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Bound in Botany: Some Roots Tangle in the Shadows
Book II in the Root & Vein Trilogy
Sequel to Rooted in Silence
Grief makes people accept stories that are easier than the truth.
Tragedy hits Monica like a freight train of emotion. She isn’t like everyone else accepting a truth that isn’t hers. She vows to settle the score.
As Monica begins to untangle the lies surrounding the woman everyone else pities, she is drawn into a psychological chess game with two women who understand control better than anyone: Emily Black—a widow with a perfect smile, a spotless home, and far too many poisonous plants growing in plain sight who performs grief like a role. And Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica how to sharpen her instincts and starve her doubt
But the closer Monica gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes to want it.
Bound in Botany is a dark psychological thriller about obsession, performance, and the terrible hunger that grows when a need for control becomes its own kind of fire.
Sequel to Rooted in Silence
Grief makes people accept stories that are easier than the truth.
Tragedy hits Monica like a freight train of emotion. She isn’t like everyone else accepting a truth that isn’t hers. She vows to settle the score.
As Monica begins to untangle the lies surrounding the woman everyone else pities, she is drawn into a psychological chess game with two women who understand control better than anyone: Emily Black—a widow with a perfect smile, a spotless home, and far too many poisonous plants growing in plain sight who performs grief like a role. And Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica how to sharpen her instincts and starve her doubt
But the closer Monica gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes to want it.
Bound in Botany is a dark psychological thriller about obsession, performance, and the terrible hunger that grows when a need for control becomes its own kind of fire.
- GenresThriller
210 pages, Paperback
Published July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5
Getting accepted onto the ARC team for “Bound in Botany,” the second book in A.M. Walker’s dark botanical Root & Vein Trilogy, felt like winning the lottery.
A botanical thriller, of all things. I never thought plants would pull me in, but here I am, hooked. Give me a gorgeous cover, a tight plot, and a deliciously creepy psychological twist, and I’m sold. I’ll admit it: I judge books by their covers, and this series is dressed to impress!
The adventure begins with “Rooted in Silence,” which I tore through last month. Trust me, you’ll want to start there. The backstory is too juicy to miss.
“Bound in Botany” wastes no time. We’re thrown straight into Emily’s cleanup after her meticulously crafted plan on her wedding night. Monica’s got a cocktail of suspicion, grief, and revenge swirling in her head. She gravitates toward Emily’s enigmatic neighbor, Volkova, and the weirdness multiplies. Volkova’s strange bond with Emily now stretches to Monica, pulling her into her tangled web.
The dynamic among these three is deliciously off-kilter—dark, strange, and perfectly unsettling. I’m certain Volkova is hiding secrets, and after “Bound in Botany,” my trust in her is gone. In “Rooted in Silence,” I thought she was just being kind to Emily, but now she radiates puppet-master energy, quietly pulling strings while everyone else thinks they’re calling the shots.
Monica is raw with grief and anger, making choices that are anything but rational. Emily is still Emily, which means I’m watching her closely and judging her choices from the comfort of my couch. And Volkova? I want answers, like now.
Now I’m stuck waiting for book three, without even a hint of a release date. My mind is
spinning with theories and suspicions, and I’m desperate to see if I’m right. Patience? That’s for people who don’t read thrillers!
Dark, twisty, strange, and utterly addictive—this trilogy has its hooks in me. If you love mysteries or thrillers, consider this your next obsession.
Getting accepted onto the ARC team for “Bound in Botany,” the second book in A.M. Walker’s dark botanical Root & Vein Trilogy, felt like winning the lottery.
A botanical thriller, of all things. I never thought plants would pull me in, but here I am, hooked. Give me a gorgeous cover, a tight plot, and a deliciously creepy psychological twist, and I’m sold. I’ll admit it: I judge books by their covers, and this series is dressed to impress!
The adventure begins with “Rooted in Silence,” which I tore through last month. Trust me, you’ll want to start there. The backstory is too juicy to miss.
“Bound in Botany” wastes no time. We’re thrown straight into Emily’s cleanup after her meticulously crafted plan on her wedding night. Monica’s got a cocktail of suspicion, grief, and revenge swirling in her head. She gravitates toward Emily’s enigmatic neighbor, Volkova, and the weirdness multiplies. Volkova’s strange bond with Emily now stretches to Monica, pulling her into her tangled web.
The dynamic among these three is deliciously off-kilter—dark, strange, and perfectly unsettling. I’m certain Volkova is hiding secrets, and after “Bound in Botany,” my trust in her is gone. In “Rooted in Silence,” I thought she was just being kind to Emily, but now she radiates puppet-master energy, quietly pulling strings while everyone else thinks they’re calling the shots.
Monica is raw with grief and anger, making choices that are anything but rational. Emily is still Emily, which means I’m watching her closely and judging her choices from the comfort of my couch. And Volkova? I want answers, like now.
Now I’m stuck waiting for book three, without even a hint of a release date. My mind is
spinning with theories and suspicions, and I’m desperate to see if I’m right. Patience? That’s for people who don’t read thrillers!
Dark, twisty, strange, and utterly addictive—this trilogy has its hooks in me. If you love mysteries or thrillers, consider this your next obsession.
July 14, 2026
After finishing *Rooted in Silence*, I was curious to see where the story would go next, and I actually think I enjoyed this installment a little more.
This time, the story follows Monica as she struggles to come to terms with her brother Matt's death. Unable to accept everything at face value, she begins going through the notes Matt left behind, notes filled with his growing suspicions about Emily. Convinced there's more to the story, Monica decides to investigate for herself.
I enjoyed the shift in perspective. Watching Monica slowly unravel the mystery, while also forming an unexpected friendship with Miss Volkova, kept me engaged throughout the book. Miss Volkova continues to be one of the most intriguing characters in the series, and I liked the way she encouraged Monica to trust her instincts and question what seemed obvious.
That said, I still struggled with the characters' motivations. As Monica becomes more determined to uncover the truth, her actions gradually spiral into obsession, and while I understood what the author was aiming for, I personally found it difficult to fully connect with the choices she made. I wanted the psychological motivations to feel a little stronger, which would have made the tension even more impactful.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable continuation of the story. The suspense kept me reading, and I have to admit that the opening pages of Book Three were more than enough to make me want to see how the trilogy ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
This time, the story follows Monica as she struggles to come to terms with her brother Matt's death. Unable to accept everything at face value, she begins going through the notes Matt left behind, notes filled with his growing suspicions about Emily. Convinced there's more to the story, Monica decides to investigate for herself.
I enjoyed the shift in perspective. Watching Monica slowly unravel the mystery, while also forming an unexpected friendship with Miss Volkova, kept me engaged throughout the book. Miss Volkova continues to be one of the most intriguing characters in the series, and I liked the way she encouraged Monica to trust her instincts and question what seemed obvious.
That said, I still struggled with the characters' motivations. As Monica becomes more determined to uncover the truth, her actions gradually spiral into obsession, and while I understood what the author was aiming for, I personally found it difficult to fully connect with the choices she made. I wanted the psychological motivations to feel a little stronger, which would have made the tension even more impactful.
Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable continuation of the story. The suspense kept me reading, and I have to admit that the opening pages of Book Three were more than enough to make me want to see how the trilogy ends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
July 5, 2026
From the start, it just goes, no slow build, no waiting around. Every chapter pulls you in deeper, and I kept telling myself to read another chapter until suddenly I was way too far in to stop. It’s one of those books that completely takes over while you’re reading it.
What I loved most was how intense everything felt. The emotions hit harder this time, and the stakes felt real the whole way through. You really feel for the characters, especially with everything they’re dealing with, and it makes all the twists land.
I loved loved loved reading from Monica‘s point of view in book 2. It was so fun to see her interact with Volkova.
If you liked the first book, this one steps it up!!
What I loved most was how intense everything felt. The emotions hit harder this time, and the stakes felt real the whole way through. You really feel for the characters, especially with everything they’re dealing with, and it makes all the twists land.
I loved loved loved reading from Monica‘s point of view in book 2. It was so fun to see her interact with Volkova.
