What do you think?
Rate this book
Saffron Everleigh Mystery #5
A Botanist's Guide to Tradition and Treachery
Brilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh has set sail on her first research expedition, but it's disrupted by accusations of murder when one of her fellow scientists is murdered in this daring fifth installment.
Saffron Everleigh is newly engaged and full of optimism as she sets off on the adventure of a lifetime for any a research expedition. She sails to newly formed Turkey, with her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a bevy of fellow researchers under the watchful and reformed eye of Dr. Henry. With only two other women on board, Saffron soon finds she is right back in the same infuriatingly misogynistic environment that marked the earliest days of her career. Only this time, Saffron is determined to show everyone, including Alexander, that she can handle the trials of an expedition.
And trials she has in spades. Before the expedition team has even arrived, Saffron has managed to find an enemy in historian Joseph Clark, who frequently torments the assistant that Saffron has taken under her wing, Martin Neill. But when Martin unexpectedly dies, Saffron is targeted as the main suspect.
Falling ruins, venomous snakes, and mysteriously blocked passages are the least of Saffron’s worries. With unexpected help from a familiar face, Alexander and Saffron have to work fast to prove not only that Saffron is innocent, but that they both have nothing to do with a larger conspiracy at play among the expedition crew.
Saffron Everleigh is newly engaged and full of optimism as she sets off on the adventure of a lifetime for any a research expedition. She sails to newly formed Turkey, with her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a bevy of fellow researchers under the watchful and reformed eye of Dr. Henry. With only two other women on board, Saffron soon finds she is right back in the same infuriatingly misogynistic environment that marked the earliest days of her career. Only this time, Saffron is determined to show everyone, including Alexander, that she can handle the trials of an expedition.
And trials she has in spades. Before the expedition team has even arrived, Saffron has managed to find an enemy in historian Joseph Clark, who frequently torments the assistant that Saffron has taken under her wing, Martin Neill. But when Martin unexpectedly dies, Saffron is targeted as the main suspect.
Falling ruins, venomous snakes, and mysteriously blocked passages are the least of Saffron’s worries. With unexpected help from a familiar face, Alexander and Saffron have to work fast to prove not only that Saffron is innocent, but that they both have nothing to do with a larger conspiracy at play among the expedition crew.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
June 9, 2026
Book five in the series and I was especially looking forward to this one because I knew that Saffron and Alexander were going to be joining an archeological expedition to Turkey, a perfect background for her skills.
However the story progressed really slowly for the first half of the book. Most of the time was spent on watching a group of men making life really miserable for the one woman on the team. Eventually someone died, Saffron was accused of murder, Alexander stepped up to defend her, and the second half flew past.
It was a three star read for me up to the middle but the rest of the book made it a four.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
However the story progressed really slowly for the first half of the book. Most of the time was spent on watching a group of men making life really miserable for the one woman on the team. Eventually someone died, Saffron was accused of murder, Alexander stepped up to defend her, and the second half flew past.
It was a three star read for me up to the middle but the rest of the book made it a four.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 29, 2026
What I love about this series is the protagonist who is a female scientist during a time when such things were groundbreaking.
While I enjoyed this book, the pacing overall was off. The beginning felt so slow until 50% in and a murder was committed. Then, the pace picked up and things got interesting. There was a causally-mentioned, random clue early on that pinpointed the killer for me, but I definitely didn't catch some others and didn't figure out the motive until it was revealed.
I'm excited to continue the series as I enjoy the headstrong and intelligent female protagonist and her beau!
While I enjoyed this book, the pacing overall was off. The beginning felt so slow until 50% in and a murder was committed. Then, the pace picked up and things got interesting. There was a causally-mentioned, random clue early on that pinpointed the killer for me, but I definitely didn't catch some others and didn't figure out the motive until it was revealed.
I'm excited to continue the series as I enjoy the headstrong and intelligent female protagonist and her beau!
April 16, 2026
How did Kate Khavari pack so much into these pages? Every time a new book in the Saffron Everleigh series comes out, I claim it's my favorite and I've decided that's just the way it's going to be. Every book builds upon an already great story and becomes a favorite. While you don't have to have read the previous book to get into this story, the events of this book are all the more enjoyable if you know how far Saffron has come.
Saffron finally gets to go on a field expedition! Of course, the sexist garbage she's figured out how to navigate at the University is a stumbling block at the Turkish dig site, though she has allies with her. Saffron helps another researcher who is being picked on and winds up being a suspect when he's murdered. Saffron and Alexander are facing separation and take a drastic, but not unexpected, move to ensure they can communicate while Saffron is detailed by the authorities.
There are some fascinating secondary characters in this one, some we've met before and one who is a despicable villain. Just when you think Saffron has seen it all from close-minded colleagues, a new bully comes along!
The pace is fast and there are huge developments in the overarching relationship subplot. We also get a peek at what is to come - a return to Saffron's family and maybe a visit to Alexander's seem to be in the future.
Saffron finally gets to go on a field expedition! Of course, the sexist garbage she's figured out how to navigate at the University is a stumbling block at the Turkish dig site, though she has allies with her. Saffron helps another researcher who is being picked on and winds up being a suspect when he's murdered. Saffron and Alexander are facing separation and take a drastic, but not unexpected, move to ensure they can communicate while Saffron is detailed by the authorities.
There are some fascinating secondary characters in this one, some we've met before and one who is a despicable villain. Just when you think Saffron has seen it all from close-minded colleagues, a new bully comes along!
The pace is fast and there are huge developments in the overarching relationship subplot. We also get a peek at what is to come - a return to Saffron's family and maybe a visit to Alexander's seem to be in the future.
July 7, 2026
The adventures continue in this fifth book featuring botanist, Saffron Everleigh. As with the previous books, the main plot device is being a female surrounded by men both personally and professionally. Personally, there is the dashing Dr. Alexander Ashton: her love interest, and Watson to her Sherlock Holmes. His desire to protect her—from danger and herself—is unwelcome as she wants to be independent (foolhardy). Without this dynamic, she would most likely develop a sense of survival. Professionally, pick any male colleague.
It is 1924, and the western world is exploding with new scientific discoveries. It is an exciting time to be a white, male member of academia in London, England. However, the overt misogyny, belittlement, and sexism keep Saffron from enjoying the opportunities afforded her male associates. When she is finally allowed to take part of a research expedition to the newly formed Republic of Turkey, Saffron feels she is on her way to professional acceptance (wait until she experiences the disdain of the male population where women are not to be seen and not to be heard). Will she finally be seen for the fiercely independent, capable, and intelligent scientist she is? Or will her independence, capabilities, and intelligence put her in danger? I’ll let you guess which it is.
Once the obligatory murder of an innocent takes place, the book begins to build some motion. Maybe the slow pace of the first half of the book is a literary device to match the lethargy of participating in an archaeological dig under the unrelenting glare of the sun. Without any logical reason, Saffron is teamed with Joseph Clark, her biggest hater. He makes no bones about making his feelings about her known. If he is not badmouthing, gossiping, or avoiding his responsibilities, he is sabotaging, drugging, and trying to get her hurt. Yet, Saffron continues making stupid decisions that can only be accounted to her lack of forethought. Who thought these two should be paired up?
So, if you like historical, cozy mysteries with a dash of romance, you may like this. I like it, but I don’t feel there is much to the book besides the awesome cover. I rounded up to a three-star rating because the second half was much better than the first half. And we all know, I will be the first one to read book six.
I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this
e-book.
It is 1924, and the western world is exploding with new scientific discoveries. It is an exciting time to be a white, male member of academia in London, England. However, the overt misogyny, belittlement, and sexism keep Saffron from enjoying the opportunities afforded her male associates. When she is finally allowed to take part of a research expedition to the newly formed Republic of Turkey, Saffron feels she is on her way to professional acceptance (wait until she experiences the disdain of the male population where women are not to be seen and not to be heard). Will she finally be seen for the fiercely independent, capable, and intelligent scientist she is? Or will her independence, capabilities, and intelligence put her in danger? I’ll let you guess which it is.
