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Saffron Everleigh Mystery #4
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
Brilliant botanist Saffron Everleigh faces her hardest challenge yet when she returns to her childhood home in the fourth book in the charming Saffron Everleigh mystery series.
“A cleverly plotted puzzle” (Ashley Weaver) in the vein of Opium and Absinthe, this is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Sujata Massey.
Saffron Everleigh returns to Ellington Manor after her grandfather suffers a heart attack. Back in her childhood home for the first time in years, Saffron faces tense family relationships made worse by the presence of the enigmatic Bill Wyatt, hired on as a doctor to the ailing Lord Easting. But the man is no doctor—in reality, he is a mysterious figure involved in the trafficking of dangerous government secrets, and his presence at Ellington can only mean trouble.
When their neighbors, the Hales, invite a spiritual medium into the village who starts angling for Saffron’s mother’s attention, Saffron realizes that there is more afoot in her hometown than she originally thought. Not to mention inviting Alexander to Ellington has put their budding relationship under her family’s microscope.
As tensions rise at Ellington, Bill demands that Saffron hand over old research documents belonging to her late father. With her relatives under his power as their ‘doctor,’ Saffron fears she may be forced to surrender the files along with her hopes of ever understanding her father’s obscure legacy. Nothing and no one is as they seem at Ellington. It’s through the perfumed haze of the séance’s smoke that Saffron must search for the truth before it’s too late.
“A cleverly plotted puzzle” (Ashley Weaver) in the vein of Opium and Absinthe, this is perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Sujata Massey.
Saffron Everleigh returns to Ellington Manor after her grandfather suffers a heart attack. Back in her childhood home for the first time in years, Saffron faces tense family relationships made worse by the presence of the enigmatic Bill Wyatt, hired on as a doctor to the ailing Lord Easting. But the man is no doctor—in reality, he is a mysterious figure involved in the trafficking of dangerous government secrets, and his presence at Ellington can only mean trouble.
When their neighbors, the Hales, invite a spiritual medium into the village who starts angling for Saffron’s mother’s attention, Saffron realizes that there is more afoot in her hometown than she originally thought. Not to mention inviting Alexander to Ellington has put their budding relationship under her family’s microscope.
As tensions rise at Ellington, Bill demands that Saffron hand over old research documents belonging to her late father. With her relatives under his power as their ‘doctor,’ Saffron fears she may be forced to surrender the files along with her hopes of ever understanding her father’s obscure legacy. Nothing and no one is as they seem at Ellington. It’s through the perfumed haze of the séance’s smoke that Saffron must search for the truth before it’s too late.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
June 11, 2025
Book four in this series and I have read them all.
This one turned out to be the book I have liked the least so far. I found it a little slow and I was not especially interested in either sub plot. Having said that, there was a lot going on between family members and between Saffron and Alexander which was entertaining.
Hopefully we have seen the last of Bill and may get to enjoy seeing Saffron and Alexander somewhere exotic overseas working on an archaeological dig and doing the kind of sleuthing they are good at. I visualise something like the Amelia Peabody series!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This one turned out to be the book I have liked the least so far. I found it a little slow and I was not especially interested in either sub plot. Having said that, there was a lot going on between family members and between Saffron and Alexander which was entertaining.
Hopefully we have seen the last of Bill and may get to enjoy seeing Saffron and Alexander somewhere exotic overseas working on an archaeological dig and doing the kind of sleuthing they are good at. I visualise something like the Amelia Peabody series!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 12, 2025
This is book 4 in this series and I think it is the second one I have read. I definitely enjoy these characters and do intend to read them all. Saffron and her friends go back to her home because she is summoned due to her grandfather’s poor health. Unfortunately danger has followed them and there is plenty of family drama to resolve. I liked this mystery but I did get a little frustrated that things with Bill weren’t finished once and for all despite several opportunities. There is also progress to Saffron and Alexander’s relationship with I enjoyed too. I also really liked that Elizabeth also faced her family and past and got to be developed a little more. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator quite a bit, she definitely brought this story to life.
June 7, 2025
Will Saffron ever be free of these manipulations!
Research botanist Saffron Everleigh has been called back to Ellington. Her grandfather, Lord Easting is ill. Alexander Ashton her beau accompanies her, as does Elizabeth Hale her childhood friend and brother to her dead sweetheart Wesley.
What greets her is Bill Wyatt masquerading as a cardiologist caring for her grandfather. Bill wants something from Saffron, some research of her father’s.
Meanwhile staying on the adjoining Hale Estate is a medium, Madame Martin and her assistant, Bernard Fischer, conning Elizabeth’s parents, friends and the villagers. Both Elizabeth and Saffron are furious.
Heightened tensions, danger, a kidnapping, and a killer willing to do anything to obtain his goals is just part of this intriguing, gut wrenching, latest tale of Saffron’s life.
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Research botanist Saffron Everleigh has been called back to Ellington. Her grandfather, Lord Easting is ill. Alexander Ashton her beau accompanies her, as does Elizabeth Hale her childhood friend and brother to her dead sweetheart Wesley.
What greets her is Bill Wyatt masquerading as a cardiologist caring for her grandfather. Bill wants something from Saffron, some research of her father’s.
Meanwhile staying on the adjoining Hale Estate is a medium, Madame Martin and her assistant, Bernard Fischer, conning Elizabeth’s parents, friends and the villagers. Both Elizabeth and Saffron are furious.
Heightened tensions, danger, a kidnapping, and a killer willing to do anything to obtain his goals is just part of this intriguing, gut wrenching, latest tale of Saffron’s life.
A Crooked Lane ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 11, 2025
5 stars – A Clever and Engaging Follow-Up
Saffron Everleigh and Alexander Ashton return in A Botanist’s Guide to Rituals and Revenge, and this time, the stakes feel more personal than ever with Saffron’s family drawn into the mystery. This installment delivers all the charm, wit, and intrigue that fans of the series have come to love.
The historical setting is rich and immersive, and Kate Khavari continues to weave botanical knowledge seamlessly into the plot. The chemistry between Saffron and Ashton is as compelling as ever, and their partnership keeps evolving in a way that feels natural and satisfying.
This cozy mystery series is a true gem—well-paced, intelligent, and consistently engaging. I’m truly hoping there’s another book to come. I can’t wait to see where this pair will go next.
Thank you to NetGalley and penguin random house for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Saffron Everleigh and Alexander Ashton return in A Botanist’s Guide to Rituals and Revenge, and this time, the stakes feel more personal than ever with Saffron’s family drawn into the mystery. This installment delivers all the charm, wit, and intrigue that fans of the series have come to love.
The historical setting is rich and immersive, and Kate Khavari continues to weave botanical knowledge seamlessly into the plot. The chemistry between Saffron and Ashton is as compelling as ever, and their partnership keeps evolving in a way that feels natural and satisfying.
This cozy mystery series is a true gem—well-paced, intelligent, and consistently engaging. I’m truly hoping there’s another book to come. I can’t wait to see where this pair will go next.
Thank you to NetGalley and penguin random house for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2025
Saffron Everleigh and Alexander Asher have my heart! Every book in this series has them on a new adventure, but also reveals just a little bit more about them. It's hard to believe we are still learning about them four books in, but here we are. This was yet another fantastic installment in a series that has quickly become one of my favorites.
While I reread the third book in the series before diving into this one, that's not necessary to understand what is happening. There are enough reminders and explanations that a new reader would be able to follow along. Having recently revisited the story before, though, made me loathe Bill even more. I fear that he'll become a bit of a Moriarty character for our beloved main characters.
Saffron has been motivated to understand her father's research from the beginning of the series and this book serves as a conclusion to that part of the story. She has returned to her family home, where she has access to her father's greenhouse and her mother. That being said, there's a lot of sleuthing and some back-and-forth trips to London as she figures out what her father was working on before he died.
There's a secondary plot involving Saffron's roommate, Elizabeth, and her family. Her mother has two spiritualists staying with her. It wouldn't be a post-war story without a seance or two! That storyline intersects with the main one nicely.
The romantic subplot that's been simmering from the beginning of this series has some wonderful development here. There's also a hint at a secondary romantic plot with Saffron's roommate, Elizabeth. Elizabeth moved into main character territory in the last book and she continues to be a prominent part of the story. I love that we also got to see secondary characters from previous books in this installment.
I enjoyed reading this so much that I'll be reading again when my preorder shows up!
I was given early access to this by the publisher, but the opinions in this review are my own.
While I reread the third book in the series before diving into this one, that's not necessary to understand what is happening. There are enough reminders and explanations that a new reader would be able to follow along. Having recently revisited the story before, though, made me loathe Bill even more. I fear that he'll become a bit of a Moriarty character for our beloved main characters.
Saffron has been motivated to understand her father's research from the beginning of the series and this book serves as a conclusion to that part of the story. She has returned to her family home, where she has access to her father's greenhouse and her mother. That being said, there's a lot of sleuthing and some back-and-forth trips to London as she figures out what her father was working on before he died.
There's a secondary plot involving Saffron's roommate, Elizabeth, and her family. Her mother has two spiritualists staying with her. It wouldn't be a post-war story without a seance or two! That storyline intersects with the main one nicely.
The romantic subplot that's been simmering from the beginning of this series has some wonderful development here. There's also a hint at a secondary romantic plot with Saffron's roommate, Elizabeth. Elizabeth moved into main character territory in the last book and she continues to be a prominent part of the story. I love that we also got to see secondary characters from previous books in this installment.
I enjoyed reading this so much that I'll be reading again when my preorder shows up!
I was given early access to this by the publisher, but the opinions in this review are my own.
April 12, 2025
Welcome back, Saffron Everleigh!
I continue to be thoroughly charmed by this historical mystery series. In this addition to the ongoing story, we get to see more of Saffron's family, and along with that, it's interesting to see her (and Alexander & Elizabeth) in a different milieu. The mystery is just a little bit of a letdown compared to the previous books; I like the subplot involving a medium conducting fraudulent seances, which felt very much in keeping with the kind of detecting work Saffron has proven herself best at before, but I don't find the primary antagonist as interesting as I could wish, and consequently the middle section does drag just a bit for me. Still, it's a strong series and I look forward to it continuing, hopefully for many books to come!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I continue to be thoroughly charmed by this historical mystery series. In this addition to the ongoing story, we get to see more of Saffron's family, and along with that, it's interesting to see her (and Alexander & Elizabeth) in a different milieu. The mystery is just a little bit of a letdown compared to the previous books; I like the subplot involving a medium conducting fraudulent seances, which felt very much in keeping with the kind of detecting work Saffron has proven herself best at before, but I don't find the primary antagonist as interesting as I could wish, and consequently the middle section does drag just a bit for me. Still, it's a strong series and I look forward to it continuing, hopefully for many books to come!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2025
eBook - 3 Stars
* It was lovely to be back with Saffron and Company, including some new faces [perhaps a few too many, but still nice] in this go-round. Saffron is one of my favorite FMC, with such spirit and caring, which really comes out with this visit to her family. I didn't love how much hand-wringing she did in this one, but overall, it was lovely to be with her and she love of mystery and science.
* I missed the botany. A LOT. I could have done with a lot less of the drama [which was excessive at times] and a lot more plants and flowers. I know so little about plants and the like and it was one of the things that drew me to these books and I found I really, really, did miss that aspect in this book. It is really what Saffron does best and we just don't get to see that.
* Alexander *AND* Elizabeth. It was so great to see real growth with these characters, Elizabeth especially. She too has been through so much and it was really lovely to see her face things head-on and fight for her family [her silly, vapid, family] and their lives. I love Alexander and seeing him realize he needs to love Saffron as she is if he wants to be with her has been very fun to watch.
* Unfortunately, for me, this book seemed a tad too long. Perhaps its because it was dramadramadrama from page one and you don't really get a break at all from it...I don't know. I just know that by the end [ERGH!! see below], I was rather glad it was finished [and that made me so very sad].
* THAT. ENDING. WAS. UGH.
Audiobook narration - 4 Stars
Jodie Harris, as always, was absolutely fantastic and I really enjoyed listening to her narrate this book [as well as the previous books] and I hope that should there be more books, she will continue to narrate them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
* It was lovely to be back with Saffron and Company, including some new faces [perhaps a few too many, but still nice] in this go-round. Saffron is one of my favorite FMC, with such spirit and caring, which really comes out with this visit to her family. I didn't love how much hand-wringing she did in this one, but overall, it was lovely to be with her and she love of mystery and science.
* I missed the botany. A LOT. I could have done with a lot less of the drama [which was excessive at times] and a lot more plants and flowers. I know so little about plants and the like and it was one of the things that drew me to these books and I found I really, really, did miss that aspect in this book. It is really what Saffron does best and we just don't get to see that.
* Alexander *AND* Elizabeth. It was so great to see real growth with these characters, Elizabeth especially. She too has been through so much and it was really lovely to see her face things head-on and fight for her family [her silly, vapid, family] and their lives. I love Alexander and seeing him realize he needs to love Saffron as she is if he wants to be with her has been very fun to watch.
* Unfortunately, for me, this book seemed a tad too long. Perhaps its because it was dramadramadrama from page one and you don't really get a break at all from it...I don't know. I just know that by the end [ERGH!! see below], I was rather glad it was finished [and that made me so very sad].
* THAT. ENDING. WAS. UGH.
Audiobook narration - 4 Stars
Jodie Harris, as always, was absolutely fantastic and I really enjoyed listening to her narrate this book [as well as the previous books] and I hope that should there be more books, she will continue to narrate them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Khavari, Jodie Harris - Narrator, Crooked Lane Books, and Dreamscape Media for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2025
This book gives you about the same vibes as Knives Out, but without the murder (still a lot of mysteries though) and set in 1924 instead of today. It makes for an interesting and entertaining story. The rituals and revenge taking place in Ellington manor offer a nice change of scenery.
If you liked the previous books, you’ll like this one as well. With the focus on Saffron, Alexander and Elisabeth, you get more meaningful interactions and moments with them in the spotlight (which is something I missed a little bit in the other books). Their actions felt more in-character for them as well. Some minor plot holes and an abundance of descriptions keep me from giving this book 4 stars, going for 3.5 instead.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC.
If you liked the previous books, you’ll like this one as well. With the focus on Saffron, Alexander and Elisabeth, you get more meaningful interactions and moments with them in the spotlight (which is something I missed a little bit in the other books). Their actions felt more in-character for them as well. Some minor plot holes and an abundance of descriptions keep me from giving this book 4 stars, going for 3.5 instead.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this eARC.
March 22, 2025
I love historical mystery and this entire series is a hit! I felt like I was in the 20’s! Saffron is such a likable character! The romance is slow but I like a slow burn! I love the botany, the more interaction between the characters and the new setting, her home!! Really enjoyed this book! Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy.
July 15, 2025
While I ended up really enjoying this one, I wish I would have either reread the previous one or had a reference page for characters because this one jumps right in where the previous book left off. I found myself a bit confused as I was trying to remember what had happened and who was who. I ended up continuing to enjoy the series as well as the headstrong and intelligent female protagonist and her beau!
June 29, 2025
Really enjoyed this series, but I would've loved if there were more botany-specific issues in this one. Was still good. Ending could've been better, but I guess that leaves room for a 5th book.
August 2, 2025
Saffron Everleigh returns to her home, Ellington Manor, with Elizabeth and Alexander Ashton in tow. Saffron's grandfather has suffered a heart attack, and Saffron is worried and scared for his health. This is only increased by the malevolent presence of Bill Wyatt, who was hired by the Everleighs to treat her ailing grandfather.
Saffron's family is not happy that she insists on continuing at the university, so this already fraught homecoming is made worse by her continued desire for independence. Also, they're understandably surprised to meet Alexander, a man with no title or wealth.
Bill Wyatt has insisted that Saffron's grandfather's health depends on her finding her father's research documents for him, and no matter where she looks, she cannot find them. Also, there is growing tension between Elizabeth and her neighbouring family, the Hales, who have employed a spiritualist. Elizabeth's relationship with her family deteriorated years earlier, sending her to London, so she's understandably not happy to spend time with them again, much less with a medium manipulating them.
So, there is much drama and tension everywhere, and Saffron must deal with family expectations and Bill's blackmail, and a likely con artist, and find her father's missing papers within a tight timeline. There is danger, and there are lies, arguments, and a kidnapping, and things mostly work out at the end. I liked how Saffron had to recast her understanding of her mother by the end of the story, who proves to be very different from the person Saffron had thought her to be.
I hope we return to London and the university, or perhaps a research site, for the next Saffron Everleigh adventure.
I went back and forth between the book and audio, and voice actor Jodie Harris again does a great job as Saffron, and as everybody else.
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Saffron's family is not happy that she insists on continuing at the university, so this already fraught homecoming is made worse by her continued desire for independence. Also, they're understandably surprised to meet Alexander, a man with no title or wealth.
Bill Wyatt has insisted that Saffron's grandfather's health depends on her finding her father's research documents for him, and no matter where she looks, she cannot find them. Also, there is growing tension between Elizabeth and her neighbouring family, the Hales, who have employed a spiritualist. Elizabeth's relationship with her family deteriorated years earlier, sending her to London, so she's understandably not happy to spend time with them again, much less with a medium manipulating them.
So, there is much drama and tension everywhere, and Saffron must deal with family expectations and Bill's blackmail, and a likely con artist, and find her father's missing papers within a tight timeline. There is danger, and there are lies, arguments, and a kidnapping, and things mostly work out at the end. I liked how Saffron had to recast her understanding of her mother by the end of the story, who proves to be very different from the person Saffron had thought her to be.
I hope we return to London and the university, or perhaps a research site, for the next Saffron Everleigh adventure.
I went back and forth between the book and audio, and voice actor Jodie Harris again does a great job as Saffron, and as everybody else.
Thank you to Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and to Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my review.
July 3, 2025
Much thanks to Kate Khavari, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a really slow burn. I wanted to DNF so bad around 30% because I'd only been half listening from the start and nothing had yet to grab me, but I liked the characters and was in the middle of doing something and didn't want to take the time to stop and find something else to listen to, so I let it play. There isn't a murder mystery, it's more of a thriller as the villain looms and threatens Saffron if she doesn't find her father's old research. So the entire mystery is who's Bill (which doesn't get answered) and where is her father's research (which doesn't have a satisfying or entirely clear answer, either). Not very compelling. That's about half the plot, maybe even less; the rest is navigating social politics and family drama, which was also not compelling to me. You get a bunch of classism and misogyny shoved down your throat--been there, done that--and nothing's changed by the end except the grandfather's very reluctant gesture to Alex. Overall I found the novel uncompelling and unsatisfying. I do like the characters, though, which is probably why I keep reading this lackluster series.
This is a really slow burn. I wanted to DNF so bad around 30% because I'd only been half listening from the start and nothing had yet to grab me, but I liked the characters and was in the middle of doing something and didn't want to take the time to stop and find something else to listen to, so I let it play. There isn't a murder mystery, it's more of a thriller as the villain looms and threatens Saffron if she doesn't find her father's old research. So the entire mystery is who's Bill (which doesn't get answered) and where is her father's research (which doesn't have a satisfying or entirely clear answer, either). Not very compelling. That's about half the plot, maybe even less; the rest is navigating social politics and family drama, which was also not compelling to me. You get a bunch of classism and misogyny shoved down your throat--been there, done that--and nothing's changed by the end except the grandfather's very reluctant gesture to Alex. Overall I found the novel uncompelling and unsatisfying. I do like the characters, though, which is probably why I keep reading this lackluster series.
July 3, 2025
A second disappointing sequel in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series. The strong protagonist from the first two books has become a total worrywart. And she does have plenty to worry about, with the mob guy to whom she owe a favor from the last book. But having to visit her estranged family is really not a cause for such handwringing, at least till said mobster shows up. There’s a lot of unnecessary drama and too much girlish incompetency.
True, she and her boyfriend and bestie appear to be drugged by a phony mystic who preys on families of those lost in WWI. Madame has fooled the bestie’s parents into hosting seances where she speak as their dead son. That particular mystery was quite interesting. Though the solution was a bit ambiguous in the end, the conclusion was satisfying.
As with the last book, the ending is inconclusive. There’s no real resolution of the main mystery, though there is progress in the romance plotline. I was left with the impression of too much drama for too little result.
True, she and her boyfriend and bestie appear to be drugged by a phony mystic who preys on families of those lost in WWI. Madame has fooled the bestie’s parents into hosting seances where she speak as their dead son. That particular mystery was quite interesting. Though the solution was a bit ambiguous in the end, the conclusion was satisfying.
As with the last book, the ending is inconclusive. There’s no real resolution of the main mystery, though there is progress in the romance plotline. I was left with the impression of too much drama for too little result.
January 11, 2025
The latest in this excellent 1920s set series sees a change of scenery for Saffron and friends, as they travel to her family home outside London in response to a family health crisis and the presence of a mysterious figure who had threatened Saffron in a previous book. Family drama combines with the longer standing mystery to make a tense, suspenseful plot. I enjoyed the switch to address family issues that had only been hinted at in earlier books, and the character growth in this one felt very real and believable. I like that the author tackled that growth head on instead of letting things slide and remain unresolved, which can annoy me when done in other series. The ending will be especially meaningful to series readers. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily
July 15, 2025
Why 2 stars? I’m sick of the Bill storyline. I skipped to the end and read the last four or five chapters, and learned everything I needed to know. Hopefully, that storyline is done and over with. Idk what the next book will be about, but hopefully it’s something new.
June 30, 2025
We're up to volume 4 in Kate Khavari's Saffron Everleigh mystery series. I was lucky enough to snag a review copy of volume one back when the series started, and I've been following it ever since. The series is set in London and other nearby areas just at the end of WWI.
This novel's characters, as was true for so many in England at that time, have experienced significant losses: a father, an uncle, brothers, cousins. Before his death in the war, Saffron's father was a Botanist. She's determined to work in the same field, but has been forced to fight against both male colleagues who think science is no sphere for a woman and relatives who want to force her to give up on this science nonsense and find a "suitable marriage."
Given the recurring cast of characters and the richness of the relationships among them, I would recommend reading this series in order. A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge will make for satisfying reading even if it's your first go at the series, but the connections, tensions, affections, and concerns of the different characters matter a great deal—and you'll miss important parts of the fun if you aren't familiar with the series.
Saffron has had run-ins in the past with spies, unscrupulous government agents, crooked academics, and criminals who see science as a potential source of profit. In Rituals and Revenge, she is working against two villains who have challenged her before: one a false medium and her accomplice, the other a criminal trying to get his hands on saleable scientific research via threat, blackmail, or any other means he can come up with. The first hopes to profit from local families longing for contact with their war dead. The second is certain that Saffron's father was engaged in potentially lucrative research—perhaps in poisons or antidotes—and is unrelenting in his demands that she find papers that may or may not even exist.
One of Khavari's gifts is building up action until the last 1/4-1/3 of the novel is a race against multiple crises—so what has been enjoyable reading becomes a frenzied race.
If you like historical mysteries, especially those set during and after WWI and/or feisty women ahead of their time and/or science-related skullduggery and/or class-conscious members of England's upper crust, you're in for a treat with this series.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
This novel's characters, as was true for so many in England at that time, have experienced significant losses: a father, an uncle, brothers, cousins. Before his death in the war, Saffron's father was a Botanist. She's determined to work in the same field, but has been forced to fight against both male colleagues who think science is no sphere for a woman and relatives who want to force her to give up on this science nonsense and find a "suitable marriage."
Given the recurring cast of characters and the richness of the relationships among them, I would recommend reading this series in order. A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge will make for satisfying reading even if it's your first go at the series, but the connections, tensions, affections, and concerns of the different characters matter a great deal—and you'll miss important parts of the fun if you aren't familiar with the series.
Saffron has had run-ins in the past with spies, unscrupulous government agents, crooked academics, and criminals who see science as a potential source of profit. In Rituals and Revenge, she is working against two villains who have challenged her before: one a false medium and her accomplice, the other a criminal trying to get his hands on saleable scientific research via threat, blackmail, or any other means he can come up with. The first hopes to profit from local families longing for contact with their war dead. The second is certain that Saffron's father was engaged in potentially lucrative research—perhaps in poisons or antidotes—and is unrelenting in his demands that she find papers that may or may not even exist.
One of Khavari's gifts is building up action until the last 1/4-1/3 of the novel is a race against multiple crises—so what has been enjoyable reading becomes a frenzied race.
If you like historical mysteries, especially those set during and after WWI and/or feisty women ahead of their time and/or science-related skullduggery and/or class-conscious members of England's upper crust, you're in for a treat with this series.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
June 25, 2025
Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a copy of this title in exchange for my review.
This is book 4 in a series, and I have not read or listened to the previous books. So I was meeting the characters and locations for the first time.
Not being familiar with the story line, I had a hard time following the story line and understanding the characters and plot. I found this book to be rather slow just too long. In reading other reviews, I saw others comment about the book being slow, so maybe it's not me, or maybe it's due to knot knowing the characters.
The story line with the medium was interesting to me. I'm not sure who the character Bill is or what his spot in the story line is supposed to be.
I'm not sure if I'll go back to find previous books in this series. For those who enjoy historical mysteries, especially set in the 1920-1930 years, you may really enjoy this series. Just start with book 1, I think.
This is book 4 in a series, and I have not read or listened to the previous books. So I was meeting the characters and locations for the first time.
Not being familiar with the story line, I had a hard time following the story line and understanding the characters and plot. I found this book to be rather slow just too long. In reading other reviews, I saw others comment about the book being slow, so maybe it's not me, or maybe it's due to knot knowing the characters.
The story line with the medium was interesting to me. I'm not sure who the character Bill is or what his spot in the story line is supposed to be.
I'm not sure if I'll go back to find previous books in this series. For those who enjoy historical mysteries, especially set in the 1920-1930 years, you may really enjoy this series. Just start with book 1, I think.
June 23, 2025
I have really enjoyed this series, but this book felt like a bit of a letdown. I found it to be too slow and too long even with the dual stories of the medium and the mysterious Bill. The ending left a lot to be desired. It felt incomplete unnecessarily so. I like Saffron and the cast of characters but I’m not sure I’d continue with the series if the ending is any indication of future storylines.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook! The narration was very well done.
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook! The narration was very well done.
July 4, 2025
Saffron Everleigh is back with another adventure! But this time while she’s back home in London to visit an ailing family member, she has to face family drama, a deceitful medium, corruption and manipulation rather than murder. The story isn’t a thrilling high speed rollercoaster ride, but more of a slow and steady journey with obstacles along the way.
The audio was wonderful, and exactly what I’d expect from this genre of book, and for the “timeframe”.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape media for the audio arc
The audio was wonderful, and exactly what I’d expect from this genre of book, and for the “timeframe”.
Thank you NetGalley & Dreamscape media for the audio arc
February 17, 2025
The fourth title in the Saffron Everleigh series, this book shifts the setting to Saffron’s family estate. Saffron has been summoned home due to her grandfather being ill, and when she realizes a nemesis may be present, she brings Elizabeth and Alexander and dives in. Many plot points are satisfied in this installment, although there’s plenty of room to expand into further books. An enjoyable read.
Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary review copy of this title.
Thanks to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the complimentary review copy of this title.
June 9, 2025
A Botanist’s Guide to Rituals and Revenge is smart, twisty, and laced with just enough darkness. Saffron returns home expecting peace—but finds blackmail, seances, and secrets buried deep in the family garden. With poisons, mediums, and old grief rising to the surface, she’s got more than science on her side—she’s got determination.
Atmospheric, clever, and a little bit eerie—I couldn’t put it down.
Atmospheric, clever, and a little bit eerie—I couldn’t put it down.
July 27, 2025
Rounding up from 3.5. This book felt like filler for the series overall, but I still really enjoyed watching Saffron as she had to confront some of her family mysteries. The part I enjoyed the most in this book was actually watching Elizabeth come to terms with the events of the last book and also confronting her family. I would have been disappointed if those plot points had been glossed over. I also found that Alexander had returned to more of his original character from book one, which helped make the story enjoyable.
July 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book just as I have the previous adventures involving Saffron and her friends.
It was interesting seeing more of Saffron's family and getting some insight into where she grew up.
I'm looking forward to seeing what next adventures Saffron will find herself on and, of course, hearing more about Botany.
Trigger warnings: kidnapping, some violence, child is briefly submerged in water, mention of dead family members
It was interesting seeing more of Saffron's family and getting some insight into where she grew up.
I'm looking forward to seeing what next adventures Saffron will find herself on and, of course, hearing more about Botany.
Trigger warnings: kidnapping, some violence, child is briefly submerged in water, mention of dead family members
July 10, 2025
Satisfying and enjoyable “cozy mystery”. However, this was the fourth book in the series and the plot wasn’t quite as interesting as the first three installments. Nevertheless, I will def continue the series when the next book is released.
June 17, 2025
Another fun and exciting adventure form Saffron and team! I adore saffron, Elizabeth and alexander & their adventures! Already ready for the next one!!
June 20, 2025
3.5 stars
Some interesting family dynamics feature in a slower-paced story of spiritualism and fraud and poison and murder for Saffron and her cohorts.
Some interesting family dynamics feature in a slower-paced story of spiritualism and fraud and poison and murder for Saffron and her cohorts.
June 23, 2025
3.5-4 stars. Some parts were a bit slow, some parts exciting. Still enjoyable though.
July 11, 2025
I'll cry if this series doesn't continue
August 1, 2025
This installment of A Botanist's Guide . . . moved more slowly than the previous installments, which was sometimes frustrating, but it was still delightful. I have really settled into enjoying the interactions of the characters and their complicated social expectations. I'll continue reading these as long as Khavari keeps writing them. (She could slow down a little, though. My TBR isn't getting any shorter.)
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