- book 2 in series
- Good storyline
- didn’t see ending coming; came out of nowhere
- sets up next book in series
-slow burn read until end; picks up fast
-some descriptions not clear; felt I missed half the story
-Audiobook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- great voice inflection and used a different voice for each character

A fantastic second book in the series that keeps everything fresh for the reader and the protagonist. I am loving Saffron's character evolution.

Dear A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality,
You are a lark of a series. Somehow, while dealing with murder in the victorian era in England, you manage to have a whole lot of fun. Saffron is just a beautiful character, with wit and charm and so much to adore about her. She always manages to get the best of the men that flock to her as well. I loved the twists that you had at the end; I 100% did not figure it all out until all was revealed. I am going to continue with this whole series as they come out, because they are just so enjoyable.

This book was such slow going. I loved book one but this one was just not for me.
I tried really hard but it was not for me.

I was torn with this review... If I were a paid reviewer, I'd probably write this very differently, but I’m not, so I’m going to focus more on the positives and here's what I've got for now:

I liked the first book enough to request the second, and I will definitely continue with at least one more book in the series. The story is amusing and mostly entertaining, and I like most of the characters. The problem is that they are losing their uniqueness. If you don't analyze the heck out of it, you'll enjoy the book. I will include it in my classroom library and recommend it to the right students because there is the potential of a strong, smart female protagonist who is interested in science and goes against her social class and expected roles for women of her generation. All wonderful examples for my high school students.

For better or worse, this novel is more about relationships and people than it is about plot and mystery-solving. Yes, there is a plot, and the secret messages sent via flower really intrigued me and made me want to learn more about this Victorian tradition. But, there’s not a lot of new and original ideas. Yes, Saffron is “solving her mystery” but it seems to be done by flirting with Dr. Lee and going to parties. You don’t really see any of her intellect or academic prowess. In fact, her job seems to consist of a place she goes to write notes about her investigations – and that’s it.

This installment of the series has basically stripped her of what made the character unique in the first story. She’s just another pretty, rich girl talking about trying to prove her independence and fight against the expectations of her family. Disappointing, because she was what made the first one so good. But, again, the story is fine – it’s just another Sherlock Holmes knockoff with a female lead. I wanted more of her roommate Elizabeth, to be honest.

As for the love triangle – I could take it or leave it. Again, in this book which revolves more around relationships than intrigue, it is fine.

I don’t know. The audiobook was a fine distraction while commuting to work. It didn’t take up a lot of bandwidth in my brain, so I didn’t have to focus too hard – I like that sometimes. Not everything has to be a challenge or an intellectual pursuit. That said, I was excited to see Saffron grow – and if anything she regressed, so it was a bit disappointing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me a copy of the audiobook. All opinions and thoughts are my own

So for context, I haven't read the first book. Still, with this being only the second book and the description, I decided to pick it up and go from there. Also, this cover is gorgeous


First off, I want to say that I love the characters. With the initial pairing of the serious Saffron Everly and the flirty Dr. Michael Lee, I immediately thought of similar duos in media and how the woman is portrayed as overserious with no sense of humor while the man's childish nature is excused. Fortunately, that's not the case here.


While Everleigh is more serious, she is playful and passionate. Everleigh's attitude is very understandable as it's the 1920s and misogyny is very much present at the college's higher-ups. (The fact that her last superior is now in jail isn't really the icebreaker one might hope it is).


Lee, on the other hand, is flirty and has a large heart. You can really feel how much he cares for Everleigh and that he's not as emptyheaded as he appears. I also appreciate how the two come from privileged backgrounds and while Everleigh might have left that world, she still very much benefits from it.


The mystery itself is solid. The ending balanced nicely with shocking but transparent when you think over the evidence again. Even a detail that I thought was kind of dithering and unneeded came back to mind during the big reveal. There's one or two strings still dangling after everything was done but I wouldn't be surprised if a major player from this returns later. I kinda hope so.