Once the obligatory murder of an innocent takes place, the book begins to build some motion. Maybe the slow pace of the first half of the book is a literary device to match the lethargy of participating in an archaeological dig under the unrelenting glare of the sun. Without any logical reason, Saffron is teamed with Joseph Clark, her biggest hater. He makes no bones about making his feelings about her known. If he is not badmouthing, gossiping, or avoiding his responsibilities, he is sabotaging, drugging, and trying to get her hurt. Yet, Saffron continues making stupid decisions that can only be accounted to her lack of forethought. Who thought these two should be paired up?
So, if you like historical, cozy mysteries with a dash of romance, you may like this. I like it, but I don’t feel there is much to the book besides the awesome cover. I rounded up to a three-star rating because the second half was much better than the first half. And we all know, I will be the first one to read book six.
I would like to thank Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this
e-book.
April 26, 2026
For those of us who love Saffron, this was an excellent addition to the series. Saffron is dealing with terrible gossip and a false accusation of murder.
I was disappointed in the choice of victim, but I had grand hopes for the character and knew one of the main villains early on. The backstory/why was well thought out and the pacing was enjoyable, it never felt too slow.
A huge thank you to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley. I’m excited to see what Saffron does next!
I was disappointed in the choice of victim, but I had grand hopes for the character and knew one of the main villains early on. The backstory/why was well thought out and the pacing was enjoyable, it never felt too slow.
A huge thank you to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley. I’m excited to see what Saffron does next!
July 27, 2026
I have really enjoyed following Saffron on her adventures and book 5 was no different. We join Saffron on an expedition in Turkey with her fiancé Alexander. Unfortunately Saffron is targeted as the main suspect when a research assistant unexpectedly di3s. Saffron’s brilliant mind, quick wits and fortunately those on her side work hard to prove her innocence!
The first half has an atmospheric set up with the second half being a quicker pull of the mystery! One of my reading goals has been to introduce more genres that I don’t read often enough, one being historical. Khavari’s series has been perfect for me, blending historical with cozy mystery!
The book cover and title are top notch and listening to narrator Jodi Harris throughout the series has been brilliant. She has a beautiful voice that sounds so regal and smooth! I’m excited for more from Harris and Khavari- Saffron is a FMC I look forward to following along with her journeys!
Thank you to the author, Kate Khavari, Publisher Dreamscape and RBMedia for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
The first half has an atmospheric set up with the second half being a quicker pull of the mystery! One of my reading goals has been to introduce more genres that I don’t read often enough, one being historical. Khavari’s series has been perfect for me, blending historical with cozy mystery!
The book cover and title are top notch and listening to narrator Jodi Harris throughout the series has been brilliant. She has a beautiful voice that sounds so regal and smooth! I’m excited for more from Harris and Khavari- Saffron is a FMC I look forward to following along with her journeys!
Thank you to the author, Kate Khavari, Publisher Dreamscape and RBMedia for the opportunity to listen to this book. I received a gifted copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 19, 2026
4.5⭐
Look at Alexander shine on this one and Saffron being all hot and bothered 🤣 Poor girl can't catch a break!
The first 50% requires a trigger warning if you are a woman in science because this book can be set in the 1920s but the same struggles and prejudices are still happening in the 2020s.
The second part moves faster with the main mystery being actively investigated and some interesting twists and turns are being discovered! Loved Cynthia Henry's character (who filled up the role that is usually dedicated to Elizabeth as the progressive, nonsense voice of reason). That little speech about perception in science was SPOT ON and also, good for her to call out Saffron on her own tendency of underestimate female characters when they are not academics ( did we learn nothing from book 4?!).
The audiobook was again narrated by Jodi Harris, whose voice I hear in my brain even if I'm reading one of the physical books. Her execution was outstanding as usual.
Overall another win for Saffron and Alexander.
Thanks to the Author and Dreamscape media for the ALC. All comments are my own.
Look at Alexander shine on this one and Saffron being all hot and bothered 🤣 Poor girl can't catch a break!
The first 50% requires a trigger warning if you are a woman in science because this book can be set in the 1920s but the same struggles and prejudices are still happening in the 2020s.
The second part moves faster with the main mystery being actively investigated and some interesting twists and turns are being discovered! Loved Cynthia Henry's character (who filled up the role that is usually dedicated to Elizabeth as the progressive, nonsense voice of reason). That little speech about perception in science was SPOT ON and also, good for her to call out Saffron on her own tendency of underestimate female characters when they are not academics ( did we learn nothing from book 4?!).
The audiobook was again narrated by Jodi Harris, whose voice I hear in my brain even if I'm reading one of the physical books. Her execution was outstanding as usual.
Overall another win for Saffron and Alexander.
Thanks to the Author and Dreamscape media for the ALC. All comments are my own.
June 4, 2026
Another amazing installment of Saffron Everleigh. She gets herself in so much trouble and continues to do so. Saffron has such a strong personality and brilliant mind. One can’t miss this new one.
June 28, 2026
Full spoilers in this review!
I was really excited to read this installment in Saffron’s story because it involved an archaeological dig and I went to school for archaeology. Any excuse to read about it in a book and I’m sold. Now I do think I need to revisit the series from the beginning as I’ve been following this series for its entirety and the first book was a new release when I started my reading journey. I’m always excited to hear more about this universe and see what Saffron is up to but this was a disappointment for me.
I still rated it 3 stars but it is a weak 3 stars. There was some very infuriating instances of misogyny and sexism that made my blood boil but that’s par for the course in this series. What made me find the book disappointing is that the murder Saffron is accused of committing has a convincing suspect, and that’s Dr. Clark, the perpetrator of the misogyny towards Saffron. He openly dislikes her and makes it his mission to discredit her. He is also involved with artifact smuggling, which the murder victim did find out about.
But no, the murderer was one of the only three women on page. She murdered Martin because he began a flirtation with another Brit visiting Turkey and this Brit was the child ward that the murderer cared for as a nanny. When she was a nanny, she was sexually assaulted by the husband/father of the family she cared for, and she openly tells us that she murdered him and escaped, later marrying up in what would be scandalous if discovered.
So because Martin happened to meet a girl that the murderer knew, the murderer got rid of Martin so that girl would go away, and thus the murderer’s secret that she was a nanny who married up and who killed her former boss would not come to light.
I think my major issue with this is that in a book where Saffron’s life and reputation are endangered repeatedly by an awful man and repeated by other men around him, the antagonist and murderer we have to uncover was a woman whose story was unrelated up until the big reveal. It feels bad that a woman was the ultimate antagonist when the real bad guy is Dr. Clark.
My other main complaint is that Saffron spent all of last book investigating the shady doctor that was caring for her grandfather only for her to leave the country afterwards and then at the end of this book, it is revealed her grandfather died and book 6 will involve her returning to England for more family drama. I feel like that came out of nowhere.
Idk, like I said, I probably need to do a reread of the entire series because I’ve been reading it over the course of 4 years.
I was really excited to read this installment in Saffron’s story because it involved an archaeological dig and I went to school for archaeology. Any excuse to read about it in a book and I’m sold. Now I do think I need to revisit the series from the beginning as I’ve been following this series for its entirety and the first book was a new release when I started my reading journey. I’m always excited to hear more about this universe and see what Saffron is up to but this was a disappointment for me.
I still rated it 3 stars but it is a weak 3 stars. There was some very infuriating instances of misogyny and sexism that made my blood boil but that’s par for the course in this series. What made me find the book disappointing is that the murder Saffron is accused of committing has a convincing suspect, and that’s Dr. Clark, the perpetrator of the misogyny towards Saffron. He openly dislikes her and makes it his mission to discredit her. He is also involved with artifact smuggling, which the murder victim did find out about.
