Title:  A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons (audio version)   
Author:  Kate Khavari
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery  
Rating:  4.5 out 5.0

London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university’s large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin.

Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition’s departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor’s name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.

Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?

I enjoyed listening to this audio book! I enjoyed the interactions between Saffron and Alexander a lot, and there was a lot of humorous moments. The mystery was well-done and there was a lot going on that the author juggled and wove together to keep the action always moving. I can’t wait to read the next one!

Kate Khavari Lives in the DFW area. A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review.)

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