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Professor Eustacia Rose Mystery #1
Devil’s Breath
I've always been better with plants than people . . .
Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She tends to her garden with meticulous care. Her life is quiet. Her schedule never changes. Until the day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible.
Through her telescope, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of an extraordinarily beautiful neighbour, Simone, and nicknames the men who visit her after poisonous plants according to the toxic effect they have on Simone. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them?
Just as she preserves her secret garden, she feels inexplicably compelled to protect her neighbour. But when her precious garden is vandalized and someone close to Simone is murdered with a toxin derived from a rare poisonous plant, Eustacia finds herself implicated in the crime and decides to take matters into her own hands . . .
Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She tends to her garden with meticulous care. Her life is quiet. Her schedule never changes. Until the day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible.
Through her telescope, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of an extraordinarily beautiful neighbour, Simone, and nicknames the men who visit her after poisonous plants according to the toxic effect they have on Simone. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them?
Just as she preserves her secret garden, she feels inexplicably compelled to protect her neighbour. But when her precious garden is vandalized and someone close to Simone is murdered with a toxin derived from a rare poisonous plant, Eustacia finds herself implicated in the crime and decides to take matters into her own hands . . .
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 6, 2023
408 people are currently reading
14225 people want to read
About the author
Jill Johnson
4 books130 followersJill is a Māori writer based in the UK, having lived in south-east Asia, Europe and New Zealand. She moved to London when she was 18 and the following year opened Gosh! Comics. Alongside this, she and her partner launched a graphic novel publishing company and an editorial cartoon gallery. While running her businesses and raising her three children, Jill obtained a BA Hons degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Design. In 2013, she submitted her writing to Faber and Faber, and was accepted into the Faber Academy. Her first novel The Time Before the Time to Come was published by OWN IT! in 2018. She now lives in Brighton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 581 reviews
April 5, 2024
Well, this was refreshingly different. The garden with poisoned plant set a dark atmosphere that fitted the plot. It was obvious that either the author had a lot of knowledge beforehand or had researched plant diligently.
The plot revolves around a woman spying on a neighbor that she becomes fascinated by. There are men coming and going, and after the neighbor is kidnapped she needs to investigate what has happened.
The book was well-written and it flowed smoothly along. What I found cumbersome however, was her relationship with the police. I just don’t like when the police draws civilians into the investigation, as it reeks of unprofessionalism. It’s fine if the characters take it upon themselves to investigate, but please don’t choose a path where the police starts to consult with you or bring you along for questioning.
Other than that it was a fascinating story where are the puzzle pieces fitted eventually. I did like most of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange of my honest review
The plot revolves around a woman spying on a neighbor that she becomes fascinated by. There are men coming and going, and after the neighbor is kidnapped she needs to investigate what has happened.
The book was well-written and it flowed smoothly along. What I found cumbersome however, was her relationship with the police. I just don’t like when the police draws civilians into the investigation, as it reeks of unprofessionalism. It’s fine if the characters take it upon themselves to investigate, but please don’t choose a path where the police starts to consult with you or bring you along for questioning.
Other than that it was a fascinating story where are the puzzle pieces fitted eventually. I did like most of it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange of my honest review
July 7, 2024
“The Woman in the Garden” unfolds like a delicate bloom, revealing layers of intrigue and danger. Meet Professor Eustacia Rose, an enigmatic botanist specializing in botanical toxicology, who tends to her rooftop garden in the heart of London. Within its lush greenery lie toxic secrets: rare plants with deadly potential. Eustacia’s life takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses a scream from her telescope, drawing her into the orbit of her extraordinarily beautiful neighbor, Simone. As Simone’s world unravels, Eustacia’s obsession deepens. She nicknames Simone’s male visitors after poisonous plants, but when one of these plants becomes the instrument of murder, Eustacia finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and danger. Determined to shield Simone, Eustacia steps out of her cloistered existence, navigating a landscape where science collides with personal vulnerability.
The novel’s strength lies in its portrayal of Eustacia Rose. Her neurodivergence, passion for poisonous plants, and unexpected role in the investigation create a captivating character study. Yet, despite her uniqueness, forming an emotional bond with Eustacia proves challenging amidst the novel's deliberate, slow-burn pacing. Still, the allure of Eustacia’s poisonous plant knowledge—a microcosm of beauty and peril—holds sway.
Beyond its murder mystery core, "The Woman in the Garden" delves into the theme of obsession. Eustacia’s fixation mirrors the toxicity of her beloved plants, but the novel also emphasizes the beauty of letting go of unhealthy obsessions and realising that perhaps your North Star is merely a passing comet—a fleeting fascination that fades against the vast cosmic backdrop. Sometimes, releasing our grip on obsessions reveals constellations we never knew existed.
Jill Johnson’s debut mystery offers a fresh take on the genre. If you’re drawn to botanical intrigue and unconventional protagonists, give this book a try. Just be prepared: there are no creative plot twists or smart solutions to the mystery here.
👀 Out of curiosity, which poisonous plant is the most well-known in your country?
My sincere gratitude to the Jill Johnson, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the chance to review a pre-publication copy of the book and offer my honest evaluation.
The novel’s strength lies in its portrayal of Eustacia Rose. Her neurodivergence, passion for poisonous plants, and unexpected role in the investigation create a captivating character study. Yet, despite her uniqueness, forming an emotional bond with Eustacia proves challenging amidst the novel's deliberate, slow-burn pacing. Still, the allure of Eustacia’s poisonous plant knowledge—a microcosm of beauty and peril—holds sway.
Beyond its murder mystery core, "The Woman in the Garden" delves into the theme of obsession. Eustacia’s fixation mirrors the toxicity of her beloved plants, but the novel also emphasizes the beauty of letting go of unhealthy obsessions and realising that perhaps your North Star is merely a passing comet—a fleeting fascination that fades against the vast cosmic backdrop. Sometimes, releasing our grip on obsessions reveals constellations we never knew existed.
Jill Johnson’s debut mystery offers a fresh take on the genre. If you’re drawn to botanical intrigue and unconventional protagonists, give this book a try. Just be prepared: there are no creative plot twists or smart solutions to the mystery here.
👀 Out of curiosity, which poisonous plant is the most well-known in your country?
My sincere gratitude to the Jill Johnson, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the chance to review a pre-publication copy of the book and offer my honest evaluation.
