Eustacia Rose, a Professor of Botanical Toxicology, leads a solitary life in London, meticulously tending to her poisonous plant collection. Her quiet existence takes a dramatic turn when she hears a scream and begins observing her neighbor, Simone, through a telescope. Eustacia becomes engrossed in Simone’s tumultuous life, assigning toxic plant nicknames to the men visiting her.

As Eustacia's fascination grows, her world unravels when her garden is vandalized and a murder involving a rare plant toxin occurs. Suspected of the crime, Eustacia must navigate the dangerous terrain of both human and botanical toxicity to clear her name. This book offers a unique blend of botany and suspense, making it a standout in the mystery and thriller genre. Readers will appreciate the richly detailed world of botanical toxicology, which adds a fresh and intriguing dimension to the story. Eustacia Rose is a compelling protagonist—her expertise with poisonous plants and her reclusive nature create a fascinating character study that draws readers in.

The novel's intricate plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Eustacia’s journey from an isolated academic to an amateur detective. The tension builds as she becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding Simone and the men in her life, culminating in a gripping climax that will leave readers guessing until the very end.

Fans of psychological thrillers and those who enjoy stories with strong, intelligent female leads will find much to love in this book. Johnson's atmospheric writing and keen attention to detail make the settings and characters come alive, providing a richly immersive reading experience. Additionally, the novel's exploration of themes like obsession, isolation, and the duality of human nature will resonate with readers looking for a thought-provoking read. "The Woman in the Garden" is a must-read for anyone seeking a thrilling, intellectually stimulating mystery.

Thank you Jill Johnson, Poisoned Pen Press, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

“The Woman in the Garden” by Jill Johnson unfolds like a delicate bloom, revealing layers of intrigue and danger. Meet Professor Eustacia Rose—an enigmatic botanist who tends to her rooftop garden in the heart of London. Within its lush greenery lie toxic secrets: rare plants with deadly potential. Eustacia’s life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a scream from her telescope, drawing her into the orbit of her extraordinarily beautiful neighbor, Simone. As Simone’s world unravels, Eustacia’s obsession deepens. She nicknames Simone’s male visitors after poisonous flora, but when tragedy strikes—a murder committed with a rare plant—Eustacia becomes entangled in a web of mystery and danger. Determined to shield Simone, Eustacia steps out of her cloistered existence, navigating a landscape where science collides with personal vulnerability.

The novel’s strength lies in its portrayal of Eustacia Rose. Her neurodivergence, passion for poisonous plants, and unexpected role in the investigation create a captivating character study. Yet, despite her uniqueness, forming an emotional bond with Eustacia proves challenging amidst the novel's deliberate, slow-burn pacing. Still, the allure of Eustacia’s poisonous plant knowledge—a microcosm of beauty and peril—holds sway.

Beyond its murder mystery core, "The Woman in the Garden" delves into the theme of obsession. Eustacia’s fixation mirrors the toxicity of her beloved plants, but the novel also emphasizes the beauty of letting go of unhealthy obsessions and realising that perhaps your North Star is merely a passing comet—a fleeting fascination that fades against the vast cosmic backdrop. Sometimes, releasing our grip on obsessions reveals constellations we never knew existed—vast, mysterious, and waiting to illuminate our journey.

Jill Johnson’s debut mystery offers a fresh take on the genre. If you’re drawn to botanical intrigue and unconventional protagonists, give this book a try. Just be prepared: there are no creative plot twists or smart solutions to the mystery here. Instead, the truth lies in the quiet moments, the overlooked petals, and the whisper of leaves in the wind.


My sincere gratitude to the Jill Johnson, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the chance to review a pre-publication copy of the book and offer my honest evaluation.

This is an engaging mystery with a solid plot, memorable lead character, evocative writing, and a lot of fascinating information about toxic plants. Great entertainment!

This was definitely a unique take on a mystery coming from the perspective of a plant lover. I love the main character and aspire to have a garden like hers.

When botany is at the center of a novel I am INTO IT.

Professor Eustacia Rose is a disgraced professor of botany with an emphasis on toxic plants. She very…rear window stalker-she has a hard time connecting with people so she observes them from her telescope when she stumbles upon some wild activity and ends up in the middle of a murder investigation when it looks like the murder weapon came from her poison garden.

I thought this was fun. I loved all the plants. I had a little bit of a hard time with Eustacia, she was quirky to the point of meddlesome and irksome. But the plot was fun and twisty and I’m interested to see what she gets up to next.

Thanks to NetGalley and poisoned pen press for an eARC.

Thank you so much to Poisoned Pen for my advanced copy of The Woman in the Garden!

This was a slower read for me but it did keep grabbing my attention after a slow bit. I loved the concept of this! I love plants and a botany professor who specializes in toxic plants solving the mystery of her missing neighbor intrigued me. While this wasn't a 5 star for me, I would still recommend this to others who really enjoy the mystery genre.

Professor Eustacia Rose is an interesting character who seems to be more comfortable around poisonous plants than people. At first, I found her obsession with her neighbor (nicknamed “Psycho” after one of those poisonous plants) to be uncomfortably weird and awkward and probably kind of inappropriate, but as I got further into the story, my attention shifted to the murder mystery instead. Who broke into Eustacia’s garden and stole the poisonous plant used to commit the crime? Most of the questions had, to me, an obvious answer, and I was waiting for this very astute narrator to catch up. Meanwhile, I learned some things about poisonous plants, including many that we know as common house plants. As far as mysteries go, this one didn’t keep me guessing, but it did keep me interested in other ways.

First off, of course, I would like to express my gratitude to Poisoned Pen Press for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

This is such a fun mystery that also taught me a lot about the hidden toxic properties of a lot of household plants we think nothing of. I loved Professor Rose's quirks, routines and observations. My heart was so sad for her lonely state but I was overjoyed as her character developed and bloomed (pun totally intended)

Professor Rose at the end goes from being the strange woman in the rooftop garden to befriending new people and stepping into a more positive direction with her life and work. I cannot wait to see what is in store for her in Book 2, "Hell's Bells."

The Woman in the Garden is expected to publish July 16 2024 and will be available for purchase wherever books are sold or in your local library.

"I’ve always been better with plants than people, and I tend to name people after the plants they most resemble."

At the beginning I had a bit of a hard time getting in the book, but later I really stared to love it. Rose knows a lot about plants, she also starts to look into the neighbor's house, she became a bit obsessed with her neighbor, who apparently has a lot of secrets. It is clear that Rose doesn't really talk to a lot of people by some things she says to them. For example it isn't very smart to say to people that you have very dangerous/deadly plants in your house. This was a good book it had mystery in it and lots of information about plants. It's always good to learn something new while enjoying a book.

This story was very interesting and I'm going to read the second book in this serie.

This book was send to me to review it. I definitely want to read more from this writer and I'm going to continue with this serie. Thank you Netgalley!

4/5⭐️
This was such a unique read. There was mystery, suspense and a colorful protagonist.

From the beginning of the book, the premise had me intrigued. I loved the author's writing style, very distinct and deep.
The characters were designed well and Eustacia Rose was a notch above the rest.

Also, kudos to the author for the research that went into this book. The whole backdrop of Botanical Toxicology set the tone of the book, making it akin to a dark atmospheric read, which I loved. The character growth towards the end of the book was commendable and Eustacia had my heart.

My only concern was that the ending was bit vague for my liking. It had me feeling that I missed something in between. That being said, it is still an exemplary piece of literature and I cannot wait to continue the series!
Perfect amalgamation of Botany, Mystery and Crime.

Wow.
This book was amazing.
I loved the pacing on the story, the twists and turns, the characters, everything!
It is a really good read and anyone whos a fan of mysteries will love this book

The Woman in the Garden by Jill Johnson took my breath away and warmed my heart. It's as though this captivating mystery novel was written for me as it is chock full of elements I crave such as botany, plant toxins, introverted main character, wit, charm, inquisitiveness and oodles of human nature. But the writing...my goodness. It is reminiscent of the Golden Age style and structure with ladles of modernity. Jill Johnson weaves a rich tapestry of vivid details, thoughts physical and mental greenery, botanical information and splashes of fun. It is so striking and unique and I could happily read her writing all day long.

Eustacia is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology (my dream job) and has changed gears. She uses her expertise in researching and securing toxic plant slips from around the world to plant on her roof garden. The otherwise staid woman occasionally exchanges money for packages under the cloak of night, carefully and lovingly opens them, dips the roots into hormone powder and plants them where no one else is allowed access. Plants can kill, after all. Touching let alone ingesting some plants can cause serious issues as we discover in the story.

Eustacia also enjoys observing her neighbours with her telescope, completely obstructed from view. In her mind she gives apt nicknames to people, matching plant toxicity to personality and character. Her quirkiness is amusing yet so relatable. Her world shatters when her precious collection is vandalized and plants are stolen. What if they're in untrained hands? What if someone...cough...dies?

The mystery is fantastic but there is so much more going on. It is a social and psychological study of sorts and the master gardener in me is thrilled with nomenclature, botany and effects of toxins. Win-win.

You need to prioritize this if you desire that something special and unique and getting to know the inner workings of an eccentric main character who is more comfortable with her plants than she is with most people.

My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this enchanting novel.