If you liked the first book, this one steps it up!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Summary
Bound in Botany continues the Root & Vein trilogy with Monica caught in the middle of grief, lies, control, and dangerous truths. While everyone else seems willing to accept the easier story, Monica cannot let it go. As she starts questioning what really happened, she is pulled into a dark psychological game involving Emily Black, a widow with a perfect image and poisonous plants, and Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica to trust her instincts.
My Review
I love psychological thrillers. I could honestly spend every minute reading them, and Bound in Botany reminded me why I enjoy this genre so much. This book is dark, tense, and filled with the kind of emotional unease that keeps you turning the pages because you need to know what is actually going on.
A.M. Walker is an amazing writer, and I really felt how much control, grief, obsession, and doubt shaped these characters. This book felt darker to me, and I liked that. I could feel what each character was struggling with, even when their choices were messy or uncomfortable. There is something so interesting about watching people perform grief, hide truth, and try to control the story around them.
I also loved the psychological chess game feeling throughout the book. Monica is trying to untangle lies while also learning how to trust what she senses, and Emily Black was such an unsettling presence. The poisonous plants, the perfect home, the polished image, all of that created such a strong atmosphere. Volkova also added another interesting layer, especially in the way she pushed Monica to sharpen her instincts instead of doubting herself.
Overall, Bound in Botany kept my interest and made me want to continue this series. It was dark, psychological, and filled with tension, which is exactly the kind of story I love sinking into. I will absolutely be continuing the Root & Vein trilogy, and I recommend this series to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with obsession, secrets, control, and characters who are not always easy to trust.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. I would recommend this to readers who love dark psychological thrillers, complicated women, poisonous secrets, grief, obsession, and stories where control becomes just as dangerous as the truth. If you enjoy books that feel tense, shadowy, and emotionally twisted, this series is worth picking up.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Summary
Bound in Botany continues the Root & Vein trilogy with Monica caught in the middle of grief, lies, control, and dangerous truths. While everyone else seems willing to accept the easier story, Monica cannot let it go. As she starts questioning what really happened, she is pulled into a dark psychological game involving Emily Black, a widow with a perfect image and poisonous plants, and Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica to trust her instincts.
My Review
I love psychological thrillers. I could honestly spend every minute reading them, and Bound in Botany reminded me why I enjoy this genre so much. This book is dark, tense, and filled with the kind of emotional unease that keeps you turning the pages because you need to know what is actually going on.
A.M. Walker is an amazing writer, and I really felt how much control, grief, obsession, and doubt shaped these characters. This book felt darker to me, and I liked that. I could feel what each character was struggling with, even when their choices were messy or uncomfortable. There is something so interesting about watching people perform grief, hide truth, and try to control the story around them.
I also loved the psychological chess game feeling throughout the book. Monica is trying to untangle lies while also learning how to trust what she senses, and Emily Black was such an unsettling presence. The poisonous plants, the perfect home, the polished image, all of that created such a strong atmosphere. Volkova also added another interesting layer, especially in the way she pushed Monica to sharpen her instincts instead of doubting herself.
Overall, Bound in Botany kept my interest and made me want to continue this series. It was dark, psychological, and filled with tension, which is exactly the kind of story I love sinking into. I will absolutely be continuing the Root & Vein trilogy, and I recommend this series to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with obsession, secrets, control, and characters who are not always easy to trust.
Would I Recommend?
Yes. I would recommend this to readers who love dark psychological thrillers, complicated women, poisonous secrets, grief, obsession, and stories where control becomes just as dangerous as the truth. If you enjoy books that feel tense, shadowy, and emotionally twisted, this series is worth picking up.
May 13, 2026
🌿 ARC Review: Bound in Botany by A M Walker — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all, I am so grateful I had the chance to read an ARC of Bound in Botany, because wow. This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go.
A M Walker has crafted a psychological thriller that feels intelligent, eerie, and deeply layered. The suspense isn’t loud or flashy; it’s slow, creeping, deliberate. Like vines wrapping tighter and tighter around you without you realizing it until you’re already trapped.
Monica is such a compelling narrator; vulnerable, sharp, and emotionally raw in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Her search for truth isn’t just about uncovering secrets; it’s about survival, about understanding grief, about not losing herself in the process. I was fully invested in her journey. And the characters around her? Brilliantly unsettling.
Monica and Volkova brought such a compelling dynamic to the story. Monica is grieving and questioning everything, yet there’s this quiet resilience in her that keeps pushing her toward the truth. Volkova, on the other hand, is sharp, observant, and wonderfully enigmatic, the kind of character who feels like she knows far more than she lets on. Their relationship carries this delicate balance of tension and cautious trust. Volkova is a grounding presence for Monica, and there’s just enough mystery surrounding her to make you second guess everything. That ambiguity adds such a rich layer to the psychological tension and keeps you constantly wondering who to trust.
Emily Black, especially, is one of those characters who feels pristine and polished on the surface but carries something far darker underneath. The tension between perception and reality is handled so well.
Walker doesn’t just write suspense; she breathes it. Every chapter unfurls with the slow, steady creep of tension, like roots pushing through dark soil, and before I knew it, I was completely consumed by Monica’s emotional unraveling and resilience. The prose is taut and immersive, perfectly mirroring the book’s themes of obsession, performance, and the hunger for control that can twist truth into something almost unrecognizable.
This isn’t just another thriller. It’s a deep plunge into the psyche of grief and the insidious ways it can warp perception. It lingers in the mind, in the gut, and in the quiet spaces after you’ve turned the final page. It makes you question what’s real, what’s constructed, and how easily we can be manipulated by what we want to believe.
If you love smart, atmospheric, character driven suspense that digs into the darker corners of human nature, Bound in Botany is absolutely one to add to your list.
First of all, I am so grateful I had the chance to read an ARC of Bound in Botany, because wow. This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter and refused to let go.
A M Walker has crafted a psychological thriller that feels intelligent, eerie, and deeply layered. The suspense isn’t loud or flashy; it’s slow, creeping, deliberate. Like vines wrapping tighter and tighter around you without you realizing it until you’re already trapped.
Monica is such a compelling narrator; vulnerable, sharp, and emotionally raw in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Her search for truth isn’t just about uncovering secrets; it’s about survival, about understanding grief, about not losing herself in the process. I was fully invested in her journey. And the characters around her? Brilliantly unsettling.
Monica and Volkova brought such a compelling dynamic to the story. Monica is grieving and questioning everything, yet there’s this quiet resilience in her that keeps pushing her toward the truth. Volkova, on the other hand, is sharp, observant, and wonderfully enigmatic, the kind of character who feels like she knows far more than she lets on. Their relationship carries this delicate balance of tension and cautious trust. Volkova is a grounding presence for Monica, and there’s just enough mystery surrounding her to make you second guess everything. That ambiguity adds such a rich layer to the psychological tension and keeps you constantly wondering who to trust.
Emily Black, especially, is one of those characters who feels pristine and polished on the surface but carries something far darker underneath. The tension between perception and reality is handled so well.
Walker doesn’t just write suspense; she breathes it. Every chapter unfurls with the slow, steady creep of tension, like roots pushing through dark soil, and before I knew it, I was completely consumed by Monica’s emotional unraveling and resilience. The prose is taut and immersive, perfectly mirroring the book’s themes of obsession, performance, and the hunger for control that can twist truth into something almost unrecognizable.
This isn’t just another thriller. It’s a deep plunge into the psyche of grief and the insidious ways it can warp perception. It lingers in the mind, in the gut, and in the quiet spaces after you’ve turned the final page. It makes you question what’s real, what’s constructed, and how easily we can be manipulated by what we want to believe.
If you love smart, atmospheric, character driven suspense that digs into the darker corners of human nature, Bound in Botany is absolutely one to add to your list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series continues to do that brain scratching thing makes me soooo happy, and this book does it even more deliberately than the first. Just picture me reading and saying ahhhhh, that's the spot because it's doing exactly that the entire read.
This isn't a thriller about just discovering a killer. And it's definitely not limited to being built around twists or reveals. No lurking gotcha moment at the end that you are bracing for. Walker trusts the reader to understand that from the beginning, and if you let yourself settle into what it actually is, it rewards you in ways that all these other books never seem to do anymore.
What it is, is a study in what characters become and how they can mirror one another. We have two women circling a truth that neither one ever say out loud directly. The tension that is between them when readers are in the room with them is sharp.
