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.