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Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2
A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality
1920s London isn't the ideal place for a brilliant woman with lofty ambitions, but research assistant Saffron Everleigh is determined to beat the odds in a male-dominated field at the University College of London. She embarks on her first research study alongside the insufferably charming Dr. Michael Lee, traveling the countryside with him in response to reports of poisonings. But when Detective Inspector Green is given a case with a set of unusual clues, he asks for her assistance. The victims, all women, received bouquets filled with poisonous flowers. Digging deeper, Saffron discovers that the bouquets may be more than just unpleasant flowers, there may be a hidden message within them, revealed through the use of the old Victorian practice of floriography. And it's a dire message indeed, as each woman who received the flowers has turned up dead. Alongside Dr. Lee and her best friend, Elizabeth, Saffron trails a group of suspects through a dark jazz club, a lavish country estate, and a glittering theatre, delving deeper into a part of society she thought she'd left behind forever. Will Saffron be able to catch the killer before they send their next bouquet, or will she find herself with fatal flowers of her own?
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First published June 6, 2023
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February 27, 2023
I liked this more than I did book one, and I had no argument this time as to the appropriateness of the title - there were lots of flowers and a surfeit of fatalities.
The botanist in the title is Saffron Eversleigh, a woman in a man's world as a research assistant at the University College of London in the 1920's. Her love interest from the first book, Alexander Ashton, is absent for most of the time overseas, and he is replaced by Dr Michael Lee, a man with a penchant for teasing Saffron in order to enjoy her reactions. She of course thinks she does not like him when it is obvious to everyone else that she does.
There are lots of murders, many red herrings and a surprise murderer. Ashton returns and we imagine a love triangle, but Saffron is a woman with a mind of her own. I am looking forward to what happens next.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The botanist in the title is Saffron Eversleigh, a woman in a man's world as a research assistant at the University College of London in the 1920's. Her love interest from the first book, Alexander Ashton, is absent for most of the time overseas, and he is replaced by Dr Michael Lee, a man with a penchant for teasing Saffron in order to enjoy her reactions. She of course thinks she does not like him when it is obvious to everyone else that she does.
There are lots of murders, many red herrings and a surprise murderer. Ashton returns and we imagine a love triangle, but Saffron is a woman with a mind of her own. I am looking forward to what happens next.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 13, 2023
6.5/10
Saffron Everleigh is a research assistant who shares an office with the handsome Dr. Lee. He is annoying and responsible for the book's low rating, although it has a better plot and mystery than the first book.
Whatever, Inspector Green has asked Saffron to examine bouquets of flowers sent to two murdered women from high society. Despite her dislike for her grandmother's high society parties, Saffron is determined to find any clues and has found herself peeking around for suspects.
A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatalityis the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, better in many ways and I imagine like many mystery series it could be read as a stand-alone.
book1A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons5/10
I have given my honest review thanks to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for ARC.
Saffron Everleigh is a research assistant who shares an office with the handsome Dr. Lee. He is annoying and responsible for the book's low rating, although it has a better plot and mystery than the first book.
Whatever, Inspector Green has asked Saffron to examine bouquets of flowers sent to two murdered women from high society. Despite her dislike for her grandmother's high society parties, Saffron is determined to find any clues and has found herself peeking around for suspects.
A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatalityis the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, better in many ways and I imagine like many mystery series it could be read as a stand-alone.
book1A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons5/10
I have given my honest review thanks to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for ARC.
March 31, 2023
I hate to say this, but I liked the first book better. The book had a strong plot. It was well-structured, easy to follow and full of vivid imagery.
But I strongly feel that it was lacking in lots of places. The characters' personalities weren't consistent throughout— especially if you compare book one and two.
The pace was very slow, I had to drag myself through the first 90% of it. When it finally got interesting— which was towards the end— everything got rushed and ending left me unsatisfied.
But I strongly feel that it was lacking in lots of places. The characters' personalities weren't consistent throughout— especially if you compare book one and two.
The pace was very slow, I had to drag myself through the first 90% of it. When it finally got interesting— which was towards the end— everything got rushed and ending left me unsatisfied.
September 20, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons may not have been my favourite book, but I was expecting more from A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality.
A slightly above-average start to a series can be misleading because it makes you think that the series can only get better. Sometimes that’s true and things only get better (for example, the Plated Prisoner series), and sometimes you’re left at the end of the second book trying to figure out where everything went wrong.
While I was hoping we would get more character development to help the new relationship between Alexander and Saffron feel more grounded, I was not expecting Saffron to have the memory of a goldfish and the fixation a crow has for shiny things. Alexander has barely left the country and is spending all his time collecting specimens and completing research for Saffron. He's also writing her letters, despite the limited mail service, sending pictures, and writing unnecessary postscripts. Meanwhile, Saffron walks around thinking they never put any labels on their relationship, so farewell kisses and forlorn looks in dark gardens could mean anything. I'm not saying Saffron wasn’t technically free to explore a flirtation with someone else; I’m just not going to bend over backwards to pretend I believe the lies she’s telling herself. I might be less critical if her supposed new love interest was even a little appealing. Shallow and self-serving, Lee went out of his way to annoy and pester Saffron - who, it has to be said, was incredibly condescending and patronising right back and so probably deserved some of this treatment. But then, something happens ‘as a lark’ - - and suddenly Lee has decided he’s interested in Saffron. Which is convenient since, apparently, the only thing you have to do to get Saffron interested in you is to pay a little attention to her. And, I guess, not leave the country.
Most of the interesting dialogue took place in the characters’ heads and was never spoken aloud. Because of this, there didn't appear to be any character growth. Who needs strong interpersonal or romantic relationships?! It’s the 1920s! The only time Lee showed any personality beyond ‘snobbish flirt looking for a good time’ was in his POV moments; he never lets the mask fall or reveals any truth through words or actions. Lee very clearly puts himself first and only spares a second thought for Saffron when he’s got some free time. But then we get a glimpse inside his head and... well, okay, it’s not much better. He’s still incredibly judgmental and dismissive. Saffron is the queen of thinking the important stuff and saying either nothing or the most useless alternative, only to be dethroned when Alexander returns as he only ever says the worst possible thing in the absolute worst way while thinking the sweet, heartbreaking things that Saffron is too superficial to be able to read from his actions.
I was disappointed that an outside character purposely included to make Lee look like a good person was given such a limited and self-serving role. Romesh knows what it is to be discounted, overlooked, and discriminated against in his chosen field of work, yet he’s awfully quick to believe hurtful gossip about Saffron and pile on. But don’t worry, Lee was nice to him a few times while they were studying together, so at least Lee is a good person. Romesh honestly shows up for a few pages, but it really stuck out to me that Khavari chose to include a person of colour, and instead of making him an empathetic and understanding voice of reason in his one interaction with Lee, she made him part of the system that so devalued and belittled him.