I think my only complaint is regarding the love triangle. I'm not a fan of them and I wasn't really expecting it. That said, Khavari handled it rather well! Very rarely did I feel that it was in the way of the mystery or even annoyed at Everleigh herself. Over the book, she's shown herself to be someone smart and with a good heart but still a little naive. (Not surprising since her grandfather is a viscount and it's a new world after the war.) Still, she's a confident protagonist and is honest with everyone, even asking for space when she's overwhelmed. Even the obligatory "Two men scowl at each other" scene had me cheering as I listened.


The love triangle isn't resolved but I love how each character has much growing to do and they're all aware of it. Still not a fan of love triangles but this one was well done. I'm excited to see where they go from here.

Also, Elizabeth, her roommate, is chaotic and a true homie. I love her.


Overall, I give this 4.5 stars. If you're looking for a mystery with a confident but still learning heroine at the helm and romance elements, this is a good place to start.


TW: Murder, discussion of strangling, blood, drug use, gun violence, PTSD (Character is a WWI vet)

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality
Saffron Everleigh is back in this second in series novel, and she's just as fierce and independent as ever. This time around, she's working as a research assistant in the Botany department of the University College of London, circa 1920. Despite the heavy handed influence of her two suitors, Saffron pursues her own agenda, making for a delightfully contemporary read.

The novel is set in a time when women were expected to be subservient to men, but Saffron is determined to forge her own path. She's a brilliant scientist, and she's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She's also a bit of a romantic, and she finds herself torn between two very different men.

The audio of this book was particularly well engaging. I look forward to a long running series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a good period piece book but struggled to keep my interest. I like the female character as she was a strong female lead but the rest of the book left more to be desired.

Audiobook received for free through NetGalley

I loved the characters and stories although it felt like there was a previous book in the series that I hadn’t read. Overall it was a great read and I can’t wait to follow along with more.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook version of this title. This is the second novel in the Saffron Everleigh mystery series. This was a solid next step in the story. I enjoyed the mystery around the meaning of flowers, the pseudo-socialite crew was a great addition, too. I was a little frustrated with the love triangle, only because I think I burned out on that trope as a teen.

All in all, this was a great step forward in this series with a fun setup for the next novel.

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 Dreamscape Media for the advanced audio copy.

This is the second book in a series and I loved it so much. I want to go back and read the first one. The author is wonderful at creating lots of suspense through the story and wrapping it up thoroughly so that you know something good is coming next.

The main character is Saffron Everleigh who is working alongside a doctor, named Michael Lee. Together they are investigating poisonous plants, and documenting cases. Detective Green approaches Saffron when he begins to investigate a series of murders involving unusual bouquets. Saffron, and Lee end up working on the case, and gaining the trust of one of the victims closest friends.

I loved that the story was that in 1920 London shortly after the war. I also enjoyed the social dynamics of Saffron, Lee and the other characters based on this time frame. As I mentioned above, not only does the case get wrapped up and keep you guessing right up until the end the suspect is, but Khavari does a great job of wrapping up the story and all the loose ends ready for Saffron‘s next adventure.

As a big seller, I’ve been hand selling her original book to the series since this one isn’t here yet but I will absolutely be hand selling this one once it’s released!
#indigoemployee

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.

Interesting story and plot. I have to say that I was not so interested in finding the murderer this time, meaning that the characters' personal stories and the way they got involved and related to each other made me more curious than finding the culprit, but overall I liked the resolution of events. I read this book without reading the first one, but all in all, I was able to understand what was going on. 3 stars.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I tried and tried to get into this book. But it just wasn't for me. I dnf'd it on my 3rd attempt. No hate to the author or narrator. Nor every book is made for ever person.

I received a free copy of this audio book from Dreamscape Media through Netgalley.com I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the 2nd book in the series and I wish I had read the 1st, not because you needed to in order to enjoy or follow the story but because I love Saffron so much. Headstrong and inquisitive, Saffron does not fit the mold of the 1920's female. She works at University College of London and studies poisons and sometimes helps the police when it involves her speciality.

