also realizes when she's in over her head and asks for help. Enter Alexander, a man she met one time, but there was an immediate connection there. Their relationship was the most delightful part of the book - from acquaintances to a delightful flirtation to... maybe something more down the line? I hope we see much more of Saffron and Alexander in the future.

Set in London in 1923, Kate Kahavari's A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons introduces intrepid research assistant and botanist Saffron Everleigh, who finds herself in the midst of an investigation when her mentor is accused of poisoning a colleague's wife. Full of historical detail, Khavari's characters come to life with depth and wit as Saffron and her newly found friend Alexander Ashton race against the clock to solve the crime. A must read for fans of fast-paced historical mysteries with an edge.

Exciting, flirty, and over the top. Historical fiction, mystery, and slow burn romance set in academia all wrapped up neatly with a bow on top.

I'm fascinated with books centered around characters in academia. I loved reading about Saffron's growth as a scientist and a woman. I loved her dedication to her job and eagerness to learn and research - as well as her resilience to protect those she loves.

I liked the additional talk of the aftermath of World War I. Of course since it's set during the 1920s, it's not a complicated subject to bring about. But seeing characters learn to cope with death, and the horrific events of war was grounding.

A bit cheesy at times but that's what makes it fun, right? Watching Clue was never as much fun as this!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review.

Plot: This plot legitimately kept me guessing. Honestly, it was a perfect cozy mystery and I’d definitely recommend this book. I couldn’t stop reading. It did not feel like a premiere novel and I hope for more mysteries with this same character! I lost myself in reading, which doesn’t always happen. I do think the plot was a little TOO hard to guess, especially with things like Berking’s involvement. It felt a little too forced into place. But not so much so that it took away from the plot.
World building: I had trouble with the world building at the beginning. I actually had to go back to look for details that this book was set in the 20’s. I wish there had been more specifics about this era because it’s the roaring 20’s! Maybe even some pop culture references or some slang or specific clothing descriptions. I think the descriptors that we get in the novel are a tad generic. But the civility and propriety, the view of women, the pace of life definitely hit its target in that sense!
Character development: I enjoyed the character development. The way both main characters helped the other to grow in the areas of their deficiencies. I adored their relationship. At times, I was annoyed that Ashton would make Saffron feel like a child or not support her to her face, yet was her champion behind her back (which is of course why we love Alexander).
Romance: There is romance, but it is very slow-burn! And I felt very realistic. I really enjoyed each of their viewpoints and thoughts. I love that their romance isn’t the central focus of the book, but a nice plot point. I do wish the kiss and physical touch would have happened a bit sooner so maybe we would have gotten MORE, but as I said it was very realistic and sweet.

This book was better than I thought it was going to be. Loved the cover and it did give an idea of what was inside. I think it was well paced and strong and a good story- have recommended it to my friends.

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is set in 1923 London and follows Saffron Everleigh and her sidekick (because every good detective needs a sidekick, right?) Alexander Ashton as they seek out who poisoned a colleague's wife at a dinner party. I enjoyed both the university setting and the fact that the two leads are both scientific professionals trying to use their wits, even if it means breaking the law, in order to come to the right conclusion. At the climax, the pace picks up to a real gallop, and I found myself swallowing it whole without pause, eager to find out what would happen next.

I think it is a cosy little mystery, and didn't find the closeness of Alexander and Saffron to be off-putting with regards to the main plot--in fact, I thought it to be cute and realistic. I feel the book could have done with a tad more development character-wise between the two of them, but overall it is a nice novel to curl up with for an afternoon and I would recommend it.

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

I loved the cover and really enjoyed the story. It is a solid mystery with some great characters like Saafron and Alexander. The mystery starts after Saffron’s colleague is blamed and sent to jail for a crime she believes he didn’t commit. She starts to investigate to figure out who gave the poison and to prove her friend innocent. It really slowed down for me about 1/3 of the way in but picks back up after a bit. I found it an interesting story with great characters.

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons, by Kate Khavari
Publication Date: June 7th 2022
Rating: 5/5
An immersive piece of fiction that kept me riveted throughout. This novel follows botanical research assistant, Saffron Everleigh, on her mission to solve a poisoning at a prestigious dinner party. Whilst navigating a male-dominated university environment, Saffron must clear her mentor's name before it is too late. This book has a wonderfully Agatha-Christie feel to it. I loved reading Saffron's somewhat awkward interactions with the enigmatic, Dr Ashton, and following her as she sought to solve the crime. A brilliant piece of crime writing that kept me guessing throughout. So well researched too!