I also don’t understand how someone so surrounded by gossip at all times, and so sensitive to it, could spend months with someone - hours and hours together every single day at work and travelling and in the library and doing fieldwork and writing reports and sharing an office - and not give them a heads up about their recent history and the treatment they tend to receive from their colleagues. It would’ve been so easy. ‘Hey, I’m Saffron. I'm new to this office, but I'm so excited we'll be working together on this interesting assignment. I was a research assistant for my close friend and mentor, but he was wrongly involved in a murder mystery, which I got way too involved in. I don’t want to get into it because it was pretty traumatic, but all's well that ends well! Oh, and I’m a woman, so it’s been a bit of an uphill battle getting a basic level of respect from the men at the university, so I’d appreciate your support. Just so you know, my boyfriend-not-boyfriend is away on a work trip, but he’ll be back soon, so let’s keep this professional.’ Saffron so often lets others define her and then gets angry when she doesn’t like the story they tell about her. If you want to write a fiercely independent and intelligent female character in history, it would be nice to commit.
I could probably write more about so many things that rubbed me the wrong way, ignored exposition from the first book, or weren’t explained properly, but I’d never get to bed, and no one would ever read it all.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons may not have been my favourite book, but I was expecting more from A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality.
A slightly above-average start to a series can be misleading because it makes you think that the series can only get better. Sometimes that’s true and things only get better (for example, the Plated Prisoner series), and sometimes you’re left at the end of the second book trying to figure out where everything went wrong.
While I was hoping we would get more character development to help the new relationship between Alexander and Saffron feel more grounded, I was not expecting Saffron to have the memory of a goldfish and the fixation a crow has for shiny things. Alexander has barely left the country and is spending all his time collecting specimens and completing research for Saffron. He's also writing her letters, despite the limited mail service, sending pictures, and writing unnecessary postscripts. Meanwhile, Saffron walks around thinking they never put any labels on their relationship, so farewell kisses and forlorn looks in dark gardens could mean anything. I'm not saying Saffron wasn’t technically free to explore a flirtation with someone else; I’m just not going to bend over backwards to pretend I believe the lies she’s telling herself. I might be less critical if her supposed new love interest was even a little appealing. Shallow and self-serving, Lee went out of his way to annoy and pester Saffron - who, it has to be said, was incredibly condescending and patronising right back and so probably deserved some of this treatment. But then, something happens ‘as a lark’ - - and suddenly Lee has decided he’s interested in Saffron. Which is convenient since, apparently, the only thing you have to do to get Saffron interested in you is to pay a little attention to her. And, I guess, not leave the country.
Most of the interesting dialogue took place in the characters’ heads and was never spoken aloud. Because of this, there didn't appear to be any character growth. Who needs strong interpersonal or romantic relationships?! It’s the 1920s! The only time Lee showed any personality beyond ‘snobbish flirt looking for a good time’ was in his POV moments; he never lets the mask fall or reveals any truth through words or actions. Lee very clearly puts himself first and only spares a second thought for Saffron when he’s got some free time. But then we get a glimpse inside his head and... well, okay, it’s not much better. He’s still incredibly judgmental and dismissive. Saffron is the queen of thinking the important stuff and saying either nothing or the most useless alternative, only to be dethroned when Alexander returns as he only ever says the worst possible thing in the absolute worst way while thinking the sweet, heartbreaking things that Saffron is too superficial to be able to read from his actions.
I was disappointed that an outside character purposely included to make Lee look like a good person was given such a limited and self-serving role. Romesh knows what it is to be discounted, overlooked, and discriminated against in his chosen field of work, yet he’s awfully quick to believe hurtful gossip about Saffron and pile on. But don’t worry, Lee was nice to him a few times while they were studying together, so at least Lee is a good person. Romesh honestly shows up for a few pages, but it really stuck out to me that Khavari chose to include a person of colour, and instead of making him an empathetic and understanding voice of reason in his one interaction with Lee, she made him part of the system that so devalued and belittled him.
I also don’t understand how someone so surrounded by gossip at all times, and so sensitive to it, could spend months with someone - hours and hours together every single day at work and travelling and in the library and doing fieldwork and writing reports and sharing an office - and not give them a heads up about their recent history and the treatment they tend to receive from their colleagues. It would’ve been so easy. ‘Hey, I’m Saffron. I'm new to this office, but I'm so excited we'll be working together on this interesting assignment. I was a research assistant for my close friend and mentor, but he was wrongly involved in a murder mystery, which I got way too involved in. I don’t want to get into it because it was pretty traumatic, but all's well that ends well! Oh, and I’m a woman, so it’s been a bit of an uphill battle getting a basic level of respect from the men at the university, so I’d appreciate your support. Just so you know, my boyfriend-not-boyfriend is away on a work trip, but he’ll be back soon, so let’s keep this professional.’ Saffron so often lets others define her and then gets angry when she doesn’t like the story they tell about her. If you want to write a fiercely independent and intelligent female character in history, it would be nice to commit.
I could probably write more about so many things that rubbed me the wrong way, ignored exposition from the first book, or weren’t explained properly, but I’d never get to bed, and no one would ever read it all.
Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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December 18, 2022
AAAAAAAAA i read the first book earlier this year and loved the mystery and poisons so when i saw this on netgalley i immediately requested it and was so happy i got it. Saffron IS SO SMART yo. She's what i imagine i am on a good day. This was even better than the first one to be honest. more engaging. And we got more of Alex. My baby. Light of my life. The slow burn is slow burning.
And THE EPILOGUE OMG I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEWEST when it drops
And THE EPILOGUE OMG I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEWEST when it drops
June 23, 2023
This is book 2 in the Saffron Everleigh mystery series (set in the 1920's) and it picks up where the first book left off. Ashton, her friend and potential beau is on an expedition in the Amazon. Saffron has been partnered in a research project with Dr Michael Lee to look into poisonings and the effects of these.
Once again Saffron is feeling the loneliness and dealing with a lot of misogynists in having a role and the London University which is not quite ready to see women as equals. She is thrilled however, when Inspector Green of the police, seeks her assistance with two murders in which a deadly bouquet of flowers was found to have been delivered. Saffron at once has her interest piqued and sets off to investigate the deaths in her own way. Roping in Lee to assist with infiltrating a social circle, Saffron quickly finds herself in a world of decadence and drug use.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
Once again Saffron is feeling the loneliness and dealing with a lot of misogynists in having a role and the London University which is not quite ready to see women as equals. She is thrilled however, when Inspector Green of the police, seeks her assistance with two murders in which a deadly bouquet of flowers was found to have been delivered. Saffron at once has her interest piqued and sets off to investigate the deaths in her own way. Roping in Lee to assist with infiltrating a social circle, Saffron quickly finds herself in a world of decadence and drug use.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
September 30, 2023
This book's slow pacing had me dragging it out far longer than expected.
While I thoroughly enjoy Saffron as a character, the lack of actual movement on the crime and the constant talk with little action was disappointing.
I did love the botany of the novel, as well as the descriptions of poison. The mystery was a good unveil. The romance was a bit dull, though.
There are still brilliant elements that kept me reading, but this one could have been condensed for higher enjoyment. It felt like it was somewhat stretched for length as opposed to content.
2.5-3 Stars
While I thoroughly enjoy Saffron as a character, the lack of actual movement on the crime and the constant talk with little action was disappointing.
I did love the botany of the novel, as well as the descriptions of poison. The mystery was a good unveil. The romance was a bit dull, though.