But no, the murderer was one of the only three women on page. She murdered Martin because he began a flirtation with another Brit visiting Turkey and this Brit was the child ward that the murderer cared for as a nanny. When she was a nanny, she was sexually assaulted by the husband/father of the family she cared for, and she openly tells us that she murdered him and escaped, later marrying up in what would be scandalous if discovered.
So because Martin happened to meet a girl that the murderer knew, the murderer got rid of Martin so that girl would go away, and thus the murderer’s secret that she was a nanny who married up and who killed her former boss would not come to light.
I think my major issue with this is that in a book where Saffron’s life and reputation are endangered repeatedly by an awful man and repeated by other men around him, the antagonist and murderer we have to uncover was a woman whose story was unrelated up until the big reveal. It feels bad that a woman was the ultimate antagonist when the real bad guy is Dr. Clark.
My other main complaint is that Saffron spent all of last book investigating the shady doctor that was caring for her grandfather only for her to leave the country afterwards and then at the end of this book, it is revealed her grandfather died and book 6 will involve her returning to England for more family drama. I feel like that came out of nowhere.
Idk, like I said, I probably need to do a reread of the entire series because I’ve been reading it over the course of 4 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2026
An expedition to Smyrna, artifact smuggling, academic rivalries, and a secret marriage! Such a good addition to the series.
June 13, 2026
I don’t know if it was the narration or the plot, but it felt like by 40% something more dramatic or significant should have happened. Instead I was just waiting for the story to get to the point.
After 70% there were a couple of twists that I wouldn’t have predicted, but I found them too far-fetched to be believable. The motive wasn’t strong enough for me and I wish there had been more of a connection to the expedition and the history.
After 70% there were a couple of twists that I wouldn’t have predicted, but I found them too far-fetched to be believable. The motive wasn’t strong enough for me and I wish there had been more of a connection to the expedition and the history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2026
This is Saffron Everleigh’s fifth adventure and she’s finally going abroad to assist on a research trip to the Agora of Smyrna in Turkey. Her fiancé, Alexander, is accompanying her, but she can hold her own. Through the previous four installments, this spunky, clever, intelligent young woman has usually been a woe-begone STEMinist in clearly misogynistic 1920s London, but was promoted to researcher, became more confident and very knowledgeable (no Google image identification for her, so it’s to the microscope she goes), and matured significantly.
The previous two books revealed more of her family background (and their own shenanigans), but in “Traditions and Treachery,” Saffron’s skills are back in the spotlight. Unfortunately, out in the Turkish field, she is almost back at the first book socially, dealing with men who dismiss her talents and characterize her mostly as just Alexander’s useless girlfriend. They do, however, know that she is an expert in poisons.
There’s an obvious villain to immediately despise (who may or may not be guilty of the worst occurrence, but he’s absolutely irredeemable).
The audiobook is incredibly well-performed by Jodie Harris, who brings the prim and proper (and a tiny bit mischievous) Saffron to life.
Again, we’re treated to a marvelous heroine who preserves until the end…which slides into the sixth installment that will again focus on her family. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO It’s another botanical mystery, so lots of green things but not any eyes (unless I missed them).
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We do get quite the lesson about the different kinds of saffron, of which there are good kinds (Crocus sativus) and bad kinds (Colchicum autumnale).
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
The previous two books revealed more of her family background (and their own shenanigans), but in “Traditions and Treachery,” Saffron’s skills are back in the spotlight. Unfortunately, out in the Turkish field, she is almost back at the first book socially, dealing with men who dismiss her talents and characterize her mostly as just Alexander’s useless girlfriend. They do, however, know that she is an expert in poisons.
There’s an obvious villain to immediately despise (who may or may not be guilty of the worst occurrence, but he’s absolutely irredeemable).
The audiobook is incredibly well-performed by Jodie Harris, who brings the prim and proper (and a tiny bit mischievous) Saffron to life.
Again, we’re treated to a marvelous heroine who preserves until the end…which slides into the sixth installment that will again focus on her family. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): NO It’s another botanical mystery, so lots of green things but not any eyes (unless I missed them).
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO We do get quite the lesson about the different kinds of saffron, of which there are good kinds (Crocus sativus) and bad kinds (Colchicum autumnale).
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
June 5, 2026
Thank you Crookled Lane Books for the gifted copy! Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC through Netgalley !! This does not affect my honest review.
I absolutely adored Jodie Harris as Saffron Everleigh. I was truly immersed into 1920s London like she had the accent perfected. I fully intend to listen to the rest of these books.
Admittedly, I jumped right into book five because I didn’t realize it was a series but it mostly read like a disconnected standalone and what was connected was pretty easy to put together.
I love how immersive this story felt on its own. I did a mostly eyeball read and felt like I was on the expedition as well facing all the misogynists and experiencing these things right along with Saffron. It made for a story where I could sympathize with the FMC because I also work in a male dominated field. Saffron is truly admirable as she faces these hardships with her head held high and doesn’t stoop to her opposers level.
I really liked the blend of historical fiction with murder mystery but I also wasn’t absolutely terrified
I absolutely adored Jodie Harris as Saffron Everleigh. I was truly immersed into 1920s London like she had the accent perfected. I fully intend to listen to the rest of these books.
Admittedly, I jumped right into book five because I didn’t realize it was a series but it mostly read like a disconnected standalone and what was connected was pretty easy to put together.
I love how immersive this story felt on its own. I did a mostly eyeball read and felt like I was on the expedition as well facing all the misogynists and experiencing these things right along with Saffron. It made for a story where I could sympathize with the FMC because I also work in a male dominated field. Saffron is truly admirable as she faces these hardships with her head held high and doesn’t stoop to her opposers level.
I really liked the blend of historical fiction with murder mystery but I also wasn’t absolutely terrified
June 10, 2026
Was hoping this was wrapping up here but there is still at least one more 🫠
Want to Read
June 16, 2026I will need to revisit #4. One temporary skip. I hope this is Kate Khavari approved. I loved the first 3.
June 16, 2026
This is a delightful series, set in the early 1920's and starring Saffron Everleigh, a brilliant young woman trying to pursue a career in botany despite the wishes of her family and societal resistance to women in higher education. Her path is definitely hindered by the attitude of many of the men she works with, as is the case in this latest addition to the series in which she travels to the newly formed country of Turkey with her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a large research team. She is assigned to work with Joseph Clark, an historian/archeologist who makes no effort to hide his disdain for having a female on his team and takes every opportunity to harass Saffron and the young student, Martin Neill, assigned to work as Saffron's assistant. The first half of the book sets the scene and gives the reader the chance to get to know all of the characters. The second half gets more exciting as someone dies, probably poisoned, leading the local police to focus on Saffron as their prime suspect. It was fun to see Alexander, who usually tries to keep Saffron out of police investigations, forced to involve himself in the investigation in order to clear Saffron's name. On top of enjoying a good mystery (and even though I was pretty sure I knew who the murderer was, I couldn't explain why and had to wait until Saffron figured it out), I learned about Turkey's history. While there are allusions to previous books in the series, I think one could read this as a standalone, although the earlier books provide backstory on Saffron and her relationship with Alexander that probably enhance one's enjoyment of this one.
June 30, 2026
Love this series soo much!
June 23, 2026
By far, my favourite series. MORE ADVENTURES PLEASE.
June 5, 2026
Kate Khavari has done it again! In this new installment of the Saffron Everleigh series you can expect very fast pacing, unexpected twists, adventurous terrain, incredible character development for returning characters AND intriguing new characters! An absolute joy to read this novel and inspire another travel destination for my bucket list. This series is so much fun and the setting of this novel sets it up perfectly for your summer reading list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC audiobook!
April 2, 2026
I had so many feelings while reading this book. The strongest was pure anger directed toward one character that nearly caused me to abandon the book because I couldn’t fathom someone being that truly nasty to Saffron (not a spoiler). But once I moved past that, I was sucked into the twists and turns of the mystery, often at the edge of my seat. I ended up loving this book, as I love this series, and cannot wait for more! Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for the arc.
