The Botanist's Assistant

by Peggy Townsend

A murder in the science lab shatters a woman’s quiet and ordered life when she decides she must solve the crime herself in this entertaining and uplifting mystery.

Plenty of people consider Margaret Finch odd. Six-feet-tall and big-boned, she lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives a 20-year-old truck, and schedules her life so precisely you can tell the time and day of the week by the chore she is doing and what she is wearing.  But the same attributes that cause her to be labeled eccentric—an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything—make her invaluable in her job as Research Assistant II to a talented and charismatic botanist.

It's those very same qualities, however, that also turn Margaret into a target after a surprising death shakes the small university where she works. Even as authorities claim the death appears to be from natural causes, Margaret fears it might be something more: a murder born of jealousy and dark secrets. With the aid of a newly hired and enigmatic night custodian, Margaret finds herself thrust into the role of detective, forcing her to consider that she may not be able to find the killer before the killer finds her.

With a cast of quirky and likeable characters that one won’t soon forget, The Botanist’s Assistant is a delightful story of perseverance and the power in all of us to survive.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Thriller, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2025

About the author

Peggy Townsend is longtime newspaper reporter who has won state and national awards for her work. She has flown with pararescuers, taken a flashlight to a knife fight and narrowly missed being punched in the jaw by a mass murderer. She has rock climbed, run rivers, skied expert slopes, run half-marathons and fished in the Gulf of Alaska: all things at which she is only marginally competent. She is the author of three novels Her Run, The Thin Edge and The Beautiful and the Wild. Her newest book, The Botanist's Assistant, will release on Nov. 18, 2025.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great book! Peggy Townsend has combined a murder, a science laboratory, a janitor, and a woman who is considered odd by her colleagues into a fascinating story in The Botanist's Assistant. Margaret Finch is tall, lives alone in a small cabin in the woods, drives an old pick-up truck, and schedules her life precisely. When a surprising death occurs at Roosevelt University, everyone except Margaret believes the death is from natural causes. With the help of the newly hired night custodian, Joe Torres, she plays detective and puts herself in danger.

Margaret is a research assistant to a botanist. She has an obsessive attention to detail and the ability to organize almost anything. She’s intelligent, tightly controlled, doesn’t like waste, is observant, straightforward, direct, and calm. She tends to be blunt, and people don’t always appreciate it. She also helps her boss, Dr. Jonathan Deaver, by supervising the others who work in the lab and with grant applications as well as ordering supplies and keeping the lab running. Dr. Deaver is creative and confident. Joe is a good listener, kind, and helpful.

The story captivated me from the beginning. It did a great job of portraying the university and its culture. There’s a riveting mystery along with the politics of the university and the desire for fame. The story steadily builds momentum until it’s fascinating conclusion. It’s well-plotted and the characters felt realistic and emotionally rich. There are some unpredictable moments in the story and a few plot twists with multiple suspects.

Overall, this is an engaging, unique, fascinating, and entertaining story full of murder, corruption, and investigation by an amateur sleuth. The world-building and characterization are well-done. I hope there will be another book featuring Margaret.

Berkley Publishing Group – Berkley and Peggy Townsend provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 18, 2025.
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My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[✧*̥˚Rachel*̥˚✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

~Murder-Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, and more!~

4| The Botanist's Assistant was a pleasant and cozy read. I especially enjoyed the lab setting and seeing Margaret's day-to-day life as a research assistant. Margaret's character was delightfully unique, observant, and caring. I loved watching her friendship with Calvin and Joe develop as the story progressed. It allowed me to see a different side of the character than originally presented. While Margaret might have come across as a little aloof at first, I actually found her character quite refreshing and unique. Margaret is precise and diligent, and always makes an effort to look at everything logically. While we do get to see and hear about her emotions, I appreciated that they never overtook her judgment. Her blunt personality definitely took some getting used to, but I overall liked how she always stood true to herself.

It was interesting to learn about Margaret's life, especially since it added to the story and helped explain her actions. Her loyally to Dr. Deaver, scheduling, and note-taking all had reasonable explanations, which helped me understand her quirks. The university politics was a fun obstacle that added a lot to the plot and mystery. I did feel like some of the book felt a bit clunky. Sometimes, the paragraphs would switch back and forth with the timeline without warning; it was quite confusing, and I had to reread sections to understand. I also wasn't a fan of how some things were left unfinished. I'm not sure if this is meant to be a series, but I wish so many things weren't left unresolved. While I enjoyed the science setting, it sometimes felt like an information overload. Overall, this was a nice cozy read! It truly was unlike anything I had ever read. Margaret's character was unique and a wonderful narrator throughout the story. I hope this ends up being a series because I'm interested in reading more about Margaret's story!

