I love historical fiction, especially historical mysteries. And I’m really not choosy about where and when they take place- I’m usually up for any sort of historical sleuthing. However, I’ve been particularly interested in the 1920s and 1930s of late. (Maybe because of The Pursuit of Love…) Thus, when I saw this audiobook on NetGalley, I knew I needed to request it. And it did not disappoint. A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poison is the perfect summer read/listen for anyone who wants to solve a mystery or two!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an Advanced Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poison, Kate Khavari
Saffron Everleigh is in a race against time to free her wrongly accused professor before he goes behind bars forever. Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Anna Lee Huber, Kate Khavari’s debut historical mystery is a fast-paced, fearless adventure.
London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university’s large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect 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, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition’s departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor’s name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.
Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?
Why You Should Read This…
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book- I’m typically more of a cozy reader in terms of mysteries, and I didn’t know if it would be too dark/gruesome. I am happy to say that while it does have some very close calls with death, I was hooked on this audiobook. As someone who works at a university and hopes to go back for a PhD, I am hyper-aware of the power-dynamics at these institutions (even a century later). Khaveri weaves that element perfectly into the story without taking any of the attention from the actual murder, and I loved it!
I would recommend having google handy when the plant info comes in; you won’t miss out on anything storywise if you don’t, but I found it fascinating to look up the plants that I wasn’t familiar with (most of them…). With so many people becoming plant “parents” with various lockdowns, I think that a lot of people will love this book for that alone!
Jodie Harris was a fantastic narrator- she handled both female and male voices easily, and really conveyed how fraught situations were.
Is A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poison on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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