The Case of the Murderous Botanist

Lady Theodora Ashcombe Mysteries #2

by Daisy Landish

An orchid worth a fortune. A widow with deadly secrets. A lady detective caught in a web of treachery.

London, 1882. Lady Theodora Ashcombe has begun to make a name for herself as a consulting detective. With cousin Bea settled as her companion and Jasper Welles as her reluctant partner, Theo is more determined than ever to use her wits, her independence, and her loyal spaniel Pip to uncover the truth.

When celebrated botanist Dr. Edmund Fairweather collapses mid-lecture—moments after sipping tea offered by the gracious Mrs. Violet Ashford—his dying words point to a legendary orchid, the Crimson Empress. Rare, powerful, and supposedly extinct, it is said to hold the key to a medical breakthrough that could change the fate of nations.

But in the hothouses of London’s elite, beauty conceals danger. Behind lavish conservatories and glittering society soirées lurks a smuggling ring with roots in foreign laboratories and branches that reach back to the dark network Theo thought destroyed. As the investigation unfolds, Theo and her companions must navigate coded telegrams, poisoned tea, and a suitor whose awkward courtship hides darker secrets.

From the glasshouses of Kew to the fog-shrouded docks, Theo races to expose a conspiracy that entwines empire, science, and treason. Yet in a world where orchids bloom as easily as lies, one misstep could turn a lady detective into the next victim.

The Case of the Murderous Botanist is the second adventure in the Lady Ashcombe Mysteries—perfect for fans of Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Deanna Raybourn, and Anna Lee Huber.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2025

About the author

Daisy Landish is a romance and contemporary fiction author, whose clean and sweet novellas have tugged at readers’ heartstrings around the world. When she’s not writing love stories, Daisy spends her time reading, hiking at dawn, and riding into the sunset on her horse, Rosebud.

Be sure to follow Daisy for new releases and join her newsletter at https://daisylandishromance.substack.com

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying the tales in the Lady Theodora Ashcoombe Mystery series, penned by Daisy Landish. The Case of the Murderous Botanist was just as captivating as the initial installment, The Case of the Vanishing Heiress. Each novel stands alone and can be appreciated without reading the others, but I wouldn’t advise it, as I believe any mystery enthusiast and admirer of Daisy Landish would want to experience both.

I relished discovering the lethal blooms and the famed orchid, the Crimson Empress, in The Case of the Murderous Botanist. I even took to Google to find more information about the Crimson Empress. I particularly enjoyed Mrs. Ashford’s nephew, who was brimming with knowledge about various flowers.

I was captivated by Dr. Edmund Fairweather’s lecture until he suddenly collapsed mid-speech, just after sipping tea graciously offered by Mrs. Violet Ashford. Theo, along with her cousin Bea and her charming pup, Pip, begins to inquire around town about Dr. Edmund Fairweather and uncovers more than they bargained for, which could prove perilous for them as well.

I strongly recommend picking up a copy of The Case of the Murderous Botanist today!

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing. Some noticeable editing mistakes (like extra space before a period and shipping missing the s) as well as characters with the same, or similar names (Lord Pembroke, Dr. Pemberton, a Mrs. Pemberton-longtime housekeeper of a scientist, the main character Lady Ashcombe, Mrs. Ashworth-proprietress of a dress shop). There’s also multiple repetitions about the systematic thefts, understanding what they were facing, the proof they had and the dangerous confrontations. Then there’s Bea, who I think may be a cousin? Plus the man plant character, the Crimson Empress orchid, charges to the Black Orchid (with no explanation) in chapter 8. Or I think that’s what happened. I don’t know. All these things impeded my reading of the story which seemed like a very clever plot. It was very different than the smooth reading of the prequel “The Case of the Canary…” I may try one more installment as I love the ideas, settings, main character and plot. Hope it’s better.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Case of the Murderous Botanist: A Victorian Cozy Mystery (Lady Theodora Ashcombe Mysteries Book 2), my eighty-second enjoyable 97-page) read from author Daisy Landish. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author, I just went out and got The Case of the Silk Widow: A Victorian Cozy Mystery (Lady Theodora Ashcombe Mysteries Book 3) so I can continue to read the entire series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Theodora Ashcrombe London in 1800s. A mystery afoot! Orchids ? Daisy Languish does it again ,fills us with anguish and disdain . Lady Theo as we all know her as ,has a rather odd case in which embrace with her usually service. Though she don’t half make you nervous… So it just so happens that Mrs Violet Ashford knows someone who can help when a Dr is killed by a bloom . Help does loom. In the guise of her nephew. Phew ,he should know what to do. Pip as ever and Bea too are ever so clever at sleuthing too. An enjoyable read

[emeraldragonlady (Maddie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

whoa, this was insanely good. Even though I know this book is about half the length of what I normally read, its still just as good. Theo does an amazing job working out the clues and trying to find a way to get the missing pieces and the culprit. Like most cozy mystery series they are interconnected. I would recommend reading them in order as each book as that small amount of info need to understand references in this book. If you like cozy mysteries, victorian settings, london then this is a series for you.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong sequel in the Lady Theodora Ashcombe Mystery series, it had that element that I enjoyed from the first book. The characters were so well written and was engaged from start to finish. It worked well overall and had that mystery concept that I was looking for. Daisy Landish wrote this well and left me wanting to read more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intrigue among the flowers.

Lady Theodora scents foul play when a well-known dies during his lecture on rare and extinct orchids after drinking the hostess’s tea. Clues point to a clandestine ring of smugglers trading in goods and secrets. Pip’s talented nose leads to discoveries.

The characters are interesting, and I liked the Victorian setting. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

killer flowers

I thought this was a very interesting book. I love a good mystery. This one was detailed and informative. It was a quick and seemed to move at a quick pace. This a a no nonsense story. I have read this author before and look forward to reading more of these mysteries.

[Sharli Kaltenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Landish does not disappoint. Who knew that beautiful botanicals could be both beautiful and a source of international espionage. Some people will do anything for money and prestige, even at the cost of their own family.

[Bethany Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The case of the Murderous Botanist by Daisy Landish Book Review 

“Something in his bearing suggested an underlying tension that caught Theo's investigative instincts.” The Foreshaddowing here suggests that something is going to happen. It captures the reader's attention from the offset.

A Murder themed around Botany. 

I love the descriptions in this book “Warmth and humidity, filled with the exotic fragrances of orchids, rare ferns, and specimens Theo couldn't even begin to identify. Light, filtering through the glass panels, created an almost ethereal atmosphere that spoke to years of devoted cultivation.” This is such an impactful scene. It shows the work the professor put in and that his work lives on. 

Missing plants. Threatening Notes. Someone is watching. 

“The most dangerous play was still ahead.” The foreshadowing here is so intense. Will our characters be safe? 

The ending is so clever and unexpected. Twist after twist. You don't want to miss this one. Daisy has done it again, kept me guessing and come up with an unpredictable ending. 

More mysteries to come, I can't wait.