A cozy mystery set in 1920’s London where a botanist’s assistant is pushed into trying to figure out who might’ve tried to poison someone at a party. While the premise and the initial pacing of the book were very interesting and good, I found the pacing slowing down halfway through. Near the middle of the book the main drive was replaced by simple curiosity and I don’t feel like it was enough of a good reason for the protagonist to keep investigating. However, I did enjoy the general mystery and the search for the truth, as well as the relationship between Saffron and Alexander. I found some bits to be a little unconvincing but all in all I enjoyed reading the book as it did get better for me towards the end. Saffron was very driven and her expertise in botany sets her up as the perfect asset in the investigation, and in possible future investigations hinted at towards the ending. I hope to read more adventures and hopefully more of Saffron and Alexander’s relationship in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This whodunit was fine. It followed the usual pace and flow of the average mystery novel. The characters were likeable but I didn't find them particularly interesting. That's kind of the whole of how I felt about this mystery novel - It wasn't groundbreaking or particularly interesting. It was fine.

Also, I expected more reference to the period being that it's set in the 1920s. But I felt like this could have taken place in any time considering how little description there was.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I gave this book 3 stars on my goodreads.

This book follows Saffron Everleigh who is in a race against time to free her wrongly accused professor for murder. She attends a formal dinner in which one of the attendees gets poisoned and slips into a coma. Together her and one of the other attendees Anthony team together to uncover the truth.
I love the premise of this book. The cover is absolutely stunning. The time period, the mystery but I just couldn’t get into it. The writing style just wasn’t for me so half way through I knew it was just going to be a three star read. Which is still good I loved the cosy mystery atmosphere it created and the characters. I just couldn’t get into it as much as I wanted too!
I also found the romance a bit random. Sometimes for me romance in mystery books is a bit strange and takes me out of the mystery!
I’d still highly recommend this book to others. Parts of it just wasn’t for me but I know a lot of people are going to love this!
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review

Interesting topic. The interaction between the female protagonist and their other characters was good if sometimes a little unbelievable. I hope this is the beginning of a good and long historical fiction series.

Parties and poisons, oh, my! I had to pick up this novel, with a title like that. Something ghastly is going on in the botany department at the University College of London, and it is 1923.

The protagonist of this story is Saffron Everleigh, the only female research assistant at the college, and it goes without saying that this was a hard road in 1923. One evening, at a dinner party, a professor’s wife is poisoned, and Saffron is a witness. When her elderly boss, Dr. Maxwell, is accused of and arrested for this poisoning, Saffron is determined to find out what really happened, and to clear the name of a man who has been very dear to her.

Meanwhile, the botany department is preparing for an important expedition to the Amazon, and Saffron must assist another scientist, Alexander Ashton, in his preparations for the trip. Gradually, she finds a friend and confidant in Alexander, and persuades him to help her piece together the mystery of the poisoning of Dr. Henry’s wife.

Actually, this story is almost as much romance as it is mystery. The writing style is very charming, and the conversations seemed natural. I did find some of Saffron’s actions outrageously dangerous and not smart enough for her character. Also, the mystery itself is not all that interesting--and yet, I did enjoy reading this story. The author has done a lovely job setting the stage for this novel, making it easy for me to picture the quaint buildings and even step inside.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this pleasure!

I truly hope this is the beginning of a series because I need more Saffron + Alexander!

This unlikely duo sets out to solve the mysterious poisoning of a faculty member's wife during a dinner party. Along the way they manage to find plenty of adventure and trouble as they get closer to the truth of what happened.

The mystery storyline had me guessing until the end, but the secondary plot-lines of soldiers suffering from PTSD and women struggling to belong in academia in the 1920s were also so important & so well-done.

Highly recommend this fast-pasted whodunit when it releases in Spring 2022!

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons
Kate Khavari
Release date: 07 Jun 2022

Synopsis:
"London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.

Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition's departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.

Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?"

Review:
The gorgeous cover of this book drew me in! Also, the fact that I wanted to be a botanist when I was young.

Good book - highly recommend! Nancy Drew meets the Botany/Biology Department at the University College of London! Love the main character's name - Saffron Everleigh. Saffron is a research assistant and a gifted botanist who witnesses the poisoning of a professor's wife. Her boss and mentor is implicated in the plot and it is up to Saffron to prove him innocent with her knowledge of poisonous plants. In doing so, she exposes the dark under-belly of university politics! Please put on your TBR list.