December 1, 2023
The Woman in the Garden is a delightfully suspenseful read that will have you wishing that you could have a poisonous plant rooftop garden of your very own. I wasn't too sure that I'd enjoy all of the botany talk, but learning about all of the various toxic plants actually ended up being my very favorite part of the book. Who knew that there were so many amazing plants that could help you take out your enemies, annoying neighbors, and crappy exes? Um, theoretically, of course.
Eustacia Rose, a now-disgraced professor of botanical toxicology, is our quirky (and presumably neurodivergent) main character, and she's fantastic. Her second favorite hobby (plant collecting aside) is spying on others via telescope, and when one of her neighbors (who she might just be ever so slightly obsessed with) goes missing, she immediately puts herself on the case. From there, hijinks ensue in the best possible sort of way.
Really, I loved almost everything about this book. The characters, the setting (London), the plot, the diversity (neurodivergence and LGBTQ representation), etc. My only minor quibble is that the ending, specifically the wrapping up of the murder mystery, was a little too vague for my tastes. I like for the novels I read to be wrapped up tightly at the end, and The Woman in the Garden didn't quite get there. However, it really is a small issue because I loved the ending otherwise.
Also, this isn't a criticism of this book specifically and it's not factored into my rating at all, but why can loners never just stay loners in books? I mean, I daresay there are a lot of us introverts who are perfectly happy doing our own thing (if my husband left me tomorrow, I'd likely become a reclusive crazy cat lady and never date again) – we don't all need saving from our “loneliness” by unexpected friendships that make us completely change our outlook on companionship. /end rant
But, anyway, this book is so much fun. If you like mysteries with quirky main characters and lots of dangerous plants, you'll likely enjoy this one.
Overall rating: 4.4 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
Eustacia Rose, a now-disgraced professor of botanical toxicology, is our quirky (and presumably neurodivergent) main character, and she's fantastic. Her second favorite hobby (plant collecting aside) is spying on others via telescope, and when one of her neighbors (who she might just be ever so slightly obsessed with) goes missing, she immediately puts herself on the case. From there, hijinks ensue in the best possible sort of way.
Really, I loved almost everything about this book. The characters, the setting (London), the plot, the diversity (neurodivergence and LGBTQ representation), etc. My only minor quibble is that the ending, specifically the wrapping up of the murder mystery, was a little too vague for my tastes. I like for the novels I read to be wrapped up tightly at the end, and The Woman in the Garden didn't quite get there. However, it really is a small issue because I loved the ending otherwise.
Also, this isn't a criticism of this book specifically and it's not factored into my rating at all, but why can loners never just stay loners in books? I mean, I daresay there are a lot of us introverts who are perfectly happy doing our own thing (if my husband left me tomorrow, I'd likely become a reclusive crazy cat lady and never date again) – we don't all need saving from our “loneliness” by unexpected friendships that make us completely change our outlook on companionship. /end rant
But, anyway, this book is so much fun. If you like mysteries with quirky main characters and lots of dangerous plants, you'll likely enjoy this one.
Overall rating: 4.4 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
February 16, 2025
I bought this on Kindle approximately 1 year ago, and finally, something was calling me to read it…and oh boy, am I glad I did! In my humble opinion, this book is up there with the best of the psychological thrillers. It was so enticing and the pacing was perfect. It has vibes similar to that of ‘The women in the window’ but SO much better, more in depth and much more complex.
Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She has always preferred plants to people. Her rooftop garden is her life; it contains fifty-two highly poisonous specimens that require very special handling.
It’s been a year since the incident at her lab at UCL which made her redundant and so, she now lives a very quiet life. Her daily routine remains the same. And since losing her beloved father, she has had trouble moving on; still wearing his suit on a daily basis.
A large part of her routine consists of caring meticulously for her plants. That is until one day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible…she now begins to see the world through her super sonic high-resolution telescope, on her rooftop. Quickly, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of her neighbour, Simone and becomes entangled in her life and that of her 4 male visitors. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them?
She worries about the safety of her new neighbour. Her concern terns to stalking, and when she spots a ‘kid-napping’ taking place she feels the need to intervene…the police are useless and so Eustacia must take matters into her own hands.
As the story unfolds, her precious garden is vandalised and some of her specimens are stolen. There's a death by a plant poison. The plot moves along swiftly. Secrets are unveiled. History repeats itself. And Eustacia finds herself right in the middle of a police investigation. Is she to blame? Is she a crazy old professor or just a grieving daughter?
There are SO many questions to be answered in the last 1/3 of this book. It was thoroughly exciting 😝 I couldn’t contain myself. Nor could I put this book down; It was finished in less than a day.
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. It is one of those novels that just has a wonderfully entertaining, unique and enjoyable feel about. The storyline was jammed PACKED full of interesting characters, all complex and interwoven in such an intricate way. There are so many twists and turns, it’s like being on a tea-cups ride 😵💫 Johnson keeps us guessing right to the very end, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book 2 - Hell’s bells.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She has always preferred plants to people. Her rooftop garden is her life; it contains fifty-two highly poisonous specimens that require very special handling.
It’s been a year since the incident at her lab at UCL which made her redundant and so, she now lives a very quiet life. Her daily routine remains the same. And since losing her beloved father, she has had trouble moving on; still wearing his suit on a daily basis.
A large part of her routine consists of caring meticulously for her plants. That is until one day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible…she now begins to see the world through her super sonic high-resolution telescope, on her rooftop. Quickly, Professor Rose is drawn into the life of her neighbour, Simone and becomes entangled in her life and that of her 4 male visitors. But who are these four men? And why does Eustacia Rose recognize one of them?
She worries about the safety of her new neighbour. Her concern terns to stalking, and when she spots a ‘kid-napping’ taking place she feels the need to intervene…the police are useless and so Eustacia must take matters into her own hands.
As the story unfolds, her precious garden is vandalised and some of her specimens are stolen. There's a death by a plant poison. The plot moves along swiftly. Secrets are unveiled. History repeats itself. And Eustacia finds herself right in the middle of a police investigation. Is she to blame? Is she a crazy old professor or just a grieving daughter?
There are SO many questions to be answered in the last 1/3 of this book. It was thoroughly exciting 😝 I couldn’t contain myself. Nor could I put this book down; It was finished in less than a day.
