A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets by Kate Khavari

Saffron has just gotten back from a botany conference in France. It didn't go quite the way she had hoped (sexism, sexism everywhere.) And getting back, she's still having to prove her place in the department. Luckily, Alexander is back from the Amazon and he's a bright light. 

In this book, we meet some brothers. Adrian, Alexander's brother was more connected to their mother's family (more Greek) while Alexander tended more toward their English father's lifestyle. He seems to be a part of the hard partying Bright Young Things.

Also hard partying? Saffron's friend and roommate Eliza. She also has a long-lost brother showing up out of the blue. Nicholas is even more mysterious. He didn't show up for their brother's funeral (Saffron's sweetheart) but he's here now and asking Saffron for help. But his question isn't as innocent as it appears and suddenly Saffron, Alexander, Eliza, and Nicholas are all in danger. 

Apparently everyone who meets her is just smitten by Saffron. No. Nearly every time she meets someone male they are overly interested in her. I think I'll try another book in the series but I'm almost ready to let this one go. In addition to the "everyone falls in love with Saffron", there are some reaches to get her involved in the mystery though at least one of the new characters may add some ways in.

Three stars

This book came out June 4, 2024

Saffron Everleigh Mysteries #3 

Follows A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality

Followed by A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality by Kate Khavari

Ugh. This book introduced one of my least favorite tropes: the love triangle. Saffron Everleigh didn't really make any promises to Alexander Ashton before he headed out to the Amazon, so should she really feel guilty for kissing Dr. Michael Lee in the course of an investigation? The man who supports her in her investigation of the deaths of three women, all of whom were sent bouquets of flowers that had messages. And often caused itching and more.

This time, Detective Inspector Green actually asks for her help. And Saffron wants to help. She may be in over her head though. Going undercover in the ton, it may be that her true identity will be exposed and the way of life she has chosen for herself will be threatened.

Three stars

This book came out June 6, 2023

Saffron Everleigh Mysteries #2

Follows A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

Followed by A Botanist's Guide to Society and Secrets

Borrowed as audiobook from Libby

Opinions are my own

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari

Saffron Everleigh is a researcher at the University College of London. She is trying to navigate through a world changed by WWI and one that is not generally open to young ladies. This includes navigating overtures and gossip. What it doesn't normally contain is attempted murder.

With the rest of the faculty in her department, Saffron is invited to a dinner party. She is not worried about how to behave (there are some allusions to wealthy grandparents) but she is worried about encountering the department head who tried to attack her. Everyone is gathered to talk about a new expedition that will be taking place shortly. That doesn't mean there isn't some intrigue as various people melt out to balconys or find places for a rendezvous. Saffron almost finds herself in a sticky situation when she accidentally meets Alexander Ashton, a researcher she just met, in a darkened hallway. They are almost discovered by Mrs. Henry: her husband is leading the expedition and she is the person who is poisoned later in the evening. 

Saffron probably wouldn't have gotten involved but the police have arrested her mentor and father figure Dr. Maxwell. She decides to mount an investigation of her own that may or may not end up putting her in a precarious situation. 

Three and a half stars

This book came out June 7, 2022

Followed by A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality

Borrowed as ebook from Libby

Opinions are my own