So much fun. I loved Saffron and Alexander, and I really appreciated the focus on the challenges of being a woman in science, which are sadly still applicable today. Parts of this book reminded me of reading Lessons in Chemistry, but this is much lighter. This is an adventurous and playful book with some dark themes, and I loved every minute of it.

To cope with anachronisms in period novels, I try to pretend they're set in an alternate timeline. With that trick employed, I enjoyed this little mystery. ( )

DNF @ 8%

I originally requested this eARC from Netgalley because someone said it was AMAZING and was raving about how great it was. I didn't realize it was a historical fiction/cozy mystery, both of which are genres I don't particularly enjoy.

My only real comments are the word "botany" is used far too much in the first chapter, and the first chapter is too long, it should have been split into 2 chapters. The second chapter is a bit long also. If I hadn't read the synopsis I would never have known that the book is supposed to be set in 1920, I would have just assumed it was a hoity-toity dinner party in London.

This one just isn't for me.

3.5 Stars. It did drag a little. ( )

This audiobook took me a bit to get through. I was highly anticipating this one, but it was a bit of a letdown and a bit slow.
The narrator, Jodie Harris, did a great job on the characters, bringing them to life and the world too. I think part of the issue for me was that I was expecting and hoping for more of a mystery/thriller and this is more of historical fiction. This audiobook was very well done, but I didn't quite click with this story.

Here's the summary from Goodreads: Saffron Everleigh is in a race against time to free her wrongly accused professor before he goes behind bars forever. Perfect for fans of Deanna Raybourn and Anna Lee Huber, Kate Khavari’s debut historical mystery is a fast-paced, fearless adventure.
London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn’t expect 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, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition's departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she’ll have to do it herself.
Joined by enigmatic Alexander Ashton, a fellow researcher, Saffron uses her knowledge of botany as she explores steamy greenhouses, dark gardens, and deadly poisons. Will she be able to uncover the truth or will her investigation land her on the murderer’s list?

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for letting me listen to this audiobook ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )