I didn't read the first book but I love a woman in history making her own way (and having a love triangle of her own making! *gasp*). The mystery was interesting and not as predictable as I thought! I'm going to track down the first book!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Unfortunately, I just wasn't able to get into the writing. When I had requested it, I hadn't known it was book #2, so perhaps I would've been more engaged had I already read book #1.

When 1920s London women start receiving poisonous bouquets, it’s up to Saffron to figure it out and show her male counterparts how it’s done. The second in a series, this book will keep you up late waiting for the next chapter.

It's been several months since Alexander Ashton left on the Amazon expedition, and Saffron Everleigh looks forward to his letters, and tracks the group's progress on a map.

She hasn't been sitting around pining or bored, though. Saffron is one of two on a research study, her first, to determine and document poisonous plants and their effects. Saffron is paired with Dr. Michael Lee from the nearby hospital.

She is frustrated with him as he's messed up her office with all his papers, and he flirts with her shamelessly and constantly. Interestingly, he fully respects her, unlike the rest of the biology department, which, not being party to the details of the criminal behaviour Saffron unearthed in book one, continue to sneer at her and assume she only kept her position because she has something on the dean.

Saffron and Lee' poison research becomes particularly important when wealthy women in town are found dead, with beautiful bouquets found with them. Inspector Green asks for Saffron's help as he has no leads, and no ins with the wealthy crowd.

Saffron immediately begins researching the meaning of the flowers using the Victorian system of floriography (a.k.a "the language of flowers", or coded meanings of each type of bloom) and informs the Inspector that the sender seemed to be pointing to particular failings in each dead woman.

Saffron and Lee also begin going to Jazz clubs as a way to insert themselves into the lives of the dead women's friends, leading to revelations about the pervasiveness of drug use, thwarted hopes and jealousy.

I was a little surprised when I started this to find a new possible love interest, but I enjoyed Saffron's and Lee's sparring and working together. I also liked how we see the professional repercussions of Saffron's actions in book one, and though there is continued resistance from her colleagues, Saffron is still in London at the university, doing what she loves, rather than back home as her family demands.

As a bit of an aside, Elizabeth is wonderful, and I love Saffron and her relationship.

Saffron's use of floriography immediately reminded me of Nancy Springer's Enola Holmes' mother's sly use of the Victorian code. It proves vital to Saffron ability to decrypt the murderer's bouquets, as well as leading her to the identity of the killer. Which was a bit of a surprise.

What was also a surprise, and a good one, was even though Ashton returned partway through this book, there was no prolonged, annoying love triangle (thank goodness!) In fact, Saffron makes an interesting choice, and I am anxious for the next book, particularly with that surprise ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.

The second book in the Saffron Everleigh series does not disappoint. This time the botanist turned sleuth is helping the police figure out who's killing people with bouquets of flowers. Since Alexander is still on his research trip through South America, her new office partner Dr Lee has to help Saffron with the investigation. The two make a marvellous team and there is more than just the regular/scientific chemistry between the two.

- Good storyline
- didn’t see ending coming; came out of nowhere- not enough clues in the storyline-only two vague clues mentioned
- sets up next book in series
-slow burn read until end; picks up fast
-some descriptions not clear; felt I missed half the story
-enjoyed learning facts about different flowers, how they can be used, and their symbols
-Audiobook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- loved the narrator's voice and all the different character voices used!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really like Saffron as a character. Shes smart and funny, almost gives me like Hermoine vibes. I felt the mystery was better in this one than the first, a better plot to say the least. I am a Biology major and have taken lots of plant classes (my fav being one about how plants can help/harm people) and I recently learned in New Orleans how in the early 1900's people would send specific flowers to send messages, it made me happy to see all of these references and information being used in this book.

I was happy to catch up with Saffron and travel back in time. This is the second book in this series and starts just after the first, this means it's better read them in series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Dnf, I couldn't get into this in a similar way as the first book.

Thank you nwtgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review

A Botantist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatalities is Kate Khavari’s second in the Saffron Everleigh series. This is truly a series in that book two picks up right away without a reintroduction of the characters and setting. As little background information is provided, you need to read book one (A Botantist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons) first.

Set in London in the 1920s, Saffron Everleigh is an independent woman, following in her father’s footsteps to study science. After her adventures in book 1, the police ask Saffron to identify flowers that were gifted to two women just before each of them was murdered. Saffron can’t stop at just identifying the flowers, and along with her colleague, Dr. Lee sets off to learn what happened to the young women.

The book tells of Saffron’s and Dr. Lee’s escapades, attending high society parties. I didn’t have the mystery solved early on as there were a lot of potential suspects

If you’re a fan of classic mysteries and historic London, then you should pick up this series. I appreciate that the main character is a woman with a male sidekick, flipping the traditional detective-assistant roles around a bit. I was sometimes frustrated that Saffron repeatedly put herself in situations that could comprise her reputation, but I get that it was necessary for the plot.