I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. It is one of those novels that just has a wonderfully entertaining, unique and enjoyable feel about. The storyline was jammed PACKED full of interesting characters, all complex and interwoven in such an intricate way. There are so many twists and turns, it’s like being on a tea-cups ride 😵💫 Johnson keeps us guessing right to the very end, and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book 2 - Hell’s bells.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 25, 2025
The Woman In The Garden, previously published as Devil’s Breath, is the first book in the Professor Eustacia Rose Mystery series by British author, Jill Johnson. In the year since the incident at her lab that saw her made redundant, former Professor of Botanical Toxicology at UCL, Eustacia Rose has remained a recluse. She lost her beloved father around the same time, and still wears his suit, fob watch and hairstyle.
Instead of teaching, she carefully tends her rooftop garden: fifty-two highly poisonous specimens that require very special handling. Also on the rooftop, her high-resolution telescope which, on cloudy days, is aimed at her neighbours’ windows: observing that most puzzling aspect of life, human behaviour. Each person gets labelled with an appropriate botanical name according to what Eustacia sees of them from her perch.
She worries about one particularly attractive neighbour, a woman regularly visited by four very different men, one of whom she is dismayed to recognise, while another seems violent. Her concern sees her stalking the woman, apparently called Simone, about whom she learns a little more in a chance encounter. Then she witnesses Simone being abducted from the street.
The police are useless, but Simone’s elderly neighbour proves very resourceful. But then, her precious garden is thoroughly vandalised and some of her specimens are stolen, and when there’s a death by plant poison, Eustacia once again comes to the notice of DCI Richard Roberts: her access to these plants, and her history with the victim, make her his prime suspect.
Johnson gives the reader a quirky protagonist who has a little trouble reading social cues but acts purely out of good intentions. The liberal inclusion throughout of botanical names and the symptoms those plants cause will have the eyes of many readers glazing over, although she does provide a handy glossary of plants at the end. An enjoyable cosy mystery with a few twists to keep the reader guessing before the reveal, and it will be interesting to see what Eustacia gets up to in book two, Hell’s Bells.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
Instead of teaching, she carefully tends her rooftop garden: fifty-two highly poisonous specimens that require very special handling. Also on the rooftop, her high-resolution telescope which, on cloudy days, is aimed at her neighbours’ windows: observing that most puzzling aspect of life, human behaviour. Each person gets labelled with an appropriate botanical name according to what Eustacia sees of them from her perch.
She worries about one particularly attractive neighbour, a woman regularly visited by four very different men, one of whom she is dismayed to recognise, while another seems violent. Her concern sees her stalking the woman, apparently called Simone, about whom she learns a little more in a chance encounter. Then she witnesses Simone being abducted from the street.
The police are useless, but Simone’s elderly neighbour proves very resourceful. But then, her precious garden is thoroughly vandalised and some of her specimens are stolen, and when there’s a death by plant poison, Eustacia once again comes to the notice of DCI Richard Roberts: her access to these plants, and her history with the victim, make her his prime suspect.
Johnson gives the reader a quirky protagonist who has a little trouble reading social cues but acts purely out of good intentions. The liberal inclusion throughout of botanical names and the symptoms those plants cause will have the eyes of many readers glazing over, although she does provide a handy glossary of plants at the end. An enjoyable cosy mystery with a few twists to keep the reader guessing before the reveal, and it will be interesting to see what Eustacia gets up to in book two, Hell’s Bells.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.
July 21, 2023
Eustacia Rose is a professor of botanical toxicology, now disgraced. Her life now revolves around her roof garden of poisonous plants as well as watching her neighbours with her telescope. She becomes obsessed with one, Simone and the many men in her life, all of whom Rose names after poisonous plants. When she sees Simone kidnapped, she is forced to leave her solitary life to investigate.
Devil’s Breath by Jill Johnson is an entertaining mystery with a very unusual female protagonist who you can’t help but like. In many ways, she reminded me of Golden Age detectives with her many eccentricities. My one quibble - there were several references to past events that seemed important to Rose’s story and made me think there must have been previous book(s). Well, that and the fact that I will never again be able to garden without thinking about the many ways a whole lot of fairly common plants can kill you. Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope this really is the start of a new series.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and Black & White Publishing in exchange for an honest review
Devil’s Breath by Jill Johnson is an entertaining mystery with a very unusual female protagonist who you can’t help but like. In many ways, she reminded me of Golden Age detectives with her many eccentricities. My one quibble - there were several references to past events that seemed important to Rose’s story and made me think there must have been previous book(s). Well, that and the fact that I will never again be able to garden without thinking about the many ways a whole lot of fairly common plants can kill you. Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope this really is the start of a new series.
I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and Black & White Publishing in exchange for an honest review
August 29, 2024
I could have done without. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll remember a thing about this in a week. The main character was intriguing, and I did enjoy the aspect of plant identification. But the plot was a bit dull.
Reading notes along the way...
○ 25% The main character is neurodivergent. Dosnt feel sympathy or empathy.
○ So far, I am interested in where it's going. It's not amazing but a very easy listen. I enjoy the audio narrator for the most part, although I feel like the accent given to Simone is a bit odd.
○ I like how the main character categorized people as different plants in her head when she meets them
○ I feel like I can listen to this without really paying attention, which, tbh I have been. It's just a bit slow, but I knew it was a mystery going in, so I didn't expect a fast-paced thriller.
○ 67%, unfortunately, I'm finding that I just don't care all that much what happens or why... there was an interesting start, but the story is dragging.
Reading notes along the way...
○ 25% The main character is neurodivergent. Dosnt feel sympathy or empathy.
○ So far, I am interested in where it's going. It's not amazing but a very easy listen. I enjoy the audio narrator for the most part, although I feel like the accent given to Simone is a bit odd.
○ I like how the main character categorized people as different plants in her head when she meets them
○ I feel like I can listen to this without really paying attention, which, tbh I have been. It's just a bit slow, but I knew it was a mystery going in, so I didn't expect a fast-paced thriller.
○ 67%, unfortunately, I'm finding that I just don't care all that much what happens or why... there was an interesting start, but the story is dragging.