June 12, 2026
A Botanist's Guide to Tradition and Treachery is the fifth book in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series by Kate Khavari. I actually started this series with the first book, which is rare for me lately. Unfortunately, this is only the second one I've read. So I had an introduction to these great characters, but I missed some adventures which would have given me a bit more insight to some important happenings between Saffron and Alexander. I have gotten the other ones to read later. However, the main mystery in this volume stands alone, so you won't be totally lost. And you'll be glad to get to know these great characters!
Saffron Everleigh is newly engaged and full of optimism as she sets off on the adventure of a lifetime for any scientist: a research expedition. She sails to newly formed Turkey with her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a bevy of fellow researchers under the watchful and reformed eye of Dr. Henry. With only two other women on board, Saffron soon finds she is right back in the same infuriatingly misogynistic environment that marked the earliest days of her career. Only this time, Saffron is determined to show everyone, including Alexander, that she can handle the trials of an expedition. And trials she has in spades. Before the expedition team has even arrived, Saffron has managed to find an enemy in historian Joseph Clark, who frequently torments the assistant that Saffron has taken under her wing, Martin Neill. But when Martin unexpectedly dies, Saffron is targeted as the main suspect. Falling ruins, venomous snakes, and mysteriously blocked passages are the least of Saffron’s worries. With unexpected help from a familiar face, Alexander and Saffron have to work fast to prove not only that Saffron is innocent but that they both have nothing to do with a larger conspiracy at play among the expedition crew.
This book started off a bit slowly, but I was hooked once the action picked up. This was an exciting mystery, with lots of twists and turns. Saffron Everleigh is a great heroine. In this book she sets off on her first research expedition: to newly formed Turkey. Unfortunately, she is paired with historian Joseph Clark, a misogynistic jerk she's had to deal with previously. Campbell mocks Saffron in front of the other researchers and also makes ugly insinuations. Young research assistant Martin Neill is also targeted by Campbell. Alexander Ashton, Saffron's bacteriologist fiancé, is also part of this expedition. I adore Alexander, and he's perfect for Saffron. He was injured in the Great War and suffers from PTSD, but he seems to have found peace with Saffron. Some harmful pranks have been played on Saffron, but she carries on, determined not to miss out on this expedition. Martin becomes deathly ill, and he dies. When it is determined that he was poisoned, unfortunately Saffron is targeted as the suspected murderer, as she has become rather renowned for her expertise with toxins. To make things even worse, artifacts which have been discovered during the expedition have been stolen. Are the thefts in any way connected to Martin's murder? While Saffron is under lock and. key at the British Embassy, Alexander is determined to find the real culprit. He is aided by Nick, who is the brother of Saffron's best friend; apparently he is an agent for the British. I gather there have been run-ins with Nick in previous books, and Alexander isn't thrilled having to deal with him again. I was utterly shocked when the murderer is revealed and tries to kill Saffron! This was a thrilling mystery, but my favorite parts dealt with the relationship between Saffron and Alexander. Fans will be thrilled to see what happens there! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series (as well as catching up with the three I missed!). Stick with the story despite its slow beginning; you'll be glad you did.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Saffron Everleigh is newly engaged and full of optimism as she sets off on the adventure of a lifetime for any scientist: a research expedition. She sails to newly formed Turkey with her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a bevy of fellow researchers under the watchful and reformed eye of Dr. Henry. With only two other women on board, Saffron soon finds she is right back in the same infuriatingly misogynistic environment that marked the earliest days of her career. Only this time, Saffron is determined to show everyone, including Alexander, that she can handle the trials of an expedition. And trials she has in spades. Before the expedition team has even arrived, Saffron has managed to find an enemy in historian Joseph Clark, who frequently torments the assistant that Saffron has taken under her wing, Martin Neill. But when Martin unexpectedly dies, Saffron is targeted as the main suspect. Falling ruins, venomous snakes, and mysteriously blocked passages are the least of Saffron’s worries. With unexpected help from a familiar face, Alexander and Saffron have to work fast to prove not only that Saffron is innocent but that they both have nothing to do with a larger conspiracy at play among the expedition crew.
This book started off a bit slowly, but I was hooked once the action picked up. This was an exciting mystery, with lots of twists and turns. Saffron Everleigh is a great heroine. In this book she sets off on her first research expedition: to newly formed Turkey. Unfortunately, she is paired with historian Joseph Clark, a misogynistic jerk she's had to deal with previously. Campbell mocks Saffron in front of the other researchers and also makes ugly insinuations. Young research assistant Martin Neill is also targeted by Campbell. Alexander Ashton, Saffron's bacteriologist fiancé, is also part of this expedition. I adore Alexander, and he's perfect for Saffron. He was injured in the Great War and suffers from PTSD, but he seems to have found peace with Saffron. Some harmful pranks have been played on Saffron, but she carries on, determined not to miss out on this expedition. Martin becomes deathly ill, and he dies. When it is determined that he was poisoned, unfortunately Saffron is targeted as the suspected murderer, as she has become rather renowned for her expertise with toxins. To make things even worse, artifacts which have been discovered during the expedition have been stolen. Are the thefts in any way connected to Martin's murder? While Saffron is under lock and. key at the British Embassy, Alexander is determined to find the real culprit. He is aided by Nick, who is the brother of Saffron's best friend; apparently he is an agent for the British. I gather there have been run-ins with Nick in previous books, and Alexander isn't thrilled having to deal with him again. I was utterly shocked when the murderer is revealed and tries to kill Saffron! This was a thrilling mystery, but my favorite parts dealt with the relationship between Saffron and Alexander. Fans will be thrilled to see what happens there! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series (as well as catching up with the three I missed!). Stick with the story despite its slow beginning; you'll be glad you did.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Apparently I missed a couple books in this series because I opened A Botanist's Guide to Tradition and Treachery and immediately discovered Saffron is engaged now. Good for her. Love that for her. I felt a little like the cousin who skips two family reunions and comes back to find out everyone has gotten married, changed careers, and developed entirely new grudges.
What has not changed is Saffron's incredible ability to turn a professional opportunity into an active crime scene. This poor woman finally gets to go on a real research expedition to Turkey, which should be the academic equivalent of winning the lottery. Instead she spends most of the book dealing with a group of male colleagues who hear "female scientist" and react like somebody just released a bear into the camp. The misogyny in this series is always infuriating, but this one really said, "What if we made it everybody's full-time hobby?"
And then there's Clark. I need us to talk about Clark. Every mystery series has that character who walks onto the page and immediately makes you start mentally drafting a strongly worded letter. Clark spends so much time tormenting Saffron that I stopped viewing him as a person and started viewing him as an OSHA violation. Every time he appeared I became less interested in solving the murder and more interested in seeing whether someone could legally launch him off an archaeological dig site.
The murder itself hit harder than I expected because Martin was one of the few genuinely decent people in Saffron's orbit. She takes him under her wing, which in Saffron Everleigh terms should probably qualify as life insurance, because being near her dramatically increases your odds of becoming part of an investigation. When he dies and Saffron becomes the obvious suspect, the whole thing takes on this increasingly frantic energy where you're not just trying to figure out what happened, you're trying to stop everyone from making the dumbest possible conclusion.
One thing I really liked was that Saffron doesn't get to bulldoze her way through the investigation the way she normally does. She's stuck. She's vulnerable. She's dependent on other people. Alexander ends up carrying more of the investigative load, and honestly? It was nice. Especially because he's one of the rare fictional fiancés who remains supportive without becoming boring. The man sees his future wife accused of murder and immediately clocks in for overtime.
The mystery itself was probably the weakest part for me. I had a pretty good idea where things were headed long before the characters did. The real fun ended up being all the other nonsense happening around the murder. Antiquities theft. Academic politics. Terrible men making terrible decisions. Saffron repeatedly trying to prove she can handle herself while I sat there wanting to wrap her in bubble wrap and confiscate her curiosity for her own safety.