*I received this book through Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*

Expected publication is November 18, 2025

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret Finch, dubbed “Big Bird” by her fellow lab workers because of her large stature, is having a rough 54th birthday. Her schedule is off by 300 seconds, she oversees a lab with two messy colleagues, there is no cake, and her beloved leader, Dr. Deaver, is found dead in his office. Everyone else seems to think the cause of his death is a heart condition, but Margaret knows it was a poisoning. In fact, it was a poison from of a very specific plant that only a dedicated botanist would recognize. With the help of an unlikely partner, she is determined to find out who poisoned him.

This cozy who-done-it with a neurodivergent protagonist is an enjoyable read and includes some interesting facts from the plant world. Despite some abrupt transitions and unanswered questions about the deceased professor (did he really steal his research ideas?) I found this book to be well-written and paced. For fans of Lessons in Chemistry and the Findlay Donovan series.

Thank you to Berkeley Publishing, NetGalley, and BookBrowse for the advanced copy of this book on exchange for an honest review.

[Sophia]

People can set their clocks by her because her routine is so rigid, but murder has a way of alarming even the most precise of individuals. I’ve had my eye on Peggy Townsend’s books for a while since I spotted her Alaskan survival thriller, but turns out a neurodiverse university lab assistant solving crime was what got me first.

My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer TBA.

[Kiaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book..about a 50-something Lab tech/manager at a mid-level university working for a high-level botanist/cancer researcher. At 6+ feet tall, blondish-gray hair and a “plain” face, Margaret Finch is called Big Bird behind her back but she knows. She’s also rigidly set in her behaviors including 5 blouses…one for each day of the workweek, timed morning routines…same lunch prep, same breakfast, same amounting of time to get from bed to lab. She is likely neurodivergent in that she has a great deal of difficulty overacting with others and misses conversational queues. And, she’s a terrific lab manager and a meticulous experiment runner…she is greatly values by her boss who she respects and reveres. So, Margret is throw for a loop when she finds him dead in his office. Everyone thinks that he died of natural causes (he had a problem heart) or at the very least want the issue settled and closed quickly. The Dean wants NO scandal or anything to jeopardize a huge grant that the botanist’s work was about to receive. However Margaret, ever the observant witness, is convinced he was murdered and sets out to find the culprit and obtain justice. This is a fun whodunit with lots of quirky characters but I feel like the awkward woman whom everyone either dismisses or ignores is getting to be an overused trope. Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC of this book.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Finch, the botanist’s assistant, knows she is “different.” She’s precise, she’s intelligent, and she’s tall. Margaret knows that other employees at the university call her “Big Bird” behind her back.

Her boss, Dr. Deaver, treats her respectfully. In return, Margaret thinks he is one of the greatest scientists and researchers ever. She does her best work for him.

Tragedy strikes. Margaret has one opinion and her superiors and the campus police have another. Although she sometimes uses unconventional methods, Margaret is determined to find out the truth behind what has happened to her boss.

I enjoyed this book so much. Margaret was so likeable and she so frequently shared tidbits of scientific knowledge with the reader. “The Botanist’s Assistant” was educational and informative as well as compelling.

I recommend “The Botanist’s Assistant” by Peggy Townsend. I hope Margaret will have her own series!

Thank you to BookBrowse and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has taken me a while to get through this one, a blah read for me (and too many personal life issues!!!). I appreciate the education about poison plants and was truly surprised who the murderer was. Thank you for the lack of vulgar language, no sex escapades or drug use. So must say it was a pleasant read from that standpoint. Best of luck, Peggy Townsend with all your future writing endeavors!

[KaseyG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: Margaret Finch has many eccentricities, but they make her a perfect fit for her meticulous job as a botanist’s research assistant. Her carefully crafted life, scheduled down to the minute, is thrown off course when her boss is found murdered in his office. The police want to write it off as a natural death, but Margaret knows something more is going on.

Thoughts: This is a riveting murder mystery with an engaging cast of quirky characters and an interesting setting. If you enjoy murder mysteries that area but on hr cozier side but still have high stakes, you’ll definitely enjoy this book! Margaret is such a unique character and makes for a fantastic amateur detective. I also really enjoyed the side characters such as the janitor and the other lab assistant’s. The author really nailed the academia setting and the pressures faced by researchers. While currently a standalone, I would love to see Margaret lead her own series! A note on the audio: The narration was really well done and brought to life the quirky and lovable characters.