April 25, 2024
I tried to enjoy this book but I just couldn't. The characters were weird, and the relationships were just awkward. I understand the main character is dealing with past trauma (of losing her father and her "love"), but she was just completely unlikable. She's extremely obsessive, and a stalker (her "love" was just an obsession), and just very weird. She's so detached from society, doesn't know how to communicate with people, and absolutely everything she does is cringey. She's so obsessed with Simone (after watching her from her telescope) that she broke into her home, stole her camisole so she could have something to caress, took a bath in her tub, wore her robe.. just weird. As far as the plot itself, it was hard to really get into it because everything involving the main character was just awkward. I did not enjoy this book at all.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this read.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this read.
February 2, 2024
Devil’s Breath is an enigmatic and suspenseful novel featuring a distinctive and eccentric Professor of Botanical Toxicology, Eustacia Rose, or Professor Rose as she likes to be called.
Professor Rose is a recluse by nature. She prefers her deadly plants which she grows on her rooftop garden in London to the people down below. That is until she spots her new neighbour, Simone, who is stunning but seems to like the company of multiple men.
The book takes a dark turn when Simone goes missing and Professor Rose’s rooftop garden is destroyed (plus a plant is stolen). Professor Rose is convinced of a correlation between the possible kidnapping of Simone and the vandalism. The police are no use so she takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery, though by doing so she inadvertently places herself in danger.
The plot is intriguing and mysterious. It has all the elements of an old-fashioned Whodunit with twists, turns, and red herrings galore, but set in modern-day London. Professor Rose is a quirky, charming character who you can’t help loving from the start. The plot is engaging and it captured my attention right from the beginning. The chapters seamlessly glided into one another and the storyline kept on giving right to the end.
As this is the start of a new series I eagerly away meeting Professor Rose again.
Professor Rose is a recluse by nature. She prefers her deadly plants which she grows on her rooftop garden in London to the people down below. That is until she spots her new neighbour, Simone, who is stunning but seems to like the company of multiple men.
The book takes a dark turn when Simone goes missing and Professor Rose’s rooftop garden is destroyed (plus a plant is stolen). Professor Rose is convinced of a correlation between the possible kidnapping of Simone and the vandalism. The police are no use so she takes it upon herself to unravel the mystery, though by doing so she inadvertently places herself in danger.
The plot is intriguing and mysterious. It has all the elements of an old-fashioned Whodunit with twists, turns, and red herrings galore, but set in modern-day London. Professor Rose is a quirky, charming character who you can’t help loving from the start. The plot is engaging and it captured my attention right from the beginning. The chapters seamlessly glided into one another and the storyline kept on giving right to the end.
As this is the start of a new series I eagerly away meeting Professor Rose again.
August 20, 2025
In many ways, I've come to realize that the incomprehensible vastness of time and space makes much more sense to me than anything that happens in the space and time within which I live.
This delightful mystery/part thriller merges Agatha Christie and Hitchcock's film "Rear Windows." Both of which I love. And it exceeded expectations. I think it was a combination of the flora and fauna that permeates the story and the unique, androgynous main character, Eustacia Rose (how English is that name?).
She's not your typical detective, or your typical Rose, or your typical main character. Which to me was a breath of fresh air. If you ever saw the series "Mrs. Maisel," and you recall her agent (my husband and I felt she was the best part of the show), you can imagine Eustacia.
It's a tad convoluted, the connections and the mystery, but I enjoyed every well-written page and twist and turn. But most of all I enjoyed spending time with Dr. Rose. I will read her other series.
This delightful mystery/part thriller merges Agatha Christie and Hitchcock's film "Rear Windows." Both of which I love. And it exceeded expectations. I think it was a combination of the flora and fauna that permeates the story and the unique, androgynous main character, Eustacia Rose (how English is that name?).
She's not your typical detective, or your typical Rose, or your typical main character. Which to me was a breath of fresh air. If you ever saw the series "Mrs. Maisel," and you recall her agent (my husband and I felt she was the best part of the show), you can imagine Eustacia.
It's a tad convoluted, the connections and the mystery, but I enjoyed every well-written page and twist and turn. But most of all I enjoyed spending time with Dr. Rose. I will read her other series.
July 24, 2024
Fascinating and gripping story about the powers of deadly plants. Found the main character a complete pain in the neck however which sullied my enjoyment overall.
June 21, 2024
Two stars because it wasn’t utterly horrible. It was just a missed opportunity to do something interesting. It landed a bit flat.
The writing was fast-paced, which I like, and it was an easy read. But the plot: ???? There was not much of a plot. The ”mystery” was easy to guess, except that in the end, part of it was just left unsolved. And it ended with the main character going on a date with Matilde. Who tf is Matilde?!?! Did I miss something?
How did this unsocial hermit wearing her father’s clothes and with no social media even meet someone to go on a date with?
I didn’t particularly like Eustacia, at all, in fact. She was a stalker. Throughout the book, it was made clear that she was an eccentric neurodivergent genius. I’m sorry, but how does someone with zero social skills (and who has never even used a cell phone though she’s only in her 40’s!!) become a university professor AND teach classes???
And in the end, she just suddenly changed, threw away her quirks, dressed better and slipped right back into society, respecting herself?
Very unrealistic and just silly, in so many ways.
Also not sure why it’s called Devil’s Breath. Did Eustacia ruin her own garden? The ending just really didn’t tie things up for me. And who cares that she got a letter from Brazil, the ending should have had an element of surprise, not ”and they all lived happily ever after”…
The writing was fast-paced, which I like, and it was an easy read. But the plot: ???? There was not much of a plot. The ”mystery” was easy to guess, except that in the end, part of it was just left unsolved. And it ended with the main character going on a date with Matilde. Who tf is Matilde?!?! Did I miss something?
How did this unsocial hermit wearing her father’s clothes and with no social media even meet someone to go on a date with?
I didn’t particularly like Eustacia, at all, in fact. She was a stalker. Throughout the book, it was made clear that she was an eccentric neurodivergent genius. I’m sorry, but how does someone with zero social skills (and who has never even used a cell phone though she’s only in her 40’s!!) become a university professor AND teach classes???
And in the end, she just suddenly changed, threw away her quirks, dressed better and slipped right back into society, respecting herself?
Very unrealistic and just silly, in so many ways.
Also not sure why it’s called Devil’s Breath. Did Eustacia ruin her own garden? The ending just really didn’t tie things up for me. And who cares that she got a letter from Brazil, the ending should have had an element of surprise, not ”and they all lived happily ever after”…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
This was a twisty puzzle of a murder mystery. It had some serious Rear Window vibes as Eustacia's voyeuristic hobby lands her straight into a murder investigation.