Lacking detail and poorly written. It falls just short of being a serviceable mystery, but too much of it felt off. A little anachronistic even. Too bad.

What a delightful, smart and imaginative debut novel by Kate Khavari! Poisoned champagne leads to a plant-based whodunit with a winning protagonist. Botanist Saffron Everleigh is a terrific main character to root for and cheer with. I loved the setting of University College London in the 1920's and the backdrop of an expedition to the Amazon to set the plot in motion. Fun & Fresh. Highly recommend.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. I found the characters to be well developed and believable, The backdrop of academia paired with a mystery and poisonous plants is not one that I have come across before, making this book a slight departure from the average cozy mystery.

i absolutely loved this book.
it’s so much more than your typical mystery and detective thriller.
i adored the writing, characters, setting, the plot, everything !!!!!
ALSO THE ROMANCE!! it was so cute i’m obsessed.

thank you so much for this ARC Crooked Lane Books!!! i cannot wait to buy the physical book!!

Also the trigger warnings for this book that i am aware of are: violence, sexism, and mentions of sexual assault / harassment.

3.5 Stars, rounded up!

This was a really fun historical thriller. There were moments where the pacing was a bit off for me, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I also really appreciated that our main character really stuck to her primary wants and needs with regards to the entire plot, not letting romance become a focus. However, the mystery is a bit easy to solve early on, and that really limited my ability to enjoy this as much as I wanted to.

Not only is the cover beautiful but the story is amazing as well. Once I started I didn't want to stop.And on top of that its a historical cozy mystery with a touch of romance , but that didn't take nothing from the story at all. The main part was the case and who done it , as well as how the poisons work and why would use them .

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC of A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari. What a fun historical mystery! Saffron Everleigh works as an assistant for Professor Maxwell at the University College in London, 1923. Her father had died in WW1, so she continued to work in the botany field. After another professor's wife was poisoned at a University event, Saffron worked to find evidence to clear Dr. Maxwell's name as he was arrested for the poisoning. She and another colleague, Alexander Ashton, followed leads and worked to find the guilty party. There are a few twists and turns to find the guilty parties and the way Saffron and Alex try to uncover the truth kept me turning the pages. I loved the botany connection and the poisonous plants in this story. Don't want to give too many details because it was entertaining to read about Saffron and how she managed to negotiate in this education setting in the 1920s since women were usually disregarded. I would love to read a sequel or second book in a series about Saffron and Alex!

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons By Kate Khavari was a good cozy mystery story which takes place in the early 1920’s.

Brief synopsis: Saffron is a Botanist at a University and she witnesses a friend of hers get poisoned by a rare and dangerous plant at a high society dinner held by the university. Saffron’s colleague is blamed and sent to jail for a crime she belives he didn’t commit. Saffron goes into high gear to determine who administered the poison and most of all to prove her friend innocent. Saffron begins investigating secret gardens, offices that don’t belong to her and hacks into desks that are locked for the investigation but when she finds herself in a very dangerous situation, it is up to her to determine if her safety is more important.

Overall Thoughts: I liked this book but didn’t love it. It was a nice change from the usual heart pumping suspense you find in mystery novels but I think that is what I like about mysteries. I referred to this book as a cozy mystery because it was easy to curl up with and read. I loved the main character and I felt like the author did a great job at pulling details from that time. I like how she was determined and strong willed and also extremely knowledgeable. I also liked that Khavari left it open at the end for a sequel. The cover is gorgeous and perfect for this book. I think the book could have had more character development with Alexander and I hope to see more of him in the next book (if there is one).

Overall Rating: I give this book a 3.5. I think I would have preferred more action and excitement but overall it was well done and easy to read. I loved the main character and the time that this book took place in. If cozy mysteries, potions, poisons and whodunnit books are your thing, then I think this one would be perfect for you. It gave me some Lost Apothecary Vibes, but this one was better.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Kavari and Crooked Lane books for this advanced copy. I am sure it will fly off the shelves and that people will love it!