I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series (although the first is good too)! This book didn’t have to build up the characters and background information, so it didn’t take as long to get into the mystery.

As the story progresses and you learn more about the characters, you’ll think you’ve figured out the culprit. Maybe you’re a better sleuth than me, but I’ll stick to reading about crimes rather than solving them, as I didn’t pick the right suspect.

I switched back and forth between the digital version and the audiobook. Jodie Harris did a wonderful job narrating.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advanced digital copy.

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality, the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery, is as brilliant as the 1st book. To be honest, it was even better.

1920s London isn’t the ideal place for a brilliant woman with lofty ambitions. But research assistant Saffron Everleigh is determined to beat the odds in a male-dominated field at the University College of London. Saffron embarks on her first research study alongside the insufferably charming Dr. Michael Lee, traveling the countryside with him in response to reports of poisonings. But when Detective Inspector Green is given a case with a set of unusual clues, he asks for Saffron’s assistance.

The victims, all women, received bouquets filled with poisonous flowers. Digging deeper, Saffron discovers that the bouquets may be more than just unpleasant flowers— there may be a hidden message within them, revealed through the use of the old Victorian practice of floriography. A dire message, indeed, as each woman who received the flowers has turned up dead.

Alongside Dr. Lee and her best friend, Elizabeth, Saffron trails a group of suspects through a dark jazz club, a lavish country estate, and a glittering theatre, delving deeper into a part of society she thought she’d left behind forever.

Will Saffron be able to catch the killer before they send their next bouquet, or will she find herself with fatal flowers of her own in Kate Khavari’s second intoxicating installment.

It's never easy to be a woman in a man's world and I absolutely love how independent, brave, smart and charming Saffron is. All the mystery and murder somewhat reminded me of Agatha Christie's novels. I was able to join the dots and successfully guessed whodunit. But the revelation was so much better I had guessed. I can't wait for the next book!

So if you like mystery novels set in 1920s, with strong minded female characters, then this is a must read for you.

Thank you Kate Khavari, the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The second installment in Kate Khavari’s Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, set in 1920’s London, features the old Victorian practice of Floriography. Khavari provides adequate backstory without spoiling the plot if readers decide to read the first installment, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons.

In this novel Khavari explores family expectations and the struggle of women in a male-dominated field. Saffron’s research career choice has created a “gulf of separation” within her family, connecting readers across generations to social and emotional truths of personal choices then and now. The tension in the professional and personal relationship between Saffron and her colleague, Dr. Michael Lee, is interspersed with infuriating dialogue, endearing body language, humorous situations, and life-saving discoveries! Khavari’s characters are skillfully revealed through conflicts between several detectives and their attempts to solve the mystery involving three murders. She layers the murderous plot with exquisite descriptions of flowers and possible meanings while immersing readers in the eye-opening world of The Blue Room jazz club. The underworld of cocaine and its use in the past is brought to light as Saffron dons the beguiling disguise as Sally Eversby.

Kate Khavari delivers “killer bouquets” filled with flowers of friendship, abandonment, and pain, arranged in a potent, perfumed mystery: A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality.

Thank you, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for the chance to read and review A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari!

I'm not going to lie; I dislike the name Saffron, but I love the book. Saffron was an incredibly realistic character, one that a lot of us will be able to relate to.

For instance, at one point, I felt that Saffron's attitude towards Amelia was a bit judgmental; yet, as the book went on, I realized that the author did this deliberately to show Saffron as a human being, warts and all. Even though we can see that Saffron herself is doing something amazing and hard and is absolutely a feminist, there is definitely some internalized misogyny at play, something we're all guilty of. And we also see Saffron not respond well to her colleagues horrible treatment of her. I like this because this, once again, makes her a more interesting character, and one that we see ourselves in.

In general, I liked the way Kate Khavari handled all her characters. This might be a bit spoiler-y, but I don't hate Alexander for how he acted –he is a product of his time and can only rise above so much. We also saw things coming from a mile away with Lee and Saffron, and that’s a ship that I love. And while I wholeheartedly ship them, I do have to say that I preferred the ending.

I just want to be clear that even though the book is part of a series, it works well on its own and can be treated like a standalone, although I am tempted to pick up the first book because of this.

I don’t have any criticism for the author. The book ranges between 4-5 stars, but that entirely based on personal preference and less to do with the quality of it.

Tldr: will be picking up the next one!

This was a great follow up to the first book. These books are a lot of fun and great cozy mysteries. I could have done without a love triangle but I'm excited for the next book.