There are still brilliant elements that kept me reading, but this one could have been condensed for higher enjoyment. It felt like it was somewhat stretched for length as opposed to content.
2.5-3 Stars
April 6, 2023
I found Kate Khaveri's A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality a rewarding read. The central character, botanist Saffron Everleigh, who is trying to make it in the man's world of university research in the 1920s, is feisty, keenly aware of her own intelligence, and has little patience for the sexist attitudes of her colleagues. There were a number of times in this novel when I wanted to high-five her for standing up for herself (though I don't know if people high-fived each other in the 1920s).
I found this volume stronger than the first in the series, A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons. The case this time around focuses on the murders of several women, each of whom was also anonymously given an unsettling bouquet. The flowers varied in each, but all were deadly—and in the Victorian "language of flowers" each bouquet serves as an accusation against the recipient. Saffron is consulted by DI Green who knows enough to know that he doesn't have the knowledge to interpret the bouquets the way Saffron will.
Saffron, like amateur detectives everywhere, takes Green's consultation as an invitation to start her own investigations. She and her co-worker Dr. Michael Lee work their way into a fast, rich crowd with connections to the victims. There are jazz clubs, wild parties, and cocaine (though not used by Saffron or Lee). Many of the members of this circle could potentially be the murderer, and they're all difficult to get to know.
What I particularly liked this time around is the way Saffron refuses to be "protected" by the men around her. She's driven to use her skills in pursuit of justice, let the men sputter and pout as they will.
The mystery here is well structured. I finally did guess whodunnit near the end of the novel, but kept racing through the book nonetheless because the action was compelling, even with my sense of having solved the case.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female characters, you're in for a treat with the Saffron Everleigh novels. I suggest you begin with this volume, then read the first afterwards for context. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
I found this volume stronger than the first in the series, A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons. The case this time around focuses on the murders of several women, each of whom was also anonymously given an unsettling bouquet. The flowers varied in each, but all were deadly—and in the Victorian "language of flowers" each bouquet serves as an accusation against the recipient. Saffron is consulted by DI Green who knows enough to know that he doesn't have the knowledge to interpret the bouquets the way Saffron will.
Saffron, like amateur detectives everywhere, takes Green's consultation as an invitation to start her own investigations. She and her co-worker Dr. Michael Lee work their way into a fast, rich crowd with connections to the victims. There are jazz clubs, wild parties, and cocaine (though not used by Saffron or Lee). Many of the members of this circle could potentially be the murderer, and they're all difficult to get to know.
What I particularly liked this time around is the way Saffron refuses to be "protected" by the men around her. She's driven to use her skills in pursuit of justice, let the men sputter and pout as they will.
The mystery here is well structured. I finally did guess whodunnit near the end of the novel, but kept racing through the book nonetheless because the action was compelling, even with my sense of having solved the case.
If you enjoy historical mysteries with strong female characters, you're in for a treat with the Saffron Everleigh novels. I suggest you begin with this volume, then read the first afterwards for context. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
June 4, 2023
A Botanist's Guide To Flowers and Fatality is the second book with botany researcher Saffron Everleigh. If you haven’t read the first book, A Botanist's Guide To Parties and Poisons, I strongly recommend that you read it first for two reasons: a)the first book is really good and b) you’ll enjoy the excellent sequel more if you’re aware of Saffron’s situation.
It’s definitely worth it.
In Flowers and Fatality, Saffron is working on a research study with Dr. Michael Lee to identify dangerous plants and how to treat those exposed to the toxins. One day, Inspector Green walks into her office to ask for her input about a flower bouquet found near a woman murdered. Since Saffron had consulted on a previous investigation, he wondered if there was any significance to the flowers that were included. Saffron agreed, and when another bouquet was found near a dead woman, Saffron learned an important lesson…
Recent murder scenes are messy and can make you puke.
Khavari brought back all of the ingredients that made us Saffron fans in the first place - a smart, sassy lead; a dashing man investigating at her side; and an enjoyable mystery. I did figure out who done it, since I couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I (briefly) put it down.
Mysteries can be formulaic, with a plug-in investigator. Seriously, how many former cop/agent haunted by a fatal mistake redemption stories do we need? Saffron Everleigh is unique whose botanical expertise makes her the right person at the right time a toxic case comes up. Pun intended.
Do you like an intelligent investigator who is their own worst enemy? Do you enjoy being swept to a different place and time, such as early 20th century London?
I also love the Khavari’s epilogue. Yes, A Botanist's Guide To Flowers and Fatality is wonderful. Kate Khavari topped off an enjoyable mystery by teasing a great premise for the next book. I want to read it - hurry up!
It’s definitely worth it.
In Flowers and Fatality, Saffron is working on a research study with Dr. Michael Lee to identify dangerous plants and how to treat those exposed to the toxins. One day, Inspector Green walks into her office to ask for her input about a flower bouquet found near a woman murdered. Since Saffron had consulted on a previous investigation, he wondered if there was any significance to the flowers that were included. Saffron agreed, and when another bouquet was found near a dead woman, Saffron learned an important lesson…
Recent murder scenes are messy and can make you puke.
Khavari brought back all of the ingredients that made us Saffron fans in the first place - a smart, sassy lead; a dashing man investigating at her side; and an enjoyable mystery. I did figure out who done it, since I couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I (briefly) put it down.
Mysteries can be formulaic, with a plug-in investigator. Seriously, how many former cop/agent haunted by a fatal mistake redemption stories do we need? Saffron Everleigh is unique whose botanical expertise makes her the right person at the right time a toxic case comes up. Pun intended.
Do you like an intelligent investigator who is their own worst enemy? Do you enjoy being swept to a different place and time, such as early 20th century London?
I also love the Khavari’s epilogue. Yes, A Botanist's Guide To Flowers and Fatality is wonderful. Kate Khavari topped off an enjoyable mystery by teasing a great premise for the next book. I want to read it - hurry up!
October 21, 2024
Could have been a 5⭐️ read if it wasn’t for the infuriating, moronic and rushed ending.
July 19, 2023
July 2023: This was even better the second time around. There is more to Alexander’s part of the story than I picked up on during my first time through. The set up for the third book is also intriguing!
May 2023: Saffron is back, she has a new partner, and a trio of murders to consult on because of her knowledge of botany. While we still see a brilliant woman navigating the misogynistic waters of a 1920s university, this installment in the Saffron Everleigh series has the heroine at jazz clubs and parties looking for villains in London society.
Alexander, Saffron’s love interest from the first book, is still on his Amazonian expedition as the book starts. She’s been paired up with a physician to do field research on poisonings. The resulting paper will be a boon for her, as she hasn't even started her Masters program. Along the way, the police ask her to help them with some murders because a bouquet of flowers has been left at each crime scene.
It’s impressive to see the seemingly disparate storylines merge in the second half of the book.
I was given an advanced copy to review, but have already preordered a physical copy.
May 2023: Saffron is back, she has a new partner, and a trio of murders to consult on because of her knowledge of botany. While we still see a brilliant woman navigating the misogynistic waters of a 1920s university, this installment in the Saffron Everleigh series has the heroine at jazz clubs and parties looking for villains in London society.