I love all things botany ,but the poisonous plants were especially interesting. I also quite enjoyed the sapphic and dark academia aspects of the story.
It initially got off to a slow start, but I'm very glad I stuck with it. The build-up was well worth the wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love all things botany ,but the poisonous plants were especially interesting. I also quite enjoyed the sapphic and dark academia aspects of the story.
It initially got off to a slow start, but I'm very glad I stuck with it. The build-up was well worth the wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 2, 2024
I still couldn’t tell you who was who, who I think did what … I enjoyed the main character, but I couldn’t really follow much of the storyline.
September 15, 2024
Remind me to keep picking out my own books - regardless of the GR ratings - because I was right! And what the hell is this? 3,6 stars? As if!
This was so good!
Ahh just chef’s kiss!
Saw this book randomly and decided to give it a go and right from the start - I loved it!
It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, especially the main character, who is this weird, loner, possibly autistic (?, some readers suggest) woman;
a former professor of botanical toxicology - pretty much spending her days tending to her garden - a collection of poisonous plants, AND spying on her neighbors with her telescope. I mean?! Right?! Already so good?!
So one day she sees her (gorgeous) neighbor being sort of mistreated, by several men, in her apartment.. She gets fixated on that, and that leads to her seeing even more trouble.. which leads to her trying to solve these mysteries, even without the help of the police!
I really enjoyed the dark (green, that’s how it felt) atmosphere in this book, her poisonous garden, all the mentions of the plants, the gloomy, weird mood.. The story kept going in a direction I did not at all predict, so overall - really amazing!
I already bought the second book with Eustacia Rose as a main character and am excited to follow Jill Johnson’s work!
Ahhh it’s so fun finding a new author you like!! 🥰
This was so good!
Ahh just chef’s kiss!
Saw this book randomly and decided to give it a go and right from the start - I loved it!
It’s unlike anything I’ve read before, especially the main character, who is this weird, loner, possibly autistic (?, some readers suggest) woman;
a former professor of botanical toxicology - pretty much spending her days tending to her garden - a collection of poisonous plants, AND spying on her neighbors with her telescope. I mean?! Right?! Already so good?!
So one day she sees her (gorgeous) neighbor being sort of mistreated, by several men, in her apartment.. She gets fixated on that, and that leads to her seeing even more trouble.. which leads to her trying to solve these mysteries, even without the help of the police!
I really enjoyed the dark (green, that’s how it felt) atmosphere in this book, her poisonous garden, all the mentions of the plants, the gloomy, weird mood.. The story kept going in a direction I did not at all predict, so overall - really amazing!
I already bought the second book with Eustacia Rose as a main character and am excited to follow Jill Johnson’s work!
Ahhh it’s so fun finding a new author you like!! 🥰
July 16, 2024
The Woman In The Garden
2⭐️
This was not for me. This is one of those situations where the book rates low for me personally but it won’t stop be from recommending it to others who would be a good fit. The writing was well done, I just didn’t connect with the book like I hoped.
While this is a slow burn, it did pick up by the middle. MC lives alone and mostly avoids others so there is a lot of narration, description, and inner dialogue. I’m someone who needs more dialogue between characters to keep me engaged.
I did like that while MC is neurodivergent the book doesn’t focus on that fact. Just simply describes the character and gives her point of view (ex: admitting when others’ facial expressions caused confusion, struggling with certain emotions).
This was a psychological mystery with 1 POV, 1 timeline with mentions of the mysterious past with details slowly being added. The characters were well written.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date Jul 16, 2024
2⭐️
This was not for me. This is one of those situations where the book rates low for me personally but it won’t stop be from recommending it to others who would be a good fit. The writing was well done, I just didn’t connect with the book like I hoped.
While this is a slow burn, it did pick up by the middle. MC lives alone and mostly avoids others so there is a lot of narration, description, and inner dialogue. I’m someone who needs more dialogue between characters to keep me engaged.
I did like that while MC is neurodivergent the book doesn’t focus on that fact. Just simply describes the character and gives her point of view (ex: admitting when others’ facial expressions caused confusion, struggling with certain emotions).
This was a psychological mystery with 1 POV, 1 timeline with mentions of the mysterious past with details slowly being added. The characters were well written.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date Jul 16, 2024
June 15, 2023
This was a really interesting book:
Eustacia is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who posses an extraordinary collection of poisonous plants on the rooftop of her apartment in Hampstead Heath.
She loves to watch her neighbours with her telescope and get little taste of their lives, until one day she sees Simone, a beautiful neighbour that catches her attention and drags her into a rollercoaster of events that will change her life and bring back ghosts from the past.
The book was nicely written but i found myself getting confused a few times with how the plot was tied together and with some characters who i wasn't sure were given enough relevance that then popped back towards the end of the story.
Overall a nice read with loads of facts about poisonous plants
Eustacia is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who posses an extraordinary collection of poisonous plants on the rooftop of her apartment in Hampstead Heath.
She loves to watch her neighbours with her telescope and get little taste of their lives, until one day she sees Simone, a beautiful neighbour that catches her attention and drags her into a rollercoaster of events that will change her life and bring back ghosts from the past.
The book was nicely written but i found myself getting confused a few times with how the plot was tied together and with some characters who i wasn't sure were given enough relevance that then popped back towards the end of the story.
Overall a nice read with loads of facts about poisonous plants
May 27, 2025
Życie Eustacii Rose nie będzie – jak mogłoby sugerować nazwisko – usłane różami.
Rok po śmierci ukochanego ojca Eustacia znalazła się w miejscu, które trudno uznać za szczęśliwe, a pogrzebana kariera akademicka nie poprawia sytuacji.
Samotna i wycofana profesor Rose wiedzie niemal pustelniczy żywot, poświęcając się jedynej pasji, jaka jej jeszcze pozostała – badaniom nad śmiertelnie niebezpiecznymi okazami roślin. Toksykologia to największa miłość kobiety, więc nielegalny ogród, uprawiany na dachu budynku, stanowi istne laboratorium botaniczne, gdzie przeprowadzane są eksperymenty oraz… wnikliwe obserwacje najbliższego sąsiedztwa.
