Do you ever wonder how botanists spend their time? It is by researching poisonous plants and solving attempt to murder cases!.
This book was all about that and much more. The premise involved a university and the lives and politics surrounding the professionals involved.
The story was gripping from the get go and it was a real page turner. The hint of a romance was an added bonus.
Highly recommend to read this book.
Received an ARC from netgalley. Thank you netgalley for this amazing read!

Botany? Check. Poison? Check. Fearless academic searching for the truth? Check.

Kate Khavari's debut novel "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons" is a vine of mysteries perfect for those who love female-driven Sherlock Holmes novels. Saffron Everleigh, our heroine, is a woman in a man's field in 1920s London. Saffron has the credibility, education, know-how, and family connections to be a leader in the field of botany, but her male colleagues around her can't see past her one supposed fatal flaw: she's not a man.

This all changes when a colleague's wife drops to the floor at a party, poisoned. Saffron's mentor - one of the few colleagues who actually supports her research and work - is the accused. Realizing that her place in the botany department is jeopardized (and her kind boss doesn't seem like he'd be a murderer), Saffron pairs up with her Watson-like colleague, Alexander Ashton, to find the truth - including experimenting with poison themselves.

Saffron shines in this novel - she is the leader of her own investigation and she refuses to let less than pleasant colleagues to stop her or her growing friendship with Alexander distract her. This book is a must-read.

I felt like I was transported back to the 1920s and I LOVED it! The story was so incredibly atmospheric, and I flew through it. I never thought I'd learn this much about botany through a historical fiction book, but I'm absolutely not complaining! You can really see how much effort and work Kate put in to keep everything accurate.

Like Saffron, I'm a research assistant by day and I admired her character! She was very interesting and I really enjoyed watching her go through the process of trying to solve the mystery of the poisioning. I also really enjoyed watching her interact with Alexander and thought they worked quite well together!

I will admit I don't read as much mystery as I'd like to, and this 100% will make me read more mysteries! I'm very excited to see what comes next :))

A strong female character, some romance, a touch of science and the historical setting convinced me right away to read this book. The plot was well constructed and I enjoyed the mystery. It was an addictive read and I finished the book in one evening.

Although Saffron made some questionable decisions, I overall really liked her as a character. Her enthusiasm for plants and for her work is convincing and I enjoyed the setting in the academic world in historical London. I especially loved the botany aspect of this book. The descriptions of the greenhouses and the plants in particular were very creative.

I hope there will be a second book, because I would like to see what comes next for Saffron!

I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The mystery element is amazing and this book is well-written, the plot and twists are great and that cover art is gorgeous.

I usually read historical fiction from the Georgian/Regency/Victorian eras, but was intrigued by the blurb of this novel.

This is a mystery based in the academic world in post-Great War London. I was interested in the context of the heroine is a female academic at the time, rejecting her noble background to pursue a career in a sexist, male dominated world of science. Saffron is a daughter of a noted botanist, who was a viscount, but also a scientist working at the university, where she is now working as a research assistant to a mentor, Professor Maxwell. He was a colleague of her father's. Both her parents seemed to have a love of botany and plants, which was passed onto Saffron, but when she chose to pursue that as a career, she was not supported by her family and had to strike out on her own.

The start of the novel sets the scene, where the heroine meets the male protagonist, Alexander Ashton, at a social event celebrating a planned expedition to the Amazon. Her mentor, Dr. Maxwell, wanted to be part of this, but was rejected. Ashton is part of the planned expedition crew, headed by another professor, Dr. Henry. He is a man who seems rather notorious for his travel, but also for unfaithfulness to his wife, who is also at the party. Saffron, and Alexander, observe some interesting dynamics amongst the various people gathered at the gala. The night culminates in a toast to the expedition team, which ends with Dr. Henry's wife suddenly collapsing after taking some of the champagne. She ends up in a coma in the hospital and the police are brought in to investigate for a possible poisoning.