Pick up a copy of this book when it's released - you won't be disappointed!

I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I will freely admit that it was the cover of A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons that piqued my interest in this book. Well, the cover and the reference to poisons in the title—as a toxicologist, I’m always game to read about poisons. Unfortunately, the cover is one of the best parts about this book, and although there are some other highlights, this book was ultimately a letdown.

The thing I liked most about this book was the botany. I have a background in biology, and although I’ve taken several classes that required me to learn about plants, the information didn’t stick as well as the info about human and animals. I therefore enjoyed learning about Saffron’s work and learning some of the specifics about botany, gardening, and plant hybrids. Her knowledge was pretty expansive, and I loved that she could hold her own intellectually in conversation with her male counterparts.

Unfortunately, I didn’t really care for a lot else. Saffron was a fun character, but her habit of jumping to conclusions led to a lot of unrealistic theories. She also just wasn’t that great of a detective, often coming across more as the sidekick than the lead or an equal partner in the investigation. The mystery itself was overly convoluted, and I’m not even 100% sure that I understood how everything shook out. There were too many red herrings, and it didn’t seem as if Saffron and Alexander actually found enough to solve the mystery. Rather, it was more that the villains decided to stop the detective duo from getting any further in their investigation and that put an end to things.

I thought the romance between Saffron and Alexander had potential, but it didn’t really go anywhere, and the ending left things up in the air. The ending in and of itself also felt really abrupt. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a sequel or what, but I felt like an epilogue was needed to wrap things up properly.

I also thought there were several smaller storylines that could’ve been cut to improve the pacing. The book moves pretty slowly for probably the first 80% and then flies through the final 20%. I had a hard time making myself pick up this book to get through it, which is never a good thing. I think cutting storylines like Alexander’s PTSD and the use of Saffron’s father’s research would’ve helped tighten the narrative. Alternatively, they could’ve been expanded on and given more depth to the characters, but as it was, these storylines really just seemed like afterthoughts to try and add a little drama.

Overall, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons gave a unique setting and some interesting information on botany, not to mention a gorgeous cover, but as a not-murder mystery, it wasn’t a hit for me.

I was given this Advanced Readers' Copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books!

A Botanist's Guide to Parties & Poisons is a cozy mystery meets historical fiction kind of book. It's a mixture of Agatha Christie & Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Safron Everleigh, our main character, is a botanist, who struggles to prove herself in the academia dominated mostly by men. She's really lovable and I love how her character has so much depth & how her mind works especially in carrying out an investigation.

Although the characters refer to plants in their scientific names, you wouldn't really mind it and it's not as intimidating as I thought it would be. PLUS, I love the subtle hint of romance BUT I was really set to not trust anyone on this book so I thought he was the real suspect.

All in all, I love this book. I was just hooked from its book cover to the main story!

I loved the unique name from our leading lady and the premise of the story was just as compelling. Is a great mystery with just the right pinch of romance. The book is well written and the pacing isn’t so bad. The author did a great job writing the difficulties of being a woman in academia during that era with our ambitious Saffron, so kudos for that.

A new author for me, I was drawn in by the cover and the title! Plants, poison, and a cast of interesting characters made for quite the adventure. Once the pace was set, it was quite the page turner. The last few chapters were a nail biting, must continue reading to find out what happened.

Hopefully it's the beginning of a series because I'm sure Saffron has more adventures to embark on.


Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for this advance copy.

When I see any book on poisons or botanical medicines I’m hooked already. I wish there was a movement to write more of these type books! There are so many applications in our history to include botanical references.

"A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poison" was a cute, adventure-packed book that you can read in one sitting.

it had things that I value the most in books which was a very lovable and not "flat"/shallow main character, a
cute slow-burn romance, and very well woven plot twists.

after I got through the 50% mark in the book I already knew I'd give this book 3 stars, and my rating didn't change.

don't get me wrong! 3 stars is still good, I enjoyed this book and how atmospheric and sweet it was, but I think I could've enjoyed it more if the plot was more complex. the story of this novel was interesting, but, in my
opinion, it could've been explored deeper and much more engaging. which probably would've made my rating jump up much higher.

especially near the end, I feel like there should have been moments that made me go "oh my god, this definitely deserves 4 stars," but there weren't. from the first to the last page this book felt "average" and it didn't have bad moments that made me think less of it, but at the same time it didn't have moments that made me love it with my whole heart, like most books with this much potential.

no matter in which direction this book goes in the future, I wish the author good luck with improving it and publishing!

Cozy mystery meets historical fiction in A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons.

London set in the 19020s Saffron is a young female assistant to a professor in a male-dominated world. While attending a formal dinner, a guest is poisoned, and the professor she works for is accused of the act. With the help of Alexander, she sets out to uncover the truth and clear her mentor of the accusations.

Saffron is an intelligent and stimulating personality. Her potential love interest Alexander is also likeable and has hidden depth which I would like to see more of him.

I didn't feel there was too much in the way of highlighting the roaring 20s, but if you enjoy a strong female lead and mysteries, you’ll probably enjoy this book.

This was a very interesting book that kept me hooked until the last page!
I loved Saffron and Alexander's adventure to find out who really poisoned Mrs. Henry! Also, Saffron was such a brave and strong character! I love how she faced her abuser and realised that she's much more powerfull than he is!
Elizabeth was one of the greatest literary BFFs I've ever seen! She's amazing!
I definitely reccomend this book!

Trigger warning:
-Poisoning
-Mentions of death
-Sexual Assault
-Sexism
-Fraud (con style)

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I wanted to pick it up the entire time I was reading it. I do have some problems with it, though. The start was really slow and it was quite hard to get into. Also the ending felt really rushed and I just wasn't really satisfied with the ending. Overall, it did really enjoy it and would recommend it!

I liked Saffron and Ashton. And her struggles as the lone woman at the university great. Didn’t like when Ashton was like “but I know what it is like to be underestimated.” It was in his head and there was no opportunity for that thought to be challenged which annoyed me. Some of the relationships seem unresolved….sequel i am guessing.

Overall it was a fun romp and I enjoyed it.
3.5 stars but I’ll round up because i think this author and series has potential.

Thank you to netgally and the publisher for this arc! (Sorry for typos, I’m in my phone!)

Saffron and Alexander’s off-the-books investigation of the attempted murder of Mrs. Henry (a faculty member’s wife) will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Although the characters frequently reference plants by their scientific names, it can still be easily understood by the average reader. This historical fiction, with the smallest pin prick of romance, utilizes many of the well-loved tropes of mystery novels without losing its individuality 🔬🪴

London University during the roaring 20's. Saffron is a young assistant to a botanist professor and must navigate forcefully yet with diplomacy to earn the respect of her peers. She attends a formal dinner organized to celebrate the start of a new expedition to the Amazon, where she meets Anthony, a specialist in bacteria and she soon swoons over him. Later that evening, the wife of the expedition leader suddenly falls into a coma after being poisoned. Together with Anthony, she does everything she can to clear the name of her mentor who is quickly accused to be the culprit.
The main story happens in the offices of the university, which is very well depicted. I was transported to that period, inside stuffy rooms filled with books and possibilities. The mystery is rather easy and there is the blooming romance between Saffron and Anthony as a side.
Saffron is a nice character, she is trying her best to own her place in the academic world, yet she is still hesitating, doubting herself. She is quirky and fun and I liked her. The content is just as its beautiful cover promises: colorful and detailed with a touch of humor. A very nice read indeed.

A very sincere thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The title and the cover of this book immediately caught my attention. After reading the blurb I knew I had to read this book ASAP. Luckily I was approved for an ARC from NetGalley And Crooked Lane Books.
A bit historical fiction with a heaping dose of cozy mystery and suspense shaken with a sweet blossoming romance complete with very proper flirting — if any of this piques your interest preorder this book NOW and mark your calendars for June 7, 2022!
I could’ve easily read this book in one sitting with the company of several cups of tea. I have a 4-year-old and responsibilities so alas that wasn’t possible. Instead I completed this book over two nights of late reading (and maybe a page or two whenever I could grab a moment). Yes, this book hooked me. I adore Saffron Everleigh and desperately want to be invited to her apartment to gossip over tea - and her jewel of a roommate must be present for this gab session. Between Elizabeth and I, I’m sure we can get Saff to spill ALL the details about Mr. Ashton! After tea, I do hope there’s a walk through the greenhouse as well. I definitely need more of Saffron Everleigh in my life!