Alexander, Saffron’s love interest from the first book, is still on his Amazonian expedition as the book starts. She’s been paired up with a physician to do field research on poisonings. The resulting paper will be a boon for her, as she hasn't even started her Masters program. Along the way, the police ask her to help them with some murders because a bouquet of flowers has been left at each crime scene.
It’s impressive to see the seemingly disparate storylines merge in the second half of the book.
I was given an advanced copy to review, but have already preordered a physical copy.
December 21, 2024
Enjoyed 1920's era London setting. Saffron Everleigh, the protagonist, is depicted as a female scientist successfully making her way in male dominated academia; a theme occluded by the chosen title as well as the front flap summary and paramount to all of the themes/plots put forth by the back cover reviewers who seem to have completely missed the point! Yes, this is "an intriguing mystery", "delightful and twisty" with an "engaging" and "plucky heroine", yet those descriptions seem all too trite for what goes on in the pages between the front and back covers.
June 5, 2023
A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality is the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series by American author, Kate Khavari. Late summer 1923, and just a few months after dramatic events that see botanist Saffron Everleigh unpopular with her colleagues at University College London, she has been promoted to researcher in the Botany Department.
Her notoriously taciturn Department Head, Dr Aster has her conducting a phytotoxicology study with a noisy, messy, infuriatingly smug but attractive medical doctor, Michael Lee. Saffron and her study partner attend plant poisoning victims to interrogate, observe, take samples, and try to determine the botanical culprit.
But then Inspector Green turns up wanting what he surprisingly, given their previous interactions, terms Saffron’s “unique insight that could prove to be helpful” into two baffling murders. In each case, the dead woman has received a very unusual bouquet. And while the bouquets contain a number of poisonous plants, they are not the cause of death.
Saffron’s research leads her into the field of floriography, the Victorian tradition of secret messages via bouquets, which only provides vague clues, and what else might link these wealthy women is a mystery.
With the upper crust closing ranks against the police, Saffron sees that her own background as the granddaughter of a viscount might give her an entry with the friends of the younger victim, to gain important information. This entails several visits to a jazz club, being at the exclusive party of Lord Vale, a theatre attendance, a trawl through newspaper archives, and a visit to an upmarket fashion house, occasionally under the alias of Sally Eversby.
As the nephew of Lord Chamberlain, and with a fascination for the cases, Michael Lee is the perfect partner for some of these outings, and takes it upon himself to illegally enter and search the flat of one of the suspects.
The series needs to be read in order as there are massive spoilers for book one within. This instalment features a love triangle, some grisly murders, discrimination based on gender, race and wealth, shell shock, quite a lot of drug use and, of course, many, many flowers. There are several red herrings and distractions before the dramatic climax and reveal.
Khavari captures the era well, and her characters are mostly appealing, except when they’re villains. Saffron is a very principled young woman who sticks to her values despite pressure from the men around her. Some parts feel a bit like melodrama on steroids, but this is, mostly, a fairly enjoyable cosy mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books.
Her notoriously taciturn Department Head, Dr Aster has her conducting a phytotoxicology study with a noisy, messy, infuriatingly smug but attractive medical doctor, Michael Lee. Saffron and her study partner attend plant poisoning victims to interrogate, observe, take samples, and try to determine the botanical culprit.
But then Inspector Green turns up wanting what he surprisingly, given their previous interactions, terms Saffron’s “unique insight that could prove to be helpful” into two baffling murders. In each case, the dead woman has received a very unusual bouquet. And while the bouquets contain a number of poisonous plants, they are not the cause of death.
Saffron’s research leads her into the field of floriography, the Victorian tradition of secret messages via bouquets, which only provides vague clues, and what else might link these wealthy women is a mystery.
With the upper crust closing ranks against the police, Saffron sees that her own background as the granddaughter of a viscount might give her an entry with the friends of the younger victim, to gain important information. This entails several visits to a jazz club, being at the exclusive party of Lord Vale, a theatre attendance, a trawl through newspaper archives, and a visit to an upmarket fashion house, occasionally under the alias of Sally Eversby.
As the nephew of Lord Chamberlain, and with a fascination for the cases, Michael Lee is the perfect partner for some of these outings, and takes it upon himself to illegally enter and search the flat of one of the suspects.
The series needs to be read in order as there are massive spoilers for book one within. This instalment features a love triangle, some grisly murders, discrimination based on gender, race and wealth, shell shock, quite a lot of drug use and, of course, many, many flowers. There are several red herrings and distractions before the dramatic climax and reveal.
Khavari captures the era well, and her characters are mostly appealing, except when they’re villains. Saffron is a very principled young woman who sticks to her values despite pressure from the men around her. Some parts feel a bit like melodrama on steroids, but this is, mostly, a fairly enjoyable cosy mystery.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books.
May 25, 2023
2.5⭐️
This being the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series I was excited to find myself back in the roaring twenties and following Saffron, our headstrong but frighteningly intelligent botanist as she stirred up trouble at her college and, as she has a habit of doing, getting herself involved in crime investigations. I appreciated the plot of this book, the mystery was intriguing and I was invested in our cast of odd but rich side characters who introduce Saffron to the world of nightlife and drugs. However, I was pretty let down with the romance plot that kind of hijacked the story about half way through…
Never did I ever peg Saffron Everleigh as someone too not only get involved in a love triangle, but as someone to handle it horribly.
I can’t say I’ve ever read a series where our first book introduces us to the likable and kind love interest (Alex), only to ship him off to another country for the next novel and have our protagonist falling for the flirty and, honestly pretty bland, SECOND love interest (Lee)? I think if a love triangle was something that Khavari wanted to pursue with this series, then Lee should have been introduced, even if briefly, in the first novel. Since I spent an entire novel with Alex it’s hard to warm up to anyone else without feeling like he was being betrayed by not only me but Saffron.
I really tried to focus on the other aspects of the plot, which I enjoyed immensely, but man… I really just wanted my sweet Alex Ashton back; unfortunately when he did return he felt clunky and out of character for me. I’m sure he was written to make Lee seem more appealing since, well, he couldn’t do that on his own.
Just to focus on the audio aspect of this book - fantastic! I really love this narrator and I absolutely breezed through this entire audiobook!
All this to say, the book itself was interesting, I still love the world of Saffron and after the epilogue promising me more Alex Ashton in the future I will be hanging on for the next of this series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio arc of this novel!
This being the second book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series I was excited to find myself back in the roaring twenties and following Saffron, our headstrong but frighteningly intelligent botanist as she stirred up trouble at her college and, as she has a habit of doing, getting herself involved in crime investigations. I appreciated the plot of this book, the mystery was intriguing and I was invested in our cast of odd but rich side characters who introduce Saffron to the world of nightlife and drugs. However, I was pretty let down with the romance plot that kind of hijacked the story about half way through…
Never did I ever peg Saffron Everleigh as someone too not only get involved in a love triangle, but as someone to handle it horribly.
I can’t say I’ve ever read a series where our first book introduces us to the likable and kind love interest (Alex), only to ship him off to another country for the next novel and have our protagonist falling for the flirty and, honestly pretty bland, SECOND love interest (Lee)? I think if a love triangle was something that Khavari wanted to pursue with this series, then Lee should have been introduced, even if briefly, in the first novel. Since I spent an entire novel with Alex it’s hard to warm up to anyone else without feeling like he was being betrayed by not only me but Saffron.