Read this if you like:
🪴 cozy mystery
🪴 academia setting
🪴 plants
🪴 quirky characters

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I hope this is the start of a new series. I want to be friends with Margaret and be invited to her hilltop cabin for spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce! Well written and filled with scientific bits but done so the average person can read, understand and enjoy. Excellent!

[Beth Peninger · Rating 3 out of 5]

United States Publication: November 18, 2025

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.


Margaret Finch lives a very ordered life. She's fifty-four years old and working as a botany research assistant for one of the most brilliant botanists she has ever known. In fact, they are working on a groundbreaking formula that they hope will be a game-changer in the fight against cancer. Every day, Margaret has a strict routine she adheres to, but one day that routine gets upended when she finds her boss dead in his office. To her observant eye, death wasn't natural but induced by a poisonous plant. A couple of the problems with Margaret's observation are that nobody believes her, and some of those people are accusing her of hysteria. (Cue the rage of all women everywhere for the word "hysteria.")

Unwilling to be silenced or shut down, Margaret, along with a new friend, decides to investigate the suspected homicide herself. She's determined to bring justice to her boss and further the work they were doing toward the fight against cancer. But the problem with Margaret's investigation is that she's not a natural detective, and she could very well be the next death in the lab.

Margaret is a quirky character; I suspect she's neurospicy, and that just makes her even more interesting. Townsend does a thorough job of casting suspicion on several characters and keeping Margaret, and perhaps the reader (or some readers), in the dark until the exact moment she wants both her character and her reader to know who the murderer is. I enjoyed this title from Townsend; it was a fun and fast read.

[Kory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC! If you love your mysteries with a side of quirky characters, precise schedules, and just a hint of the strange, then The Botanist’s Assistant is right up your alley! Margaret Finch might be tall, big-boned, and obsessively organized—think of her as the human embodiment of a meticulously labeled seed catalog—but don’t let her eccentricities fool you. She’s an invaluable research assistant to a charming botanist, and her attention to detail makes her the perfect sleuth when dark secrets start sprouting in her small university town. Peggy Townsend weaves a delightful tale that blends botanical intrigue with a dash of detective work, all wrapped up in Margaret’s perfectly timed routines and quirky personality. When a mysterious death occurs, Margaret’s instincts—and her newly acquired night custodian ally—push her into the role of amateur investigator. The plot thickens like a good compost pile, and I loved every moment of this charming, slightly offbeat mystery. A wonderful read for anyone who appreciates a clever protagonist, lush descriptions of plant life, and a story that blooms with surprises. Four stars—definitely a garden worth exploring!

[Ekta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A research assistant finds her life in upheaval after her academic idol is found dead. When the assistant starts to suspect foul play, everyone around her assumes her grief is throwing her eccentricities into overdrive. The more she examines the situation with a cool, collected approach, however, the more convinced she becomes that her boss was murdered. Author Peggy Townsend offers readers a protagonist reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant in her excellent new book The Botanist’s Assistant.

Margaret Finch is well into her fifties and living her dream. She’s the head research assistant to Dr. Jonathan Deaver in the botany lab at Roosevelt University, and she couldn’t be happier. Margaret thinks Dr. Deaver is a literal genius and is so grateful every day that she gets to work in a lab where a cure for cancer is within reach. Dr. Deaver’s groundbreaking research means they’re close to making the cure a reality, which only makes Margaret admire him even more.

Everything comes to a screeching halt when Dr. Deaver is found dead in his office, just when his research was about to jump to the next big step. Margaret is beyond heartbroken; she’s suspicious. The condition of Dr. Deaver’s office tells her that the famous scientist’s final moments were spent in struggle. Even though Margaret shares her suspicions with the campus police officer assigned to the death and also with university officials, no one is ready to listen.

That bothers Margaret but not as much as it might some people. Single and living alone in a 19th-century cabin up on a mountain, Margaret actually prefers solitude. Spending time with people is highly overrated, especially when they ignore her because she’s six feet tall and doesn’t behave like everyone else. If no one believes Dr. Deaver was murdered, Margaret will simply have to prove it herself.

Despite her dedication to her task, Margaret finds herself struggling to get information. Joe Torres, the botany lab’s custodian, offers to lend a helping hand. Margaret is suspicious of him too at first, but Joe quickly earns Margaret’s trust and they become partners in solving a crime. Because the more Margaret starts to dig, the more convinced she is that this is most definitely a crime.