Walker's writing is as controlled and deliberate as it was in the the first book. No overexplaining. Every word has purpose. The domesticity is a driving mechanism that propels the story from the use of kitchens, gardens, tea, pruning, and routines. She weaves it through the entire book with such precision that by the end, whatever would be ordinary isn't anymore. The kitchens especially. There is so much happening in the kitchens.
Monica provides her pov for this book and she was fascinating to read. I never fully knew where my sympathy for her began or ended. There were moments I understood her completely, moments she unsettled me, and then the moments I caught myself watching her convince herself of things in real time that left me thinking that's a choice. She comes in as the investigator with a verdict, and somewhere along the way becomes this willing student. Maybe even something else entirely. The reader can easily lose track of who is hunting who, and that is Walker letting these characters guide us exactly where these shadows lurk.
Some of my favorite lines from my very highlighted kindle:
"What an ugly thing to bring up in this kitchen."
"You're always here in the nouns. The verbs are what's missing."
"You'll get exact."
Five stars. And after that sneak peek at Book Three, I'm fully invested in where this is going.
This isn't a thriller about just discovering a killer. And it's definitely not limited to being built around twists or reveals. No lurking gotcha moment at the end that you are bracing for. Walker trusts the reader to understand that from the beginning, and if you let yourself settle into what it actually is, it rewards you in ways that all these other books never seem to do anymore.
What it is, is a study in what characters become and how they can mirror one another. We have two women circling a truth that neither one ever say out loud directly. The tension that is between them when readers are in the room with them is sharp.
Walker's writing is as controlled and deliberate as it was in the the first book. No overexplaining. Every word has purpose. The domesticity is a driving mechanism that propels the story from the use of kitchens, gardens, tea, pruning, and routines. She weaves it through the entire book with such precision that by the end, whatever would be ordinary isn't anymore. The kitchens especially. There is so much happening in the kitchens.
Monica provides her pov for this book and she was fascinating to read. I never fully knew where my sympathy for her began or ended. There were moments I understood her completely, moments she unsettled me, and then the moments I caught myself watching her convince herself of things in real time that left me thinking that's a choice. She comes in as the investigator with a verdict, and somewhere along the way becomes this willing student. Maybe even something else entirely. The reader can easily lose track of who is hunting who, and that is Walker letting these characters guide us exactly where these shadows lurk.
Some of my favorite lines from my very highlighted kindle:
"What an ugly thing to bring up in this kitchen."
"You're always here in the nouns. The verbs are what's missing."
"You'll get exact."
Five stars. And after that sneak peek at Book Three, I'm fully invested in where this is going.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐️ ARC Review
I just finished Bound in Botany, the second book in the Root & Vein trilogy, and I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it.
After reading Rooted in Silence, this is not what I expected at all.If you’ve read the first book, buckle up. This one is even more disturbing, unsettling, and psychologically intense.
A tragedy shatters Monica’s (Matt’s sister’s) world, but unlike everyone else, she refuses to accept the story she’s been given. Her search for the truth draws her into a psychological battle with two women who have mastered the art of manipulation. As the lies begin to unravel, Monica realizes that some truths are far more dangerous than the stories created to hide them.
Monica’s introduction takes the trilogy in an even darker direction. I was already trying to decode Emily and Volkova after the first book, but Monica adds another layer of complexity that had me questioning every decision, every motive, and every revelation. I spent the entire book asking myself, “Why?” and every answer only led to even more questions.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the writing. It has a poetic quality that makes even the quietest moments feel heavy with meaning. The botanical setting isn’t just a backdrop, it becomes an essential part of the story, creating an atmosphere that is haunting, beautiful, and deeply unsettling. Nature mirrors the emotional landscape of the characters, making the tension linger long after the final page.
This book doesn’t rely on constant twists or action. Instead, it slowly gets under your skin, building psychological tension through its characters, unsettling atmosphere, and layered storytelling. Even after finishing it, I’m still turning over theories in my mind and wondering what the final book has in store.
If you enjoy slow-burn psychological suspense, atmospheric domestic thrillers, morally complex characters, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, I highly recommend adding this trilogy to your TBR.
I just finished Bound in Botany, the second book in the Root & Vein trilogy, and I genuinely cannot stop thinking about it.
After reading Rooted in Silence, this is not what I expected at all.If you’ve read the first book, buckle up. This one is even more disturbing, unsettling, and psychologically intense.
A tragedy shatters Monica’s (Matt’s sister’s) world, but unlike everyone else, she refuses to accept the story she’s been given. Her search for the truth draws her into a psychological battle with two women who have mastered the art of manipulation. As the lies begin to unravel, Monica realizes that some truths are far more dangerous than the stories created to hide them.
Monica’s introduction takes the trilogy in an even darker direction. I was already trying to decode Emily and Volkova after the first book, but Monica adds another layer of complexity that had me questioning every decision, every motive, and every revelation. I spent the entire book asking myself, “Why?” and every answer only led to even more questions.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is the writing. It has a poetic quality that makes even the quietest moments feel heavy with meaning. The botanical setting isn’t just a backdrop, it becomes an essential part of the story, creating an atmosphere that is haunting, beautiful, and deeply unsettling. Nature mirrors the emotional landscape of the characters, making the tension linger long after the final page.
This book doesn’t rely on constant twists or action. Instead, it slowly gets under your skin, building psychological tension through its characters, unsettling atmosphere, and layered storytelling. Even after finishing it, I’m still turning over theories in my mind and wondering what the final book has in store.
If you enjoy slow-burn psychological suspense, atmospheric domestic thrillers, morally complex characters, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, I highly recommend adding this trilogy to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to A.M. Walker for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After really enjoying Rooted in Silence, I was excited to dive back into this strange, unsettling world and Bound in Botany absolutely delivered. In my opinion, this sequel is a major step up from the first book.
This story wastes no time throwing you back into the aftermath of everything that happened in book one, picking up right where you left off. The suspense starts almost immediately, and every chapter seemed to pull me deeper into the mystery and what was unraveling. The botanical elements continue to make this series feel incredibly unique, blending psychological suspense with an eerie atmosphere that constantly kept me intrigued.
Monica, the main character, was easily my favorite part of this book. I loved getting the story through her perspective and watching her navigate grief, suspicion, and the increasingly unsettling events surrounding Emily and Volkova. She felt authentic, emotional, and easy to root for.
Speaking of Volkova... I still don't know what to think about her, and that's exactly why she's such a compelling character. Every interaction left me questioning her motives, and the dynamic between these characters is addicting.
What impressed me most was how much stronger the pacing felt compared to the first book. The stakes felt higher, the emotional tension hit harder, and I was much more invested in the characters and their relationships. While I still had a few lingering questions by the end, they only made me more excited to see where the trilogy goes next.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a unique botanical twist, morally complex characters, and slow building suspense that keeps you guessing, I definitely recommend picking up this series...but make sure to start with Rooted in Silence first!
After really enjoying Rooted in Silence, I was excited to dive back into this strange, unsettling world and Bound in Botany absolutely delivered. In my opinion, this sequel is a major step up from the first book.
This story wastes no time throwing you back into the aftermath of everything that happened in book one, picking up right where you left off. The suspense starts almost immediately, and every chapter seemed to pull me deeper into the mystery and what was unraveling. The botanical elements continue to make this series feel incredibly unique, blending psychological suspense with an eerie atmosphere that constantly kept me intrigued.
Monica, the main character, was easily my favorite part of this book. I loved getting the story through her perspective and watching her navigate grief, suspicion, and the increasingly unsettling events surrounding Emily and Volkova. She felt authentic, emotional, and easy to root for.
Speaking of Volkova... I still don't know what to think about her, and that's exactly why she's such a compelling character. Every interaction left me questioning her motives, and the dynamic between these characters is addicting.
What impressed me most was how much stronger the pacing felt compared to the first book. The stakes felt higher, the emotional tension hit harder, and I was much more invested in the characters and their relationships. While I still had a few lingering questions by the end, they only made me more excited to see where the trilogy goes next.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a unique botanical twist, morally complex characters, and slow building suspense that keeps you guessing, I definitely recommend picking up this series...but make sure to start with Rooted in Silence first!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Bound in Botany gets dirtier and more complicated and more intoxicating than book one and I devoured it in a single day.
What A.M. Walker does so brilliantly in this series is build this extraordinary oxymoron of a world. It is so dirty in such a clean and floral and elegant way. So gritty but so neat and tidy. So wrong but so compelling. Like a poisonous flower you know you should not touch but cannot look away from. The writing is still as eloquent and poetic and mysterious as Rooted in Silence, leaving holes in all the right places, letting your imagination do the work instead of over-explaining.
The character contrast between Emily and Monica is one of the most fascinating dynamics I have read in psychological thriller. Emily was reserved, intentional, practiced, polished. She planned everything before she moved. Monica is messier. She lets emotions overtake her, makes rash decisions, gets tangled in the very web she is trying to unravel. Same world, same types of situations, completely different approaches, completely different intentions, and it is night and day in the most compelling way.
We also get more Volkova in this book and I need an entire series on her alone. She is absolutely fascinating.
The heartbeat of Rooted in Silence was about never truly knowing what is going on inside another person. Bound in Botany is the flip side. It is about how we judge people and situations without ever having walked in their shoes, and how we truly do not know what we would do until we are in it ourselves.
Cannot wait for book three. Start with Rooted in Silence immediately.
What A.M. Walker does so brilliantly in this series is build this extraordinary oxymoron of a world. It is so dirty in such a clean and floral and elegant way. So gritty but so neat and tidy. So wrong but so compelling. Like a poisonous flower you know you should not touch but cannot look away from. The writing is still as eloquent and poetic and mysterious as Rooted in Silence, leaving holes in all the right places, letting your imagination do the work instead of over-explaining.
The character contrast between Emily and Monica is one of the most fascinating dynamics I have read in psychological thriller. Emily was reserved, intentional, practiced, polished. She planned everything before she moved. Monica is messier. She lets emotions overtake her, makes rash decisions, gets tangled in the very web she is trying to unravel. Same world, same types of situations, completely different approaches, completely different intentions, and it is night and day in the most compelling way.
We also get more Volkova in this book and I need an entire series on her alone. She is absolutely fascinating.
The heartbeat of Rooted in Silence was about never truly knowing what is going on inside another person. Bound in Botany is the flip side. It is about how we judge people and situations without ever having walked in their shoes, and how we truly do not know what we would do until we are in it ourselves.
Cannot wait for book three. Start with Rooted in Silence immediately.
Read
July 3, 2026Many thanks to A.M Walker for this ARC which is book 2 of a trilogy. If you haven't read book 1 in the series, Rooted in Silence, you should do that first.
"I'll be okay," Nelson said into the air. "Me too," I whispered to myself. At least one of us was lying.
Monica refuses to believe the story she is told about her brother's death. She is suspicious of Emily, the perfect widow, but once Monica begins to question the truth about her brother's death, she is drawn into Emily's orbit, and what she finds there is not what she expected.
Bound in Botany continues right where book 1 in this series, Rooted in Silence, ends. But this time we are introduced to a new character, Monica, reading the story from her perspective instead of Emily's. Monica wants to know what caused her brother's death, but as she embarks on a mission of revenge, she realises that she and Emily have much more in common than she first thought. Before long, Monica finds herself the object of Miss Volkova's attention, and soon Monica's thirst for the truth is replaced with a different kind of craving.
A psychological thriller about manipulation, the danger of unleashing repressed desires, and the gentle but irresistible pressure of finding someone who understands you better than you understand yourself. While I didn't find Monica as interesting a character as Emily, I really liked the idea of continuing the story from a different perspective, and I am curious about how the connections that were formed in book 1 and consolidated in book 2 will carry on in book 3.
The expected publication date for Bound in Botany is July 14, 2026.
"I'll be okay," Nelson said into the air. "Me too," I whispered to myself. At least one of us was lying.
Monica refuses to believe the story she is told about her brother's death. She is suspicious of Emily, the perfect widow, but once Monica begins to question the truth about her brother's death, she is drawn into Emily's orbit, and what she finds there is not what she expected.
Bound in Botany continues right where book 1 in this series, Rooted in Silence, ends. But this time we are introduced to a new character, Monica, reading the story from her perspective instead of Emily's. Monica wants to know what caused her brother's death, but as she embarks on a mission of revenge, she realises that she and Emily have much more in common than she first thought. Before long, Monica finds herself the object of Miss Volkova's attention, and soon Monica's thirst for the truth is replaced with a different kind of craving.
A psychological thriller about manipulation, the danger of unleashing repressed desires, and the gentle but irresistible pressure of finding someone who understands you better than you understand yourself. While I didn't find Monica as interesting a character as Emily, I really liked the idea of continuing the story from a different perspective, and I am curious about how the connections that were formed in book 1 and consolidated in book 2 will carry on in book 3.
The expected publication date for Bound in Botany is July 14, 2026.
July 14, 2026
Thank you A. M. Walker for sending this ARC. This review is voluntary; all opinions are my own.
Bound in Botany is the second in the Root & Vein trilogy, a delicious botanical-based psychological thriller series.
This one picks up shortly after the first book, shifting focus to a new FMC. Her world has been rocked by the events of the first book and she’s desperate to find answers. The more information she finds, the more she spirals. As she unravels, she finds an unlikely alliance that brings comfort but also more questions.
At no point could I predict where the book was headed, nor did I ever know who to trust. Volkova continues to be the standout character and I continue to be absolutely obsessed with her. I’m desperate to be her best friend but also terrified of her ever perceiving me. Even after two books, I still don’t know or trust her motivations and I would give almost anything for a prequel with her backstory.
Again, each book could technically function as a standalone, but since I’m now officially hooked on this series, I’m begging for it to never end. (Don’t point out the word “trilogy” to me - I don’t want to know.) These unique, layered, captivating women have captured my attention in the worst way and while they may be “bound in botany”, I am also bound to them! I need more!
(Please note that I’m actively refraining myself from doing a deep dive character analysis on Monica vs. Emily because first of all I don’t have the time but also there’s no possible way I could do it justice OR include it in this review without massive spoilers. But just know I want to really, really badly.)
Bound in Botany is the second in the Root & Vein trilogy, a delicious botanical-based psychological thriller series.
This one picks up shortly after the first book, shifting focus to a new FMC. Her world has been rocked by the events of the first book and she’s desperate to find answers. The more information she finds, the more she spirals. As she unravels, she finds an unlikely alliance that brings comfort but also more questions.
At no point could I predict where the book was headed, nor did I ever know who to trust. Volkova continues to be the standout character and I continue to be absolutely obsessed with her. I’m desperate to be her best friend but also terrified of her ever perceiving me. Even after two books, I still don’t know or trust her motivations and I would give almost anything for a prequel with her backstory.
Again, each book could technically function as a standalone, but since I’m now officially hooked on this series, I’m begging for it to never end. (Don’t point out the word “trilogy” to me - I don’t want to know.) These unique, layered, captivating women have captured my attention in the worst way and while they may be “bound in botany”, I am also bound to them! I need more!
(Please note that I’m actively refraining myself from doing a deep dive character analysis on Monica vs. Emily because first of all I don’t have the time but also there’s no possible way I could do it justice OR include it in this review without massive spoilers. But just know I want to really, really badly.)
May 31, 2026
📖 ARC BOOK REVIEW 📖
🚨🚨 ‼️‼️ 5 Star Alert ‼️‼️🚨🚨
Thank you to author, A.M. Walker, for providing me a gifted copy of this book.
📚Book: Bound In Botany (Book2)
✍🏻Author: A.M. Walker
🌀Genre: Psychological Thriller
📃Pages: 210
Publication Date: July 14, 2026
Grief makes people accept stories that are easier than the truth. Tragedy hits Monica like a freight train of emotion. She isn’t like everyone else accepting a truth that isn’t hers. She vows to settle the score. As Monica begins to untangle the lies surrounding the woman everyone else pities, she is drawn into a psychological chess game with two women who understand control better than anyone: Emily Black—a widow with a perfect smile, a spotless home, and far too many poisonous plants growing in plain sight who performs grief like a role. And Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica how to sharpen her instincts and starve her doubt.
But the closer Monica gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes to want it.