Dr. Maxwell turns out to have a specialty and interest in poisonous plants, and in light of some recent arguments in various people involved, is taken away by the police under suspicion of being the poisoner. Saffron cannot believe this is possible of her mentor and proceeds to investigate, with Alexander's assistance, what the poison could be, and who else could be involved.

I initially found the beginning of the book to be a bit slow and hard to get into, as it was a very detailed description of the party and those gathered about it. But it laid the groundwork as to various relationship dynamics and personalities of people involved. It did not help that the layout of the text was varying and inconsistent, but mine was a preview copy, so that should be eradicated in the final published work I presume. Regardless, the author did set up the atmosphere of the book, leading up the poisoning.

I enjoyed the development of the characters of Saffron and Alexander, and their relationship. She seems to be quite passionate about her research but very aware of being a female researcher and how others view her, and the struggle of being recognized. As it is, she appears to have had a number of negative experiences with other men in the department, which has made her wary, but also helps to frame her relationship with Dr. Maxwell, as he seems supportive of her academic endeavours and also father figure to her. So it is understandable how far she would go to prove him innocent.

Alexander is a good foil for her, and it was very intriguing how the author framed some of his experiences, such as being an injured World War I vet, and dealing with "shell shock". I did feel that perhaps more could have been done to more greatly explore this; it did feel rather glossed over to me, especially as there is a connection between Saffron and Alexander, since her father died in the war.

Through their work together, investigating the mystery of the poisoning, they develop a trust and friendship in each other, that becomes and attraction as well, but a cautious one. Especially in light of the expedition to the Amazon is still on, and any budding relationship would have to put up with a 6 month absence from each other. That is ultimately what happens, which makes me think that there is a future story involving these two, and perhaps more about their pasts and how it molds them into who they are.

Overall, after I got through the party at the beginning, I found the pace picked up and enjoyed the mystery that unfolded. I found that the author was very good at defining the various personalities involved, and there was a very creative use of botany and the plant descriptions. The description of the suspected poisonous plants and their effects were very colourful and particularly creative. I do look forward to any future storylines about Saffron and Alexander, and the development of their relationship. I would love to see if the Amazon figures in a story, and how Saffron proceeds with her career.

I received a preview copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

A historical fiction with a good premise and a strong female character. The narrative supports the backdrop and gels seamlessly. The romantic portions pulls down the flavour and the theme and becomes cliched. Still an interesting book which would be better with some more emphasis on the botany part.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the copy of this book. My review will be short but honest. The premise of the book was interesting and the main characters well developed. It was a good mystery but I couldn't help but feel it ended more suddenly. It was a shorter book too, probably could have been expanded some. Overall though, a quick interesting read.

I love finding new series and A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons is amazing! The characters are so well done and I am looking forward to getting to know Saffron Everleigh better! A rare woman in the academic world, she is working on her graduate studies in Botany when her mentor is arrested for murder. She doesn't believe he is a murderer and decides to clear his name. Alexander Ashton is a worthy sidekick and just maybe something more. As they investigate the shenanigans of the department and university's faculty and staff, they uncover several motives for murder! The plot is extremely well done and Kate Khavari is a wonderful storyteller. I look forward to the next book! Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read #ABotanistsGuidetoPartiesandPoisons.

A well rounded and intriguing story, accurately describing both the historical and geographical settings. Interestingly developed characters and twists which keep one's attention throughout, endearing and chiking at the same times. Excellent read.

This was my first book to read by this author and I can’t wait to read more!! The characters are so well written and really stick with you long after you finish this unique story. Do yourself a favor and read this now!!