Jodie Harris continues to absolutely nail these audiobooks. She understands that Saffron's greatest strength and greatest weakness is that she has the survival instincts of a Victorian housecat. Brilliant? Absolutely. Capable? Without question. Interested in staying out of danger? Not even a little.
By the end I was having a genuinely good time even if I never felt completely surprised by the mystery itself. The setting is fantastic, Saffron remains impossible not to root for, and the series continues to do a great job balancing murder, adventure, and the constant exhaustion of being the smartest woman in a room full of men determined to prove otherwise.
Not my favorite Saffron outing, but I had fun. Mostly because every time this woman tries to advance her career, the universe responds by throwing a corpse at her. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Root For Archaeological Collapse As A Conflict Resolution Strategy
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC. If Saffron ever gets sent on a nice, relaxing work trip where nobody dies, I'll assume I've accidentally picked up the wrong series.
What has not changed is Saffron's incredible ability to turn a professional opportunity into an active crime scene. This poor woman finally gets to go on a real research expedition to Turkey, which should be the academic equivalent of winning the lottery. Instead she spends most of the book dealing with a group of male colleagues who hear "female scientist" and react like somebody just released a bear into the camp. The misogyny in this series is always infuriating, but this one really said, "What if we made it everybody's full-time hobby?"
And then there's Clark. I need us to talk about Clark. Every mystery series has that character who walks onto the page and immediately makes you start mentally drafting a strongly worded letter. Clark spends so much time tormenting Saffron that I stopped viewing him as a person and started viewing him as an OSHA violation. Every time he appeared I became less interested in solving the murder and more interested in seeing whether someone could legally launch him off an archaeological dig site.
The murder itself hit harder than I expected because Martin was one of the few genuinely decent people in Saffron's orbit. She takes him under her wing, which in Saffron Everleigh terms should probably qualify as life insurance, because being near her dramatically increases your odds of becoming part of an investigation. When he dies and Saffron becomes the obvious suspect, the whole thing takes on this increasingly frantic energy where you're not just trying to figure out what happened, you're trying to stop everyone from making the dumbest possible conclusion.
One thing I really liked was that Saffron doesn't get to bulldoze her way through the investigation the way she normally does. She's stuck. She's vulnerable. She's dependent on other people. Alexander ends up carrying more of the investigative load, and honestly? It was nice. Especially because he's one of the rare fictional fiancés who remains supportive without becoming boring. The man sees his future wife accused of murder and immediately clocks in for overtime.
The mystery itself was probably the weakest part for me. I had a pretty good idea where things were headed long before the characters did. The real fun ended up being all the other nonsense happening around the murder. Antiquities theft. Academic politics. Terrible men making terrible decisions. Saffron repeatedly trying to prove she can handle herself while I sat there wanting to wrap her in bubble wrap and confiscate her curiosity for her own safety.
Jodie Harris continues to absolutely nail these audiobooks. She understands that Saffron's greatest strength and greatest weakness is that she has the survival instincts of a Victorian housecat. Brilliant? Absolutely. Capable? Without question. Interested in staying out of danger? Not even a little.
By the end I was having a genuinely good time even if I never felt completely surprised by the mystery itself. The setting is fantastic, Saffron remains impossible not to root for, and the series continues to do a great job balancing murder, adventure, and the constant exhaustion of being the smartest woman in a room full of men determined to prove otherwise.
Not my favorite Saffron outing, but I had fun. Mostly because every time this woman tries to advance her career, the universe responds by throwing a corpse at her. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Root For Archaeological Collapse As A Conflict Resolution Strategy
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC. If Saffron ever gets sent on a nice, relaxing work trip where nobody dies, I'll assume I've accidentally picked up the wrong series.
June 10, 2026
I received a complimentary ARC copy of A Botanist’s Guide to Tradition and Treachery (A Saffron Everleigh Mystery #5) by Kate Khavari from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
… I must admit the cast of characters is endearing, I love Saffron, a brilliant, quirky, and brave woman, who although struggling with her fears thrives in the face of danger. …
I have been a fan of this series since book one, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, I have absolutely loved following Saffron Everleigh’s botanical adventures over the years, but with this fifth instalment, A Botanist’s Guide to Tradition and Treachery, I find myself wondering if the bloom is beginning to fade from the rose. While Kate Khavari’s latest offering treats readers to a wonderfully unique setting, a remarkably sluggish beginning ultimately costs it a star.
This time around, Saffron is leaving the familiar halls of London behind to join an archaeological expedition to the newly formed republic of Turkey. Accompanied by her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, alongside an eclectic group of scientists and historians, it should be the opportunity of a lifetime for a brilliant female botanist fighting to secure her place in a male-dominated field.
As a self-proclaimed armchair archaeologist this high stakes dig site makes for an incredibly refreshing backdrop for Saffron to conquer. Khavari does a beautiful job bringing the atmosphere to life; the descriptions of the Turkish landscape and customs are evocative, and the descriptions of the cost of war chilling. I also appreciate the author addressed the surrounding colonial archaeological practices, cultural heritage, and the true ownership of historical artefacts, treating these themes with genuine empathy and thoughtfulness.
The book although slow to move on the mystery did keep me engaged although seething, when we are introduced to the character a misogynistic, reckless and arrogant archaeologist named Joseph Clark who goes out of his way to relentlessly belittle, undermine, and dismiss Saffron’s professional expertise even to the point of trying to injure her to get her to leave the dig. As always Saffron handles him in her fierce, intelligent, and sassy manner. Sadly, some of the misogynistic vitriol aimed a Saffron occurred during that time and still does today.
We are nearly halfway through the novel before the central tragedy occurs, the death of an expedition member. Thankfully, the momentum shifts dramatically once the crime takes place and Saffron suddenly finds herself framed for murder and locked in a foreign jail. Watching Saffron and Alexander work against the clock to clear her name from behind bars injects some much-needed adrenaline into the story, complete with a sprawling cast of characters, a trail of clues, and a few clever twists.
I must admit the cast of characters is endearing, I love Saffron, a brilliant, quirky, and brave woman, who although struggling with her fears thrives in the face of danger. Alexander Ashton her fiancé, who loves her dearly, offers support but trusts her without smothering her. I also like Cynthia Henry; although it’s taken me a while to warm up to her I really appreciate her and her interactions with Saffron, and I truly hope she teams up with Saffron in future instalments.
While it works perfectly well as a standalone adventure for readers jumping in for the first time, long-time fans might find that the vibrant spark that made the earlier books so unputdownable feels noticeably muted here. Not my favourite in the series but still a good read!
… I must admit the cast of characters is endearing, I love Saffron, a brilliant, quirky, and brave woman, who although struggling with her fears thrives in the face of danger. …
I have been a fan of this series since book one, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, I have absolutely loved following Saffron Everleigh’s botanical adventures over the years, but with this fifth instalment, A Botanist’s Guide to Tradition and Treachery, I find myself wondering if the bloom is beginning to fade from the rose. While Kate Khavari’s latest offering treats readers to a wonderfully unique setting, a remarkably sluggish beginning ultimately costs it a star.
This time around, Saffron is leaving the familiar halls of London behind to join an archaeological expedition to the newly formed republic of Turkey. Accompanied by her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, alongside an eclectic group of scientists and historians, it should be the opportunity of a lifetime for a brilliant female botanist fighting to secure her place in a male-dominated field.
As a self-proclaimed armchair archaeologist this high stakes dig site makes for an incredibly refreshing backdrop for Saffron to conquer. Khavari does a beautiful job bringing the atmosphere to life; the descriptions of the Turkish landscape and customs are evocative, and the descriptions of the cost of war chilling. I also appreciate the author addressed the surrounding colonial archaeological practices, cultural heritage, and the true ownership of historical artefacts, treating these themes with genuine empathy and thoughtfulness.
