Book: A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons (Saffron Everleigh Mystery # 1)
Author: Kate Khavari
Genre: Historical Fiction; Mystery; Science
Romance Steam Level: 1 out of 5 (Greenhouse)
**NOTE: Leading romance is Level 1, but see Trigger Warning**
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: June 7, 2022
Format: ebook
Length: 304 pages
London 1923
Saffron Everleigh is well on her way to fulfilling her dream to become an esteemed botanist like her late father. After earning her botany degree, Saffron was hired as a research assistant by her father’s friend Dr. Maxwell. Surviving in academia is never easy, particularly for a woman in science in the 1920s. Luckily, Dr. Maxwell has always been supportive of Saffron and her aspirations.
After a dinner party ends in a gruesome poisoning, the police fixate on Dr. Maxwell as their primary suspect. Determined to prove her mentor’s innocence, Saffron begins her own investigation complete with nosy questions, multiple break-ins, and possibly a poisoning or two.
I’m really excited about this new series! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book set in 1920s academia before, so that was a new perspective for me. I like Saffron and Alexander and am interested to see what happens next for them. I also love Elizabeth and hope she’s a little more involved in Saffron’s future investigations.
*Trigger Warning for sexual harassment in the workplace and attempted sexual assault.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an Advanced Reader Copy ebook.