In 1923, females on staff at educational institutions had to have very thick skin and a tolerance for harassment. Meet Saffron Everleigh, a new research assistant at the University College of London, who attends a party where, instead of scientific subjects, she meets an intriguing new researcher and then witnesses the wife of a senior professor collapse after sipping champagne. The toxin in the bubbles is unknown. Saffton’s beloved mentor Dr. Maxwell, a collector of exotic flora, is arrested for the crime. At first relying on the neutrality of the police, she soon decides to do her own investigations. With the sometimes reluctant help of Alexander Ashton, the new researcher, she embarks on a risky series of explorations that lead to a deadly stand-off with the villains. Feisty heroine, handsome sidekick with personal troubles, exotic poisons, evil antagonists…a great mix. By page ten I was hooked! Thanks to Crooked Lane and Net Galley I have a new author to follow.

London, 1923. Saffron Everleigh is leading the way as the first female botanist at her school. She loves her field and things could only be better if she could travel and study in South America. But when you professor is accused of murder, all bets are off and she needs to prove his innocence before all bets are off.

I cannot tell you how much I loved reading this book. I feel like a glass dome came down and I was in my own world reading and living the story in my mind. The author has such a way with words that I was consumed by the story and could not put it down. I’m hoping there’s more to come from this author, because she has me totally in her written sway!

I INHALED this book. I have some general gripes (lots of things are farfetched, characters could've been fleshed out more, the ending isn't what I hoped it would be), but this book is SO FUN. It's great for a 'turn your brain off' type of read, or if you just want to unwind with something pretty low-maintenance, which I always love in a book.

This story was everything I dreamed it would be and more !!
Saffron Everleigh you have a new biggest fan. I practically inhaled it!

Set in London 1923, research assistant Saffron Everleigh is thrust into the middle of a poisoning/almost murder investigation!! Together with the help of the charming Alexander Ashton, Saffron must help clear the name of her accused professor.
I'm just going to be here singing praises for this book until the end of time because I truly had the best time.

What a brilliant read! Saffron was such a great main character - sometimes main characters tend to be a little annoying but friends this was not one of those times.

I simply can not wait for Book 2. This was such an atmospheric read and the reader could really feel the depth of the story. I loved all the descriptions and history !! I not only had a blast reading this but learned so much along the way! You could tell that this was such a well researched book so hats off to you Miss Kate

A Botanists Guide to Parties and Poisons only releases in 2022 but I am way to excited about this release and had to post my thoughts immediately😂❤️

Saffron is the first female botanist at her University and she loves her job. Still, it would be great to be going on the next expedition to South America. If only murder doesn't ruin the whole trip! Her boss is accused of poisoning a colleague's wife, but Saffron is sure he didn't do it. She only has 2 weeks to solve the crime before the suspects are out of reach.

This was a fun book with a likeable main character, but she makes some ludicrously bad decisions. Very farfetched action.

I cannot speak enough praise for this book! It's an old-fashioned caper in all the best ways with a strong female lead and lots of twists along the way. I found Khavari's style to be truly refreshing, blending the old Agatha Christie styles of mystery with a decidedly fresh and intriguing twist. This one is a thrill ride you'll want to read! (thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book!)

If you like a post WWI romp, with a mystery, Botany, and a chance to learn some things about plants that you did not know before, then this is the perfect book for you. The characters are not all annoying (like this can be in such books) and they are flawed in very relatable ways (which indicated brilliant writing and research by the author imo.) The story was fun, it had good pacing, a perfect flow and ebb that really keeps you hooked. I loved this book, and could not put it down.

Crooked Lane Books Thank you for this advanced ebook!
NetGalley thank you for the opportunity!
And Author thank you for the amazing book!

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari was such a great story!
The murder mystery was so fun and incredibly interesting!
The history and science was great and well written.
I was hooked and invested from the beginning.
Saffron and Alexander are simply the best characters ever! I absolutely loved them!
So many secrets! So many surprises! This book left me wanting more in the best of ways.
I couldn't get enough! And really enjoyed and loved everything about this story!

Thank you again for the opportunity to read and review this ebook!

Omg Saffron and Ashton are amazing this mystery is just fantastic I love learning about all the flowers and how they are poisonous. I also love be the side characters of Elizabeth and Maxwell whom Saffie is trying to get off of charges. And even the Inspectors and detectives were great.