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awesome_archaeology's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
This is the first book of a STEM inspired mystery series and it offered an amazing story. It offers characters that are brilliant and charming set to the backdrop of 1920s London.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual assault
Minor: Infidelity, Sexism, and Vomit
leontyna's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
I enjoyed the main characters and the investigation itself. It wasn't entirely surprising but it was fun to listen to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault
riale's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
2.75
Wouldn't read again, but it's a quick and easy read for those looking to get into reading again , or interested in trying out a different genre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Murder and Fire/Fire injury
annah623's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I enjoyed the characters (mostly) and the setting and the romance. The mystery was alright. The writing was a little amateurish, but not bad. The main character was a little too not-like-other-girls, and there isn't a very good representation of other women aside from the main character (and her best friend who isn't in the book too much but is a welcome voice of reason). Overall, I enjoyed it enough to try the sequel too.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Mental illness
Minor: Alcoholism, Vomit, War, and Violence
There is the immediate threat of sexual assault/violence on page. It isn't explicit or graphic, but it could be triggering.fallenstarr's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A fun, fast read with enjoyable characters. This book takes place in the 1920's so sexism and misogyny is a part of that world, but there are so many characters that push back against that on a way that felt realistic for that time.
The mystery was well written but not overly surprising. The romance was cute with plenty of tropes. So if tropes annoy you, this probably isn't for you. But if you're in the mood for something fun and fast, enjoy!
The mystery was well written but not overly surprising. The romance was cute with plenty of tropes. So if tropes annoy you, this probably isn't for you. But if you're in the mood for something fun and fast, enjoy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Sexism, Medical content, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
Minor: Vomit, Drug use, and Death of parent
_alyssar_'s review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Sexual assault, Vomit, Infidelity, Sexism, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Sexual harassment
Minor: War
rowdymeowdy's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: War, Murder, and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
astoryofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i stumbled upon this book completely by chance, having never heard of it on bookstagram. and it felt good! being able to appreciate a book without any preconception due to social media, it even made me a little nostalgic. but what about this reading?
we follow the story of Saffron, a young botanist and assistant researcher, who finds herself having to lead an investigation following an assassination attempt. Kate Khavari drew her inspiration from the adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Hercules Poirot, and it shows! i absolutely adored this cosy little investigation, with its endearing characters. it's fairly quick but well-executed plot. it's not a great masterpiece, but it's the perfect book for hassle-free reading.
it's a debut novel, which means it's not perfect. the rhythm is not always well maintained (sometimes too fast, sometimes a little slower), but the book being short, it's not a big problem. the characters can occasionally lack a bit of background, leading to actions that don't sit well with their personalities (e.g. Saffron jumping to conclusions when she's supposed to be a scientist). nevertheless, she remains a very interesting character who understands her mistakes and doesn't hesitate to accept criticism in order to grow and improve (which many heroines lack).
the author also catches up with the character of Alexander, whom i adored (and who becomes a new bookboyfriend haha). with him, she deals in particular with the traumas of the First World War among the surviving soldiers. it was quite interesting to see this character evolve with his PTSD, without being ashamed of it. his traumatic past is also what makes his strength and his empathy for Saffron!
the character of Saffron also allows the author to report significant facts of the time, and which still remain today: sexism and sexual harassment in the university environment. i find it important to denounce this sexism and this misogyny, especially in an environment such as research. but i also really appreciated that the author highlights male characters who were there to support our heroine, without ever crushing her with mansplaining.
we always appreciate, of course, the little author's note in which she explains to us, without any pretension, her world-building choices. not knowing much about botany, i couldn't really judge the author's knowledge, but she seems capable of writing a book on this subject. as for the historical part, it isn't the main aspect; and the author is careful not to go into details she doesn't grasp. this doesn't prevent us from getting an idea of the state of research in 1923 which was, as Khavari explains in the said author's note, a very fruitful period with a lot of progress.
trigger warnings:
bullying, loss of a parent (past), murder (attempt), PTSD (war), sexism, sexual assault (attempt, mentioned and on-page), sexual harassment, sexual predation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Bullying, Death of parent, Vomit, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
katanai's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
well...a page turner for sure. i found the writing a bit... juvenile? it's a nice read, tho. the mc is a bit of an impulsive pusher & i found myself cringing at some of the things she did. the romance on the side was a nice touch & honestly? kind of one of the best elements of the book. for the actual mystery? it made my head hurt but not bc of it being complex, but rather all the terminology being used that just made it kind of a chore to read. anyway. it's a nice read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: War and Sexism
Minor: Infidelity
hschlecht's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Sexual assault, War, and Sexism