💜What I Loved:
📖 Unputdownable
🖤Dark Themes
🎭 Well developed characters
🔥Slow Building tension
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻 Nothing
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
🚨🚨 ‼️‼️ 5 Star Alert ‼️‼️🚨🚨
WOW… she did it again!! Much like book 1, the words flow so well from page to page. I could not put down this book and finished it in one sitting. I found myself saying wait, what? WHAT IS SHE DOING!?!? I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes the characters! If you like dark psychological thrillers, this series is for you. But please read book 1 first!!!
🚨🚨 ‼️‼️ 5 Star Alert ‼️‼️🚨🚨
Thank you to author, A.M. Walker, for providing me a gifted copy of this book.
📚Book: Bound In Botany (Book2)
✍🏻Author: A.M. Walker
🌀Genre: Psychological Thriller
📃Pages: 210
Publication Date: July 14, 2026
Grief makes people accept stories that are easier than the truth. Tragedy hits Monica like a freight train of emotion. She isn’t like everyone else accepting a truth that isn’t hers. She vows to settle the score. As Monica begins to untangle the lies surrounding the woman everyone else pities, she is drawn into a psychological chess game with two women who understand control better than anyone: Emily Black—a widow with a perfect smile, a spotless home, and far too many poisonous plants growing in plain sight who performs grief like a role. And Volkova, a mysterious neighbor who teaches Monica how to sharpen her instincts and starve her doubt.
But the closer Monica gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes to want it.
💜What I Loved:
📖 Unputdownable
🖤Dark Themes
🎭 Well developed characters
🔥Slow Building tension
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻 Nothing
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
🚨🚨 ‼️‼️ 5 Star Alert ‼️‼️🚨🚨
WOW… she did it again!! Much like book 1, the words flow so well from page to page. I could not put down this book and finished it in one sitting. I found myself saying wait, what? WHAT IS SHE DOING!?!? I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes the characters! If you like dark psychological thrillers, this series is for you. But please read book 1 first!!!
July 14, 2026
I think I highlighted even more passages in Bound in Botany than I did in Rooted in Silence and that’s saying something!
One of my favourite moments is Volkova’s reflection:
“People like you. The ones who refuse to look away.”
“They are punished.”
“Labelled hysterical. Paranoid. Difficult. They are made to feel small so that others may remain comfortable.”
“You see where others are blind.”
“That is your strength. But it is also a curse. They will never forgive you for refusing to stay blind.”
Those words stayed hit me differently.
What I loved most is how this book explores a completely different face of control than the first novel. In Rooted in Silence, Emily believes she’s making her own choices. In Bound in Botany, Monica carries that same confidence in her own judgement.
But are either of them ever truly in control?
Or are they both simply dancing to Volkova’s composition?
That’s what fascinates me about Volkova as a character. She feels less like a conventional antagonist and more like a composer, carefully orchestrating people, knowing exactly which strings to pull while hiding behind the trusted role of teacher, mentor, and confidante.
Bound in Botany expands the psychological themes in a fresh direction, making me question not only the characters’ decisions but my own assumptions as a reader.
If you enjoy psychologically driven stories that explore manipulation, perception, power, and the complexities of human behaviour, this is a series well worth picking up.
One of my favourite moments is Volkova’s reflection:
“People like you. The ones who refuse to look away.”
“They are punished.”
“Labelled hysterical. Paranoid. Difficult. They are made to feel small so that others may remain comfortable.”
“You see where others are blind.”
“That is your strength. But it is also a curse. They will never forgive you for refusing to stay blind.”
Those words stayed hit me differently.
What I loved most is how this book explores a completely different face of control than the first novel. In Rooted in Silence, Emily believes she’s making her own choices. In Bound in Botany, Monica carries that same confidence in her own judgement.
But are either of them ever truly in control?
Or are they both simply dancing to Volkova’s composition?
That’s what fascinates me about Volkova as a character. She feels less like a conventional antagonist and more like a composer, carefully orchestrating people, knowing exactly which strings to pull while hiding behind the trusted role of teacher, mentor, and confidante.
Bound in Botany expands the psychological themes in a fresh direction, making me question not only the characters’ decisions but my own assumptions as a reader.
If you enjoy psychologically driven stories that explore manipulation, perception, power, and the complexities of human behaviour, this is a series well worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
SO NOW WHAT??? I mean -excuse me Ms. Walker but how you gonna do us dirty like that?! I thought Rooted in Silence left me wanting more, but this is now a full-blown addiction. I need book three ASAP! And maybe even a prequel about Volkova. I want to know what shaped her psyche.
And Monica, Monica, Monica…She started out so broken but then turned into something else entirely. Following her journey left my head spinning. At first I felt sympathy but then that feeling quickly devolved into something I can’t quite name.
Emily is back again in book two and she is as frighteningly controlled and polished as ever. Monica comes to Emily with her suspicions and their interactions consist of words with meanings growing below the surface, never quite reaching complete truth. Emily is ever-elusive so Monica turns to Volkova for answers. The dynamics between these three women are complex and layered leaving you wanting to know more.
Bound in Botany is hauntingly dark, slowly and quietly growing its roots under your skin until it completely takes hold of you. I read it in one sitting, there was no way I was stopping until the final page was turned. If you like character driven, fast-paced psychological suspense stories, then this one most certainly is for you. If you haven’t read book one, Rooted in Silence, what are you waiting for?!
✨Many thanks to A. M. Walker for reaching out and allowing me to be part of her ARC team.
And Monica, Monica, Monica…She started out so broken but then turned into something else entirely. Following her journey left my head spinning. At first I felt sympathy but then that feeling quickly devolved into something I can’t quite name.
Emily is back again in book two and she is as frighteningly controlled and polished as ever. Monica comes to Emily with her suspicions and their interactions consist of words with meanings growing below the surface, never quite reaching complete truth. Emily is ever-elusive so Monica turns to Volkova for answers. The dynamics between these three women are complex and layered leaving you wanting to know more.
Bound in Botany is hauntingly dark, slowly and quietly growing its roots under your skin until it completely takes hold of you. I read it in one sitting, there was no way I was stopping until the final page was turned. If you like character driven, fast-paced psychological suspense stories, then this one most certainly is for you. If you haven’t read book one, Rooted in Silence, what are you waiting for?!
✨Many thanks to A. M. Walker for reaching out and allowing me to be part of her ARC team.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given the opportunity and recieved this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bound In Botany is Book 2 of the 'Roots and Vein Trilogy'.
Bound in Botany starts off with far more pace and a much clearer motive than Rooted in Silence (Book 1). Monica’s grief and determination to expose Emily immediately creates stronger tension and for a while it genuinely feels like we are building towards a psychological hunt between the two women.
However, as the story progresses, the cat-and-mouse dynamic becomes far more centred around Volkova than Emily. The focus shifts from Monica trying to expose Emily, to Monica becoming increasingly obsessed with outdoing her and understanding the power and control that she holds but did not know she needed (or wanted).
I actually found the psychological side of this really compelling. The manipulation, distorted thinking and Monica’s gradual descent into obsession kept me far more invested than book 1. The character interactions and back-and-forth dialogue also gave this sequel stronger momentum overall.
That said, I would have liked more of an active pursuit towards Emily herself. At times it felt like the story was intentionally holding things back rather than fully delivering on the tension between Emily & Monica.
Still, it very much feels like this is building towards a much bigger reveal in book 3.
Overall, a stronger and more engaging sequel with clearer motivations and better pacing.
Bound In Botany is Book 2 of the 'Roots and Vein Trilogy'.
Bound in Botany starts off with far more pace and a much clearer motive than Rooted in Silence (Book 1). Monica’s grief and determination to expose Emily immediately creates stronger tension and for a while it genuinely feels like we are building towards a psychological hunt between the two women.
However, as the story progresses, the cat-and-mouse dynamic becomes far more centred around Volkova than Emily. The focus shifts from Monica trying to expose Emily, to Monica becoming increasingly obsessed with outdoing her and understanding the power and control that she holds but did not know she needed (or wanted).
I actually found the psychological side of this really compelling. The manipulation, distorted thinking and Monica’s gradual descent into obsession kept me far more invested than book 1. The character interactions and back-and-forth dialogue also gave this sequel stronger momentum overall.
