Kate Khavari’s A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons transports readers to 1920s London, where science and societal expectations clash for Saffron Everleigh, a determined research assistant in the University College biology department. This cozy mystery, rich in botanical intrigue and historical context, offers a captivating blend of suspense and charm. The book revolves around a party where a mysterious poisoning occurs, setting Saffron on a quest to uncover the truth, armed with her knowledge of botany, particularly a fictional poisonous South American plant.
Saffron’s journey begins at a department party hosted at the grand home of a donor, where she encounters the intriguing Alexander Ashton, a biologist and microbiologist. The party atmosphere quickly turns sour when Mrs. Henry, wife of the expedition leader, collapses after taking a drink, hinting at a possible poisoning.
Saffron Everleigh and the Lightning Vine
With the police seemingly focusing on her boss, Saffron takes matters into her own hands, fueled by her botanical expertise. The investigation leads her to explore the properties of a fictional poisonous plant from South America, discovered by her boss, adding a unique scientific angle to the mystery.
The narrative is populated with a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and potential motives.
Harry Snyder, Dr. Henry’s assistant, was seated on her other side. With small brown eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses, and thin lips that emphasized his large, impeccable teeth, he looked rather like a rodent. His demeanor, skittish and reticent, matched his mousy appearance.
The romantic undertones between Saffron and Alexander add another layer of complexity to the story. Alexander’s role remains ambiguous, leaving readers to question his reliability and intentions, mirroring the allure and danger of a cobra plant.
The book cleverly incorporates elements of the era, including the lasting impact of World War I on individuals. Saffron faces challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, navigating sexism and academic politics, adding depth to her character.
Khavari’s attention to detail extends to the names of her characters, with botanical references like Saffron, Inspector Green, and Doctor Aster adding a playful touch to the narrative. The consideration of post-WWI trauma, specifically Alexander’s struggles, is based on thorough research, as noted in an interview with The Book Delight.
The author uses a lighthearted tone, balancing the mystery with humor and witty banter, keeping readers engaged. Saffron is portrayed as a relatable and determined protagonist, driven by a strong moral compass, even if it means bending the rules.
A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons marks the beginning of The Saffron Everleigh Mysteries series, promising more botanical adventures. The book offers an entertaining escape into a world of science, secrets, and societal complexities, leaving readers eager to join Saffron on her next investigation. The second volume, A Botanists’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality, is highly anticipated, solidifying the series’ appeal.
The investigation centers around a plant named xolotl vine:
Her eyes fell on the name of a plant from south-central Mexico, brought back decades ago by Dr. Maxwell. The vine was a sickly yellow color and zigzagged around trees as it grew, clinging tightly to its host. Maxwell had named it the xolotl vine, after the Aztec god of death and lightning, since the growth pattern resembled a fork of lightning and the toxin in its leaves struck as quickly. Saffron had the feeling that Maxwell enjoyed the notorious reputation of his plant, occasionally still telling secondhand stories of people dropping to the ground immediately upon consumption.
Ultimately, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons offers a unique and engaging reading experience, blending botanical knowledge with a captivating mystery. It’s a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre.
For more information, visit Kate Khavari’s personal website. Explore her Botanical Index for a comprehensive list of the plants referenced in the book.