Eustacia Rose is about to learn that people are just as toxic as her plants. Eustacia Rose is Professor of Botanical Toxicology and lives alone in London with only her extensive but exquisite collection of poisonous plants for company. She tends to her garden with meticulous care, buys the occasional rare specimen off the black market, and likes to look through her telescope at her neighbors (it's science, not spying). In all, Eustacia's life never changes. That is, until the day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible.Through her telescope, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of an extraordinarily beautiful neighbor, Simone, and nicknames the men who visit her after poisonous plants according to the toxic effect they have on Simone. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them?Just as she cares for and preserves her secret garden, she feels inexplicably compelled to care for and protect her neighbor. But when her precious garden is vandalized and someone close to Simone is murdered with a toxin derived from a rare poisonous plant, Eustacia find herself implicated in the crime and decides to take matters into her own hands. This is such a brilliantly written story. I loved everything about it and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Struggled with this. Really exciting concept - as a huge Agatha Christie fan the dangerous botanical theme piqued my interest immediately but ultimately the main character let it down. She just wasn’t likeable or interesting and the lack of dialogue left me wanting.

The Woman In The Garden is the first book in the Professor Euastasia Rose mysteries by Jill Johnston. Still mourning the loss of her dearly departed father and best friend Professor you Stasia rose lives alone has a schedule and sticks to it she was the professor of toxicology and poison plants and before being made redundant and fired due to an incident she worked at the University College of London. She spends her days tending to her plants in her rooftop garden and at night spies on her neighbors something she calls a social research experiment. This is how she becomes enamored with a new neighbor who is she learns is named Simone and moved to London from Brazil. Simone will be the reason the professors garden is broken into she will see old friends and old enemies be involved in a murder and have to suffer the company of Detective Inspector Richard Roberts once again. By the time it’s over Professor Anastasia Amelia Rose‘s life will be unrecognizable but it may just be in a good way. I really enjoyed this book I love her peculiar personality I love that she wore her dad‘s suit and made no apologies for it I just loved her so much and can I say the ending or rather the one month later epalogue is an OMG ending and cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. I know I am forgetting to put something in this review but just know if you love cozy mysteries this is a good one we get to meet most of the suspects long before the crime is even committed and it really was a great read. I want to thank poison pen press for my free arc copy via NetGalley. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The Woman In The Garden
2⭐️

This was not for me. This is one of those situations where the book rates low for me personally but it won’t stop be from recommending it to others who would be a good fit. The writing was well done, I just didn’t connect with the book like I hoped.

While this is a slow burn, it did pick up by the middle. MC lives alone and mostly avoids others so there is a lot of narration, description, and inner dialogue. I’m someone who needs more dialogue between characters to keep me engaged.

I did like that while MC is neurodivergent the book doesn’t focus on that fact. Just simply describes the character and gives her point of view (ex: admitting when others’ facial expressions caused confusion, struggling with certain emotions).

This was a psychological mystery with 1 POV, 1 timeline with mentions of the mysterious past with details slowly being added. The characters were well written.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

Pub date July 16, 2024

This is a thrilling read for fans of mysteries and suspense that blend smarts with excitement. Professor Eustacia Rose knows everything about poisonous plants and lives quietly in London, surrounded by her carefully tended collection. But when a scream from a neighbor's apartment grabs her attention, it sets off a wild chain of events she never saw coming.

Using her trusty telescope, Eustacia gets pulled into the life of her striking neighbor, Simone. She starts nicknaming the men who visit Simone based on how toxic she thinks they are to her. As Eustacia digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that connect to her own past, turning her from a bookish academic into an accidental detective.

The story mixes Eustacia's botanical expertise with a gripping plot that keeps you hooked as she gets more involved in Simone’s life. Eustacia’s character grows from a solitary thinker into a determined protector, facing unexpected twists and dangers.

As Eustacia fights to keep both her precious garden and Simone safe, things get intense when her plant knowledge gets linked to a murder investigation. The suspense ramps up as Eustacia races against time to uncover the truth and clear her name, battling betrayals and dangers along the way.

The author vividly paints London’s contrasting scenes, from Eustacia’s serene garden hideaway to the city’s darker sides, adding to the story’s atmosphere and keeping us engaged in its mysteries.

Overall, the story offers an intriguing look at human connections and the lengths we go to protect what we care about, even when it means facing deadly risks.

This was such a thrilling and fun read. I highly recommend.

Thanks #NetGalley for my advance copy of this book. #TheWomanInTheGarden

This was a twisty puzzle of a murder mystery. It had some serious Rear Window vibes as Eustacia's voyeuristic hobby lands her straight into a murder investigation.

I love all things botany ,but the poisonous plants were especially interesting. I also quite enjoyed the sapphic and dark academia aspects of the story.

It initially got off to a slow start, but I'm very glad I stuck with it. The build-up was well worth the wait!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

On my shelve between cosy and murder mystery, this is an exciting read. I enjoyed getting to know the poisonous plants and Eustacia's quirky personality amidst the hustle and bustle of London's rush hour.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.

This concept was a breath of fresh air. A botany professor who specializes in toxic plants, unraveling the mystery of her neighbor? Yes please.

The execution left something to be desired though. The sheer number of characters to keep track of was a lot for this length of book. Adding to that was the cryptic comments about her past and her family. Overall, I was hoping for more resolution and more finality in this book. I’ll be interested to see where Jill takes this character in the next book.