Pretty soon someone starts threatening Margaret, which Joe says is a sign that she’s on the right track. In her investigation, Margaret discovers some unsavory information about Dr. Deaver and has to tolerate the scientist’s replacement, Dr. Blackstone. Dr. Blackstone makes it loud and clear that he believes Dr. Deaver stole the ideas for his research, and he doesn’t hesitate to take over the lab. But Margaret has the experience of working there that Dr. Blackstone doesn’t, and she has her pure loyalty to Dr. Deaver and science. No matter what happens to her, she’s not going to let either of them down.

Author Peggy Townsend takes readers into the world of academic politics with great success in this book. She pulls the curtain back on the rivalries and downright nastiness that can pervade in the sector of higher education, making Dr. Blackstone’s malignant indignation feel real and almost relatable. The classic phrase “publish or perish” is alive and well in Townsend’s Roosevelt University.

Similar to Eleanor Oliphant, Molly the Maid, and other iconic characters who don’t quite fit into society, protagonist Margaret Finch observes the world with a keen eye and relies on her instincts to guide her. Townsend gives Margaret her own personality in the form of her love of plants and the plant world. Readers who love gardening will definitely learn a thing or two from this one as Margaret shares key information about all things botanical.

The book tends to be a little too quiet at times in terms of the plot’s pacing. Typically murder mysteries contain a sense of urgency, and while there are some things in the book that feature a limited timeline for the most part the novel focuses on Margaret’s insistence that Dr. Deaver was murdered and she’s going to prove it. Barring a threat or two, those who might want to cover it up have clearly moved on. Sometimes Townsend’s choice to let Margaret sit with her thoughts works; other times some readers might struggle a little to stay with her instead of skipping ahead.

Overall, however, the book is an enjoyable read in the genre, and the identity of the killer is truly a surprise. Those who like a murder mystery set in academia will like this one.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not have loved this utterly charming mystery more. It’s original, it’s well written, it’s well plotted, and it has a wonderful main character in botanist Margaret Finch. Much like her name, Margaret resembles a large bird (and she is in fact referred to as Big Bird behind her back), and she values order, cleanliness and science above all else. In her work as a research assistant in a lab, these qualities serve her well. It’s people she has trouble with, not plants.

The only person she has true respect for is her boss, Dr. Deaver. When she discovers his body in his office, details seem off to her, details the busy police officer (who is busy ignoring Margaret’s suggestions of poison) seems not to notice. When Dr. Deaver’s death is declared a heart attack, Margaret knows, in the interest of truth and science, that she must discover what really happened. In this way, Margaret is similar to all amateur sleuths of every description. She fits into a narrower category – the neuro divergent detective, someone familiar to fans of detective fiction and TV for many years, from Columbo to Monk to E.J. Copperman’s classic Asperger detective to Nita Prose’s “maid.” All share a quirkiness and while there are many differences, their similarity is the observation of all details.

Because Margaret notices details and feels compelled to share the truth and facts wherever she sees them, she is not always a popular person with her co-workers. Dr. Deaver seems to have valued her – but as you read about Margaret’s routine and attention to detail in the lab, you really cannot blame him. However, forces around Margaret are not cooperating – i.e. the human drama and undercurrents surrounding Dr. Deaver’s death. Human drama and undercurrents are things Margaret finds extremely difficult to navigate.

Along the way, Margaret finds an ally – a strangely scarred janitor who turns out to have been a journalist in a former life. He also is excellent at ferreting out truths, and together, they make a good team. As readers, we also get a glimpse into Margaret’s life. She lives in a remote cabin, very difficult to access as it sits on a winding mountain road, and it contains only the essentials. She maintains a strict cleaning schedule which is ultimately interrupted by the arrival of a cat. I will leave it to the reader to discover the pleasures of the cat.

Margert’s appearance, behavior, and manner of dress make it easy for people to either underestimate or ignore her. This is another trait of many successful detectives, of course – they are ignored. Margaret is not always a fan of being ignored and the reader senses that despite her fierce independence, she is also lonely. What she does have are plants – in the lab, and around her home. The different qualities and attributes of various plants are sprinkled through the narrative, in a way that’s both enjoyable and informative for the reader.

While some of this description makes this book sound melancholy, it really is not. Margaret is brave and persistent and her smarts and determination allow her to find both the solution to the murder as well as a few friends. Life throws her obstacles, for sure, but she overcomes them in a pretty believable way. I loved Margaret and hope she makes a return to the page sooner rather than later.

