The Fair Botanists: Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?

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Botanist and physician Robert Graham, the 6th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, attempts to wangle an invite to the big royal soiree and makes some questionable life choices as the plot progresses.

I felt absolutely nothing the entire time that I was reading this book. The constant jumping of POV and being told everything about every character instead of seeing it in their actions rendered each and every one of them as flat as a board. I didn’t care about Belle’s perfume-making endeavors. I didn’t care about Duncan and Mhairi’s budding (and poorly established) romance. I didn’t care about Elizabeth’s…. I didn’t care about Elizabeth, let alone whatever the hell it was that she was doing. I’ve read the whole book, and I still don’t know what her purpose was. She just floated from place to place, drawing and talking but never really doing anything. I cared somewhat for Mr McNab (in my mind, the true main character), who has to actually deal with the root cause of what’s going on, but even then I wasn’t particularly bothered, even despite such stunning character insights as: Sprinkled with deliciously tantalising scandal and intrigue, and colourful, engaging characters. A sheer joy to read Sheridan has penned more than 20 books including cosy crime noir set in 1950s Britain (her popular Mirabelle Bevan Mystery series) and historical novels based on the real-life stories of late Georgian and early Victorian explorers.The two female leads in the novel, Belle and Elizabeth – I wish I knew both in real life! Belle Brodie, is a courtesan. She just does her own thing and seeks pleasure where she can despite what society might dictate. Elizabeth has just suffered a bereavement and so is seeking new adventures. /having worked at Kew Gardens, she is keen to work in the new Edinburgh gardens. When the two meet, the tapestry of secrets and deceit starts to unravel for them both when it becomes apparent that neither can run from who they really are, and what they truly desire. You love the research process for your novels. Was there anything you learned during your research for The Fair Botanists that surprised you?

This is a great book. An immersive read and a heartfelt, human story of science and botany * The Book Trail * Unfortunately it doesn't produce many seeds, yet everyone seems to want a piece of the plant for their own. As rare and lush as the Agave flower itself, The Fair Botanists is a richly realised, transportive delight -- Rachel Rhys Initially Elizabeth comes across as quite a passive character, although the more I learned of her past experiences the more sympathy I felt towards her. I found her kindness towards her late husband’s cousin, the eccentric Lady Clementina, very touching. The Fair Botanists is a bewitching and immersive story for fans of The Miniaturist, The Doll Factory and The Signature of All Things.A seductive, sensory romp through Georgian Edinburgh. Hugely enjoyable. Highly recommended -- Ambrose Parry Lively and generous-hearted, with an array of utterly engaging characters, this enchanting novel reads like a warm tonic for the soul’ Mary Paulson-Ellis A cleverly crafted novel offering a heady mix of secrets, intrigue, skulduggery and romance. Immersive and engaging, I couldn't put it down! -- Anita Frank We were so pleased to see you add in your passion for perfume in The Fair Botanists. Can you tell us more about what you love about perfume creation? What a setting and cast of characters! This seductive and sensual novel comes from a writer at the height of her powers. Captured my senses, and my heart -- Essie Fox

But you’ll also be intrigued by less famous real-life characters like William McNab and Robert Graham, whose well-documented stories have been interwoven with the fictional lives of many of the characters, obtaining an interesting, multi-layered, lively picture.

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It was also lovely to explore the connections in my home town – so much of the built environment in Edinburgh is still there, though the city boundary used to be at the Water of Leith. I was also surprised at the level of industry along the water– one of Scotland’s biggest distilleries was at Canonmills and I have one character in the book who works there… I'd highly recommend The Fair Botanists for any fans of historical fiction, for readers interested in nature, and for readers who enjoy stories depicting strong female characters.