That said, I would have liked more of an active pursuit towards Emily herself. At times it felt like the story was intentionally holding things back rather than fully delivering on the tension between Emily & Monica.
Still, it very much feels like this is building towards a much bigger reveal in book 3.
Overall, a stronger and more engaging sequel with clearer motivations and better pacing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book follows Monica as she tries to unravel the truth behind her brothers death, refusing to believe the coroner's conclusion that he killed himself. As the book progresses she seems more and more obsessed with finding the truth, her mind deciding that her brothers best friends widow MUST be the culprit if she can just prove how.
Just as she needs to work out the mechanism of her brothers death, along comes a friend of the widow, offering advice and tutorship in the poisonous properties of various plants so that Monica can try and work out how her suspect committed the crime. In trying to think like her suspect, she slowly becomes more and more like her suspect until she has to call on the help of her mentor for a very special favor...
Bound in Botany builds on the events of Rooted In Silence, giving us a second point of view on the characters from book 1 and an amateur investigation into the crime that occured at the end of that book.
All throughout the book I had so many theories about the motives of the various characters and where the plot would take me. None of which quite hit the mark! I love a thriller with mystery and Bound in Botany definitely delivers! I look forward to book 3 in the Roots and Veins series, which based on the foreshadowing and sneak peek at the end of this book will tie together the points of view of both books, given by unreliable narrators, and hopefully tell exactly what did happen!
Just as she needs to work out the mechanism of her brothers death, along comes a friend of the widow, offering advice and tutorship in the poisonous properties of various plants so that Monica can try and work out how her suspect committed the crime. In trying to think like her suspect, she slowly becomes more and more like her suspect until she has to call on the help of her mentor for a very special favor...
Bound in Botany builds on the events of Rooted In Silence, giving us a second point of view on the characters from book 1 and an amateur investigation into the crime that occured at the end of that book.
All throughout the book I had so many theories about the motives of the various characters and where the plot would take me. None of which quite hit the mark! I love a thriller with mystery and Bound in Botany definitely delivers! I look forward to book 3 in the Roots and Veins series, which based on the foreshadowing and sneak peek at the end of this book will tie together the points of view of both books, given by unreliable narrators, and hopefully tell exactly what did happen!
Review of advance copy received from Author
☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
Bound in Botany absolutely consumed my entire evening 😭📚🌿
This was a full FIVE TEACUP read for me and honestly? I could not stop turning pages.
I went into this expecting a finale-type setup…
Instead, I got CONNECTIONS 👀
And I cannot explain that properly without risking spoilers, but TRUST ME when I say:
you are absolutely going to be looking forward to book 3 😂
The way this story unfolded was not what I expected AT ALL. Every time I thought I understood where things were headed, something shifted and l was wrong all over again.
This is definitely a trilogy you need to read in order because there are so many details and connections that will not fully click otherwise. But it is ALSO not a trilogy you’ll want to pass by because this series has quietly become something special.
Bookshelf worthy? Absolutely 🌿📖
And Monica…
MONICA, MONICA, MONICA 😭😂
Girl, I am equally disappointed and concerned for you. A part of me expected better… another part of me just sat there shaking my head in exasperation 🤣 You do you, I guess, but whew 👀
Also, this author better BRING ME THE TEA in book 3 ☕️ because I need answers immediately.
That’s all I’m gonna say about that 😂👀
Put this on your wishlist! Add this series to your TBR! This is your sign…. BUY THE BOOKS!
Bound in Botany absolutely consumed my entire evening 😭📚🌿
This was a full FIVE TEACUP read for me and honestly? I could not stop turning pages.
I went into this expecting a finale-type setup…
Instead, I got CONNECTIONS 👀
And I cannot explain that properly without risking spoilers, but TRUST ME when I say:
you are absolutely going to be looking forward to book 3 😂
The way this story unfolded was not what I expected AT ALL. Every time I thought I understood where things were headed, something shifted and l was wrong all over again.
This is definitely a trilogy you need to read in order because there are so many details and connections that will not fully click otherwise. But it is ALSO not a trilogy you’ll want to pass by because this series has quietly become something special.
Bookshelf worthy? Absolutely 🌿📖
And Monica…
MONICA, MONICA, MONICA 😭😂
Girl, I am equally disappointed and concerned for you. A part of me expected better… another part of me just sat there shaking my head in exasperation 🤣 You do you, I guess, but whew 👀
Also, this author better BRING ME THE TEA in book 3 ☕️ because I need answers immediately.
That’s all I’m gonna say about that 😂👀
Put this on your wishlist! Add this series to your TBR! This is your sign…. BUY THE BOOKS!
June 1, 2026
Firstly a big Thank You to A.M. Walker for the opportunity to read the ARC for Bound in Botany, Book 2 of The Root & Vein Trilogy.
I have to say I was not expecting how this book went. The main character of this book is not the same main character out of Rooted in Silence. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book to discover there is a new main character that touches on giving their perspective to the tradgedy of the previous book.
That is just the beginning though. The more I got into this book the more twisted things become. It was almost an ‘epiphany’ moment when I worked out that our real star of the show is someone who seemed to only have a co-starring role. Mrs Volkova is quiet and subtle appearing to be someone in the back ground with sage knowledge and advice. She is there to support Monica, guiding her in her grief. Helping her with making life decisions. Learning about life and living through metaphors and gardening.
There is more I would like to say about this book but I don’t feel I can do so without dropping bombs and leaving spoilers. If I have one complaint it is that this book could have been longer. However I can now look forward to book 3.
I have to say I was not expecting how this book went. The main character of this book is not the same main character out of Rooted in Silence. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading this book to discover there is a new main character that touches on giving their perspective to the tradgedy of the previous book.
That is just the beginning though. The more I got into this book the more twisted things become. It was almost an ‘epiphany’ moment when I worked out that our real star of the show is someone who seemed to only have a co-starring role. Mrs Volkova is quiet and subtle appearing to be someone in the back ground with sage knowledge and advice. She is there to support Monica, guiding her in her grief. Helping her with making life decisions. Learning about life and living through metaphors and gardening.
There is more I would like to say about this book but I don’t feel I can do so without dropping bombs and leaving spoilers. If I have one complaint it is that this book could have been longer. However I can now look forward to book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an E copy for an honest review. It’s been such a pleasure to get to read this book early 😍
📚Monica is having a hard time accepting what the police told her about her brother that night after the wedding.
She’s convinced Emily and Ms. Volkova know what happened that night, and she’s determined to get the proof she’s looking for.
Monica finds herself forming an alliance with Ms.Volkova and wow do things take a turn.
What starts off as a woman riddled with grief, determined to get answers for her brother, turns into something totally unexpected and surprising.
This second book is definitely faster pace, with more depth and unpredictability.
Monica shows you how raw grief can be, what it can do to your judgement, what people are willing to do to find just a little bit of solitude during dark times and who they’re willing to find solitude with.
A.M Walker did it again and the growth in her writing really shows, I can’t wait to see what she does with the third book in the Root & Vein Trilogy (loved the sneak peak and I can already tell it’s going to be good ;))
I would’ve loved to read Emily’s and Ms.Volkova’s POV as well.
Ms. Volkova specifically is very intriguing. How does one become who they are ?
📚Monica is having a hard time accepting what the police told her about her brother that night after the wedding.
She’s convinced Emily and Ms. Volkova know what happened that night, and she’s determined to get the proof she’s looking for.
Monica finds herself forming an alliance with Ms.Volkova and wow do things take a turn.
What starts off as a woman riddled with grief, determined to get answers for her brother, turns into something totally unexpected and surprising.
This second book is definitely faster pace, with more depth and unpredictability.
Monica shows you how raw grief can be, what it can do to your judgement, what people are willing to do to find just a little bit of solitude during dark times and who they’re willing to find solitude with.
A.M Walker did it again and the growth in her writing really shows, I can’t wait to see what she does with the third book in the Root & Vein Trilogy (loved the sneak peak and I can already tell it’s going to be good ;))
I would’ve loved to read Emily’s and Ms.Volkova’s POV as well.
Ms. Volkova specifically is very intriguing. How does one become who they are ?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a fantastic follow up to Rooted in Silence!
In this second book in the series, we get the perspective of Monica, a woman who is grieving her brother's death. He died under suspicious circumstances, so she sets on a mission to figure out what happened to him.
Sifting through his things, she comes across some notes he'd taken, which lead her to take a closer look at her brother's friend's wife, Emily.
We learn in the first book that Emily has a questionable obsession with poisonous plants. Emily and her neighbor, Volkova, are two people that Monica starts to watch very closely, in hopes of learning the truth behind what happened to her brother.
I found this second book in this series highly engrossing. I was really curious about the relationship between the three women (Volkova, Emily, and Monica).
And while I was a little skeptical of the choices Monica was making at times, the book really heated up and gave me anxiety towards the end (just like in Rooted in Silence). I'm much more attached to the characters after this second book.
It perfectly sets up a book 3, and I look forward to reading that one once it's out! Big thank you to the author for letting me read and review this one before the release date!
In this second book in the series, we get the perspective of Monica, a woman who is grieving her brother's death. He died under suspicious circumstances, so she sets on a mission to figure out what happened to him.
Sifting through his things, she comes across some notes he'd taken, which lead her to take a closer look at her brother's friend's wife, Emily.
We learn in the first book that Emily has a questionable obsession with poisonous plants. Emily and her neighbor, Volkova, are two people that Monica starts to watch very closely, in hopes of learning the truth behind what happened to her brother.
I found this second book in this series highly engrossing. I was really curious about the relationship between the three women (Volkova, Emily, and Monica).
And while I was a little skeptical of the choices Monica was making at times, the book really heated up and gave me anxiety towards the end (just like in Rooted in Silence). I'm much more attached to the characters after this second book.
It perfectly sets up a book 3, and I look forward to reading that one once it's out! Big thank you to the author for letting me read and review this one before the release date!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bound in Botany picks up where Rooted in Silence left off and never stops running. It pulled me in with every chapter, both because the plot twisted and evolved in curious ways, and because it had the same discriptive wiring I enjoyed in Alyssa’s first book. And while the ending itself wasn’t really a cliff hanger, it somehow managed to leave me more excited for the final book in this trilogy because I need to know more about Ms. Volkov.
If it wasn’t obvious, Ms. Volkov snared my attention and I can’t look away. Between her riddles and quiet manipulation, she has created a dark and off-balanced set of relationships between herself, Emily, and Monica. United in obsession, grief, and botany, the three have a unique (read: concerning) dynamic that is enthralling.
If you enjoyed Rooted in Silence, get excited for this one.
If you haven’t, but you enjoy plot-driven thriller mysteries with themes on obsession and dangerous plants, give Rooted in Silence a read.
4.5 stars, rounded up
Thanks to A. M. Walker and Harbor & Stone Press for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
If it wasn’t obvious, Ms. Volkov snared my attention and I can’t look away. Between her riddles and quiet manipulation, she has created a dark and off-balanced set of relationships between herself, Emily, and Monica. United in obsession, grief, and botany, the three have a unique (read: concerning) dynamic that is enthralling.
If you enjoyed Rooted in Silence, get excited for this one.
If you haven’t, but you enjoy plot-driven thriller mysteries with themes on obsession and dangerous plants, give Rooted in Silence a read.
4.5 stars, rounded up
Thanks to A. M. Walker and Harbor & Stone Press for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness. There was no slow build with this one, it started intense and suspenseful and never let up, and I loved every second of it.🖤
A.M. Walker has such a talent for building tension, and once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter left me needing to know what would happen next.
Emily and her relentless need for control are back, and she is just as captivating as she was in book one. Volkova returns as well, this time with a new student, Monica( who also happens to be Matt’s sister🫣). I did not expect Monica’s story to unfold the way it did, and I love when a book can genuinely surprise me.
The dynamic between Emily, Volkova, and Monica is incredibly complex, and I found myself completely invested in their relationships, their histories, and whatever secrets are still waiting to be uncovered.🤫
It’s honestly difficult to put my thoughts about this book into words because it’s left me speechless and I don’t want to spoil anything, but I absolutely loved it. If Bound in Botany isn’t already on your TBR, fix that immediately! And make sure you’ve read Rooted in Silence first.🍃🪴
A.M. Walker has such a talent for building tension, and once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter left me needing to know what would happen next.
Emily and her relentless need for control are back, and she is just as captivating as she was in book one. Volkova returns as well, this time with a new student, Monica( who also happens to be Matt’s sister🫣). I did not expect Monica’s story to unfold the way it did, and I love when a book can genuinely surprise me.
The dynamic between Emily, Volkova, and Monica is incredibly complex, and I found myself completely invested in their relationships, their histories, and whatever secrets are still waiting to be uncovered.🤫
It’s honestly difficult to put my thoughts about this book into words because it’s left me speechless and I don’t want to spoil anything, but I absolutely loved it. If Bound in Botany isn’t already on your TBR, fix that immediately! And make sure you’ve read Rooted in Silence first.🍃🪴
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please note: this is book II in the Root & Vein Trilogy. This is a sequel to Rooted in Silence.
I sincerely recommend reading book one before you pick this one up.
I seriously love how Alyssa writes. I love her way with words. I love her language and the way she crafts her sentences. Her writing reads like a work of art. Yes, the story is great too, but her way with words is even more special.
I read the first book. I absolutely loved it. I knew I will be reading the second book too. I was quietly expecting the story to pick up where it left. But… it didn’t really do it. And… it weirdly made it even better. Weird, I know. But it works. This time it works like charm.
It’s even more intense than the first book – but in a quieter way. Can intensity have loudness level assigned to it? Turns out, it can.
Oh, Monica. Oh, Ms Volkova. You are something. Emily, ha, Emily. When I thought it can’t get any wilder, it somehow does. And now, Alyssa, sweet Alyssa, WHERE IS THE BOOK NUMBER THREE? I NEED T ASAP!
This book is now rooted somewhere in my soul. The first one rooted in my brain. The second one has taken over my soul. Where will the third book spread its roots?
I sincerely recommend reading book one before you pick this one up.
I seriously love how Alyssa writes. I love her way with words. I love her language and the way she crafts her sentences. Her writing reads like a work of art. Yes, the story is great too, but her way with words is even more special.
I read the first book. I absolutely loved it. I knew I will be reading the second book too. I was quietly expecting the story to pick up where it left. But… it didn’t really do it. And… it weirdly made it even better. Weird, I know. But it works. This time it works like charm.
It’s even more intense than the first book – but in a quieter way. Can intensity have loudness level assigned to it? Turns out, it can.
Oh, Monica. Oh, Ms Volkova. You are something. Emily, ha, Emily. When I thought it can’t get any wilder, it somehow does. And now, Alyssa, sweet Alyssa, WHERE IS THE BOOK NUMBER THREE? I NEED T ASAP!
This book is now rooted somewhere in my soul. The first one rooted in my brain. The second one has taken over my soul. Where will the third book spread its roots?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incredible!
This sequel completely blew me away.
I already thought book one set a high bar, but A.M. Walker somehow raises it even further here. From the very first page, the pacing is relentless, you can easily devour this in a single sitting because putting it down just isn’t an option.
What really stands out is how immersive the story feels. The emotional connection to the characters deepens, the tension builds beautifully, and every twist keeps you hooked without ever feeling forced. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in so completely that you have to keep reading to see what happens next, no spoilers, but trust that it delivers.
If you haven’t started the series yet, now is the perfect time. Pick up book one and get ready, because this follow up is absolutely worth it. Add it to your TBR, you won’t regret it.
A huge thank you to A.M. Walker for the opportunity to choosing me as one of the first readers. Opinions are my own.
I’m already counting down the days until the next installment.
Highly recommended.
This sequel completely blew me away.
I already thought book one set a high bar, but A.M. Walker somehow raises it even further here. From the very first page, the pacing is relentless, you can easily devour this in a single sitting because putting it down just isn’t an option.
What really stands out is how immersive the story feels. The emotional connection to the characters deepens, the tension builds beautifully, and every twist keeps you hooked without ever feeling forced. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in so completely that you have to keep reading to see what happens next, no spoilers, but trust that it delivers.
If you haven’t started the series yet, now is the perfect time. Pick up book one and get ready, because this follow up is absolutely worth it. Add it to your TBR, you won’t regret it.