[Jules The Book Junkie Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Botanist’s Assistant is a engaging cozy mystery, but don’t let the “cozy” part fool you. While it’s true that the murder isn’t solved by the police, this novel isn’t your typical cozy fare—it’s a complex, and thought-provoking read. The atmosphere of professional competition and the sometimes soulless, funding-driven nature of academia gives the story a sharp edge. The setting—a university filled with politics, egos, and rivalries—is so authentic that it’s almost aggravating, especially when you realize how complicit the institution’s management is in the death of Dr. Deaver. As the protagonist Margaret unearths more and more about her mentor’s death, it’s clear that the institution’s bureaucracy is as suffocating as it is corrupt. The line “when clowns were in charge, she shouldn’t be surprised at the circus that breaks out” perfectly encapsulates the chaos that unfolds.

Margaret, the main character, is an endearing and relatable heroine. She’s ungainly, a bit awkward, and yet her determination to find the truth is both admirable and deeply human. Her professional reverence for Dr. Deaver, combined with her methodical approach to research, makes her an unlikely—but perfect—detective. She may not be the polished sleuth readers are used to, but her persistence and attention to detail are what drive this story forward.

The friendship that develops between Margaret and her lab assistant is a highlight of the novel, and it’s refreshing to see such a strong, authentic bond grow amidst the tension and intrigue. The addition of the journalist-turned-janitor is a bit of a convenient plot device, but he’s a likable character and brings a different perspective that adds richness to the story.

While the pacing starts off slow, I appreciated how the early chapters take the time to introduce key players and set the stage for the deeper mysteries to unfold. The detailed descriptions of plants and the lab setting—often serving as both clues and red herrings—were an unexpected pleasure and gave the book a unique texture. It’s somewhat a slow burn, but once it picks up momentum, it becomes difficult to put down.

Overall, The Botanist’s Assistant is a well-written mystery that combines compelling characters, a richly atmospheric setting, and a plot that keeps you guessing. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a mystery with depth, personality, and a bit of a bite.

4-4.5 stars

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at
www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com

[Sapna Reinant · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating - 3.5/5

A cozy mystery rooted in toxicology and botany, with a neurodivergent M.C. who uses her detail-oriented eye to solve the mystery behind the death of her boss whose death is initially suspected to be because of natural causes.

Margaret Finch is a likeable MC, and I especially enjoyed reading about her home life- quite productive and peaceful. She has an exaggerated sense of loyalty towards her job and her boss, almost to the point of turning a blind eye to the flaws of both. She does however, change her mind when faced with evidence - and that signifies a truly scientifically-oriented mindset.
It's also heart-warming to read along the process as she develops deeper friendships with a few co-workers, and an adorable stray (I take care of a few strays, so this was especially close to my heart). Her strict self-denial about being lonely, but slowly accepting it and changing it, is an emotionally rich journey, especially in light of her shocking past revealed gradually throughout the story.
I also loved that her actions also catalyzed positive changes in the lives of two other people- Joe and Calvin.

The book isn't afraid to get into the nitty-gritty details that make up the big picture of a scientific community, and completely geeks out with fascinating botanical/biological facts related to toxicology ( so glad I've an adequate knowledge of Forensics). I love books like this - they help stimulate the creative as well as the scientific loci of my brain.

There's a long villainous, exposition-filled monologue at the end, that could've been slightly better constructed; and the interpersonal connections that Margaret slowly formed with the colourful characters might've been more compelling with more detailed interactions.

Recommended if you like - informal murder investigations, scientific academia, neurodivergent characters, attention to detail, cozy mystery, botany, forensics, stray pets

[Lloyd Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Botanist's Assistant is Peggy Townsend's latest and my first one by this author. Let me assure you that it will NOT be my last! The story centers around Margaret Finch. Margaret is a 54-year old, 6' tall, and big-boned woman. She lives by herself in a cabin in the woods and, when she's not at work, focuses her attention on her numerous plants. When she is at work, she acts as the long-time assistant to a well-known botanist in his lab. That's pretty much her whole life. She doesn't really have any friends, and that is okay with her. So what is this story about, you ask?