I really tried to focus on the other aspects of the plot, which I enjoyed immensely, but man… I really just wanted my sweet Alex Ashton back; unfortunately when he did return he felt clunky and out of character for me. I’m sure he was written to make Lee seem more appealing since, well, he couldn’t do that on his own.
Just to focus on the audio aspect of this book - fantastic! I really love this narrator and I absolutely breezed through this entire audiobook!
All this to say, the book itself was interesting, I still love the world of Saffron and after the epilogue promising me more Alex Ashton in the future I will be hanging on for the next of this series!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio arc of this novel!
September 30, 2023
Sometimes I start to think I like Saffron but in the end I don't. Shes so judgy, like why should Lee be there to cater to you every time you want him? Ma'am he has other things to do that don't revolve around you. Saffron is smart and successful and I do love her for that but she doesn't give others enough credit.
The mysteries in these are not appealing to me. I like to club parts but I'm mad that it was with another man and not the guy from book one.
The mysteries in these are not appealing to me. I like to club parts but I'm mad that it was with another man and not the guy from book one.
January 26, 2025
Book #2 in the Saffron Everleigh Mysteries.
Saffron now has her own office, but she has to share it with a medical doctor doing research at the University. Alexander Ashton is in the Amazon, and Dr. Maxwell is still on leave. Will it be permanent?
Saffron gets a call from the detective who investigated the previous case, regarding Mrs. Henry's poisoning. The detective actually wants Saffron's help, as two wealthy women have been found dead, both having been sent bouquets. The detective wants Saffron's opinion on whether the bouquets hold any meanings in the murders. Saffron sets to work identifying the flowers in the bouquets, and goes down the rabbit hole of the Victorian meanings behind what flowers are sent when. So, not only are some of the flowers included in the bouquets toxic, they also have sinister meanings.
Of course, Saffron wants to investigate herself, and Dr. Lee can't help but nose into what she is doing, and actually proves helpful in introducing Saffron to gentry who were friends with/ran in the same circles with the dead women. Saffron and Dr. Lee get involved in a fast set who frequent seedy jazz clubs, and imbibe various addictive substances, notably cocaine.
And then, a third women is murdered, and Saffron's personal life gets really complicated when Dr. Ashton returns from the Amazon, and finds her with Dr. Lee late at night in her apartment. When Elizabeth blurts out that Saffron and Dr. Lee shared an intimate moment (in the pursuit of their investigations), misunderstandings and anger erupt.
Does Saffron resume her relationship w/ Alexander Ashton? Or does she have feelings for Dr. Lee now? Do the floral bouquets actually relate to the murders -- especially since her new friend Amelia has now received a bouquet? After a truly tense, extended denouement, does Saffron become the next victim -- or solve the crimes? Read it and see. 4 stars, b/c again, some unnecessary repetition.
Saffron now has her own office, but she has to share it with a medical doctor doing research at the University. Alexander Ashton is in the Amazon, and Dr. Maxwell is still on leave. Will it be permanent?
Saffron gets a call from the detective who investigated the previous case, regarding Mrs. Henry's poisoning. The detective actually wants Saffron's help, as two wealthy women have been found dead, both having been sent bouquets. The detective wants Saffron's opinion on whether the bouquets hold any meanings in the murders. Saffron sets to work identifying the flowers in the bouquets, and goes down the rabbit hole of the Victorian meanings behind what flowers are sent when. So, not only are some of the flowers included in the bouquets toxic, they also have sinister meanings.
Of course, Saffron wants to investigate herself, and Dr. Lee can't help but nose into what she is doing, and actually proves helpful in introducing Saffron to gentry who were friends with/ran in the same circles with the dead women. Saffron and Dr. Lee get involved in a fast set who frequent seedy jazz clubs, and imbibe various addictive substances, notably cocaine.
And then, a third women is murdered, and Saffron's personal life gets really complicated when Dr. Ashton returns from the Amazon, and finds her with Dr. Lee late at night in her apartment. When Elizabeth blurts out that Saffron and Dr. Lee shared an intimate moment (in the pursuit of their investigations), misunderstandings and anger erupt.
Does Saffron resume her relationship w/ Alexander Ashton? Or does she have feelings for Dr. Lee now? Do the floral bouquets actually relate to the murders -- especially since her new friend Amelia has now received a bouquet? After a truly tense, extended denouement, does Saffron become the next victim -- or solve the crimes? Read it and see. 4 stars, b/c again, some unnecessary repetition.
September 27, 2023
okaaaay this one was so much more interesting and intriguing that the first book! it makes me impatient for the next one now bc that set up at the end was so good
thank you to libro.fm, the author, and the publisher for an advanced listening copy of this book!
thank you to libro.fm, the author, and the publisher for an advanced listening copy of this book!
May 31, 2023
Well THAT was unexpected. And fantastic. WHAT a great read. Saffron is a great MC and I love her perseverance and pluck and determination. Lee is the perfect foil for her and while I despise a love triangle, I can see this one only because Alexander was in book 1 and then left with no words of promise or love, so when Lee enters the picture...well, in this case, I can just see how and why it happens [though I hope it doesn't meander on and on - Saffron is a better MC than that and deserves more than a shoddy love triangle]. I like Alexander, but my GOSH that man needs some help. Seriously.
The whole mystery was just that for me - a mystery. I was completely snowed and even at the end/reveal, I was [and still am not] sure exactly what happened and just who the killer was. I mean I know, but....
It was a glorious read and I am fully in love with this series. SO. WELL. DONE.
I was lucky enough to also get an audiobook ARC for this and it was just fantastic. Jodie Harris is an outstanding narrator and truly brings this whole book to life; I know I have enjoyed this series even more because of the narration. I highly recommend listening to these books - it is a really great experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing the audiobook and eBook ARCS in exchange for an honest review.
The whole mystery was just that for me - a mystery. I was completely snowed and even at the end/reveal, I was [and still am not] sure exactly what happened and just who the killer was. I mean I know, but....
It was a glorious read and I am fully in love with this series. SO. WELL. DONE.
I was lucky enough to also get an audiobook ARC for this and it was just fantastic. Jodie Harris is an outstanding narrator and truly brings this whole book to life; I know I have enjoyed this series even more because of the narration. I highly recommend listening to these books - it is a really great experience.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for providing the audiobook and eBook ARCS in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2023
In this second in series researcher Saffron Everleigh and doctor Michael Lee are called in to assist the London police in solving some murders. Left at each crime scene is a bouquet of flowers, which leads the team to dive into floriography, especially poisonous flowers.
A wonderful read although quite slow going. I enjoyed this one better than part one.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
A wonderful read although quite slow going. I enjoyed this one better than part one.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
November 15, 2022
When last we met her, Saffron Everleigh, newly promoted botanical researcher at University College in London, was absolving the mysterious xolotl vine of a possible poisoning and accusing a new hybridization of aconite instead in the suspicious coma-inducing incident involving a professor’s wife. It’s the Roaring Twenties and Saffron is a woman in academia and, as expected, not being taken seriously even though her intellect is superior to many of the male professors.
