Plant secrets to kill for!

Murder at the Royal Botanic Gardens (Wrexford & Sloane #5) by Andrea Penrose        

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The last thing you expect to come upon at an “ elegantly civilized…international symposium of botany scholars and wealthy patrons of science” with leading scientific minds at the Royal Botanic Gardens, is a body! Not just any body, but that of visiting scientist, Josiah Becton! And just as that poor man is in the conservatory breathing in the ambient, rich fragrances, “The essence of life.” Ironic!

Here’s the thing. This is the first grand social event as Wrexham’s future countess, Lady Charlotte Sloane, already anxious, is slated to attend. A death might calm her nerves, but her involvement with it might not endear herself to high society,

Although, as McLellan, that is Mac, their housekeeper cum lady’s maid points out, “ As a married lady—and one with a high-ranking title—you’ll merely be considered eccentric when you break the rules, not scandalous.”

Scandalous or not, neither the Earl of Wrexford and Lady Charlotte (secretly, the famed satirist A.J. Quill) will hold back when they realise that what seems to be a heart attack, could be murder. Any investigation might endanger their family, including the weasels, and that a prime candidate for evil deeds Justinian DeVere is back in the country, attending this symposium. What they don’t realize they’ve stumbled upon is a matter that will affects nations.

Add to this Charlotte’s reunion with her family, the arrival of an old friend from Rome, and the rumours of a possible amazing botanical medical breakthrough. This is a riveting read!

Charlotte is attuned to Wrexford, is certain this is the step she wishes to take, but still questions around her future as A.J. Quill trouble her.

The weasels, Raven and Hawk, are developing into interesting young men. The cool Wrexham is assuming more warmth, flagging to a dangerous heat when fears for his rather unusual bride-to-be. Including the ready made family he’s taking on, along of course with all his other friends that have mostly come his way since he and Charlotte  (Charlie) first bumped shoulders. I love the Charlie side of Charlotte when she lets that persona rip.

I do love the banter between Wrexham and the Bow street Runner Griffon, especially around eating.

Atmospheric, believable and compelling! I couldn’t put this down!

A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley 

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change