Book Review: ‘A Botanist’s Guide To Parties And Poisons: A Saffron Everleigh Mystery’ By Kate Khavari

Set in the year 1923 (and a great look at what London was like then), Saffron Everleigh, is a botanist reasearcher for Univeristy College London, the only female on staff. She’s at a dinner party for Sir Edward Leister, who is sponsoring the upcoming Amazon trip for the biology department. During a toast Mrs. Henry, the wife of Dr. Henry, who is leading the trip, collapses after taking a sip of her drink. She’s been poisoned with a rare plant-based toxin and Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s boss becomes the prime suspect. Saffron doesn’t believe he did it and teams up with a fellow botanist Alexander Ashton to seek out the truth. They leave no stone unturned in an effort to get to the truth. But someone doesn’t want the truth out and it could be the end of her if she’s not careful. A solid debut novel from author Kate Khavari. The mystery and setting are well-written and there’s a lot to follow and keep you engaged.

You can pick up A Botanist’s Guide To Parties And Poisons in stores on Tuesday, June 7th from Crooked Lane.