Gina D

The Botanist's Assistant is a satisfying cozy mystery that checks all the boxes -- it has a distinctive voice, a unique amateur sleuth, and quirky characters that all seem to have a motive for committing murder. The protagonist, Margaret Finch, works at Roosevelt University as the manager of a lab under the supervision of the esteemed Dr. Deavers. Margaret, known to her coworkers as "Big Bird," is very particular about following rules and remaining faithful to her daily schedule, planning her day down to the minute. When Dr. Deavers is found dead in his office, no one but Margaret seems to believe that the professor's demise is the result of foul play and she begins sleuthing, using her deep knowledge of biological science to guide her detective work. A fun read.

A book with "LA" in the title suggests that the reader can expect unrelenting sunshine and sandy beaches to dominate the sense of place and time. This book is not a frothy beach read, though.

This novel tells the story of the complicated relationship of two women, Lane and Gala -- both considered literary darlings reflecting everything the Los Angeles of the late 1960s/1970s is supposed to be. Although they are both writers who share their sense of ambition, their personalities could not be more different. Both women struggle to find happiness, and it's the examination of their similarities and differences that makes for an intriguing read.