It’s a few weeks after the poison investigations of the first installment. Alexander, Saffron’s detective cohort and presumptive future paramour, is on a 6 month Amazon expedition, and she is now paired with an obnoxiously handsome but very likeable physician, Dr. Michael Lee. They’ve traveled together to Hampshire and other points to determine if a small child has been poisoned by a local plant as part of a phytotoxicology study. But she is suddenly recruited by Inspector Green to consult as an outside poison expert for the police department when a series of black-ribboned deadly bouquets had apparently been received by strangled and smothered murder victims. Saffron heads off into the world of floriography, the Victorian secret language of flowers, in order to assist the Inspector.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the second Saffron story more than the first — Saffron has grown more confident of her abilities and expertise and she can more easily circumnavigate around the men doubting her abilities. There are less confusing characters (not everyone is an old professor this time). Dr. Lee is there as her confidant and foil (since Alexander was necessarily sent away to Brazil). The plot is intriguing and Saffron gets to be a delicious snoop again. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The “violently yellow” (I love that description) xolotl vine still survives, almost like a pet, on Saffron’s office windowsill.
Kudos to the beautiful cover design by Nicole Lecht.
Looking forward to another volume of Saffron Everleigh mysteries, when, I suppose, Alexander and Michael will meet… and eagerly awaiting another botanical index on the author’s website.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO In the second paragraph of the book, we meet Lee and his brilliant green eyes. Saffron’s are cornflower blue.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Whew! High expectations, of course, for a floral book. The pink heather is properly blooming in August (although it’s usually known as the “September Plant of the Month”) and Saffron knows that pomegranates would probably be grown in a greenhouse or protected garden in England.
It’s a few weeks after the poison investigations of the first installment. Alexander, Saffron’s detective cohort and presumptive future paramour, is on a 6 month Amazon expedition, and she is now paired with an obnoxiously handsome but very likeable physician, Dr. Michael Lee. They’ve traveled together to Hampshire and other points to determine if a small child has been poisoned by a local plant as part of a phytotoxicology study. But she is suddenly recruited by Inspector Green to consult as an outside poison expert for the police department when a series of black-ribboned deadly bouquets had apparently been received by strangled and smothered murder victims. Saffron heads off into the world of floriography, the Victorian secret language of flowers, in order to assist the Inspector.
I was surprised that I enjoyed the second Saffron story more than the first — Saffron has grown more confident of her abilities and expertise and she can more easily circumnavigate around the men doubting her abilities. There are less confusing characters (not everyone is an old professor this time). Dr. Lee is there as her confidant and foil (since Alexander was necessarily sent away to Brazil). The plot is intriguing and Saffron gets to be a delicious snoop again. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The “violently yellow” (I love that description) xolotl vine still survives, almost like a pet, on Saffron’s office windowsill.
Kudos to the beautiful cover design by Nicole Lecht.
Looking forward to another volume of Saffron Everleigh mysteries, when, I suppose, Alexander and Michael will meet… and eagerly awaiting another botanical index on the author’s website.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO In the second paragraph of the book, we meet Lee and his brilliant green eyes. Saffron’s are cornflower blue.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Whew! High expectations, of course, for a floral book. The pink heather is properly blooming in August (although it’s usually known as the “September Plant of the Month”) and Saffron knows that pomegranates would probably be grown in a greenhouse or protected garden in England.
December 3, 2022
[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality releases June 6, 2023
This is the second installment to the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series.
We’re immediately thrown into witnessing Saffron and Dr. Lee travelling to aid in the care of sick individuals, and figuring out what poisonous substance they might have ingested as a part of their University research study.
Alongside these events, an inspector has tasked Saffron to help in investigating a string of murders, where there is always a carefully crafted bouquet of poisonous flowers that all have a very specific meaning.
The premise of this story was there, but the execution fell flat for me.
Some of the issues I had with the first book in terms of pacing transferred to this one as well. It just dragged on, with only the last 20 or so percent having any sense of urgency.
There was an instance where Dr. Lee just suddenly decided he was no longer going to participate in helping with the murder investigations, and it felt so stilted and abrupt. They didn’t even have a big fight or conflict to warrant this, so it felt like some chapters with explanation were missing.
I’ll happily be the first to admit that I was not a fan of the romance in book one with Alexander, there was lack of chemistry and they were just so insufferably boring.
I found that Lee had charisma that brought this story to life.
However, what I didn’t like was all of the other man drama/cheating/love triangle… whatever you want to call this situation, it was messy and drew away from the murder mystery.
Even though I really liked the dynamics with Saffron and Lee, I didn’t think it was fair at all to Alexander who was literally on another continent, partaking in the Amazonian Expedition.
There’s this underlying theme that Saffron has “changed” but I still think she has room to grow and stand up for herself as the only woman in this predominantly male-centric world.
The romance is left a little open ended, so I’m curious who she’ll end up choosing.
This ends on a cliffhanger involving Alexander’s brother, so I’m assuming there will be a third installment. I don’t think I can mentally handle another one, but I guess we will see what happens when the time comes.
CW: kidnapping, drug use (cocaine)
5 stars for the cover alone, the designer for these really outdid themselves. I love the needle and how it makes sense with the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality releases June 6, 2023
This is the second installment to the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series.
We’re immediately thrown into witnessing Saffron and Dr. Lee travelling to aid in the care of sick individuals, and figuring out what poisonous substance they might have ingested as a part of their University research study.
Alongside these events, an inspector has tasked Saffron to help in investigating a string of murders, where there is always a carefully crafted bouquet of poisonous flowers that all have a very specific meaning.
The premise of this story was there, but the execution fell flat for me.
Some of the issues I had with the first book in terms of pacing transferred to this one as well. It just dragged on, with only the last 20 or so percent having any sense of urgency.
There was an instance where Dr. Lee just suddenly decided he was no longer going to participate in helping with the murder investigations, and it felt so stilted and abrupt. They didn’t even have a big fight or conflict to warrant this, so it felt like some chapters with explanation were missing.
I’ll happily be the first to admit that I was not a fan of the romance in book one with Alexander, there was lack of chemistry and they were just so insufferably boring.
I found that Lee had charisma that brought this story to life.
However, what I didn’t like was all of the other man drama/cheating/love triangle… whatever you want to call this situation, it was messy and drew away from the murder mystery.
Even though I really liked the dynamics with Saffron and Lee, I didn’t think it was fair at all to Alexander who was literally on another continent, partaking in the Amazonian Expedition.
There’s this underlying theme that Saffron has “changed” but I still think she has room to grow and stand up for herself as the only woman in this predominantly male-centric world.
The romance is left a little open ended, so I’m curious who she’ll end up choosing.
This ends on a cliffhanger involving Alexander’s brother, so I’m assuming there will be a third installment. I don’t think I can mentally handle another one, but I guess we will see what happens when the time comes.
CW: kidnapping, drug use (cocaine)
5 stars for the cover alone, the designer for these really outdid themselves. I love the needle and how it makes sense with the story.
