Reviews

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

nalani_maria's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

cashewenemy's review against another edition

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had to stop when the romance started getting a bodice ripper vibe

spunglass's review against another edition

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4.0

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the digital ARC of 'A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons'.

I constantly have people sending me links for books they think will interest me, or feel would be something I would like to add to my library... or even tell my students about. This book was one of those.

As soon as I saw that this book involved botany, I knew it was something I wanted to read as soon as I possibly could. I enjoyed the world, and time I was brought too. Views of the time were well represented. Botany was one of those pursuits deemed appropriate for those of a higher social class.

My only personal frustration for this book (which is addressed in the Author's Notes) is that 'Solandra xolotum' is fictitious. Part of what made me want to read this book was to see what existing plants would be used, since there are over 100+ plants that are poisonous or fatal. I will admit though that it's creation was well done.

This is definitely something I would recommend to my colleagues for their 'to-read' lists, and for some of my older students that are fascinated with Historical Fiction.

shonedawg's review against another edition

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informative mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

kaylamarie11's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kariann_reading_journey's review against another edition

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4.0

Give me a book about a woman in a male dominated field and you’ve already got a winner in my eyes. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I enjoyed Khavari’s debut A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of Saffron’s scientific studies coupled with a solid mystery. I was hooked for the entirety of the story trying to figure out which tidbits were red herrings and which were truly important. I also really enjoyed the development between Saffron and Alexander. They had great chemistry and banter. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Saffron uses her charms against Alexander to get what she wanted and then again when he turned the same charm against her. I also really enjoy botany in general, so the large amount of plant talk did not take away from the story in my eyes. Despite the overall nature of the mystery, I loved the general cozy vibe to this story. I read this via audiobook and felt that the narrator, Jodie Harris did a great job bringing Saffron’s quirky nature to life. I also think she did well making the transition between Saffron and Alexander. I would recommend checking out this audiobook if you’re a fan of mystery audiobooks.

alivaster's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was immensely entertaining and greatly held my interest from the first page. I really enjoyed the journey with Saffron and the fact that she was so determined to take things into her own hands makes me super excited for the next books in the series. The audiobook was amazing, and I really enjoyed the narrator's carious voices for the characters.

Following a young female botanist in 1923, Saffron, who is determined to clear her mentor’s name when Dr. Maxwell is charged for murder, she will stop at nothing, especially when the authorities find mounting evidence against him. Saffron realizes that if she wants the outcomes she desires, she must do it herself, even if it’s poison. After all, every great scientist knows that it’s all about carefully documented data and, perhaps, a little sacrifice. It's perfect for fans of historical mysteries that enjoy an engaging story with a strong female lead. Even if you don’t know anything about botany or poisons, this book is a great read that is easy to digest, but has all the drama and intrigue of any other mystery. Solid four stars! And I would definitely recommend.


POV & Tense: Third person in past tense.

Immense thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for the eAudiobook of the ARC of "A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons" by Kate Khavari, narrated by Jodie Harris in exchange for my honest review.

sydt713's review against another edition

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mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

garrett1818's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

maddox22's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0