Thank you to the authors, publishers, and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The recipe review and food pairing found on my Instagram feed are of my own doing.
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
A Saffron Everleigh Mystery
Kate Khavari
This is the fourth installment in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, and I can’t believe I waited until now to give this series a try. In my defense, I usually shy away from historical mysteries, but the cover art just intrigued me, not to mention the unique character name, Saffron. I was not disappointed with this multiplot story that included family angst, rules of proprietary, an unusual amateur sleuth, Downton Abbey vibes, a medium, a Moriarty, and afternoon tea. The story is set in the late 1920s, and the location is England; Bedford to be exact, and Saffron has been called home to the family estate due to her grandfather’s ailing health. It sounds like a good opportunity to bring along roommate and BFF Elizabeth Hale who has family issues of her own. Plus, the added bonus of introducing the family to work colleague and beau, Alexander Ashton. Chances are that researcher Alexander will feel like he is under a microscope.
The story has a Miss Marple feel to it. Just imagine Miss Marple as a young botanist who worked at a university conducting research on the most usual or unusual of specimens. While at the same time, there is a Holmes-like aspect because of the villain, Bill Wyatt, who is a Moriarty of sorts and claims to be a doctor. I have not read the three previous books which puts me a little in the dark but not so much that I cannot enjoy the character interactions. Bits of backstory are sprinkled throughout the plot and subplot to keep the reader informed. Bits like the history of the tumultuous relationship between Saffron and her grandparents which is not any better than Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, the Hales. Family drama and strong-willed characters sure does add that little extra bit of spice to the interactions and keeps me turning the pages.
An excellent read and I can't wait to get caught up by going back to the beginning.
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