Well, there is a death in the department that she works in, and Margaret is determined to find out what happened. The university that they all work for is calling it death by natural causes. Margaret is not buying that. Hence Margaret turns into an amateur detective.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's not only a mystery that I was not able to solve(!). But it's also very well-written. Let me give you just two examples of comparisons that grabbed me and made me smile:

A professor in the department thinks that he is an equal to her boss. Margaret thinks: "...that was like equating a rare Egyptian vase with kindergartner's Play-Doh bowl." And when Margaret is snooping around and suddenly has to hide, we read: "She drops to her knees and scuttles behind the sofa like a cockroach seeking shelter from a smacking broom." I think we can all visualize what the author is saying. And, believe me, there are many more descriptive clauses throughout the book.

Are you looking for a fun read that will captivate you and keep you guessing? And is Margaret Finch a character that we want to see again? The answer to both of those questions is a resounding YES!

[ReadThisAndSteep · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! Set at a university, this featured a delightful lab assistant as an amateur sleuth, a unique setting, women in STEM rep, emotional depth, and a well-plotted mystery.

University research assistant Margaret Finch is a delightful and quirky FMC. Somewhat eccentric and detail-oriented, she investigates the suspicious death of her boss, a brilliant botanist, after the authorities miss a critical clue and dismiss the death as natural causes. Margaret was a lot of fun to sleuth along with. Thanks to years of scientific training and keen observation, she makes logical deductions with a meticulousness that Sherlock Holmes would be proud of.

Margaret's personal journey was also a highlight. I rooted for her, and not just to solve the mystery. She goes from being an isolated person to someone who forges meaningful relationships as she breaks out of her comfort zone and gains confidence with the investigation. It's heartwarming to see themes of underdogs and outsiders finding their value and a sense of belonging.

The mystery was interesting, and the overall vibe of this is offbeat and cozy. I enjoyed the scientific and botanical facts woven throughout. Initially, the pace is slower as the charming university setting and the (mostly) endearing characters are introduced, along with Margaret's strict routines. However, once the mystery unfolds, the pace picks up, and the story is very engaging. If you're looking for mystery that's lighthearted and humorous, this one is ideal. Hoping this turns into a series, I would love to read more!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the ARC

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2025/11/18/4-...

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend is set in a research lab on a small college campus. There is a lot of scientific and plant terminology that sets a high bar.

Quirky characters abound, and none more so than Margaret and one of the other workers in the lab, Calvin. They initially only seemed to tolerate each other, but it evolved into mutual respect after the death of Dr. Deaver, a professor, researcher, and head of the lab where they work. But is his death from natural causes or murder, as Margaret suspects? When she joins forces with a custodian to find the real cause of death and the culprit, little does she know that Joe had been an award-winning journalist who had traveled the world for his stories before needing a break.

There are multiple storylines, lots of clues and red herrings, along with colorful descriptions of the plants, Margaret’s home, and her surroundings. The cute chapter titles added a bit of levity, as did the stray cat, Tom, whom Margaret lets into her life. There are twists and turns as Margaret’s suspect list is trimmed and pared. When the murderer is revealed, it wasn’t who I expected, and from there, the ending seemed rushed without the details that were woven throughout the rest of the book.

The Botanist’s Assistant is an unexpected murder mystery with scientific details and data sprinkled throughout as we race to figure out whodunnit.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @berkleypub for the free book and thank you @prhaudio for the #gifted listening copy of The Botanist’s Assistant! #PRHAudioPartner #PRHAInfluencer #BerkleyBookstagram #BerkleyIG #berkley #berkleypub

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭’𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐏𝐞𝐠𝐠𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐜𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐦𝐚𝐧
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝟰.𝟱★ (𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗨𝗽!)

This book was an absolute delight! I adored the characters in this book and found Margaret to be such a lovable and quirky character. This book follows Margaret as she investigates the death of her boss, who authorities claim died of natural causes. However, Margaret believes there might be something more going on, and plays the role of detective with the help of a recently hired custodian, Joe. I adored how Margaret grew throughout this book and gained confidence in herself. While this book was a cozy mystery with a great cast of characters, my favorite part was the character growth. It was such a heartwarming read!

🧪A Cozy & Uplifting Mystery
🌱Women in STEM
🧪Amateur Sleuth
🌱Lovable & Quirky Characters
🧪University Setting

🎧Narrated by Rebecca Lowman, I loved listening to her narrate this heartwarming story! There was just something so perfect about her ability to perfectly capture Margaret and the other characters. I had such an amazing time listening to Lowman bring these characters to life and I cannot recommend this one on audio enough! Lowman gave a 5★ performance!

