by Tracy Condie & Sarah Erwin

This week we have reviews of 2 more historical mysteries both out in June-A Botanist’s Guide to Rituals and Revenge: A Saffron Everleigh Mystery by Kate Khavari and Last Dance Before Dawn: Nightingale Mysteries, Book Four by Katharine Schellman (an LGBTQ+ historical mystery). Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of both books and links to purchase them from Amazon at the end of each review.

A Botanist’s Guide to Rituals and Revenge: A Saffron Everleigh Mystery by Kate Khavari
Review by Tracy Condie

This is the fourth installment in the Saffron Everleigh Mystery series, and I can’t believe I waited until now to give this series a try. In my defense, I usually shy away from historical mysteries but the cover art just intrigued me, not to mention the unique character name, Saffron. I was not disappointed with this multi-plot story that includes family angst, rules of propriety, an unusual amateur sleuth, Downton Abbey vibes, a medium, a Moriarty, and afternoon tea. The story is set in England in the late 1920s. Saffron has been called home to the family estate due to her grandfather’s ailing health. She decides to bring along roommate and BFF Elizabeth Hale who has family issues of her own, and to introduce the family to work colleague and beau, Alexander Ashton. Chances are researcher Alexander will feel as if he is under a microscope.

The story has a Miss Marple feel to it. Just imagine Miss Marple as a young botanist who works at a university conducting research. At the same time, there is a Holmes-like aspect because of the villain, Bill Wyatt, who is a Moriarty of sorts and claims to be a doctor. I have not read the three previous books which puts me a little in the dark, but not so much that I cannot enjoy the character interactions. Bits of backstory are sprinkled throughout the plot and subplot to keep the reader informed. Bits like the history of the tumultuous relationship between Saffron and her grandparents which is not any better than Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents. Family drama and strong-willed characters sure do add a bit of spice to the interactions and keep me turning the pages.

Saffron and friends are caught between a charlatan and a narcissistic-sociopath hard place, while trying to keep up with social norms, make good impressions, race between London and Bedford, locate Thomas Everleigh’s research materials, and be on time for dinner. I was intrigued with the nuances of the séance especially after reading the notes at the back of the book. The attention to detail added to the story and kept me turning page after page. I sincerely hope there is a next book.

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.

Last Dance Before Dawn: Nightingale Mysteries, Book Four by Katharine Schellman
Review by Sarah Erwin

Last Dance Before Dawn is the fourth and final book in the mysterious and queer Nightingale mystery series by Katharine Schellman, and is absolutely page-turning.

The series is set in 1920s New York and features Vivian Kelly who works at a speakeasy known as the Nightingale. Her coworkers at the Nightingale are like family, so when a threatening stranger from Chicago shows up, asking about a man no one has heard of, they send him packing. But this stranger doesn’t take no for an answer and begins to violently target the staff of the Nightingale, sure they know more than they are admitting. Vivian doesn’t tolerate threats to her family and friends and is determined to find out more about what is happening and to protect those she loves.

I was pulled into this story and the underground world of New York in the 1920s from page one and inhaled this story in one day, ignoring all the chores that were on my to-do list. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, needing to know if Vivian and her friends and family would be safe. The plot is fast paced, full of jaw dropping secrets and plenty of red herrings.

Vivian is such a determined, huge-hearted and strong character. And she isn’t the only one – the Nightingale’s owner, the mysterious and alluring Honor Huxley, is so fascinating and strong. Honor has made a life for herself where she can be her true self (and not take any guff from anyone who might disagree). There’s a cast of other characters from Vivian’s sister, to her brother-in-law and unknown relations that are each so fully developed. Each character has a role to play in the plot that is handled masterfully. Watching Vivian come into her true self was a treat.

The story is rich with historical details that made the setting so vivid – the story is atmospheric, and I could easily picture Vivian’s life in New York in 1925. I could visualize the clothes, the apartments, the drinks and could even hear the music from the Nightingale in my head as I read.

While this entry marks the end of the series, the wrap-up is handled with care and grace, and I appreciated getting a glimpse at what was next for so many of my favorite characters. This is a captivating read that fans of historical mysteries will love.

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a copy of both books, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “June historicals” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 21, 2025. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Also listen to our new mystery podcast where mystery short stories and first chapters are read by actors! They are also available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify.

Sarah Erwin started her career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now she’s a stay at home mom. While her career might have changed, her love of reading has been a constant since 4th grade and she reads over 200 books a year. Read along with her on her blog Sarah Can’t Stop Reading or on Instagram. Sarah lives in St. Louis, MO with her two kids, her husband and a family dog and cat.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.