The Fair Botanists

*SELECTED AS THE WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022*

''Compelling, fascinating . . . A cracking good read'' Val McDermid
''An evocative, enjoyable portrait of 1820s Edinburgh'' Sunday Times
''Lush, seductive'' Daily Mail
''Completely enchanting'' Scotsman
''A beautiful tale of scandal and intrigue'' Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora

***

Could one rare plant hold the key to a thousand riches?

It''s the summer of 1822 and Edinburgh is abuzz with rumours of King George IV''s impending visit. In botanical circles, however, a different kind of excitement has gripped the city. 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''s determined to put her