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret hasn’t had the easiest life, but she’s perfectly content working as a lab assistant for the brilliant Dr. Deaver on his groundbreaking cancer treatment research. However, on her 54th birthday, she discovers Deaver dead and despite being told different, knows it was a murder. With the help of the janitor, Margaret is determined to discover the truth, even as she may be the next victim.

The Botanist's Assistant is an exciting story and mystery. Margaret is a bit different from everyone else, and she’s okay with that. She knows people make fun of her and don’t treat her with the respect she probably deserves. She knows she’s blunt and can be off-putting, and my guess is she has a touch of OCD. I like Margaret. I love that she continues on despite the rude and mean people that surround her. It hurts, but she knows it’s not her but them.

Margaret makes an excellent first person narrator for this mystery because she is very reliable and straightforward. She may misinterpret things, but the reader understands and is not misled.

While the mystery was the primary focus of the book, Margaret making genuine friends and moving on after the loss of her mentor is a huge part of the story. She begins to change slowly with the introduction of Tom the stray cat, and her reluctance to add something that will “waste“ her time. Part of her is worried about heartbreak, especially after her difficult youth and life. I also love the friendship that she strikes up with Joe the janitor. She is uncertain why he would want to help and that he is straightforward in his intent. She is unsure how to react and it takes her some time to adjust. Lastly, it’s forging a friendship with Calvin the postdoc who learns from Margaret and realizes she’s someone to trust and believe in.

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed The Botanist's Assistant. It’s a delightful mystery with a lot of heart.

My Rating: B

Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by the publisher

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Botanist Assistant by Peggy Townsend has my favorite type of main character. Margaret was not young, not pretty and socially inept. What she was, extremely intelligent, self reliant and curious. Margaret also grew fabulous plants in her garden and worked for a botanist as a research assistant. She has worked and was able to work independently following the death of the Botanist. Unfortunately most everyone sees the first description as compared to her positive traits.

Margaret discovers Dr. Jonathan Deaver had died in his office. This starts her off on a journey to discover what happened. Of course the local police do not believe what she thinks she has discovered. Her bosses are trying to undercut her and get rid of her, so they can take the glory.

With the help of Joe Torres, the newly hired night janitor and other quirky characters (including Tom, the stray cat), Margaret sets out to discover the truth about the murder. There are some interesting twists and turns, some unexpected help and a great reveal to keep the book moving right along.

I read this book in one sitting (except for the bathroom and feeding the animals including myself). I was drawn into the way the book presented the information especially through Margaret’s eyes. The Botanist Assistant by Peggy Townsend is a great read

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do like quirky people and how they use their oddities to unapologetically excel in life. In Peggy Townsend's The Botanists Assistant (Berkley 2025), Margaret Finch is one of those. She’s had a difficult career despite her brilliance starting with a stellar college performance hampered by her inability to get along according to cultural norms. This has cost her many jobs in her chosen research field, but also landed her a dream job because the renowned researcher appreciated her attention to detail. That is, until he dies and in a way that to anyone but Margaret seems to be suicide. Margaret, though, sees the picky details that point to a scene staged to hide a murder. The trouble is no one will listen. Her bosses go so far as to threaten her job if she doesn't stick to her researcher lane. The one exception is the janitor. He listens, intrigued, and turns out to be a talented investigative journalist in his own right, taking a break from the fast lane for similar reasons to Margaret's. That's all I'll tell you. Rest assured, their collaboration makes for a tantalizing story.

Overall this is a fascinating exploration of a brilliant misfit who plows forward regardless the obstacles or consequences. I award it a well-deserved 5/5.

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

▪️Read this if you like:
▫️cozy murder mysteries with short chapters
▫️a lovable main character
▫️Lessons in Chemistry
———
3.5⭐️ This was a fun one!

I always thinks it’s weird when I refer to a murder mystery as “cozy”, but that’s exactly what this was. Margaret was such a lovable main character, and her oddities only added to her charm. I found her to be surprisingly (yet unintentionally) funny, and her dry and to-the-point demeanor had me laughing out loud at points. She also fought for herself in the boys club environment she was working in, which I loved.

As for the murder mystery, I was intrigued. The book kicks off with the action, and the pace was steady throughout. I felt just as unsure about everything as Margaret did, and it was interesting to see where her suspicions took her. Aside from Joe, none of the characters seemed trustworthy to me, which only added to the suspense. I didn’t see some of the twists coming, especially the final reveal. It felt like we’re left with some unresolved things at the end of the book, and the plot meandered at times with some added science information, but this was overall enjoyable.

I can’t tell if the ending hints at a second book, but I’d definitely be interested in one.