Pewnego wieczoru, podczas rutynowego obchodu, Eustacia dostrzega coś niepokojącego. Mieszkająca naprzeciwko – piękna i intrygująca Simone – zostaje porwana. Profesor Rose, przejęta losem tajemniczej dziewczyny, postanawia wziąć sprawy w swoje ręce i rozpocząć osobiste śledztwo. Niestety, sytuacja się komplikuje. Dochodzi do morderstwa, z prywatnej kolekcji kobiety ginie jedna z trujących roślin, a ona sama znajduje się w bardzo trudnym położeniu. Dociekliwy nadkomisarz Roberts jest przekonany o jej winie.
________________________________________
Nie ukrywam, że hasło „kryminał botaniczny” wywołało we mnie niemałe zainteresowanie. Dawno bowiem nie miałam styczności z czymś, co stroni od gatunkowego schematu, a powieść Jill Johnson zdecydowanie odbiega od wszelkich możliwych, oklepanych konceptów – począwszy od samej intrygi, a skończywszy na głównej bohaterce tego nietypowego dramatu. Bo tak naprawdę, pomimo oczywistej przynależności gatunkowej, historia Eustacii Rose nieco ociera się o obyczaj. W ogólnym rozrachunku nie przeszkadza to wcale (ba – wyśmienicie uzupełnia i ubarwia treść), ale zasadniczo tego wątku pominąć się nie da.
Siłą napędową „Czarciego ziela”, wbrew pozorom, nie będzie więc zagadka zaginięcia tajemniczej Simone, a raczej perypetie związane z jej poszukiwaczką – ekscentryczną, skrajnie wyalienowaną profesorką botaniki, prowadzącą od ponad dwudziestu lat nielegalną uprawę zabójczych roślin na dachu swojego uroczego mieszkanka. Brzmi nietypowo? I rzeczywiście – nietypowo jest.
Jill Johnson, oprócz całkiem zmyślnej intrygi, wykreowała rewelacyjną postać, z którą wręcz nie sposób nie sympatyzować. Eustacia Rose łączy w sobie całe mnóstwo przeciwstawnych cech, wspaniale wyróżniających ją na tle innych bohaterek literackich.
Choć daleko jej do ideału charyzmatycznej, samozwańczej detektywki, nadal jest szalenie atrakcyjną postacią: diablo sprytną, nieprzeciętnie bystrą, inteligentną, obdarzoną doskonałym zmysłem obserwacji, a przy tym… odrobinę niezdarną, nieco nieudolną społecznie, zgryźliwą, zrzędliwą, z ogromnymi pokładami wisielczego humoru i pesymistyczną filozofią życia. Wyobrażacie sobie ją w akcji?
Smaczku dodaje sensacyjny wydźwięk i jeszcze jedna tajemnica, związana z przeszłością profesor Rose. Johnson prowadzi tutaj niejako dwie linie fabularne – w jednej rozgrywa się dochodzenie dotyczące nagłego zniknięcia Simone, w drugiej: coś, co wydarzyło się rok wcześniej i stanowi odpowiedź na aktualne położenie Eustacii.
Taki zabieg to doskonały wabik dla czytelnika. Karty odkrywane są powoli, jednak za sprawą odpowiednio utrzymanego napięcia oraz podrzucanych wskazówek z niesłabnącym zainteresowaniem śledzi się przebieg wydarzeń.
Uników, mylnych tropów, dziwnych powiązań i fałszywych znaków jest sporo – momentami trudno doprawdy dociec, jaki motyw kieruje sprawcą. Lub sprawcami. 😉
Niebagatelną rolę w „Czarcim zielu” odgrywa również wspomniany wątek botaniczny. To nie tylko element dekoracyjny (choć rzeczywiście tworzy wyjątkowo malowniczą inscenizację), ale też bezpośrednia przyczyna całego zamieszania.
Jill Johnson idealnie wykorzystuje ten nietypowy aspekt, osadzając go w samym centrum powieści – wszystko bowiem kręci się wokół roślin i śmiertelnie trujących substancji.
Rok po śmierci ukochanego ojca Eustacia znalazła się w miejscu, które trudno uznać za szczęśliwe, a pogrzebana kariera akademicka nie poprawia sytuacji.
Samotna i wycofana profesor Rose wiedzie niemal pustelniczy żywot, poświęcając się jedynej pasji, jaka jej jeszcze pozostała – badaniom nad śmiertelnie niebezpiecznymi okazami roślin. Toksykologia to największa miłość kobiety, więc nielegalny ogród, uprawiany na dachu budynku, stanowi istne laboratorium botaniczne, gdzie przeprowadzane są eksperymenty oraz… wnikliwe obserwacje najbliższego sąsiedztwa.
Pewnego wieczoru, podczas rutynowego obchodu, Eustacia dostrzega coś niepokojącego. Mieszkająca naprzeciwko – piękna i intrygująca Simone – zostaje porwana. Profesor Rose, przejęta losem tajemniczej dziewczyny, postanawia wziąć sprawy w swoje ręce i rozpocząć osobiste śledztwo. Niestety, sytuacja się komplikuje. Dochodzi do morderstwa, z prywatnej kolekcji kobiety ginie jedna z trujących roślin, a ona sama znajduje się w bardzo trudnym położeniu. Dociekliwy nadkomisarz Roberts jest przekonany o jej winie.
________________________________________
Nie ukrywam, że hasło „kryminał botaniczny” wywołało we mnie niemałe zainteresowanie. Dawno bowiem nie miałam styczności z czymś, co stroni od gatunkowego schematu, a powieść Jill Johnson zdecydowanie odbiega od wszelkich możliwych, oklepanych konceptów – począwszy od samej intrygi, a skończywszy na głównej bohaterce tego nietypowego dramatu. Bo tak naprawdę, pomimo oczywistej przynależności gatunkowej, historia Eustacii Rose nieco ociera się o obyczaj. W ogólnym rozrachunku nie przeszkadza to wcale (ba – wyśmienicie uzupełnia i ubarwia treść), ale zasadniczo tego wątku pominąć się nie da.
Siłą napędową „Czarciego ziela”, wbrew pozorom, nie będzie więc zagadka zaginięcia tajemniczej Simone, a raczej perypetie związane z jej poszukiwaczką – ekscentryczną, skrajnie wyalienowaną profesorką botaniki, prowadzącą od ponad dwudziestu lat nielegalną uprawę zabójczych roślin na dachu swojego uroczego mieszkanka. Brzmi nietypowo? I rzeczywiście – nietypowo jest.
Jill Johnson, oprócz całkiem zmyślnej intrygi, wykreowała rewelacyjną postać, z którą wręcz nie sposób nie sympatyzować. Eustacia Rose łączy w sobie całe mnóstwo przeciwstawnych cech, wspaniale wyróżniających ją na tle innych bohaterek literackich.
Choć daleko jej do ideału charyzmatycznej, samozwańczej detektywki, nadal jest szalenie atrakcyjną postacią: diablo sprytną, nieprzeciętnie bystrą, inteligentną, obdarzoną doskonałym zmysłem obserwacji, a przy tym… odrobinę niezdarną, nieco nieudolną społecznie, zgryźliwą, zrzędliwą, z ogromnymi pokładami wisielczego humoru i pesymistyczną filozofią życia. Wyobrażacie sobie ją w akcji?
Smaczku dodaje sensacyjny wydźwięk i jeszcze jedna tajemnica, związana z przeszłością profesor Rose. Johnson prowadzi tutaj niejako dwie linie fabularne – w jednej rozgrywa się dochodzenie dotyczące nagłego zniknięcia Simone, w drugiej: coś, co wydarzyło się rok wcześniej i stanowi odpowiedź na aktualne położenie Eustacii.
Taki zabieg to doskonały wabik dla czytelnika. Karty odkrywane są powoli, jednak za sprawą odpowiednio utrzymanego napięcia oraz podrzucanych wskazówek z niesłabnącym zainteresowaniem śledzi się przebieg wydarzeń.
Uników, mylnych tropów, dziwnych powiązań i fałszywych znaków jest sporo – momentami trudno doprawdy dociec, jaki motyw kieruje sprawcą. Lub sprawcami. 😉
Niebagatelną rolę w „Czarcim zielu” odgrywa również wspomniany wątek botaniczny. To nie tylko element dekoracyjny (choć rzeczywiście tworzy wyjątkowo malowniczą inscenizację), ale też bezpośrednia przyczyna całego zamieszania.
Jill Johnson idealnie wykorzystuje ten nietypowy aspekt, osadzając go w samym centrum powieści – wszystko bowiem kręci się wokół roślin i śmiertelnie trujących substancji.
May 12, 2025
actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
i went in thinking this was a thriller but it's definietly a mystery. i thought the mystery was just fine but i lovedddddd our main character. i also really liked learning all about botany and poisonous plants.
i went in thinking this was a thriller but it's definietly a mystery. i thought the mystery was just fine but i lovedddddd our main character. i also really liked learning all about botany and poisonous plants.
July 13, 2024
This book was so strange! It was really not what I was expecting at all!
It was one heck of a mystery!! Professor Rose is an enigma for half the book. You literally don't know much about them and even their gender seems arbituary for the first part of the book so it was like a mystery within a mystery and you don't even realize until its revealed that you were kept in the dark.
I love books about poisonous plants and Professor Rose gives a very dry and academic run down through the book of what is what and I loved it! I felt like I was learning something! They are pulled into a plot after watching from their neighbors from their rooftop garden and it was the most unique storytelling I have ever encountered.
I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something different!
4 stars
It was one heck of a mystery!! Professor Rose is an enigma for half the book. You literally don't know much about them and even their gender seems arbituary for the first part of the book so it was like a mystery within a mystery and you don't even realize until its revealed that you were kept in the dark.
I love books about poisonous plants and Professor Rose gives a very dry and academic run down through the book of what is what and I loved it! I felt like I was learning something! They are pulled into a plot after watching from their neighbors from their rooftop garden and it was the most unique storytelling I have ever encountered.
I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something different!
4 stars
September 9, 2024
sadly meh
April 29, 2024
I've always been better with plants than people . . .
I now want my own garden of poisonous plants after finishing this book 🤣
The story follows Eustacia Rose, a professor of botanical toxicology, dismissed from her position at UCL. She now spends her days in her rooftop garden, studying her poisonous plants and watching her neighbours through her telescope (I love this level of nosyness it speaks to me🤣)
She becomes intrigued/or maybe a bit obsessed by one of her neighbours, Simone, and the men she has in her life and starts documenting their comings and goings, (I loved that she gave them all nicknames after her poisonous plants!🤣)
She witnesses 'something' I don't want to give too many spoilers, and it causes her to leave her reclusive lifestyle to find answers....
I loved Roses character! She was eccentric and quirky and a little awkward, and her development throughout the book was 🤌🏼
I loved all the twists and turns through the story, and the plot was so engaging that I couldn't put it down!
I now want my own garden of poisonous plants after finishing this book 🤣
The story follows Eustacia Rose, a professor of botanical toxicology, dismissed from her position at UCL. She now spends her days in her rooftop garden, studying her poisonous plants and watching her neighbours through her telescope (I love this level of nosyness it speaks to me🤣)
She becomes intrigued/or maybe a bit obsessed by one of her neighbours, Simone, and the men she has in her life and starts documenting their comings and goings, (I loved that she gave them all nicknames after her poisonous plants!🤣)
She witnesses 'something' I don't want to give too many spoilers, and it causes her to leave her reclusive lifestyle to find answers....
I loved Roses character! She was eccentric and quirky and a little awkward, and her development throughout the book was 🤌🏼
I loved all the twists and turns through the story, and the plot was so engaging that I couldn't put it down!
July 14, 2023
Eustacia Rose is a disgraced professor of plant toxicology. Mysterious and unfortunate events have led to her life as an (almost certainly) neurodivergent loner, who takes solace in the roof garden of deadly plants she has lovingly tended - that is until she finds herself entranced by the life of a beautiful stranger who lives opposite her building. Sure that she sees the woman being abducted, Eustacia throws herself into solving the crime of her missing neighbour and as the investigation progresses it becomes clear that it has more than a little to do with Eustacia's past. This is clever and has a pleasingly dry humour that contrasts nicely with the twists and turns of the plot. It looks like this is the first of a series and I am intrigued to see where the author takes Eustacia next.
July 10, 2023
Firstly how stunning is this cover? 🪴
I really enjoyed this book, when I started it I wasn’t really sure how it would go but I was pleasantly surprised and became engrossed. The author writes so much description and it worked brilliantly. The storyline is so interesting, I couldn’t stop turning the pages, I had to know what happened.
