A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

By: Kate Khavari

Narrated by: Jodie Harris

London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh is the first woman to hold the position at University College of London. When she attends a dinner party for the school, she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon. What she doesn’t expect is for Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives, to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin. Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect, and evidence quickly mounts. Joined by flirtatious fellow researcher Alexander Ashton, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons to clear Maxwell's name. Will she be able to uncover the truth, or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?

In this entertaining examination of society’s expectations, debut author Kate Khavari deftly sheds a light on the struggles of women in a male-dominated field, wrapped in mystery and murder.

©2022 Kate Khavari (P)2022 Dreamscape Media, LLC

A unique twist on a classic who done it.

The story did keep my interest going from chapter to chapter but the ending was a little predictable.

Enjoyed this book

Really loved this book. I love plants so having a murder mystery with plants was amazing. I like Saffron and her adventures. Book 2 is starting out even better!

Utterly Delightful!

This is unusual for me to write a review however, this was so enjoyable and well written. The narrator was also very good with the exception of some mispronunciation. I will be looking forward to the next installment!

Learned so much and left me wanting more

The author did an incredible job of depicting the time in the 1920s postwar.
The relationships between the main characters was very intriguing and I learn so much about Botney. Can’t wait for the next book!

A great story for for the person that loves plants and drama!

The story was written well. I could see, smell, and hear the settings of the book through wonderfully vivid writing. The characters and plot were well developed and intriguing. I couldn't stop myself from listening with every few second.

Cozy “Background” Book

Story was cozy and had a great academic aesthetic. Romance elements slow-burn and the mystery was a success. The cozy feel of the book meant I didn’t feel it ramped up the way a five star book would - but it was also exactly what I wanted and expected when I bought! 4.5 overall, and what you see in the description is absolutely what you get (in a good way). I love playing books in the bath or in the background as I clean or drive and this was a charmer.

Love it

Great book, look forward to more. Good mystery, nice romantic story line without being inappropriate and good developed main characters. Easy listening.

Not a page turner

This might be better if you read it & not do the audio version. I couldn’t get into it, even though I normally love mysteries

Great female Protagonist

I enjoyed all but the beginning of the story. It was rather slow to begin with. Once Saffron began her investigations, things were very fast paced!
my only negative comment has to do with a reference about a rhododendron plant having stickers and giving Saffron and Alexander scratches. Anyone who knows plants at all, knows this is not true. The author, professing to love and know plants, did not do her research.

fun time period piece. victorian academia mystery

characters may not be the deepest but such a good emmersive mystery! so good!