Thank you Berkley for the free copy!

[Anna J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Finch gets called Big Bird behind her back at the lab as she is tall and eccentric. She has been a research assistant for 11 years and she is organized and efficient. She is very use to her routines with what she wears, order she does things, and food she eats. Today is her 54th birthday and she is hoping for cake but instead discovers her boss deceased in his office. She believes there is foul play involved but her superiors at work want her to let it go and move on. She knows she must be the one to uncover the truth as she can see the clues left behind.

She makes a friend with Joe the custodian who use to be a reporter. Joe warns her she needs to be careful and offers to help her investigate. I loved all the amateur sleuthing and how there were so many choices for who did it.

Margaret was such a fun character and I loved all her quirks. This was a fun and clever who done it that takes place in the world of academia. Who knew trying to get a grant could be deadly.

If you enjoy lessons in chemistry and strong females in stem you will enjoy this book.

Thank you Berkley Pub and Net Galley for the e-arc.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This mystery is set in a research lab and features Margaret Finch, who is quite possibly on the spectrum. She is highly intelligent, obsessed with orderliness, and too blunt to fit into most people's definitions of social interaction.

Margaret idealizes the research doctor who is in charge of the lab, so it is especially jarring when she finds his dead body in his office. Because of her eye for detail, she immediately notices several things which just don't make sense but the police are not interested in hearing about her clues. When they write off the death as a heart attack, Margaret decides it is up to her to investigate.

With the eventual help of journalist turned janitor Joe and fellow lab worker Calvin, Margaret conducts the murder investigation like a scientific research project. Her quirky personality lends interest to the tale. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Finch is precise, intelligent, and invaluable to the charming botanist Dr. Deaver, whom she finds dead in his office. While others believe he died of natural causes, Margaret has her doubts, and her attention to detail makes her a perfect sleuth, quickly finding unlikely allies to help her uncover the truth.

I enjoyed every page of this charming, slightly offbeat mystery led by a clever, tenacious, and loyal protagonist. Margaret’s scientific plant tidbits were curious and educational. If you like mysteries with quirky characters, precise schedules, and a hint of the strange, The Botanist’s Assistant is for you!

Thank you to BookBrowse, NetGalley, and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. And of course, thanks to Peggy Townsend for this delightful read. I hope to meet Margaret Finch again!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my kind of who-dunnit! Fast-paced and clever. I absolutely loved this fast-paced, plot-building writing style with many twists and turns. In fact, I had a hard time putting this book down as it kept me reading well past midnight multiple nights. From the very first pages, I was captivated by Margaret's idiosyncrasies, intellect and musings. And, I looked forward to page after page to watch her use deductive reasoning, test her theories and take on actions outside of her comfort zone. Not to mention as a gardener, I learned so much about plants that was an eye opener. I look forward to the next book (hopefully, a series!) on Margaret, the unassuming Research Assistant II, a super sleuth who knows how to catch a murderer!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Botanist’s Assistant by Peggy Townsend is a unique cozy mystery. Margaret is a quirky and awkward main character (this trope seems to be the trend lately). She has several issues and is set in her ways (timed morning routine and she does not like to be even a minute off schedule, five floral blouses so she has one for each day of work, same meals for lunch and breakfast). Her attention to detail, though, is what makes her a great amateur sleuth. When Margaret’s boss is found dead, most people believe he died of natural causes since he had heart issues. Margaret is convinced he was murdered and sets out to catch the culprit when she cannot convince the campus police that it was murder. The whodunit can easily be solved before the reveal if you pay close attention to the details. There is a detailed reveal. I found poison plant facts fascinating, but the slow pace and dry storytelling less engaging. The story had an upbeat ending. The Botanist’s Assistant did not tickle my fancy!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I really adored Margaret Finch and this book. I like odd characters who are set in their ways and don't really care what the world thinks of them. I think we need more people like that in the world. I also like reading about tall women since I am one. Cats are also a big draw in books. Margaret lives a pretty quiet and satisfying life until her boss dies. Solving his murder is important enough to throw off her routine and several of her habits to discover the truth. I hope there are more books about Margaret in the future.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this cozy mystery set in an academic botany lab where the dean dies under mysterious circumstances and only 54 year old lab assistant, Margaret suspects he may have been poisoned. With no one on her side, set in her ways, methodical Margaret investigates, befriending the former journalist turned janitor along the way. This was a great woman in STEM proving herself sort of story and would be perfect for fans of Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I really enjoy older women sleuth stories and there have been some great ones this year! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!