May 4, 2023
In this second book of the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, we find our heroine a few months after her dangerous exploits (book one) have precipitated personal and professional changes. Now under the supervision of her mentor, Dr. Aster, Saffron is participating in a study for the identification and cataloging of poisonous plants in England. Much to her irritation, the dashing and glib Dr. Michael Lee becomes her partner. She now has to deal with the intrusion into her office of the messy Dr. Lee (Lee) who has taken over the desk of Alexander Ashton: her colleague and possible lover. Settling into her new routine (and the misogyny of her peers on campus), Saffron is contacted by Detective Inspector (DI) Green asking her to assist him with some plant identification of his own.
Flower bouquets have been found at the crime scenes of murdered women. Saffron thinks that
poisonous plants may have caused their deaths. However, DI Green informs her that the victims have been murdered by strangulation and stabbing. Knowing that DI Green contacted her for a reason, Saffron utilizes her expertise as a botanist to analyze these bouquets. To find answers, Saffron unearths floriography: the arcane practice of communicating through flowers.
Popular during the Victorian era, people would use what they called “talking bouquets” to secretly communicate with each other. Usually, young women would carry small flower arrangements called nosegays (or tussie-mussies) to express their intentions to men who may become suitors. The flower arrangements sent to the victims contain plant life with negative and sinister connotations. Can the identity of the killer and the reason for their crimes be found through floriography?
Saffron continues putting herself in harm’s way as she goes beyond DI Green’s instructions. She visits speakeasies with Lee in search of a group young people who may have known the victims, searches for cocaine users and dealers, and gets kidnapped. While in pursuit of knowledge, she is incapable of assessing the foolhardiness and possible dangers of her actions. The inclusion of Lee disquiets Saffron, bringing her confidence in her love for—and from--Ashton love under scrutiny. Luckily, book two ends in a cliffhanger to ready us for the next installment.
This book—and its predecessor—are fun and satisfying reads. I highly recommend you check them out.
I’d like to thank Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Flower bouquets have been found at the crime scenes of murdered women. Saffron thinks that
poisonous plants may have caused their deaths. However, DI Green informs her that the victims have been murdered by strangulation and stabbing. Knowing that DI Green contacted her for a reason, Saffron utilizes her expertise as a botanist to analyze these bouquets. To find answers, Saffron unearths floriography: the arcane practice of communicating through flowers.
Popular during the Victorian era, people would use what they called “talking bouquets” to secretly communicate with each other. Usually, young women would carry small flower arrangements called nosegays (or tussie-mussies) to express their intentions to men who may become suitors. The flower arrangements sent to the victims contain plant life with negative and sinister connotations. Can the identity of the killer and the reason for their crimes be found through floriography?
Saffron continues putting herself in harm’s way as she goes beyond DI Green’s instructions. She visits speakeasies with Lee in search of a group young people who may have known the victims, searches for cocaine users and dealers, and gets kidnapped. While in pursuit of knowledge, she is incapable of assessing the foolhardiness and possible dangers of her actions. The inclusion of Lee disquiets Saffron, bringing her confidence in her love for—and from--Ashton love under scrutiny. Luckily, book two ends in a cliffhanger to ready us for the next installment.
This book—and its predecessor—are fun and satisfying reads. I highly recommend you check them out.
I’d like to thank Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 27, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery in this book way more than book one. But the best part of this book was Lee and I’m very upset at how things ended with him and Saffron. The guy is a literal dreamboat and supports her dreams and independence. He understands her and yet over one disagreement on a work opportunity she thought about for 10 seconds, she breaks off the whole thing???? Ugh. No! The epilogue with Alexander was meh. I just don’t really care about him as a character and if he and Saffron end up together I’m going to be so upset. Lol! I’d much have preferred to get some of Saffron and Eliza in Paris for the epilogue, or more about the offer Dr Aster gave her during their meeting. Maybe those things are being saved for book 3. The writer loves to leave details like these ambiguous throughout these books- like an important meeting happens, but the reader is not privy to any of it. So how important was it? Lol
Also, I still find it hard to believe in Saffron’s motivations as a character - why murder-mystery solving when she just got her dream job as a researcher? Why is the research always taking a back seat to the investigation? Also, let’s give credit where credit is due, and acknowledge that she’d be dead in a ditch if not for Lee. And okay, Alexander too. But more Lee. There better be more of Lee in Book 3. And Eliza, because everyone needs a friend just like her in their lives.
Also, I still find it hard to believe in Saffron’s motivations as a character - why murder-mystery solving when she just got her dream job as a researcher? Why is the research always taking a back seat to the investigation? Also, let’s give credit where credit is due, and acknowledge that she’d be dead in a ditch if not for Lee. And okay, Alexander too. But more Lee. There better be more of Lee in Book 3. And Eliza, because everyone needs a friend just like her in their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2022
DNF at 74% because reading this eARC as a PDF on my phone is quickly eroding what little sanity I have. Star rating is subject to change.
I really love the way that the 1920s setting is so much more apparent in this novel than the first. I felt very immersed.
I don’t like love triangles and this whole Lee - Saffron - Alexander situation isn’t going to change that. I didn’t particularly enjoy it but it certainly added drama. I did enjoy Lee as well; there’s something about that “annoying, arrogant flirt paired with a smart girl not afraid to bite back” that I enjoy.
I like seeing Saffron immerse herself in the case with the go ahead from cops. The mystery is interesting but I feel like things started to get overshadowed by the . . . entanglement.
Anyways I am absolutely looking forward to finishing this book. Thank you NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really love the way that the 1920s setting is so much more apparent in this novel than the first. I felt very immersed.
I don’t like love triangles and this whole Lee - Saffron - Alexander situation isn’t going to change that. I didn’t particularly enjoy it but it certainly added drama. I did enjoy Lee as well; there’s something about that “annoying, arrogant flirt paired with a smart girl not afraid to bite back” that I enjoy.
I like seeing Saffron immerse herself in the case with the go ahead from cops. The mystery is interesting but I feel like things started to get overshadowed by the . . . entanglement.
Anyways I am absolutely looking forward to finishing this book. Thank you NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2023
3.5/5 stars
I'm a little torn on this one because I love Saffron and the setting of these books so much, but the mystery itself was a little lacking for me and I found myself a bit frustrated by the emergence of a potential romantic triangle when I wasn't expecting it. (Really, I just want to know these things going in so that I can be prepared!) That said, I like both potential options and don't have a strong preference for the time being, so I'm willing to go along with it until I get clearer signals as to where it's going. Very interested in the set up for book three.
I'm a little torn on this one because I love Saffron and the setting of these books so much, but the mystery itself was a little lacking for me and I found myself a bit frustrated by the emergence of a potential romantic triangle when I wasn't expecting it. (Really, I just want to know these things going in so that I can be prepared!) That said, I like both potential options and don't have a strong preference for the time being, so I'm willing to go along with it until I get clearer signals as to where it's going. Very interested in the set up for book three.
January 19, 2023
I genuinely love the Everleigh books so much! I find it super refreshing to have a female protagonist in a 1920s murder mystery - add academia in rainy England into the mix and I'm sold.
I did like Alexander in the first book more than Lee in the second, but the flower language murders evened that out again. So creative and very niche - love it and I'll definitely purchase it for myself once it's published!