The book although slow to move on the mystery did keep me engaged although seething, when we are introduced to the character a misogynistic, reckless and arrogant archaeologist named Joseph Clark who goes out of his way to relentlessly belittle, undermine, and dismiss Saffron’s professional expertise even to the point of trying to injure her to get her to leave the dig. As always Saffron handles him in her fierce, intelligent, and sassy manner. Sadly, some of the misogynistic vitriol aimed a Saffron occurred during that time and still does today.
We are nearly halfway through the novel before the central tragedy occurs, the death of an expedition member. Thankfully, the momentum shifts dramatically once the crime takes place and Saffron suddenly finds herself framed for murder and locked in a foreign jail. Watching Saffron and Alexander work against the clock to clear her name from behind bars injects some much-needed adrenaline into the story, complete with a sprawling cast of characters, a trail of clues, and a few clever twists.
I must admit the cast of characters is endearing, I love Saffron, a brilliant, quirky, and brave woman, who although struggling with her fears thrives in the face of danger. Alexander Ashton her fiancé, who loves her dearly, offers support but trusts her without smothering her. I also like Cynthia Henry; although it’s taken me a while to warm up to her I really appreciate her and her interactions with Saffron, and I truly hope she teams up with Saffron in future instalments.
While it works perfectly well as a standalone adventure for readers jumping in for the first time, long-time fans might find that the vibrant spark that made the earlier books so unputdownable feels noticeably muted here. Not my favourite in the series but still a good read!
June 18, 2026
2026 Summer Reading [FLP] Challenge: #5
* I loved seeing Turkey through Saffron's eyes - her love of adventure just added to it [her ability to just roll with things that happen is also commendable and something I myself strive to do when traveling; I do not always roll as easily as Saffron does LOL], and until I can maybe one day visit there myself, this was a good introduction to a small part of the country - I WILL be seeking out books about the rich history of that area. New rabbit-hole to fall down into.
*
* The poisons in this one were very interesting [and also showed up in the episode of House that I watched after finishing this book, which was an odd qwinky-dink, but I digress...]. I had no idea that there were multiple types of saffron, so I loved that I learned something new [which happens every time I read one of these books].
* That end...
* The reveal and end brought this to 4 stars [I HONESTLY never saw THAT coming and it was awful and sad and I really said "I'm sorry WHAT?" when the reveal happened] and I am now really looking forward to book 6 - I have a feeling its going to be a real banger!!
Jodie Harris once again does an excellent job narrating Saffron's story. She is one of the reasons I despised several of the deeply unlikable characters [her voices for them just grated on my last nerve, just like they were supposed to. You are SUPPOSED to get the heeby-weebies from how they talk to Saffron, and she accomplishes that 100%!] and I love her for that, even as I was railing at these horrible characters. ;-) I highly recommend listening to this excellent audiobook - you will not be sorry.
I was invited to read/review this by the publisher [Crooked Lane Books] and I thank them, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
* I loved seeing Turkey through Saffron's eyes - her love of adventure just added to it [her ability to just roll with things that happen is also commendable and something I myself strive to do when traveling; I do not always roll as easily as Saffron does LOL], and until I can maybe one day visit there myself, this was a good introduction to a small part of the country - I WILL be seeking out books about the rich history of that area. New rabbit-hole to fall down into.
*
* The poisons in this one were very interesting [and also showed up in the episode of House that I watched after finishing this book, which was an odd qwinky-dink, but I digress...]. I had no idea that there were multiple types of saffron, so I loved that I learned something new [which happens every time I read one of these books].
* That end...
* The reveal and end brought this to 4 stars [I HONESTLY never saw THAT coming and it was awful and sad and I really said "I'm sorry WHAT?" when the reveal happened] and I am now really looking forward to book 6 - I have a feeling its going to be a real banger!!
Jodie Harris once again does an excellent job narrating Saffron's story. She is one of the reasons I despised several of the deeply unlikable characters [her voices for them just grated on my last nerve, just like they were supposed to. You are SUPPOSED to get the heeby-weebies from how they talk to Saffron, and she accomplishes that 100%!] and I love her for that, even as I was railing at these horrible characters. ;-) I highly recommend listening to this excellent audiobook - you will not be sorry.
I was invited to read/review this by the publisher [Crooked Lane Books] and I thank them, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.
This review makes me a little sad to write because I’ve genuinely enjoyed following Saffron Everleigh’s adventures, I've been in it since the beginning, but I fear this series may have run its course for me.
In this fifth instalment, Saffron joins an archaeological expedition to the newly formed Turkey alongside her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a group of scientists and historians. As a brilliant botanist who has spent years carving out a place for herself in a male-dominated profession, this should be a significant and exciting opportunity. Unfortunately, despite an intriguing premise and a fascinating setting, I struggled to stay engaged.
The mystery centres around the death of a young expedition member, Martin Neill, and Saffron finding herself accused of murder. The setup is compelling, but the story takes a long time to get there, and I found my attention wandering throughout much of the novel.
SPOILER AHEAD:
My biggest issue was with Saffron herself. One of the expedition members, Joseph Clark, spends much of the book openly belittling and undermining her. His misogyny is relentless. Yet after treating her appallingly, he suddenly appears with a glass of champagne and an offer to let bygones be bygones, which Saffron accepts without much hesitation. Given everything she has experienced throughout this series, including previous encounters with poison and hostile men, I found it difficult to believe she would be so trusting. It felt like a plot device rather than a decision this intelligent character would genuinely make.
There are things I appreciated. The descriptions of Turkey are evocative, and I enjoyed the glimpses of the landscape, flowers, and atmosphere of the region. I also appreciated the novel’s treatment of questions surrounding archaeological expeditions, cultural heritage, and the ownership of historical artefacts. While these discussions are not new, it was encouraging to see them handled with empathy and thoughtfulness.
I was also pleased whenever Cynthia Henry appeared on the page. She WAS one of the more enjoyable characters in the book and, if I do continue with future books, I hope she appears in them.
Ultimately, this is a three-star read for me, and if I’m being completely honest, part of that rating comes from my affection for the series as a whole. Long-time fans may still enjoy spending time with these characters, but for me, the spark that made the earlier books so enjoyable felt noticeably diminished here.
This review makes me a little sad to write because I’ve genuinely enjoyed following Saffron Everleigh’s adventures, I've been in it since the beginning, but I fear this series may have run its course for me.
In this fifth instalment, Saffron joins an archaeological expedition to the newly formed Turkey alongside her fiancé, Alexander Ashton, and a group of scientists and historians. As a brilliant botanist who has spent years carving out a place for herself in a male-dominated profession, this should be a significant and exciting opportunity. Unfortunately, despite an intriguing premise and a fascinating setting, I struggled to stay engaged.
The mystery centres around the death of a young expedition member, Martin Neill, and Saffron finding herself accused of murder. The setup is compelling, but the story takes a long time to get there, and I found my attention wandering throughout much of the novel.
SPOILER AHEAD:
My biggest issue was with Saffron herself. One of the expedition members, Joseph Clark, spends much of the book openly belittling and undermining her. His misogyny is relentless. Yet after treating her appallingly, he suddenly appears with a glass of champagne and an offer to let bygones be bygones, which Saffron accepts without much hesitation. Given everything she has experienced throughout this series, including previous encounters with poison and hostile men, I found it difficult to believe she would be so trusting. It felt like a plot device rather than a decision this intelligent character would genuinely make.
There are things I appreciated. The descriptions of Turkey are evocative, and I enjoyed the glimpses of the landscape, flowers, and atmosphere of the region. I also appreciated the novel’s treatment of questions surrounding archaeological expeditions, cultural heritage, and the ownership of historical artefacts. While these discussions are not new, it was encouraging to see them handled with empathy and thoughtfulness.
I was also pleased whenever Cynthia Henry appeared on the page. She WAS one of the more enjoyable characters in the book and, if I do continue with future books, I hope she appears in them.
