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

In the summer of 1822, Edinburgh is abuzz with rumors of King George IV's impending visit. Meanwhile, in the newly-installed Botanic Garden, the Agave Americana plant looks set to flower, an event that only occurs once every few decades. When newly widowed Elizabeth arrives in Edinburgh to live with her late husband's aunt Clementina, she becomes fascinated by the beautiful Botanic Garden and offers her services as an artist to record the rare plant's impending bloom. She meets Belle Brodie, a vivacious young woman with a passion for botany and the lucrative, dark art of perfume creation. Belle is determined to keep both her real identity and the reason for her interest in the Garden secret from her new friend. But as Elizabeth and Belle are about to discover, secrets don't last long in this Enlightenment city, and when they are revealed, they can carry the greatest of consequences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Compelling, fascinating, and utterly captivating, Val McDermid's "An Enchanting Tale of Scandal and Intrigue" transports readers to the vibrant city of 1820s Edinburgh. The Sunday Times praises it as an evocative and enjoyable portrait of the era, while the Daily Mail describes it as lush and seductive. The Scotsman hails it as completely enchanting, and Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of "Pandora," calls it a beautiful tale of scandal and intrigue.

Set against the backdrop of King George IV's impending visit to Edinburgh, the story revolves around Elizabeth, a newly widowed woman who arrives in the city to live with her late husband's aunt, Clementina. Determined to leave her unhappy past in London behind, Elizabeth becomes fascinated by the newly installed Botanic Garden, which borders her new home. Offering her services as an artist, she sets out to record the rare and impending bloom of the Agave Americana plant.

In her pursuit, Elizabeth meets Belle Brodie, a vivacious young woman with a passion for botany and the lucrative art of perfume creation. Belle is determined to keep her real identity and the reason for her interest in the Garden secret from her new friend. However, as Elizabeth and Belle delve deeper into the world of botany and perfume, they soon discover that secrets don't last long in this Enlightenment city.

When the secrets are revealed, they carry the greatest of consequences, testing the strength of their friendship and threatening to unravel the lives of those around them. McDermid's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines that keep readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with each possessing their unique strengths and weaknesses.

"An Enchanting Tale of Scandal and Intrigue" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and rich storytelling. It is a dazzling, original, and full of wonderful characters that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Whether you are a fan of the Victorian era or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, this novel is sure to captivate your imagination.

Weight: 610g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529336207