A huge thank you to A.M. Walker for the opportunity to choosing me as one of the first readers. Opinions are my own.
I’m already counting down the days until the next installment.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
@authoramwalker delivers big in the second book of the Root & Vein Trilogy, Bound in Botany. Although this book is shorter than the first it has more depth and the writing is more gripping than the first. There are more intense, "what the.." moments that will captivate you, have your heart pounding and encourage you to turn pages to see how everything is going to unfold. The conversations in the pages are thrilling, twisty and keep you completely engaged. I only wish there were more pages because this was so good!
"I will not let the world hand me its easy story and call it kindness."
"Decide whether your grief is a knife you carry or a knife you swing."
Recommended to readers who enjoy a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you @authoramwalker for the early copy of your book. I appreciate the opportunity to be on this journey and look forward to the final book in this wonderful trilogy.
#BoundinBotany #authoramwalker #thriller #suspense #psychological
"I will not let the world hand me its easy story and call it kindness."
"Decide whether your grief is a knife you carry or a knife you swing."
Recommended to readers who enjoy a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Thank you @authoramwalker for the early copy of your book. I appreciate the opportunity to be on this journey and look forward to the final book in this wonderful trilogy.
#BoundinBotany #authoramwalker #thriller #suspense #psychological
July 14, 2026
Bound in Botany
I devoured this book! From the very first page I was hooked, and it’s the kind of story that stays with you after you close it. The premise is so unique and atmospheric, and I loved how it wove botany into the emotional core of the story.
I will say, I found myself wanting just a little more time with our main character, especially around the choice she makes with her husband. I think there’s such rich material there, and I’d have loved to sit inside her head a bit longer to feel every layer of what led her there. A few moments near the end felt like they moved quickly too, and I found myself wishing I could linger in some of those big scenes a little more.
But honestly, none of that stopped me from loving this book. It’s gripping, original, and the kind of read that makes you want to talk about it with everyone you know. I can’t wait to see what this author does next, there’s so much talent and imagination here, and I think with a little more room to breathe in certain spots, the next book could be even more unforgettable.
If I could give it 4.5 stars I would!
I devoured this book! From the very first page I was hooked, and it’s the kind of story that stays with you after you close it. The premise is so unique and atmospheric, and I loved how it wove botany into the emotional core of the story.
I will say, I found myself wanting just a little more time with our main character, especially around the choice she makes with her husband. I think there’s such rich material there, and I’d have loved to sit inside her head a bit longer to feel every layer of what led her there. A few moments near the end felt like they moved quickly too, and I found myself wishing I could linger in some of those big scenes a little more.
But honestly, none of that stopped me from loving this book. It’s gripping, original, and the kind of read that makes you want to talk about it with everyone you know. I can’t wait to see what this author does next, there’s so much talent and imagination here, and I think with a little more room to breathe in certain spots, the next book could be even more unforgettable.
If I could give it 4.5 stars I would!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bound In Botany completely consumed my attention from the very beginning. This series already had me hooked, but somehow this installment felt even more intense and emotionally messy in the best way.
I really enjoyed spending more time with Monica because her perspective added so much depth to the story. Watching her try to sort through the lies, confusion, and emotional fallout had me constantly second guessing everything. Her dynamic with Volkova was also one of my favorite parts because every interaction felt layered with tension.
The pacing is incredibly fast, but the story still gives you enough emotional weight to stay connected to the characters. Every twist landed because I actually cared about what everyone was going through. It made the suspense feel even stronger.
If you love psychological thrillers with secrets, manipulation, morally gray characters, and constant “wait WHAT?” moments, definitely pick this up. This series just keeps getting better and more addictive.
I really enjoyed spending more time with Monica because her perspective added so much depth to the story. Watching her try to sort through the lies, confusion, and emotional fallout had me constantly second guessing everything. Her dynamic with Volkova was also one of my favorite parts because every interaction felt layered with tension.
The pacing is incredibly fast, but the story still gives you enough emotional weight to stay connected to the characters. Every twist landed because I actually cared about what everyone was going through. It made the suspense feel even stronger.
If you love psychological thrillers with secrets, manipulation, morally gray characters, and constant “wait WHAT?” moments, definitely pick this up. This series just keeps getting better and more addictive.
June 4, 2026
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚. 𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙; 𝙢𝙮 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙.”
AM Walker came out swingin’ with this one. Right out of the gate, we’re on the hunt. We’re moving at full speed with no intention to slow down.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯.”
We have clues. We want the truth. What happens when an unrelated true crime documentary offers more to your search than the mouths of people you know? And what happens if that offering turns out to be…empty?
“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯?”
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
𝘐 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘥.
Bound in Botany is the second installment in a trilogy. This is not a standalone and it would serve best to read Rooted in Silence prior to picking this up. They’re both short enough and interesting enough to fly through in just a few uninterrupted (if you’re lucky) sittings.
Thank you, AM Walker, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
AM Walker came out swingin’ with this one. Right out of the gate, we’re on the hunt. We’re moving at full speed with no intention to slow down.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘯.”
We have clues. We want the truth. What happens when an unrelated true crime documentary offers more to your search than the mouths of people you know? And what happens if that offering turns out to be…empty?
“𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯?”
“𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯.”
𝘐 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘥.
Bound in Botany is the second installment in a trilogy. This is not a standalone and it would serve best to read Rooted in Silence prior to picking this up. They’re both short enough and interesting enough to fly through in just a few uninterrupted (if you’re lucky) sittings.
Thank you, AM Walker, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
June 9, 2026
🌿 Grieving the loss of her brother, Matt, Monica sets out to uncover what really happened to him. She knows he didn't take his own life, and while cleaning out his home, she discovers notes he had taken about Remmy and the strange symptoms he had been experiencing. Matt didn't trust Emily, and neither does Monica. As she begins her own investigation into the seemingly calm widow, Monica develops an unusual relationship with the peculiar Mrs. Volkova. Over time, the three women come to understand one another, forming an unlikely alliance.
🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•
I spent the entire book trying to figure out how it would end. Suspenseful, fast-paced, and utterly addictive, it kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The writing is beautiful and distinctive, and Volkova's influence over both women is fascinating to watch unfold. I can't wait to see what Book Three has in store—and how much more 𝕦𝕟𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 things can get.
🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•🌿•
I spent the entire book trying to figure out how it would end. Suspenseful, fast-paced, and utterly addictive, it kept me turning the pages late into the night.
The writing is beautiful and distinctive, and Volkova's influence over both women is fascinating to watch unfold. I can't wait to see what Book Three has in store—and how much more 𝕦𝕟𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕕 things can get.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book II in the Root & Vein Trilogy—sequel to Rooted in Silence.
Grief breeds easy lies. Tragedy strikes Monica, who rejects false truths and vows revenge.
Unraveling secrets, she enters a psychological chess match with Emily Black—widow, performer of grief, with poisonous plants—and Volkova, a mysterious neighbor honing Monica’s instincts.
The closer she gets, the more perilous the truth.
Bound in Botany: a dark thriller of obsession, performance, and control’s consuming fire.
I had so much fun guessing how this book would end—right up to the very last page! Suspenseful, fast-paced, and totally addictive, it had me flipping pages late into the night.
The writing is gorgeous and one-of-a-kind, and watching Volkova’s influence grow over both women is absolutely captivating. I can’t wait to see what Book Three brings—and just how wild things might get next!
* Bound in Botany releases on July 14th.
Thank you so much, @authoramwalker, tor having me on the ARC team!
Grief breeds easy lies. Tragedy strikes Monica, who rejects false truths and vows revenge.
Unraveling secrets, she enters a psychological chess match with Emily Black—widow, performer of grief, with poisonous plants—and Volkova, a mysterious neighbor honing Monica’s instincts.
The closer she gets, the more perilous the truth.
Bound in Botany: a dark thriller of obsession, performance, and control’s consuming fire.
I had so much fun guessing how this book would end—right up to the very last page! Suspenseful, fast-paced, and totally addictive, it had me flipping pages late into the night.
The writing is gorgeous and one-of-a-kind, and watching Volkova’s influence grow over both women is absolutely captivating. I can’t wait to see what Book Three brings—and just how wild things might get next!
* Bound in Botany releases on July 14th.
Thank you so much, @authoramwalker, tor having me on the ARC team!
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