I was engaged by the study of floriography, of which I know a little but this made it all the more intriguing to me. There was actually a time when a bouquet was not just a bouquet but a message as each flower has a meaning. When poison bouquets start arriving and people start dying, the police contact Saffron to help.

Saffron's love for investigating often gets her in trouble but she loves it and won't let anyone tell her to stop. Her best friend Elizabeth is a pistol and almost comic relief with her outspoken monologues. Dr. Lee drives Saffron crazy with his messiness and laissez faire attitude. He doesn't try to mold or shape her into something else, he accepts her for who she is and that's refreshing.

I will definitely be going back and reading the first book and will be keeping an eye out for more entries in this series. The narration of this book was excellent and if the first one is read by the same narrator I may grab the audio of it.

I did not read the first book in this series, having gained access to the second one via NetGalley as an ARC audiobook, but now I fully plan to read the first one and the third when it comes out! I did not feel that reading the first one was necessary to enjoy this book.

Saffron Everleigh is a collegiate researcher in the 1920s, working with Dr. Michael Lee, responding to poisonous plant incidents, collecting data, and helping when possible. Having been involved in a case in the first book, Saffron has been asked by the district attorney, Green, to help with the investigation of a series of possibly connected murders involving poisonous plants with the killer using floriography as a calling card. The book follows the investigation, Saffron’s sometimes complicated, love life, and shenanigans with her best friend Elizabeth.

There is adventure, intrigue, jazz clubs, a little romance, and tons of interesting plant facts.

I loved that the ending wasn’t evident from the onset and that Saffron seems to be growing in understanding of who she is, gaining confidence in herself and her abilities. I also like that while there is romance, Saffron doesn’t fall to pieces or lose herself, the second a potential love interest enters the scene.

It’s a fun historical fiction mystery, even for readers who don’t typically lean toward the genre.

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 think that the narrator of this one did a marvelous job of bringing the story to life in a way that made it fun and easy to follow! I cannot wait to see where the next book goes!!

Thank you to NetGalley for access to this audiobook

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.

I had not read this first book in the series, and while I don’t think you needed to it was referenced an awful lot. I expected this to be much more about plants and poisoning, but this really played a secondary part to the story. It was good murder mystery story set in a historical context and like always with historical fiction books it makes you appreciate the freedoms you have now as a woman

This is perhaps the biggest mistake I did so far this year with books… I read the second book in a series, and by the time I finished the book I regretted not reading the first volume. So, don’t be like me, go read the first book in the series called “A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons” and then pick up “A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality”. You’ll thank yourself later.

Now that the warning is out there, let’s get back to this review. “A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality” is set in London’s 1920s, with young **female** research assistant Saffron Everleigh looking to make a name for herself in the male-dominated field at the University College of London. When a new case of poisoning, this time through flowers, makes its way in the homes of Victorian women, Saffron takes it upon herself to solve the case.

The result is a well-paced book, captivating story surrounding botany, women’s rights, and a curious murder case. While Saffron is caught up in solving the case, the reader also gets a glance of the world she lives in through her colleague, Dr. Michael Lee, who contributes from his unique perspective to the story, making it even more of a page-turner.

I liked how Kate Khavari worked with the idea of a female looking to make a name for herself in an environment not accessible to her at the time, while also keeping the 1920s atmosphere present in bits and pieces of description scattered throughout the pages. Also, the moments which reference the first book in the series are well integrated, and even for someone who hasn’t read the first book, like me, it’s easy to follow-up on the previous events and get up-to-speed. Kudos goes out to Jodie Harris, who did a great work of narrating the story form multiple points of view through a fabulous listening experience. Can’t wait to hear the next story in the series!

Special thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #ABotanistsGuidetoFlowersandFatality #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning