I really enjoyed the first book, but A Botanist’s Guide to Flowers and Fatality took the podium.
Botanist Saffron Everleigh is back and this time, DI Green comes to her for her expertise in the field. This time, a number of women were murdered and all have something in common: they all received a bouquet of deadly flowers. Each one is different and in the Victorian “language of flowers” they all seem to accuse the victims of something. Can Saffron get to the murderer before they make any more victims?
Saffron is a great character, and she grew quite a bit from her previous adventure. In a world that doesn’t want women to succeed, she becomes aware of her own power, her intelligence and her strength. Listening to her standing up for herself, her beliefs and wants was very satisfying.
A new character makes an appearance, Saffrons’ co-worker Dr Michael Lee, a charming, flirting medical researcher. Together, they dive into the world of the rich and powerful, and all its dark secrets. I really liked Lee, probably a bit more than Ashton, who is an expedition. Lee has a way with people but he has a good heart. He doesn’t interfere with Saffron’s choices and decisions, merely giving his opinion, and most of the times, letting her take the lead.
However, this time Saffron refuses to be cuddled by the men in her life, driven by her need to be part of something bigger than herself and to bring justice to the victims.
The mystery is really good, with a lot of red herrings about the identity of the killer. Even if my suspicions were confirmed, I couldn’t stop reading, especially when the action is unleashed. A very satisfying resolution, and a great opening for the next installment.
I’m looking forward to Saffron’s next adventure.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!
Book Traveller 