I absolutely love this series. I was never a mystery reader but there is something about these books that definitely makes me a believer. Saffron has to be at this point one of my favorite characters of all time. I think that her character has a great development arc. Her aptitude for getting herself into the most precarious of situations is a real talent for sure. All of the supporting characters are well written and add so much to the story. Lee was a real treat and I feel like him and Saffron compliment each other really well. I was excited to see Ashton make his way back into the story as well. I cannot wait to see where the next book goes!!

This is book 2 in the Saffron Everleigh mystery series (set in the 1920's) and it picks up where the first book left off. Ashton, her friend and potential beau is on an expedition in the Amazon. Saffron has been partnered in a research project with Dr Michael Lee to look into poisonings and the effects of these.
Once again Saffron is feeling the loneliness and dealing with a lot of misogynists in having a role and the London University which is not quite ready to see women as equals. She is thrilled however, when Inspector Green of the police, seeks her assistance with two murders in which a deadly bouquet of flowers was found to have been delivered. Saffron at once has her interest piqued and sets off to investigate the deaths in her own way. Roping in Lee to assist with infiltrating a social circle, Saffron quickly finds herself in a world of decadence and drug use.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.

A classic gothic style murder-mystery that Agatha Christie would be proud of.
There are secrets, rich people's behind the curtain lives. Mystery, intrigue, WHO-dun-it and of course poison.
This is book 2 in Saffron Everleigh's mystery series. And this time around Saffron, along with her firends, might just have to go back to where she started.
A fabulous series with a fantastic female lead with just enough mystery and intrigue to make us readers forget we don't know about the character's whole life, but rather we know just enough to see Saffron cannot do it alone. and everyone has secrets.
Plus, there's the fact we are accustomed to flowers for happier occasions than a murder/crime scene.
I wish this author would have gone even darker with this tale.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a complimentary copy of this novel! This is book 2 in the Saffron Everleigh Mysteries. This novel takes place in 1920s London. Saffron works at the male dominated University College specializing in flowers and plants. We see her working alongside Dr. Michael Lee. When women who received bouquets of poisonous flowers, detective Green goes to Saffron to request her help in identifying them. Soon, both she and Dr. Lee become embroiled in trying to figure out who is killing these women and why. Dangers lurk around every corner they turn in London…from nightclubs to grand mansions!!! Will Saffron and Lee be able to find and stop who is behind the poisonings before it’s too late and without harm to themselves? This novel is currently available to purchase as of June 6, 2023!

Kate Khavari's "A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality" has blossomed into a captivating sequel that will keep you hooked from the first petal to the last. Set in the dazzling backdrop of 1920s London, this delightful mystery follows the intrepid botanist Saffron Everleigh as she dives headfirst into a web of poisonous flowers and perplexing murders.

Saffron Everleigh, a brilliant woman determined to make her mark in a male-dominated field, takes center stage once again. With the insufferably charming Dr. Michael Lee by her side, the pair ventures into the countryside chasing clues, all while trying not to get tangled in their own growing affections. As bouquets of deadly flowers become grim messengers, Saffron unearths the hidden language of floriography, adding an enchanting layer to the mystery.

Khavari's vivid portrayal of 1920s London is nothing short of enchanting. From the dark allure of jazz clubs to the opulence of country estates and glittering theaters, the vibrant setting immerses readers in an era of societal transformation and allure. While the middle section of the book may have meandered a tad, the charm of the characters and the informative glimpse into floriography make up for it, providing a rewarding reading experience.

"A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality" is a captivating historical mystery that combines the intoxicating Jazz Age atmosphere with a feisty and intelligent protagonist. Saffron Everleigh's refusal to be confined by societal expectations adds an empowering touch to the narrative. If you're a fan of strong female leads, 1920s London, and a cleverly constructed plot, this is a book you won't want to miss. So grab your detective hat and prepare to unravel the secrets hidden within the language of flowers—this blooming delight won't disappoint!

Thank to you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an e-galley in exchange for an honest review. This is a title I've been impatient to get my hands on! I'm glad the author subtly refreshed the reader on certain critical details that came out of the first book, or some of it would've been very confusing. This was a delight to read, especially because I've always enjoyed the idea of floriography and using flowers to send messages covertly. Turning it into a sinister message that precluded a murder? Brilliant! As it was the first novel, there were times I wanted to shake Saffron due to her stubbornness, but she also laid out her perspective very well. It can't be easy to be a woman, in her field, at that time, with all the things that have happened in her past that hover over her. There was one character that I had completely forgotten about that kept occurring (trying to not spoil anything!) that I could've done without? I just didn't care for them, their perspective, and I'm glad Saffron ultimately chose the path she did. I now suspect that this author plans to have this as a long installment of novels, as there are so many juicy details and threads that have been dropped that a serious chunk of titles is going to be needed to address all of them. Looking forward to the next one!