A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a historical mystery novel with a determined protagonist and romance elements, set in London’s Roaring Twenties, featuring a female scientist.

Overview of the Book

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a novel that combines elements of mystery, romance, and science, set against the backdrop of London’s Roaring Twenties. The book has been praised for its determined protagonist and fast-paced plot, with reviewers noting its intelligent and witty writing style. The story follows a female scientist as she navigates the complexities of academic intrigue and scientific suspense. With its unique blend of historical and scientific elements, the book has been compared to other works in the genre, such as The Lost Apothecary and Dead Dead Girls. The novel’s use of a scientifically informed mystery has been particularly noted, with reviewers praising its well-researched and detailed approach to the subject matter, making for an engaging and informative read.

Plot and Setting

London’s Roaring Twenties provides the backdrop for a mystery involving poison and academia, with a female scientist at its center, navigating parties and intrigue, in a historical setting.

The Mystery Unfolds

The mystery in A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons begins to unfold at a party for faculty, wives, and donors, where a woman collapses after taking a sip of champagne.

A rare and exotic poison is suspected, and the protagonist, Saffron Everleigh, finds herself drawn into the investigation, using her knowledge of botany to help uncover the truth.

As the story progresses, Saffron navigates a complex web of relationships and alliances within the academic community, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the killer and uncover the identity of the poison.

The mystery is full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the very end, and Saffron’s determination and intelligence make her a compelling and admirable detective.

Characters and Character Development

Characters in A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons are well-developed and intriguing individuals with unique personalities and motivations slowly revealed.

The Protagonist, Saffron Everleigh

Saffron Everleigh is the protagonist of A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons, a determined and intelligent female scientist in a male-dominated field. She is a botany researcher and assistant to a venerable professor at University College London. Saffron’s character is reminiscent of young women in Golden Age mystery novels, with a strong sense of curiosity and determination. As the story unfolds, Saffron’s character is developed, revealing her thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field are also explored, adding depth to her character. Saffron’s interactions with other characters, such as Alexander Ashton, a microbiologist, are also significant in shaping her personality and the plot of the story. Overall, Saffron is a well-developed and intriguing protagonist, driving the story forward with her intelligence and wit. Her character is a key element of the novel.

Supporting Characters

The novel features a cast of supporting characters, including Alexander Ashton, a microbiologist who meets Saffron at a party. He is attractive and accomplished, and their interaction is significant to the plot. Other characters, such as the professors and faculty members at University College London, add to the story’s academic intrigue. The characters’ conversations and interactions reveal their personalities, motives, and relationships, creating a complex web of connections. The Christie-like cast of characters, as described by M.L. Huie, adds to the mystery and suspense, keeping readers engaged. The characters’ roles in the story are well-developed, with each one contributing to the overall plot and Saffron’s investigation. The supporting characters are well-integrated into the story, making the novel a engaging and entertaining read. The characters’ diversity and uniqueness add depth to the story, making it more enjoyable.

Themes and Genre

Historical mystery and STEMinist elements combine in this novel, set in London’s Roaring Twenties, with academic intrigue and suspenseful plot, making it a unique genre blend always.

STEMinist Historical Mystery

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a novel that combines STEMinist and historical mystery elements, creating a unique and captivating genre blend. The story is set in London’s Roaring Twenties and features a female scientist as the protagonist. This blend of science, feminism, and historical context makes for a fascinating read. The novel’s use of scientific concepts and historical details adds depth and complexity to the story. The STEMinist aspect of the novel is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the challenges and triumphs of women in science during this time period. The historical mystery elements are also well-integrated, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged. Overall, the combination of STEMinist and historical mystery elements makes A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons a compelling and thought-provoking read, with a strong and determined female protagonist at its center, making it a great choice.

Reception and Reviews

The novel has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike, with many praising its unique blend of science, mystery, and historical fiction. Reviewers have noted the novel’s fast-paced and suspenseful plot, as well as its well-developed and relatable characters. The novel has been described as a delightful new novel, with a determined protagonist and a promising start for the author. Publishers Weekly has praised the novel, stating that the! author is off to a promising start; Bookpage has also reviewed the novel, noting that it is intelligent, witty, and brave, with a fast-paced and interesting mystery. Overall, the reception of the novel has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers recommending it to fans of historical mystery and science fiction, and the novel has been compared to other notable works in the genre, making it a great read for many.

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a captivating historical mystery novel with romance elements and science.

Final Thoughts

A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons has garnered praise for its determined protagonist and blend of romance and mystery. The novel’s unique blend of science and suspense has captivated readers. With its fast-paced and interesting plot, the book has been well-received by reviewers. The protagonist, a female scientist, is a refreshing and intelligent character. The novel’s setting, London’s Roaring Twenties, adds to its charm and intrigue. The book’s themes of science, mystery, and romance are well-woven throughout the narrative. Overall, A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons is a delightful and captivating read, perfect for fans of historical mysteries and science-infused fiction. The novel’s success is a testament to the author’s skill and creativity. The book is a great addition to the historical mystery genre, with its unique blend of science and suspense. The author’s writing style is engaging and entertaining.