Brilliant character development, Professor Rose is a character that avoids people and anything possible but she really does come out of her shell as the story develops. She really is a very likeable character and makes the book for me. I think I’d like her to be my neighbour 🙊
A great crime read; it’s engaging and I’d definitely love to read more about Professor Rose in the future!
I really enjoyed this book, when I started it I wasn’t really sure how it would go but I was pleasantly surprised and became engrossed. The author writes so much description and it worked brilliantly. The storyline is so interesting, I couldn’t stop turning the pages, I had to know what happened.
Brilliant character development, Professor Rose is a character that avoids people and anything possible but she really does come out of her shell as the story develops. She really is a very likeable character and makes the book for me. I think I’d like her to be my neighbour 🙊
A great crime read; it’s engaging and I’d definitely love to read more about Professor Rose in the future!
May 20, 2024
The Woman in the garden is an intriguing old school style mystery set in the modern day. As a slow paced story it does take a little while to really get into it, but once you do it’s so easy and enjoyable read.
I loved diversity of the characters. The MFC Professor Rose is a quirky, likely neurodivergent recluse with a love of toxic plants. Her character is well built and rather endearing, also very relatable to those of us who can be socially awkward.
One thing I enjoyed more than I thought was the vivid addition and explanation of the toxic plants. I spent some time after reading searching more about these beautiful yet toxic plants.
Living alone she has an extensive glass house on her roof full of exotic and toxic plants. The research by Johnson in regard to these plants is evident in the beautiful and vivid details of each plant and its toxic characteristics.
This is a rich, suspenseful story which is at times fun, especially where the MFC is concerned. Her lack of social skills certainly leads to some strange but funny situations.
My only issue that holds back my rating is I found the plot a little slow at times and the ending was a little predictable. That aside I would definitely love to read the next book in the series and see where it leads.
Thanks to @netgalley @poisionedpenpress for the opportunity to review this ARC
I loved diversity of the characters. The MFC Professor Rose is a quirky, likely neurodivergent recluse with a love of toxic plants. Her character is well built and rather endearing, also very relatable to those of us who can be socially awkward.
One thing I enjoyed more than I thought was the vivid addition and explanation of the toxic plants. I spent some time after reading searching more about these beautiful yet toxic plants.
Living alone she has an extensive glass house on her roof full of exotic and toxic plants. The research by Johnson in regard to these plants is evident in the beautiful and vivid details of each plant and its toxic characteristics.
This is a rich, suspenseful story which is at times fun, especially where the MFC is concerned. Her lack of social skills certainly leads to some strange but funny situations.
My only issue that holds back my rating is I found the plot a little slow at times and the ending was a little predictable. That aside I would definitely love to read the next book in the series and see where it leads.
Thanks to @netgalley @poisionedpenpress for the opportunity to review this ARC
November 2, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Pick this up if you like: Slow burns, quirky characters, and stories with botanical themes.
The Woman in the Garden follows Eustacia Rose, a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London, keeping company with her collection of rare and poisonous plants. A neurodivergent, masculine-presenting woman, Eustacia avoids most human contact, preferring the predictable company of her plants. But when she hears a scream from a neighbor’s house, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she’s drawn into the life of Simone, the beautiful woman next door.
Though this story had a promising setup, the execution felt scattered. Much of the book is spent on Eustacia’s inner thoughts and descriptions of plants, which makes for a slower pace without much dialogue to break it up. While the author extensively researched poisonous plants, the details often felt heavy-handed and didn’t always move the plot forward.
The plot itself left much to be desired. Key questions were left unresolved, and the story sometimes veered into confusing territory.
On the plus side, the book is fast-paced and an easy read. I appreciated that Eustacia’s neurodivergence was subtly woven into her character without becoming a central theme. However, the lack of character engagement and clarity in the plot ultimately made this book feel like a missed opportunity.
Pick this up if you like: Slow burns, quirky characters, and stories with botanical themes.
The Woman in the Garden follows Eustacia Rose, a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London, keeping company with her collection of rare and poisonous plants. A neurodivergent, masculine-presenting woman, Eustacia avoids most human contact, preferring the predictable company of her plants. But when she hears a scream from a neighbor’s house, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she’s drawn into the life of Simone, the beautiful woman next door.
Though this story had a promising setup, the execution felt scattered. Much of the book is spent on Eustacia’s inner thoughts and descriptions of plants, which makes for a slower pace without much dialogue to break it up. While the author extensively researched poisonous plants, the details often felt heavy-handed and didn’t always move the plot forward.
The plot itself left much to be desired. Key questions were left unresolved, and the story sometimes veered into confusing territory.
On the plus side, the book is fast-paced and an easy read. I appreciated that Eustacia’s neurodivergence was subtly woven into her character without becoming a central theme. However, the lack of character engagement and clarity in the plot ultimately made this book feel like a missed opportunity.
April 24, 2024
‘An imprecise suspicion? A nebulous notion?’
I often judge a book on how many highlights I make and the above quote is standing alone. That said, I do believe this story is worth 3.5 stars, as I have enjoyed getting to know Eustacia and her many foibles and I found the botanical notes fascinating.
Unfortunately, I felt as though I had started reading part way through the book or a series, and did indeed check to see if this was the case! And I felt little empathy for the supporting cast, apart from the plants…
Even so, I shall probably read the next book as I am fascinated to see how Professor Rose develops as a character.
I often judge a book on how many highlights I make and the above quote is standing alone. That said, I do believe this story is worth 3.5 stars, as I have enjoyed getting to know Eustacia and her many foibles and I found the botanical notes fascinating.
Unfortunately, I felt as though I had started reading part way through the book or a series, and did indeed check to see if this was the case! And I felt little empathy for the supporting cast, apart from the plants…
Even so, I shall probably read the next book as I am fascinated to see how Professor Rose develops as a character.
August 26, 2024
2/5 for me. I think this had potential but I honestly did not like the plot at all. It was confusing, didn't really make sense, and felt like kind of a stretch. also, not many questions were answered. Also, I don't understand some of the decisions the MC made, it didn't align with her character. for example, sitting down with Andreas after he attacked her for a second time.
February 15, 2025
When reading about this book, I was so intrigued by the subject matter. While I did find the information about the various plants fascinating, the rest of book was less than. It had some charm, but not enough to warrant a third star. I did high-five myself for finishing it.
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