Two intriguing stories running parallel.

Secrets of the Nile (Lady Emily Mystery #16) by Tasha Alexander  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s 1904. Colin Hargreaves and Lady Emily find themselves accompanying Colin’s mother, Mrs Hargreaves, on a journey to Luxor in Egypt.

An old friend of Mrs Hargreaves had been inviting her for years to accompany him. This year she’s decided to go. Colin’s daughter Katharina von Lange joins them.

Unfortunately at the end of a scrumptious meal their host takes a sip of his nightly tisane—and dies, poisoned by cyanide.

Now it falls to Lady Emily and Colin to solve the mystery. As their quest continues it seems every guest has a reason to be at odds with their host. As they assemble their facts someone else is sending them clues.

I freely admit to being seduced by the romantic descriptions of Egypt. 

The other story is set in ancient times, in Regnal Year Two, in area in what is now an archeological dig called, “Pa Demi—the village—although it was officially known as Set-Ma’at—the Place of Truth.” It was a village near to the Valley of the Kings, for the artisans and craftsman who built the Pharaoh’s tombs. We meet a young sculptress, Meryt, who is sculpting ushabtis, things of everyday life, for the tomb of the Pharaohs. She is being harassed by someone in the village. Her carvings have brought charges of evil magic from many villagers. This builds to an unexpected crescendo for Meryt and her family members.

One of the points in common—the ushabtis sculptures, roll through both stories.

A thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery!

A St Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change