This book was both fascinating and informative and the author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject really comes through.

Looking at the history of vegetables, Alexander discusses the importance of heirloom seeds, biodiversity, and how there is great diversity between regional varieties of vegetables.

The author frequently remarks on their own garden which I now have great envy over. Being a collector, they have sort out many varieties of vegetables and the joy that they have when discussing them is infectious.

I definitely recommend this book to fans of gardening.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

Whilst reading this book I kept wondering how large a garden the author has. Each chapter focuses on a particular vegetable. Once discovered often after painstaking research and miles of travel the author grows the vegetables he finds.

If you have ever wondered how seeds are named and where they originated this is for you. Lovely to dip into to take your mind off other topics!

A fabulously positive book about the origins of our vegetables.
Adam Alexander really shares his enthusiasm for the subject of seed saving, heritage vegetables and the great regional variations in varieties that can still be found if you look hard enough.
Reading his book has given me a better understanding of not just where the vegetables we eat and grow originate, but also where and how I might go about getting my hands on some more interesting varieties myself.
I will certainly have some new additions to my allotment next season each with their own story to tell.

Many thanks to Adam Alexander and Netgalley do the ARC.

Adam Alexander has written an incredible book- not a phrase used lightly but worthy of such a statement. The Seed Detective explores the variety of vegetables around us ; exploring the origins of the plants and the development , variation and propagation of their seeds as they “ migrate “ around the planet over centuries of human movement and seed collecting. Mr Alexander is a seed collector and has travelled to the furthest corners of the planet in his desire to save and share seeds. His passion is really infectious and the stories he tells of the people he has met are a delight. As well as a book of facts and details, this is a book with a clear message - a call to arms- that WE the reader, consumer, gardener and plant lover need to be aware more than ever about the beauty of the everyday vegetable and the variety of types and flavours we are losing through the advancement of the global market and seed contamination and cross pollination. However this is not a book with negative tales of woe but a bright light being shone on these incredible plant species that humbly take a role in our everyday lives.
This is a a book to savour- no pun intended - but to be read slowly; this is a book to be devoured in several bites or one long feast … this is also a book to return to when a new growing season begins or throughout the year as plants reach that value point of ‘ going to seed ‘ A must for gardeners, environmentalists or anyone who cares deeply about what they eat and the world around them. this is an incredible tour de force and Adam Alexander needs to be given a heartfelt thank you for writing such an important and informative book

If you are interesting in heirloom seeds and biodiversity this is as fascinating and gripping as a mystery
Highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine