I didn't know this was the third in a series or else I wouldn't have picked it up. I like it enough, but I set it down and just haven't wanted to pick it back up. Although I do think it has a real premise, and the characters are all really great. Maybe I'll finish later. But if you like mystery and good female protags I'd pick it up!

"If there's a mystery you will poke in it."
"I simply wish to do what I believe is right."

The above sentences perfectly define botanist Saffron Everleigh in book 3 of the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, A Botanist's Guide To Society And Secrets, by creative crafty author Kate Khavari.

Once again Saffron gets embroiled in the mysteries of science and murder. Her once love, Alexander, who has had problems with the dangerous chances she takes in order to solve murder cases, is in desperate need of her help when his brother, Adrian, is under suspicion for murder

A Russian scientist, in 1923 London, working for the English government, was poisoned and died in Adrian's train compartment. Saffron's investigation leads her to go under cover at the dubious laboratory where the scientist worked, and where a second scientist dies under suspicious circumstances.

Once again, I loved the voice actress Jodie Harris as the brilliant yet often naive Saffron. She brings out Saffron's morality for justice and the joy of solving a mystery. We also get another love triangle as Alexander realizes what he gave up with Saffron but will he be too late with the arrival of Nick, her BFF Elizabeth's war hero brother? Also, Nick sure showed up at a convenient time during Saffron's inquiries. Hmmm?!

I recommend reading or listening to the first two books to appreciate the growth in confidence Saffron exhibits, the continuing romance, the surprise in returning characters and the fun in new ones. Book 4 can't come soon enough. This is a perfect series for the Masterpiece PBS Sunday night lineup.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from Dreamscape Media via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am a big fan of Kate Khavari's Saffron Everleigh Mysteries, and A BOTANIST'S GUIDE TO SOCIETY AND SECRETS is the next installment out today!!

Narrated with style by Jodie Harris, I was once again transported to 1920's London with the now botanical researcher, Saffron. When her friend Alexander Ashton comes and shares that his brother is being investigated for an odd murder of a Russian scientist, she is intrigued, despite it bringing up old feelings for Alexander. Then to add even more intrigue, her best friend's brother, Nick comes home. While he seems to take quite an interest in Saffron, is he who he seems?

I thoroughly enjoyed all the plant & fungi-based poison possibilities in this story! The mystery was complex enough for me to feel quite lost and truly enjoy the reveal. I also enjoyed some of the personal moves forward Saffron makes with her father's mystery and with her romantic relationships. (I know, I don't like romance, but when it isn't the main thing, I do! ~ moody reader, remember!)

The audio was really a fantastic way to immerse myself back into this world. I loved all the accents and the way Harris brings Saffron to life! I definitely recommend this fun period mystery. If you haven't read the first 2, I highly recommend them first, though this could be read as a stand alone. It packs a bigger punch with the others first, however!

Thank you so much @dreamscape_media for @crookedlanebooks & @netgalley for access to this gorgeous audiobook! You can find it available now.

This is the third book in a series.

I have enjoyed the entire series very much and I was really into this book. It’s fast paced and get you hooked.

I do recommend.

Saffron and her friends return with a bang. There is a lot going on in this book, personally, professionally, and of course, murder and intrigue. I admit that my mind wandered a bit during some of the botanical or maybe it was horticultural parts. In other words, I could have done without some of the scientific detail, but overall, this is a well written story with likeable characters.

This is the third book in the a cosy mystery series featuring a female British botanist in the 1920's. I listened to the audio book this time and thoroughly enjoyed it.

This time Saffron is drawn into a government investigation into the death of a scientist on a train. There's a connection between the death and her erstwhile crush and colleague, Alexander. Saffron, Alexander, Elizabeth and Lee are drawn into a game of cat and mouse in which Alexander's past is brought to light.

The story is fast-paced and exciting and the relationships between the characters develop throughout. This is a lot of fun to read, but you should read the first two books before diving into this one.

I received an early release of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Another hit in the Botanist Guide series! It's simply impossible not to fall in love with Saffron and her quick-witted detective skills. She's equal parts Sherlock Holmes mixed with mad scientist, slightly quirky, endearing, and wholesome. I highly recommend picking up A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets as it picks up where the last left off, with Alexander returning as the primary will-they-won't-they love interest. However, Saffron's in for more than she bargained for this go-round, as another suitor begs her attention while she attempts to solve a handful of crimes and murders. A delightful read!

I found myself completely immersed in the world of "A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets ", by Kate Khavari. I didn't realise this was part of a series when I requested it, but I had no problem following along, and I really enjoyed it. The narrator did a phenomenal job bringing the story to life.

This is the third in the series following Saffron Everleigh, a botanist and full-time researcher working for the University of London in the post WWI era. I love this series following Saffron and her roommate Elizabeth who are both working to succeed on their own in a world that isn't conducive to women who want careers. Saffron once again uses her deep knowledge of plants to solve a mystery, this time aiming to help her coworker and crush Alexander, whose brother has been accused of murder. I find these stories so sweet and engaging, with lots of fun plant knowledge and an immersion into this era of history.

Once again Saffron Everleigh, now a full time researcher with the University of London, is thrust into the heart of another murder inquiry. This time two men who work at a government run agricultural research facility have separately been found dead—seemingly poisoned. But what has caused it? Saffron is an expert in poisonous plants. The time is post World War I. Countries are scrambling for their place on the world stage, to feed and house their populations. After a conference in Paris she is more than ever aware of her research being a dichotomy between medical and agricultural areas, and the dangerous offshoots both are capable of.
Her more than friend Alexander Ashton asks her to intercede with Detective Green on behalf of his brother who’s been innocently caught up in the investigation. As he’s disapproved of her previous involvements in such goings on neither of them can avoid Alexander’s asking this of her as hypocritical.
As it is Detective Green gets in touch with Saffron as there are details which are close to Saffron’s area of expertise. Her inquiries lead her to some puzzling facts. She enlists the help of her close friend Dr. Michel Lee.
It seems there are deeper waters involved when her dead fiancée, and her flat mate’s brother, Nick Hale turns up. Nick works with the ‘Agricultural Ministry.’ Strange things are happening and food security is part of it, or not?
On top all this there’s the matter of Alfie Tennison, who runs an illegal gambling den. What is his role in all this?
An exciting and deadly twist to Saffron’s continuing story. If you’ve followed her journey this is of course a must read. If your new to the Everleigh Mysteries I’d recommend starting with the first in the series.

I at least finished the audio when I couldn't finish in print. I do not care for Saffron. Alexander and Elizabeth are delightful, Lee and Elizabeth are a fun pair. I don't know if I'm interested enough in the new Big Bad to continue the series. Nick sucks. There was just so much going on!

An absolutely delightful installment with Saffron. I am quite fond of this series. And am so pleased I stumbled upon it. The second I saw this third one up on NetGalley, I smashed that request button so hard.

Saffron is so bright and doesn't actually let what the society around her chosen profession thinks get in her way. I also love that she doesn't allow anyone, specifically men with an interest in her, push her around.

I am quite curious who this villain is and how they relate to everything but alas, we solved this one with a door left open for more mystery. With an ending like that I can only hope our dear author pens the next one rather fast.

The narration on this was on another level. So amazing and immersive! The story was also so unique and strong

A BOTANIST’S GUIDE TO SOCIETY AND SECRETS is the third book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series by Kate Khavari, a kind of historical mystery STEM series. Set in the 1920s, botanist and sleuth Saffron Everleigh is a female researcher at the University of London when femal researchers were still an oddity and not necessarily welcome. Through the last two books and now this one the reader sees her trying to find a place in academic circles whiteout ruffling too many feathers. It isn’t easy in 1920s London to make your way as a woman in a male-dominated world, not even if you are an earl’s granddaughter. The author does an fabulous job capturing life in the 1920s torn between the old and the new and just back from a horrific war. This installment in the series puts Saffron’s roommate Elizabeth or Eliza closer to the center of the mystery while still using Saffron’s education as a scientist and researcher. There‘s poison and fungi so Saffron‘s knowledge and research abilities definitely come in handy. The cast of characters is wonderful yet again, very fitting for a 1920s mystery, no prohibition in England but Saffron and Elizabeth need to be rescued from an illegal gambling hall during a raid. If you like a strong historical foundation to your mystery, strong female characters, intrigue, a well-plotted murder to solve and just a bit of romance, this book could be just right for you. And I loved the teaser for a fourth installment right at the end, I‘ll definitely be waiting for the next book.

Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an advance audio. Narrated by Jodie Harris, the accents of the different characters were done to perfection and the atmosphere created fit the story so well.

I keep trying the books in this series and they come off as so forced and childish. This main character is so entitled and childish. I feel really frustrated because this series seems really promising.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC (in audiobook format).

Kate Khavari’s mesmerizing historical mystery series continues with “A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets.” In this cleverly plotted puzzle, Khavari weaves together intrigue, romance, and the fascinating world of botany.

Synopsis: Set in 1923 London, the brilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh returns from Paris to find herself embroiled in a web of secrets and murder. When a Russian scientist working for the English government is poisoned and dies in her former love interest Alexander Ashton’s brother’s train compartment, Saffron is drawn into the investigation. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding the dead scientist, she discovers that some secrets are better left undiscovered.

What Makes This Audiobook Stand Out:

Botanical Intrigue: Khavari’s attention to detail brings the world of plants to life. From poisonous specimens to rare blooms, the botanical backdrop adds depth and uniqueness to the story.

Complex Characters: Saffron Everleigh is a refreshing protagonist—a strong-willed woman navigating academia, love, and danger. Her unresolved feelings for Alexander and her growing connection with Elizabeth’s war-hero brother, Nick, create a captivating romantic tension.

Historical Atmosphere: The 1920s London setting is vividly portrayed, immersing listeners in a world of post-war intrigue, scientific discovery, and societal constraints.

Narration by Jodie Harris: Harris’s narration enhances the experience. Her expressive voice captures Saffron’s determination and vulnerability, making the audiobook a delight to listen to.

If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female protagonists, “A Botanist’s Guide to Society and Secrets” is a must-listen.

Fans of Rhys Bowen and Sujata Massey will appreciate the blend of mystery, romance, and botanical lore.

Prepare to be transported to a time when secrets lurk in the shadows and danger blooms like a rare flower.

🎧 Note on Narration: Jodie Harris’s narration brings each character to life, infusing the story with emotion and suspense. Whether you’re a seasoned audiobook enthusiast or a newcomer, her performance adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

In Summary: Kate Khavari’s latest installment is a captivating journey through murder, love, and the hidden secrets of the botanical world. So put on your headphones, step into Saffron Everleigh’s shoes, and let the whispers of leaves and petals guide you through this enthralling audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC! I wish I read the other two of the series. I was lucky enough to get the audio as well and the narrator did an amazing job. I felt a bit that the pacing was off, and it took me time to get into the story.
3/5 stars

Much thanks to Kate Khavari, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It took me a short while to get into this book; I had largely forgotten what had happened in the previous two so I felt a little lost until I'd gathered enough exposition and memories to make sense of things. I need to reread the series before book 4.

The closer I got to the end, the juicier the plot got. It definitely ended well. My only complaint is---Bill? Is there a more un-sinister name? When he said it, I almost laughed out loud. Definitely made a face.

There's a lot of wonderful character building in this book. Saffron's trying to have her cake and eat it, too, occupation-wise, or at least that was how I understood the sitch. She's still heartbroken over losing her first love, but starting to let Alexander in. Speaking of, we learn so much about Alexander. And Elizabeth! I wanted to give her a hug so bad. Stupid jackass psychopath brother.

My only disappointment, really, is that I did not feel any chemistry between Saffron and Alexander. They seem well suited, but for some unknown reason I don't feel romance between them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!

Saffron Everleigh is back for another botanical adventure! When Alexander's brother, Adrian, is accused of murder with a whiff of poison about it, he goes to Saffron for her help. The deeper she dives the more tangled it gets, especially when Elizabeth's war hero brother, Nick, turns up out of the blue. Saffron and Elizabeth know he's up to something and it seems to involve the case of Adrian. As Saffron becomes more and more involved in the case, her relationship with Alexander takes on a deeper meaning as they take their relationship to another level.

This was a fun third book in the series, and the ending takes the series in a new and darker direction.

My thanks for the audiobook ARC goes to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Historical Fiction
Subgenre: Romance (slow burn)
Gore Level: Quite low
Language: A smattering of swearing
Spice Level: No sex on the page
Representation: Mentions gay love, people from various nations
Readability: It's best to read this series in order.

I LOVE every single book in this series.

Even though I'm not a fan of love triangles, this one works because we know about Saffron's thoughts—a woman can't help it if men fall at her feet, after all. Are you on team Dr. Lee or team Alexander? (I thought Lee was a bit smarmy, so I'm on Alexander's side. BUT I've seen other readers who think Lee is more supportive of Saffron. And do you think we need to add a team for Nick?)

Highlights in A BOTANIST'S GUIDE TO SOCIETY AND SECRETS:
- Saffron is on the trail again, but this time Alexander is the one who wants her to get involved in the investigation
- There's more with Elizabeth, and her character deepens
- More about poisons!
- The politics under the surface are rising
- Ending sets up another book! Hooray!

I love this series because of the 1920s setting in England and living through Saffron as a scientist. This series is perfect for fans of historical novels, romances, and cozy mysteries.

This one gets all the stars! I hope you love it too.

Happy reading!

PS—In the audiobook, the narrator Jodie Harris, tackles sooo many accents: French, Scottish, British, Russian, thugs, and I know there were more, but I can't remember because there were so many. It was a fantastic reading!