Ultimately, this is a three-star read for me, and if I’m being completely honest, part of that rating comes from my affection for the series as a whole. Long-time fans may still enjoy spending time with these characters, but for me, the spark that made the earlier books so enjoyable felt noticeably diminished here.
June 10, 2026
Book rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Genre: cozy historical mystery
Themes: misogyn, corruption, archeology practices
📖 Read if you like: All in Her Hands, City of the Muse
Saffron Everleigh gets a new adventure and a treacherous new murder mystery in this fifth installmet of the series. Embarking on her first research expedition in Turkey, the field is once again fraught with chauvinistic colleagues and thievery. When a fellow scientist is poisoned Saffron becomes the main suspect. With the police investigating both murder and serveral missing artifacts from the dig site, Saffron and Alexander will have to work to clear both their names from conspiracies plaguing the research team.
Saffron’s determination to succeed despite obvious naysayers who do not want women in the field makes her easy to root for. She is clever and resourceful, kind and curious in the face of sabotage and discrimination. Having a main character who is intelligent and unafraid to break the mold makes her one I adore.
Her relationship with fiancé Alexander Ashton has developed over the series and here he struggles with wanting to defend Saffron and letting her fight her own battles. It is a real partnership for a relationship built to last.
The academic mindset and blatant misogyny within the all boys club of researchers was frustrating, but realistic. It gave the perfect excuse for Saffron’s excessive hazing and eventual condemnation. As a scientist I appreciate this representation in fiction, especially in a historical setting where divisiveness was so much more pronounced. It added another layer to the commentary on western views towards archeological digs and artifact ownership
Choosing a landscape rich in history and culture made this academic mystery even more atmospheric. Pinning the story against historical facts also lent the tale an air of authenticity. The lush descriptions and various players made for an enjoyable and fast-paced read. The mystery was well thought out and there were several secondary characters that really flushed out the plot and pool of suspects.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ALC. Jodie Harris brought that English charm to these characters with perfect accents. She paced the story well to create emotion and tension throughout making it an easy listen to become absorbed in.
Genre: cozy historical mystery
Themes: misogyn, corruption, archeology practices
📖 Read if you like: All in Her Hands, City of the Muse
Saffron Everleigh gets a new adventure and a treacherous new murder mystery in this fifth installmet of the series. Embarking on her first research expedition in Turkey, the field is once again fraught with chauvinistic colleagues and thievery. When a fellow scientist is poisoned Saffron becomes the main suspect. With the police investigating both murder and serveral missing artifacts from the dig site, Saffron and Alexander will have to work to clear both their names from conspiracies plaguing the research team.
Saffron’s determination to succeed despite obvious naysayers who do not want women in the field makes her easy to root for. She is clever and resourceful, kind and curious in the face of sabotage and discrimination. Having a main character who is intelligent and unafraid to break the mold makes her one I adore.
Her relationship with fiancé Alexander Ashton has developed over the series and here he struggles with wanting to defend Saffron and letting her fight her own battles. It is a real partnership for a relationship built to last.
The academic mindset and blatant misogyny within the all boys club of researchers was frustrating, but realistic. It gave the perfect excuse for Saffron’s excessive hazing and eventual condemnation. As a scientist I appreciate this representation in fiction, especially in a historical setting where divisiveness was so much more pronounced. It added another layer to the commentary on western views towards archeological digs and artifact ownership
Choosing a landscape rich in history and culture made this academic mystery even more atmospheric. Pinning the story against historical facts also lent the tale an air of authenticity. The lush descriptions and various players made for an enjoyable and fast-paced read. The mystery was well thought out and there were several secondary characters that really flushed out the plot and pool of suspects.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the ALC. Jodie Harris brought that English charm to these characters with perfect accents. She paced the story well to create emotion and tension throughout making it an easy listen to become absorbed in.
July 29, 2026
An intriguing historical mystery with twists and turns aplenty.
Kate Khavari has created a richly detailed historical mystery with several intertwining plotlines, plenty of suspects, and enough twists to keep me guessing. This was my first visit to Saffron Everleigh's world, despite this being the fifth book in the series, and I had no trouble following the story.
One of the highlights for me was the archaeological setting. Although Saffron's expertise lies in botany, the excavation in Turkey added an extra layer of fascination, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about that side of the story. The historical atmosphere was beautifully realised, and it was clear a great deal of research had gone into bringing the setting to life.
The audiobook itself was outstanding. The narrator handled an enormous cast of characters with remarkable skill, effortlessly moving between male and female voices as well as English, Greek and Turkish accents. Every character felt distinct, making it easy to stay immersed in the story.
My biggest challenge was the pacing. I found myself increasing the playback speed to one and a half times because the story often felt longer than it needed to be. I also became increasingly frustrated by one particular villain whose relentless attacks on Saffron's reputation made for an uncomfortable listen. Given the social expectations of the 1920s, those actions carried enormous weight, which made the situation believable, but it also left me feeling more irritated than engaged.
I also struggled with some of Saffron's decisions. There were several moments where she seemed to trust or follow the advice of people who had repeatedly proven themselves untrustworthy, and I found myself wanting to shout at her to make different choices. Instead of building suspense, those moments often tested my patience.
Overall, this is a well written historical mystery with an interesting setting, excellent narration, and plenty of intrigue. While the pacing wasn't quite right for me, I still appreciated the quality of the writing and the complexity of the mystery.
Thank you to RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
Kate Khavari has created a richly detailed historical mystery with several intertwining plotlines, plenty of suspects, and enough twists to keep me guessing. This was my first visit to Saffron Everleigh's world, despite this being the fifth book in the series, and I had no trouble following the story.
One of the highlights for me was the archaeological setting. Although Saffron's expertise lies in botany, the excavation in Turkey added an extra layer of fascination, and I genuinely enjoyed learning about that side of the story. The historical atmosphere was beautifully realised, and it was clear a great deal of research had gone into bringing the setting to life.
The audiobook itself was outstanding. The narrator handled an enormous cast of characters with remarkable skill, effortlessly moving between male and female voices as well as English, Greek and Turkish accents. Every character felt distinct, making it easy to stay immersed in the story.
My biggest challenge was the pacing. I found myself increasing the playback speed to one and a half times because the story often felt longer than it needed to be. I also became increasingly frustrated by one particular villain whose relentless attacks on Saffron's reputation made for an uncomfortable listen. Given the social expectations of the 1920s, those actions carried enormous weight, which made the situation believable, but it also left me feeling more irritated than engaged.
I also struggled with some of Saffron's decisions. There were several moments where she seemed to trust or follow the advice of people who had repeatedly proven themselves untrustworthy, and I found myself wanting to shout at her to make different choices. Instead of building suspense, those moments often tested my patience.
Overall, this is a well written historical mystery with an interesting setting, excellent narration, and plenty of intrigue. While the pacing wasn't quite right for me, I still appreciated the quality of the writing and the complexity of the mystery.
Thank you to RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book but the very slow start lost a star from me. I stuck with it and we eventually got around to what it was all about and it got more interesting.
A dig site is an unusual place for a cozy mystery, there's a lot going on with thefts and pranks and setting the scene is important but I think we were about half way through the book before the murder occurred and to be honest by then I had a good idea of who was involved. I didn't see the motive coming but I had the right suspect. I liked the fact that Saffron is framed for the murder and found that's when the story gets more interesting, as she and Alexander struggle to clear her name.
I like the characters and can safely say the story does work as a standalone adventure because this is my first time joining Saffron and Alexander but it won't be my last as, although slow the story was interesting and held my attention until the end. The story was well written with plenty of clues, a lot of characters and a few twists.
I must also admit when I picked up this book I hadn't realised it was a historical mystery but other than using the occasional telegram and a few attitudes you wouldn't have know and I think I might have to add another genre to my reading list.
