A story of poison set in London – Jill Johnson

Submitted: 26th November 2023

A story of poison set in London – Jill Johnson

Eustacia Rose is a Professor of Botanical Toxicology who lives alone in London with only her extensive collection of poisonous plants for company. She tends to her garden with meticulous care. Her life is quiet. Her schedule never changes. Until the day she hears a scream and the temptation to investigate proves irresistible.

BookTrail the locations in Devil’s Breath

A story of poison set in London - Jill Johnson

Boarding Pass Information :

Destination : London

Author guide: Jill Johnson

Genre: cosy crime

Food and drink to accompany: nothing plant based!

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A novel to transport you

BookTrail the locations in Devil’s Breath

Professor Eustacia Rose – oh what a quirky character you are. Not a people person though, are you? Still, that didn’t put me off meeting you here as what a story you have to tell!

I’ve always been better with plants than people . . .

I was fascinated with this woman – spending time with her poisonous plants. I have recently been to Alnwick Gardens where there is a poison garden and so this was very good to read. What was really quirky was the fact she had a telescope through which she seems to keep her distance from the real world. Still, she gets to know a woman called Simone but as she gets to know her, her life changes and not in a good way. Her garden is vandalised and she runs into all sorts of trouble. Eustacia is about to have to get her investigative hat on to find out what on earth is going on.

A story of poison set in London - Jill Johnson

BookTrail the locations in Devil’s Breath

This is a bit Agatha Raisin with poisonous plants. It’s more than though as there’s lots of actions here, lots of plants and their poisons to get to know, a lot of guessing to take part in. Eustacia is the star of the show and she has stayed with me. She reminded me of myself in some ways as she often forgets names of people she meets so ends up giving them names. Names of plants in her case and I found this very funny. She also did things to remind herself of her late dad and that too, made me smile.

I would also say that there is a little Elisabeth Zott here too – a woman in the field of science who doesn’t take prisoners! This is so much more here than a story about poisonous plants – this book has layers of interest and weaves its way like a fern through your heart.

Maybe best not to eat anything plant based when reading this though! haha