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Title details for A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari - Available

A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons

by Kate Khavari
Jodie Harris
Audiobook
2 of 3 copies available
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2 of 3 copies available
London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh is the first woman to hold the position at University College of London. When she attends a dinner party for the school, she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon. What she doesn't expect is for 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, and evidence quickly mounts. Joined by flirtatious fellow researcher Alexander Ashton, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons to clear Maxwell's name. Will she be able to uncover the truth, or will her investigation land her on the murderer's list? In this entertaining examination of society's expectations, debut author Kate Khavari deftly sheds a light on the struggles of women in a male-dominated field, wrapped in mystery and murder.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    June 7, 2022

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781666582017
      • File size: 236260 KB
      • Duration: 08:12:12

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      April 25, 2022
      Set in 1923, Khavari’s appealing debut and series launch introduces Saffron Everleigh, University College London’s only female botanist researcher. One evening, Saffron attends a dinner party hosted by Sir Edward Leister, the donor supporting the biology department’s forthcoming Amazon expedition. At one point amid the small talk, Mrs. Henry, the wife of the expedition’s leader, collapses. When it turns out that Mrs. Henry was fatally poisoned by a rare plant-based toxin, Saffron’s mentor, Dr. Maxwell, who’s a rare supporter of women’s right to higher education, becomes the prime suspect. Saffron sets out to find the killer to save Dr. Maxwell and the Amazonian expedition, assisted by fellow botanist Alexander Ashton, a battle-fatigued WWI veteran. The duo investigate rancorous academic rivalries, libidinous faculty members, and gardens and greenhouses filled with lethal plants. Meanwhile, Saffron discovers an intriguing research paper written by her late father, a well-respected botanist, but will she survive long enough to learn more? The potpourri of fascinating botanical lore and the vivid London setting more than make up for some uneven pacing and awkward plotting. Khavari is off to a promising start.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Kate Khavari takes listeners to London 1923. Jodie Harris's comfortable pacing and British accent bring a strong sense of time, place, and character to this new series. Botanist Saffron Everleigh has an eager tone as she embarks on her new job at University College. When the wife of a professor is poisoned at a party and Saffron's mentor is arrested for the crime, she must use her skills to investigate. Harris provides hints of anger and impatience as Saffron deals with sexism at work and condescension from the police. Subtle pacing and varied tones distinguish the other characters. Dr. Maxwell's respect, Dr. Berking's arrogance, and Ashton's support add intrigue as listeners root for Saffron to stop the murderer before she herself becomes the next victim. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
    • Library Journal

      Starred review from September 1, 2022

      Khavari's intriguing mystery promises to be the start of an engaging new series. The tale is set in 1923 London, and listeners will meet Saffron Everleigh, a charming, quick-witted academic turned sleuth, who endeavors to prove that her mentor, Dr. Maxwell, is innocent of fatally poisoning a dinner guest. What Saffron lacks in wisdom, she makes up for in determination, as she meticulously employs her science-based research skills to ferret out every clue. She is joined by her colleague, Alexander Ashton, who appears to be helpful and bright, though unsettling rumors imply that he may not be all that he seems. Narrator Jodie Harris gives Saffron an inquisitive, determined voice that exudes authority when she speaks of botany and poison, but allows the perfect amount of uncertainty to creep in when she enters unfamiliar territory. Harris's self-assured delivery inspires trust in Saffron's skills and knowledge as she delivers fascinating details about 1920s scientific research methods and knowledge. Most importantly, once the culprit is revealed, the mystery proves to be cleverly conceived and satisfying. VERDICT The mixture of niche mystery elements (cozy, historical, academic) combined with Harris's appealing narration make this debut a must-buy for audio mystery collections.--Matthew Galloway

      Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • BookPage
      In 1923, Saffron Everleigh is the only female research assistant at University College London. She hopes to make a name for herself in botany and gain the respect of her male colleagues, many of whom question whether she deserves to be there. While attending a department party meant to celebrate an upcoming university-funded expedition to South America, Mrs. Henry, one of the professors’ wives, is poisoned. When Dr. Maxwell, Saffron’s mentor and boss, is accused of the crime, she begins her own investigation to clear his name—and figure out which member of their group tried to commit murder. Kate Khavari brings 1920s London to life in A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, focusing on the era’s less commonly explored academic and scientific spheres and taking full advantage of the lush greenhouses and gardens where Saffron and her colleagues conduct their research. Khavari also notes how the trauma of World War I still affects several of the characters, particularly Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher who joins Saffron in her quest. Alexander’s experiences with what we now know as post-traumatic stress disorder feel authentic and contribute to this mystery’s realistic depiction of the ’20s. Intelligent, witty and brave, Saffron makes for a delightful sleuth and protagonist. While trying to establish herself in a male-dominated profession, she must also navigate sexual harassment and discrimination. It’s a difficult position, but Saffron rises to the challenge. Khavari has crafted a fast-paced, interesting mystery with two extremely likable central characters, and readers will be eager to follow Saffron and Alexander’s future escapades.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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