The third lovely installment in the Saffron mysteries was a hit. This book went a step further from the botanical world and into the newbie jeebies inducing world of mycology and bio weapons. Yes, Saffron and her group get caught up in some invasive biological terror and have to uncover the scheme...in style of course. Just as she did in the first two books, Khavari sets the scene on 1920s London with an effortless glitz and gam and well sketched characters. I do think Lee is still a favorite of mine. Highly recommend this series to anyone who like a stylish book, expertly written, and brimming with mystery and feminist (STEMenist?) power.
I received an arc from NetGalley. My options are my own.

Overall, I quite liked this instalment of the series. The character development was not quite as logical as in the previous couple books and I found it a little disorienting to have the POV switch from Saffron in scenes she was in the last third of the book, but the overall web of machinations that Saffron and her comrades are drawn into is intriguing and I continue to enjoy Khavari's writing. The frankly terrifying (in the best way) final scene and whopper of a cliffhanger mean that I'll be picking up the next book the instant I can't my hands on it.

Saffron is back and the threads connecting her work to government research are explored in this incredible third installment this fantastic series. We've seen Saffron confront the possibility that her research could be misused before. While she continues to resist aiding the government, when her friend (and sometimes love interest) Alexander comes to her for help defending her brother who is being questioned in a poisoning death, she's dragged into a larger plot that involves a government research lab.

This book picks up almost exactly where the last one left off, which is incredibly satisfying. The one missing piece is what happened during Saffron's time in France for an academic conference. The details of this are sprinkled throughout this book. This story brings Elizabeth, Saffron's roommate, into main character territory and some chapters are even written from her point of view. Elizabeth's brother and a sibling duo from the chemistry department also join the cast (one had a minor role in the last book). Growing a cast over the course of a few books is a great tactic - the reader doesn't have to juggle too many new names at any point. At the same time, there is more development in Alexander's character and we get to see some of Saffron's family as well.

I was provided an advanced copy, but have preordered a physical copy, as I want the books in this series permanently on my shelves.

Set in interwar London and environs Saffron Everleigh investigates the death in railway carriage where her colleague Adrian's brother is the prime suspect. Saffron wishes to continue with her botanical researches but is drawn into the mystery using her scientific skills. Weaving through the story is Saffron’s relationships with the male characters including her previous beau Lee, Adrian and his brother as well as Nick (her flatmate’s Elizabeth’s brother) are they interested in her romantically or for her intellect or institutional access? This is the latest Saffron Everleigh story and the narrative follows on from the previous novels. I was still able to follow and enjoy this story based around fictionalised versions of University College London and Rothamsted Institute, although I found the modern attitudes and sensibilities at odds with the period setting.

There’s a lot more intrigue in this book, the third mystery in the Saffron Everleigh series, and the plot takes Saffron out of her university laboratory and into an undercover role at a lab run by the government. This adds a whole new level of danger for the characters.

I enjoyed this story for the twists and turns and the development of relationships. Saffron’s best friend, Elizabeth, plays a more prominent role and we get to know her better than in the first two novels.

A satisfying read and I look forward to the next one.

Saffron is off on her biggest adventure yet. Her roommate Alexanders brother is being questioned by the police about a murder, Elizabeth's brother suddenly appears and what's Saffron's help, and her boss is semi threatening her position at the college. Full of intrigue.

The third installment of the Botanist’s Guide picks up where the last one ended. Alexander’s bother Aiden shows up and is being investigated by the police for a murder of a scientist from Russia. Against his better judgement, Alexander asks for Saffron’s help with the investigation to clear his brother’s name. Elizabeth’s brother Nick shows up in this Installment. We learn that is is a government employee and also needs Saffron’s help with not one but two mysterious deaths of two scientists working with dangerous fungus. I absolutely loved it and now will have to wait to see what will happen in the fourth book. This installment has more of Elizabeth in the story and we find out that she is bold, smart and her own woman who helps Saffron out with the murder investigation. Dr. Lee also makes an appearance to also help Saffron. Thank you NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read an advanced copy of A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets.