I did like Alexander in the first book more than Lee in the second, but the flower language murders evened that out again. So creative and very niche - love it and I'll definitely purchase it for myself once it's published!
August 3, 2023
The second book in the Saffron Everleigh series does not disappoint. This time the botanist turned sleuth is helping the police figure out who's killing people with bouquets of flowers. Since Alexander is still on his research trip through South America, her new office partner Dr Lee has to help Saffron with the investigation. The two make a marvellous team and there is more than just the regular/scientific chemistry between the two.
August 5, 2023
I might be done with this series. It might just be me, but the plot lines seem so contrived in these books. Everything falls into Saffron's lap, detection-wise, while the crime itself feels a little too forced. Also, I'm not a fan of a love triangle.…
February 12, 2024
Love the mystery murder.. I loved the addition of lee 💛 but I felt that Alexander was done dirty in this ..I get wat saffron needed but I wished she saw him 💛 and understood why maybe he re acted the way he did
May 25, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4.3 of 5 Stars
Series: Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2
Publication Date: 6/6/23
Period: 1920’s London – George V – Interwar Period
Number of Pages: 352
Saffron Everleigh has worked hard, defied her family, and found success at a time and place where women were relegated to fetching coffee, typing notes, and running a home. Were it not for her hard-headed determination and brilliant mind, she’d still be doing all of those things. Instead, she is a researcher at University College with her own office and a research grant. That grant comes with a partner, Dr. Lee, who is handsome, suave, and very dedicated to medicine. Their task is to investigate poisonings from poisonous plants and to document the plant, its location, the effect on the person who was poisoned, etc. Saffron is very excited about the project because it means she’ll have a published paper before she even starts her masters program at the university.
If you read the first book, you’ll remember Inspector Green who was constantly trying to keep Saffron out of his investigation. This time, he’s come to her asking for help. It seems there have been three murders – all by different methods – but all victims received strange flower arrangements prior to or at the time of their deaths. The murders are all definitely related – but how – and what prompted these strange bouquets? The inspector is interested in having Saffron identify the plants – which she does. She also discovers the old meanings (floriography) of the different plants and passes that along as well.
Being Saffron, she also inveigles more information from the Inspector and takes it upon herself to begin investigating – even bringing a reluctant Dr. Lee into it. They trek through dingy clubs where drugs are as prevalent as alcohol, and they befriend people who have much to hide. Who among the denizens of this dark world could have wanted three people dead? Or, are they even looking in the right place?
I’m definitely a romantic and I just have to have a romance in my mysteries. I’m not sure where this series is headed in that area, but I’m ready for the male romantic lead to be settled. I’m not one for the will-they/won’t-they scenario and that is what this is so far. Yes, this is only the second book, but we should have a pretty clear view of where this is headed by now – and we don’t. I’m pretty sure Dr. Lee is currently out of the romantic picture and Ashton may or may not be. I’m guessing Ashton will be the romantic lead, especially with how the third book is set up at the end of this one – but – you never know.
As for Saffron, I have to wonder a bit about her. She is brilliant and dedicated, but she seems to be oblivious to the feelings of those around her – at least the male portion of the population. They are all supposed to be totally supportive and understanding of her, but she seems to have no clue about them. For instance – Dr. Lee wanted to drop out of the investigation – so she just got angry with him rather than wondering (or asking) what the reason was. Then, there is Ashton with PTSD and she doesn’t seem to want to make any allowances for his feelings of protectiveness or his personal battles with flashbacks. Yes, he has a real problem with actually expressing his feelings, but she doesn’t seem to care enough about him to delve into why any of that might be. While I find her mind to be very sharp, I find her heart to be a tad slow, selfish, and dull. I’m hoping that will change with the next book.
I recommend this book and this series and I hope you will enjoy it. There are plenty of twists and turns, lots of red herrings, plenty of danger for all of our characters, and a thoroughly satisfying wrap-up for the villain. Then, of course, there is the set-up for the next book and I can’t wait to see where that one leads us. BTW – you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one – however, I believe it will add much to your enjoyment of this book if you understand more about Saffron’s journey to get to where she is now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Saffron Everleigh Mystery #2
Publication Date: 6/6/23
Period: 1920’s London – George V – Interwar Period
Number of Pages: 352
Saffron Everleigh has worked hard, defied her family, and found success at a time and place where women were relegated to fetching coffee, typing notes, and running a home. Were it not for her hard-headed determination and brilliant mind, she’d still be doing all of those things. Instead, she is a researcher at University College with her own office and a research grant. That grant comes with a partner, Dr. Lee, who is handsome, suave, and very dedicated to medicine. Their task is to investigate poisonings from poisonous plants and to document the plant, its location, the effect on the person who was poisoned, etc. Saffron is very excited about the project because it means she’ll have a published paper before she even starts her masters program at the university.
If you read the first book, you’ll remember Inspector Green who was constantly trying to keep Saffron out of his investigation. This time, he’s come to her asking for help. It seems there have been three murders – all by different methods – but all victims received strange flower arrangements prior to or at the time of their deaths. The murders are all definitely related – but how – and what prompted these strange bouquets? The inspector is interested in having Saffron identify the plants – which she does. She also discovers the old meanings (floriography) of the different plants and passes that along as well.
Being Saffron, she also inveigles more information from the Inspector and takes it upon herself to begin investigating – even bringing a reluctant Dr. Lee into it. They trek through dingy clubs where drugs are as prevalent as alcohol, and they befriend people who have much to hide. Who among the denizens of this dark world could have wanted three people dead? Or, are they even looking in the right place?
I’m definitely a romantic and I just have to have a romance in my mysteries. I’m not sure where this series is headed in that area, but I’m ready for the male romantic lead to be settled. I’m not one for the will-they/won’t-they scenario and that is what this is so far. Yes, this is only the second book, but we should have a pretty clear view of where this is headed by now – and we don’t. I’m pretty sure Dr. Lee is currently out of the romantic picture and Ashton may or may not be. I’m guessing Ashton will be the romantic lead, especially with how the third book is set up at the end of this one – but – you never know.
As for Saffron, I have to wonder a bit about her. She is brilliant and dedicated, but she seems to be oblivious to the feelings of those around her – at least the male portion of the population. They are all supposed to be totally supportive and understanding of her, but she seems to have no clue about them. For instance – Dr. Lee wanted to drop out of the investigation – so she just got angry with him rather than wondering (or asking) what the reason was. Then, there is Ashton with PTSD and she doesn’t seem to want to make any allowances for his feelings of protectiveness or his personal battles with flashbacks. Yes, he has a real problem with actually expressing his feelings, but she doesn’t seem to care enough about him to delve into why any of that might be. While I find her mind to be very sharp, I find her heart to be a tad slow, selfish, and dull. I’m hoping that will change with the next book.
I recommend this book and this series and I hope you will enjoy it. There are plenty of twists and turns, lots of red herrings, plenty of danger for all of our characters, and a thoroughly satisfying wrap-up for the villain. Then, of course, there is the set-up for the next book and I can’t wait to see where that one leads us. BTW – you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one – however, I believe it will add much to your enjoyment of this book if you understand more about Saffron’s journey to get to where she is now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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