A Botanist’s Guide To Flowers and Fatality
By Kate Khavari
A Botanist’s Guide To Flowers and Fatality is the second book with botany researcher Saffron Everleigh. If you haven’t read the first book, A Botanist’s Guide To Parties and Poisons, I strongly recommend that you read it first for two reasons: a)the first book is really good and b) you’ll enjoy the excellent sequel more if you’re aware of Saffron’s situation.
It’s definitely worth it.
In Flowers and Fatality, Saffron is working on a research study with Dr. Michael Lee to identify dangerous plants and how to treat those exposed to the toxins. One day, Inspector Green walks into her office to ask for her input about a flower bouquet found near a woman murdered. Since Saffron had consulted on a previous investigation, he wondered if there was any significance to the flowers that were included. Saffron agreed, and when another bouquet was found near a dead woman, Saffron learned an important lesson…
Recent murder scenes are messy and can make you puke.
Khavari brought back all of the ingredients that made us Saffron fans in the first place – a smart, sassy lead; a dashing man investigating at her side; and an enjoyable mystery. I did figure out who done it, since I couldn’t stop thinking about the book when I (briefly) put it down.
Mysteries can be formulaic, with a plug-in investigator. Seriously, how many former cop/agent haunted by a fatal mistake redemption stories do we need? Saffron Everleigh is unique whose botanical expertise makes her the right person at the right time a toxic case comes up. Pun intended.
Do you like an intelligent investigator who is their own worst enemy? Do you enjoy being swept to a different place and time, such as early 20th century London?
I also love the Khavari’s epilogue. Yes, A Botanist’s Guide To Flowers and Fatality is wonderful. Kate Khavari topped off an enjoyable mystery by teasing a great premise for the next book. I want to read it – hurry up!
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing a review copy of the book. Opinions expressed are my own.