Kate Khavari did it again! I was hooked on Saffron Everleigh's character for her feistiness in a male dominated world.

This is the third book and I hope to see more!

Thank you #NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this!

A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets
by Kate Khavari
Pub Date: 04 Jun 2024

London, 1923. Returning from Paris, botanical researcher Saffron Everleigh finds that her former love interest Alexander Ashton’s brother, Adrian, is being investigated for murder. A Russian scientist working for the English government has been poisoned, and expired in Adrian’s train compartment. Alexander asks Saffron to put in a good word for Adrian with Inspector Green. Despite her unresolved feelings for Alexander, Saffron begins to unravel mysteries surrounding the dead scientist.

As if a murder case weren’t enough, her best friend Elizabeth’s war-hero brother, Nick, arrives in town and takes an immediate interest in Saffron. Saffron learns Alexander has been keeping secrets from her, including a connection to Nick, who Saffron and Elizabeth begin to suspect is more than he seems.

When another scientist is found dead, Saffron agrees to go undercover at the government laboratory. Risking her career and her safety, she learns there are many more interested parties and dangerous secrets to uncover than she’d realized. But some secrets, Saffron will find, are better left undiscovered.

Saffron Everleigh has the research position she's strived for but still feels an outsider in the Botany Department. Her stand is isn't helped by her request to remove her name from a research article. To further complicate her life, Alexander Ashton keeps sending her mixed signals when he asks for her help clearing his brother of murder, but won't let her talk with him.

With the arrival of her flatmate's brother, Saffron gets pulled into a tangled web that pits against a shadowy underworld. Full of intrigue last page.

3.5 stars rounded up.

I do love this series. Who knew so much mystery, murder and mayhem could enter into botany!

This book was more filler than the other two; introducing us to Nick, Elizabeth's brother, getting Elizabeth more involved in the plot and getting backstory on Alexander. There's a mysterious threat that we will get to in the next book and I'm excited for more Sherlockian fun.

I didn't read the first two books but I was still able to easily read this one as standalone! It's a cozy murder mystery and if you like riddles this should be your cup of tea! The writing style was good and the story enjoyable.

3.5 stars -- I've loved this series so far and was so excited to get an advanced copy of the third installment.

Saffron Everleigh is back in the thick of things when her confusing friend/beau, Alexander Ashton, asks her to help his brother who is being investigated after a mysterious train car death. This coincide's with the surprise and sudden return of Nick Hale, her beloved roommate Elizabeth's brother. These two events are no coincidence, and Saffron must continue to navigate a minefield of tensions, emotions, and secrets amongst this group.

As always, I loved our leading lady and her roommate in this book. But the plot of this one wasn't as intriguing or exciting as the previous two installments. Felt like it could have used a pinch more editing to solidify. A lot of build up and a lot of new characters to keep track of to get to the conclusion! But still thoroughly enjoyed this as a continuation of the story lines of these main characters and already eagerly awaiting the next novel, which was set up at the end of this one.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and cosy murder mysteries, this book provides both!

A botanists guide to society and secrets is Book 3 in the series, and follows Saffrons return to london in 1923, where she finds herself entangled in an interconnected web of science, politics, drama and treachery, with a generous serving of suspicious murder in which she will agree to investigate.

If you enjoy puzzles, secrets and the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, you are sure to enjoy all the clever inner workings of the plot. You can tell the author did her research for this book.

If you haven’t read the previous two books you should still be able to read this as a stand-alone and keep up with the comings and goings of the characters.

Saffron, the heroine of the book, is as charming and clever as she is determined. There are deadly twists and lives at stake with a sprinkle of romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In "A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets" by Kate Khavari, brilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh returns to London in 1923 and becomes entangled in a murder case. The story not only unravels the secrets of the murder but also delves into personal entanglements.

The book delivers a solid reading experience with an engaging writing style and a compelling plot that skillfully weaves personal connections. Highly recommended for historical mystery enthusiasts.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me the eARC.