Saffron is looking forward to working with her fiance as they set off to Turkey to explore a dig site. What she is not prepared for is the pranks and for a certain historian to undermine her at ever turn. When Saffron won't allow Alexander to step in on her behalf she assigns her an assistant and in the process sets chins wagging. Saffron can handle gossip but when a death occurs and the same gossips point the finger at her, she finds herself in a foreign jail facing murder charges. Can Saffron clear her name from jail and find the killer or will she have to rely on Alexander?
I liked the narrator. She helped bring the mystery, characters and setting to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
A dig site is an unusual place for a cozy mystery, there's a lot going on with thefts and pranks and setting the scene is important but I think we were about half way through the book before the murder occurred and to be honest by then I had a good idea of who was involved. I didn't see the motive coming but I had the right suspect. I liked the fact that Saffron is framed for the murder and found that's when the story gets more interesting, as she and Alexander struggle to clear her name.
I like the characters and can safely say the story does work as a standalone adventure because this is my first time joining Saffron and Alexander but it won't be my last as, although slow the story was interesting and held my attention until the end. The story was well written with plenty of clues, a lot of characters and a few twists.
I must also admit when I picked up this book I hadn't realised it was a historical mystery but other than using the occasional telegram and a few attitudes you wouldn't have know and I think I might have to add another genre to my reading list.
Saffron is looking forward to working with her fiance as they set off to Turkey to explore a dig site. What she is not prepared for is the pranks and for a certain historian to undermine her at ever turn. When Saffron won't allow Alexander to step in on her behalf she assigns her an assistant and in the process sets chins wagging. Saffron can handle gossip but when a death occurs and the same gossips point the finger at her, she finds herself in a foreign jail facing murder charges. Can Saffron clear her name from jail and find the killer or will she have to rely on Alexander?
I liked the narrator. She helped bring the mystery, characters and setting to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25/5 stars
I love this series. The writing itself, the humor/banter, the adventurous plotlines, the characters (both main and supporting). I always know when a new book drops, fun is in the offing, and I can't wait for it. This particular book is neat in two different ways...it takes place in an exotically different locale and Saffron and Ashton are a newly engaged couple.
There's lots of things going on in this one with several villains and plot points to wade through. I won't go into specifics because the blurb takes care of that, but suffice it to say, there's plenty of danger, intrigue, surprises and twists, and of course, Saffron as our brilliant and brave heroine handles it all with aplomb. My only caveat and why the story wasn't simply perfect for me involves the issue of the harassment that Saffron suffers at the hands of a university colleague, Clark. This was a recurring theme throughout the previous books, but I found myself uncomfortable with the escalation of it in dangerous/unsettling ways. And while it's something that Saffron has handled on her own in the past and has vocally denounced any assistance with it, I still felt a bit of lacking on Ashton's part in playing more of a protective/intercessory role. He eventually does step in, but I felt it was a little late in the story for it. I'm all for strong, take-charge heroines, but there comes a time when you might want a little help in your corner when dealing with a dastardly bully. But that's just a personal feeling and probably won't register on anyone else's radar.
Such a wonderful series, and this fifth book was just another wonderful episode to add to the annals. Can't wait for another visit to Saffron's world. If you'd like to meet Saffron, Ashton and their entourage start with A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of A Botanist's Guide to Tradition and Treachery for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I love this series. The writing itself, the humor/banter, the adventurous plotlines, the characters (both main and supporting). I always know when a new book drops, fun is in the offing, and I can't wait for it. This particular book is neat in two different ways...it takes place in an exotically different locale and Saffron and Ashton are a newly engaged couple.
There's lots of things going on in this one with several villains and plot points to wade through. I won't go into specifics because the blurb takes care of that, but suffice it to say, there's plenty of danger, intrigue, surprises and twists, and of course, Saffron as our brilliant and brave heroine handles it all with aplomb. My only caveat and why the story wasn't simply perfect for me involves the issue of the harassment that Saffron suffers at the hands of a university colleague, Clark. This was a recurring theme throughout the previous books, but I found myself uncomfortable with the escalation of it in dangerous/unsettling ways. And while it's something that Saffron has handled on her own in the past and has vocally denounced any assistance with it, I still felt a bit of lacking on Ashton's part in playing more of a protective/intercessory role. He eventually does step in, but I felt it was a little late in the story for it. I'm all for strong, take-charge heroines, but there comes a time when you might want a little help in your corner when dealing with a dastardly bully. But that's just a personal feeling and probably won't register on anyone else's radar.
Such a wonderful series, and this fifth book was just another wonderful episode to add to the annals. Can't wait for another visit to Saffron's world. If you'd like to meet Saffron, Ashton and their entourage start with A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing the free early arc of A Botanist's Guide to Tradition and Treachery for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
June 24, 2026
In this fifth installment, our favorite amateur sleuths are finally engaged and heading off to their first archaeological dig together in Turkey. And let me tell you—I did not expect this book to go where it went.
From practically page one, Saffron is surrounded by misogynistic jackasses determined to make her life miserable. She's called a whore, pressured into gambling, constantly has her intelligence questioned, and watches men dismiss expertise she's worked hard to earn. It was infuriating. Frankly, Saffron's restraint deserves some kind of medal because I would have poisoned at least half these men by chapter three.
Then things somehow get worse.
The one genuinely decent guy gets murdered. Saffron gets framed. There's artifact smuggling, corrupt officials, a secret ceremony, and enough danger to make me question why these people ever leave the hotel. Once the mystery really kicked into gear, I was completely hooked. Every chapter seemed to raise the stakes even higher, and I tore through the second half.
At this point, I need someone to buy Saffron a gun, teach her how to use it, and insist she carries it everywhere. This woman has been through enough.
One thing that's driving me crazy, though: am I misremembering, or did Saffron and Alexander already consummate their relationship a couple of books ago? Why are we back to a "will they/won't they" dynamic? Someone please tell me if I've imagined an entire scene because I was genuinely confused.
Mostly, I just want these two to catch a break. Every book finds new and creative ways to endanger, frame, threaten, or traumatize them. Can we maybe find them a cozy village, a quiet cottage, stable employment, and a nice garden for a while? Their fictional lives are stressing me out.
Still, I loved this installment. The mystery was twisty, the stakes felt personal, and despite all the chaos, I remain deeply invested in Saffron and Alexander's future. Whatever awaits them back in England—and inevitably, whatever trouble Saffron's family brings with it—I can't wait to find out.
From practically page one, Saffron is surrounded by misogynistic jackasses determined to make her life miserable. She's called a whore, pressured into gambling, constantly has her intelligence questioned, and watches men dismiss expertise she's worked hard to earn. It was infuriating. Frankly, Saffron's restraint deserves some kind of medal because I would have poisoned at least half these men by chapter three.
Then things somehow get worse.
The one genuinely decent guy gets murdered. Saffron gets framed. There's artifact smuggling, corrupt officials, a secret ceremony, and enough danger to make me question why these people ever leave the hotel. Once the mystery really kicked into gear, I was completely hooked. Every chapter seemed to raise the stakes even higher, and I tore through the second half.
At this point, I need someone to buy Saffron a gun, teach her how to use it, and insist she carries it everywhere. This woman has been through enough.
One thing that's driving me crazy, though: am I misremembering, or did Saffron and Alexander already consummate their relationship a couple of books ago? Why are we back to a "will they/won't they" dynamic? Someone please tell me if I've imagined an entire scene because I was genuinely confused.
Mostly, I just want these two to catch a break. Every book finds new and creative ways to endanger, frame, threaten, or traumatize them. Can we maybe find them a cozy village, a quiet cottage, stable employment, and a nice garden for a while? Their fictional lives are stressing me out.
Still, I loved this installment. The mystery was twisty, the stakes felt personal, and despite all the chaos, I remain deeply invested in Saffron and Alexander's future. Whatever awaits them back in England—and inevitably, whatever trouble Saffron's family brings with it—I can't wait to find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews