The Ignoble Lie - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

THE IGNOBLE LIE by Matthew Peters
Of Gods & Men Book I 

 

A bombing at the pyramids of Giza is just the start of troubles for former Jesuit Scott Larson. Working with Aleister Mabrey and his two nieces, Zady and Brynn, the delivery of a religious artifact doesn't go as planned. When Brynn is kidnapped Scott and Zady begin a global treasure hunt for the ransom with vague clues. Who's pulling the strings? ISIS who claimed the bombing and promised more? The Roman Catholic Church? The United States government? Just who can they trust? With time running out will they be able to decipher the clues and find the treasure even if it will disrupt the entire Judeo-Christian world? Or will Brynn pay the ultimate price?

 

I am fascinated by Ancient Egypt and biblical archaeology so THE IGNOBLE LIE had me intrigued from the start. I love the manner in which historical fact, theory, and fiction meld together. Multiple connected story lines kept my interest high and also impacted the tempo. The book is fast paced, made even more so by the short chapters that urge you to continue reading. There are twists, turns, and surprises throughout and not everyone lives...and not everyone dies.

 

The first Of Gods & Men book is incredibly timely. Politicians blatantly violating the constitution, the rich and powerful sowing the seeds of discontent and doing whatever they can no matter the cost to maintain their supremacy, at times the book reads more like the news than a work of fiction.  

 

The characters are intriguing, some likable, some despicable, most painted in shades of gray. I really like Scott Larson, Senator Madge Roberts, and Masika. In a surprising comedic bit, the Mother Superior gave me a giggle with her brief appearance. 

 

Combining politics, religion, and conspiracy THE IGNOBLE LIE is a fast paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat, eyes wide open, and jaw dropped.

 **********************************************************************

THE IGNOBLE LIE

by Matthew Peters

July 7 - August 1, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Of Gods & Men Series

 

What if the Ark of the Covenant isn’t a reference to the chest containing the Ten Commandments God revealed to Moses atop Mount Sinai?

What if it refers to the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh whose contents would revolutionize religious history?

As ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones learn, such a discovery can be deadly.

A terrorist attack on the Great Pyramid of Giza ratchets up the tension in Washington, D.C., where President John Jenkins has been impeached for an order declaring the U.S. a Judeo-Christian nation. The terrorists threaten more attacks in Egypt and the U.S. unless their demand is met—and it’s something only Larson and Jones can give them. When the efforts to meet the terrorists’ demand goes awry and Zady’s sister is kidnapped, Larson and Jones race to save her. Along the way, they receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret, one that could not only topple Jenkins’ presidency but upend Judeo-Christianity.

Praise for The Ignoble Lie:

"This fast-paced religious thriller will especially appeal to fans of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Unlike that book, though, The Ignoble Lie digs deep into Biblical lore and ancient history, back to the origins of the historical Moses in ancient Egypt. If you like your thrillers seasoned with Church conspiracies, Egyptian archaeology, and murderous mercenaries, look no further. You won't be able to put it down."
~ Chris

"The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters is a sophisticated geopolitical thriller that intertwines religious history, political intrigue, and clandestine warfare... I loved the characters in The Ignoble Lie — believable and thoroughly explored. The prose, the sparkling dialogue, and the deft plotting are the elements that captivated me, together with the suspenseful storytelling. 5 Stars"
~ Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite

Book Details:

Genre: Political/Religious thriller
Published by: Mélange Books
Publication Date: May 12, 2025
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 979-8886533712 (print)
Series: Of Gods & Men, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Mélange Books

Read an excerpt:

SUNDAY

Chapter 1

Under a spring sunset, the pyramids of Giza stood like pointed stone islands in a timeless sea of desert sand. At the northeast corner of the plateau, several armed guards perched atop camels at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The leader of the security force nodded as three lean bearded men garbed in long, white robes and carrying cameras and other electronic equipment approached. The trio formed a loose line and then trudged up the massive beige limestone blocks to the main entrance on the north face of the pyramid.

When they stepped inside, the cool air moved slightly like a palm frond breeze fanned by ancient servants. The men could still hear the hum of the generator outside as they made their way down a long, sloping, cramped corridor in the pale glow of the electric lighting. Following the metal conduit from the generator, they began climbing a longer passage. Their stated job was simple: set up the cameras needed to film the contents of the recently discovered room behind the west wall of the King’s Chamber, one of only two known chambers in the vast structure. Official filming by an international team would commence in the morning and the world would soon learn of the contents.

An hour later, one of the men burst out of the pyramid’s entrance covered in blood. Sweat drenched his brow as he bent over, his hands on his knees, trying desperately to suck oxygen into his lungs. Fortunately, the guards were not in sight. After a few moments, he raised himself to a fully standing position and wiped blood from his hands onto his dove-colored djellaba. He looked up at the sky beseechingly. The setting sun was glorious: red, orange, bronze. The scene was somehow new and final: the first sunset and the last. The celestial canvas suddenly looked like an unfolding scroll and for one fleeting moment on that scroll he saw painted what he’d glimpsed in the hidden room.

A golden rectangular chest with two winged lions with human heads on a peaked, shiny lid. Four gold rings were set into the bottom four feet, through which golden poles were placed for carrying. It was—

No, it couldn’t be...

Could it?

It was almost impossible to believe, but what if it was? After all, it looked exactly as it was described in the Torah, though that source couldn’t entirely be trusted.

But if there was even a chance that it was, no matter how small...

At least, that’s what they’d told him. And in the end, that was all that really mattered: what they had told him. Because the money that would go to his family was more than he could ever make in a whole lifetime.

With shaky hands, he fumbled for his cell phone and punched the #1 button.

“Yes?” a voice said after one ring.

“It’s as you feared.”

“Now is the time,” the voice responded.

“Allahu Akbar,” the man whispered and ended the call.

He took a deep breath, the kind a long jumper takes just before the approach, then punched the code on his phone.

He held his breath until the explosive detonated.

Then there was nothing but blackness that stretched into forever.

***

Excerpt from The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters. Copyright 2025 by Matthew Peters. Reproduced with permission from Matthew Peters. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Matthew Peters has a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A., and Ph.D. from Duke University. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and currently resides in North Carolina. He is passionate about exploring religious, political, and socioeconomic issues from a variety of different perspectives and especially values the views put forth by marginalized groups or people. His writing involves a good deal of research, and he is committed to writing plausible novels, in the hope of giving readers food for thought.

Catch Up With Matthew Peters:

www.MatthewPetersBooks.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @matthewpeters
Instagram - @matthewpetersbooks
BlueSky - @matthewpetersitw.bsky.social

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Matthew Peters. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Ignoble Lie by Mathew Peters. This is the first book in the Of Gods & Men series.

A bombing at the pyramids of Giza is just the start of troubles for former Jesuit Scott Larson. Working with Aleister Mabrey and his two nieces, Zady and Brynn, the delivery of a religious artifact doesn't go as planned. When Brynn is kidnapped Scott and Zady begin a global treasure hunt for the ransom with vague clues. Who's pulling the strings? ISIS who claimed the bombing and promised more? The Roman Catholic Church? The United States government? Just who can they trust? With time running out will they be able to decipher the clues and find the treasure even if it will disrupt the entire Judeo-Christian world? Or will Brynn pay the ultimate price?

The Ignoble Lie - An Interview, Excerpt, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Matthew Peters to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Matthew writes the Of Gods & Men series. THE IGNOBLE LIE is the first book in the series and was released earlier this year.

Kathy: In THE IGNOBLE LIE ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret. What makes historical secrets and treasure hunting so intriguing?

MP: I think we, as humans, are curious about secrets. There is something very appealing about historical secrets, especially those involving conspiracies, that never seem to lose their allure. Life seems so incomprehensible, unbelievable, and/or irrational at times that people look for explanations outside the mainstream, especially when conventional answers seem unconvincing or trite. I think treasure hunting strikes a deep chord in most people because it fills us with a childlike hope that we will discover something that has eluded everyone else, something that is inherently valuable and perhaps life-altering. 

Kathy: I've always been interested in both Ancient Egypt and biblical archaeology. Did you have an interest in these subjects before writing this book? 

MP: I’ve been fascinated with ancient Egypt since I was a child. Both the architecture and the longevity of the pyramids have always amazed me. As I got older, I was struck by the sophistication of Egyptian culture—a culture so old, and so advanced just fascinated me. I became interested in biblical archaeology later in life, especially when I tried to understand the Bible as a series of historical documents. 

Kathy: I've read interesting stories about Moses, mainly that it can't be proven if he was a historical person or not. One theory holds that he was an Egyptian pharaoh. Do you have an opinion? 

MP: I do have an opinion. It’s one that’s explored in the book, so I’ll leave it at that for now 😊 

Kathy: Some of the political ideation of your fictional president seems to be true of some current politicians. Did today's political climate influence your thriller? 

MP: Absolutely. I’m a political scientist by training and so I’ve been inundated with the political climate for most of my adult life. One of the issues I’m particularly interested in is the intersection of politics and religion in American society. I know the old adage is not to discuss either of these topics in mixed company, but we live in an age in which I don’t think they have ever been more important. 

Kathy: What first drew you to thrillers? 

MP: I was drawn to thrillers because it’s the genre that best suits my research interests. I love researching my novels extensively, and I firmly believe that you should write what you love, topics that interest you enough to spend a long time with them, the time it takes to write a book. 

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres? 

MP: I’ve written another book in a different genre. It is literary fiction, with an element of magical realism. When it comes to reading fiction, it’s the type of book I enjoy most—with or without magical realism. I took the book, CONVERSATIONS AMONG RUINS, out of print with the intention of making it longer, but I haven’t done so yet. The book explores two topics that are very important to me: mental health and substance abuse. I’d very much like to work on it again, and hope I have the opportunity to do so in the not-too-distant future. 

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

MP: Currently the series is about an ex-Jesuit and an adventuress who are trying to solve the mystery behind a series of violent events that seem connected, and involve a combustible mix of politics and religion. 

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why? 

MP: That’s so hard to answer 😊 I really like the male and female protagonists who are interesting in different ways, but I also like a female senator who plays a large role in THE IGNOBLE LIE.

Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series? 

MP: I loved THE DA VINCI CODE, so I have to say that. 

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work? 

MP: I thought the story was interesting and important enough to hopefully resonate with a number of different readers.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite? 

MP: I love this question! Dostoevsky, Hesse, Thomas Mann, and Truman Capote. Can you imagine?! 
 

Kathy: What are you currently reading? 

MP: A wonderful book on writing by the inimitable Brenda Ueland called IF YOU WANT TO WRITE. I’m rereading it for the umpteenth time because it never fails to inspire me when I’m writing a new novel. 

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us? 

MP: Besides reading, movies, movies, and more movies. My wife and I own over 5,000 titles (both movies and TV shows)—we’ve essentially resurrected Blockbusters. My favorite genre is horror, but my interests are wide-ranging and include foreign films, musicals, and true crime. I also have to mention music. I listen to many genres, from classical to heavy metal. Right now, I’m really into Joy Division and Sigur Rós.

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry. 

MP: Food: yummy. Crunchmaster crackers, smoked gouda, Hershey kisses, and Lays Kettle potato chips (plain). But my wife makes me eat healthy for lunch and dinner ☹ 

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series? 

MP: I do. I’m currently writing the second book in the “Of Gods & Men” series. It should be available later next year. I’d love to continue the series for a while.

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author? 

MP: I love doing research before I start writing, and I love exposing people to different perspectives, especially those outside the mainstream.

************************************************************************

THE IGNOBLE LIE

by Matthew Peters

July 7 - August 1, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

Of Gods & Men Series

 

What if the Ark of the Covenant isn’t a reference to the chest containing the Ten Commandments God revealed to Moses atop Mount Sinai?

What if it refers to the tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh whose contents would revolutionize religious history?

As ex-Jesuit Scott Larson and adventuress Zady Jones learn, such a discovery can be deadly.

A terrorist attack on the Great Pyramid of Giza ratchets up the tension in Washington, D.C., where President John Jenkins has been impeached for an order declaring the U.S. a Judeo-Christian nation. The terrorists threaten more attacks in Egypt and the U.S. unless their demand is met—and it’s something only Larson and Jones can give them. When the efforts to meet the terrorists’ demand goes awry and Zady’s sister is kidnapped, Larson and Jones race to save her. Along the way, they receive a series of mysterious clues that point to the existence of a shocking historical secret, one that could not only topple Jenkins’ presidency but upend Judeo-Christianity.

Praise for The Ignoble Lie:

"This fast-paced religious thriller will especially appeal to fans of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Unlike that book, though, The Ignoble Lie digs deep into Biblical lore and ancient history, back to the origins of the historical Moses in ancient Egypt. If you like your thrillers seasoned with Church conspiracies, Egyptian archaeology, and murderous mercenaries, look no further. You won't be able to put it down."
~ Chris

"The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters is a sophisticated geopolitical thriller that intertwines religious history, political intrigue, and clandestine warfare... I loved the characters in The Ignoble Lie — believable and thoroughly explored. The prose, the sparkling dialogue, and the deft plotting are the elements that captivated me, together with the suspenseful storytelling. 5 Stars"
~ Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite

Book Details:

Genre: Political/Religious thriller
Published by: Mélange Books
Publication Date: May 12, 2025
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 979-8886533712 (print)
Series: Of Gods & Men, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Mélange Books

Read an excerpt:

SUNDAY

Chapter 1

Under a spring sunset, the pyramids of Giza stood like pointed stone islands in a timeless sea of desert sand. At the northeast corner of the plateau, several armed guards perched atop camels at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu. The leader of the security force nodded as three lean bearded men garbed in long, white robes and carrying cameras and other electronic equipment approached. The trio formed a loose line and then trudged up the massive beige limestone blocks to the main entrance on the north face of the pyramid.

When they stepped inside, the cool air moved slightly like a palm frond breeze fanned by ancient servants. The men could still hear the hum of the generator outside as they made their way down a long, sloping, cramped corridor in the pale glow of the electric lighting. Following the metal conduit from the generator, they began climbing a longer passage. Their stated job was simple: set up the cameras needed to film the contents of the recently discovered room behind the west wall of the King’s Chamber, one of only two known chambers in the vast structure. Official filming by an international team would commence in the morning and the world would soon learn of the contents.

An hour later, one of the men burst out of the pyramid’s entrance covered in blood. Sweat drenched his brow as he bent over, his hands on his knees, trying desperately to suck oxygen into his lungs. Fortunately, the guards were not in sight. After a few moments, he raised himself to a fully standing position and wiped blood from his hands onto his dove-colored djellaba. He looked up at the sky beseechingly. The setting sun was glorious: red, orange, bronze. The scene was somehow new and final: the first sunset and the last. The celestial canvas suddenly looked like an unfolding scroll and for one fleeting moment on that scroll he saw painted what he’d glimpsed in the hidden room.

A golden rectangular chest with two winged lions with human heads on a peaked, shiny lid. Four gold rings were set into the bottom four feet, through which golden poles were placed for carrying. It was—

No, it couldn’t be...

Could it?

It was almost impossible to believe, but what if it was? After all, it looked exactly as it was described in the Torah, though that source couldn’t entirely be trusted.

But if there was even a chance that it was, no matter how small...

At least, that’s what they’d told him. And in the end, that was all that really mattered: what they had told him. Because the money that would go to his family was more than he could ever make in a whole lifetime.

With shaky hands, he fumbled for his cell phone and punched the #1 button.

“Yes?” a voice said after one ring.

“It’s as you feared.”

“Now is the time,” the voice responded.

“Allahu Akbar,” the man whispered and ended the call.

He took a deep breath, the kind a long jumper takes just before the approach, then punched the code on his phone.

He held his breath until the explosive detonated.

Then there was nothing but blackness that stretched into forever.

***

Excerpt from The Ignoble Lie by Matthew Peters. Copyright 2025 by Matthew Peters. Reproduced with permission from Matthew Peters. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Matthew Peters has a B.A. from Vassar College and an M.A., and Ph.D. from Duke University. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and currently resides in North Carolina. He is passionate about exploring religious, political, and socioeconomic issues from a variety of different perspectives and especially values the views put forth by marginalized groups or people. His writing involves a good deal of research, and he is committed to writing plausible novels, in the hope of giving readers food for thought.

Catch Up With Matthew Peters:

www.MatthewPetersBooks.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
BookBub - @matthewpeters
Instagram - @matthewpetersbooks
BlueSky - @matthewpetersitw.bsky.social

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Matthew Peters. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Murder Among the Pyramids - A Book Blast!

 

Murder Among the Pyramids (1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt) by Sara Rosett

About Murder Among the Pyramids

Murder Among the Pyramids (1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt)
Historical Mystery 1st in Series
Setting - Egypt
Publisher: ‎ McGuffin Ink (October 1, 2024)
Paperback: ‎ 318 pages

Escape on an Egyptian Excursion to the Land of the Pyramids! Tour highlights include: Hieroglyphics and high tea in the desert, followed by murder after sunset . . . It’s 1924 and Blix Windway has made a career out of her wanderlust, giving lectures to ladies’ groups about everything from the flora of the American desert to the beauty of the Swiss Alps, but she needs new material for her talks. She strikes what seems to be an ideal agreement with an eccentric older lady. Blix will be her travel companion during a journey to Egypt, helping to smooth the way through customs and coordinate sightseeing tours. The arrangement will provide Blix with the perfect opportunity to photograph the pyramids and gather material for her next lecture series. But they’ve barely left England before the trouble begins—rough seas and an attempted robbery. Then a murder occurs during a tour of the pyramids. Despite the attempts of the British officials to sweep the death under the rug, Blix becomes increasingly convinced that one of their tour party is a murderer. Blix’s search for the truth takes her from the posh sporting clubs and lavish gardens of Cairo to the narrow, twisting lanes of the city’s centuries-old bazaar and the vast desert around the Giza Plateau. Can Blix unearth the truth before the killer makes this journey her last? Join Blix on this classic murder mystery from Sara Rosett, author of the beloved High Society Lady Detective series.

About Sara Rosett

The author of over 30 novels, Sara Rosett is a USA Today bestselling author who writes mysteries that are the bee's knees with delightful settings and perplexing puzzles. Sara loves Golden Age mysteries, getting new stamps in her passport, as well as watching foreign-language crime shows, Jane Austen adaptations, and Kdramas. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.

Author Links: 

Website: http://www.SaraRosettBooks.com  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sararosett/  

X: https://www.x.com/sararosett  

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/srosett/  

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/256977.Sara_Rosett  

Purchase Links Buy direct from Sara: https://sararosettbooks.com/collections/lady-traveler 

Retailer links: https://books2read.com/MurderAmongThePyramids

Covert in Cairo - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

Review

COVERT IN CAIRO by Kelly Oliver
The Second Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery 

With a threat to the Suez Canal, Fiona Figg along with Kitty Lane and Captain Clifford Douglas have arrived in Egypt. Certain that the spy Frederick Fredericks is behind the plot Fiona is determined to find him as well as a missing British agent. Cryptic notes, a female master of disguises, and argumentative archeologists, not to mention that shifty South African spy, have Fiona befuddled. Will she be able to get to the heart of the matter and save the Suez Canal? Or will she find herself entombed with the mummies of Egypt, without ever receiving a promotion?

I have always been fascinated with Egypt, so I was delighted to see that Fiona Figg's latest adventure was set in Cairo in 1917. I loved reading about Shepheard's and enjoyed meeting a cranky Howard Carter prior to his big discovery. The detailed descriptions really captured the feeling of the city and I felt as if I was there, be it in the plush confines of that famous hotel, or atop a camel in a most uncomfortable saddle.

COVERT IN CAIRO is a bit silly, but it's also good fun. There's a jolly good mystery, a bit of romance, and lots of laughs. There's also a hint of something deeper-Egyptian nationalism in the face of British colonialism. I loved the ingenious ways that clues were given and discovered by our intrepid trio...well quartet, we can't forget Poppy. I wish Fiona would forget about Archie. I still think he's the real bad guy, not Fredericks. At any rate, Fredericks certainly keeps things interesting and I believe he genuinely cares for her while Archie does not!

COVERT IN CAIRO is a lighthearted historical mystery complete with intrigue, espionage, and lots of disguises.

*********************************************************************

Covert in Cairo

by Kelly Oliver

April 24 - May 19, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

1917 Cairo.

Ancient mummies aren’t the only bodies buried in the tombs of Cairo.

The notorious Fredrick Fredricks has lured Fiona to Egypt with a cryptic threat on the Suez Canal.

But when a cheeky French archeologist is murdered, and an undercover British agent goes missing, the threat moves closer to home.

Is the notorious Fredrick Fredricks behind the murders? Or is the plot even more sinister?

Competing excavators, jealous husbands, secret lovers, and belligerent spies are the leading suspects.

As they dig deeper, soon Fiona and Kitty are up to their donkeys in dead bodies.

If they can’t unwind the clues and catch the killer, they might end up sharing a sarcophagus with Nefertiti.

With humor as dry as the Arabian desert, and pacing as fast as a spitting camel, Fiona and Kitty are back in another sparkling adventure, this time in WW1 Egypt.

PRAISE FOR FIONA FIGG:

“Perfect for fans of Downton Abbey and Maisie Dobbs.”
BookTrib

“Tantalizing and riveting with a good dose of humor while keeping the heartbreaking reality of war in the mix.”
The Los Angeles Post

“A clever mix of humor and espionage that will keep you turning the pages and laughing all the way!”
Dianne Freeman, author the Countess of Harleigh mysteries.

“A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue.”
Debra Goldstein, Author of the Sarah Blair Cozy Mysteries

“The perfect wartime spy: Fiona Figg. Smart, sneaky, and full of surprises… A fun whodunit that will keep you turning the pages!”
Cathi Stoler, author of The Murder On The Rocks Mysteries

“Fun, easy-to-read, witty mystery that had me happily turning the pages.”
Melissa’s Bookshelf

“Humor, action, and intrigue. I found myself thoroughly entertained.”
Urban Book Reviews

Covert in Cairo Trailer:

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: April 2023
Number of Pages: 300
ISBN: Coming Soon
Series: A Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery, 2 (These are Stand-Alone Mysteries)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

This bloody war had taught me nothing was black and white… except perhaps a strong cup of tea with milk, when you could get it.

My mouth was parched, and my bottom bounced on the hard wooden bench I shared with Captain Clifford Douglas, my glorified chaperone. I glanced over at our carriage companions, Miss Kitty Lane—whom I’d known until a week ago as Eliza Baker—and a stranger who leaned against the wooden armrest, reading.

The Egyptian railway carriages were white wooden trollies. Nothing like the black iron horses back home. Deuced hot, too. The soot flooding in through the window was the same, though. British or Egyptian. It didn’t matter. We all choked on the same smoke.

As the carriage clacked along the tracks through the desert from Alexandria to Cairo, I distracted myself with Annie Pirie’s The Pyramids of Giza. Book in one hand, I held a lavender-scented handkerchief to my nose with the other.

Annie Pirie claimed it was under one of these grand pyramids that she’d met her future husband while they were both laid up with food poisoning. Having nursed soldiers suffering from that very same affliction back at Charing Cross Hospital, I didn’t find anything romantic about the squalls of salmonella.

Still, there was nothing like the vulnerability of the body to move the soul.

Why not fall in love over a bedpan?

After all, I’d met Archie Somersby when he was convalescing with a shot-up arm. He’d asked me to help him write a letter to his mother. So sweet. Writing to his mum.

My cheeks burned. Oh, Archie. Would I ever see him again? Did I want to see him again, now that I knew he was a government-sponsored assassin? When I closed my eyes, I could still smell his citrus cologne mixed with the lingering scent of Kenilworth cigarettes.

I dropped The Pyramids of Giza on the seat next to me and withdrew a fan from my purse. Even with the windows open, it was beastly hot, and the desert seemed to go on forever. Winter in Egypt was a far cry from the chilly dampness of London or the snow in New York.

No. I couldn’t allow myself to think of Archie. Dead or alive.

Instead, I looked out of the window.

Oblivious to the carriage’s shaking and clattering, with her legs stretched across the bench seat, Kitty had her nose buried in the latest issue of Vogue fashion magazine. Wearing dark glasses, a flowing pink chiffon skirt dotted with tiny roses, a white blouse with pearl buttons, and an adorable sailor hat, she looked the part of a fashion model herself.

Poppy, the girl’s Pekingese, had a pink ribbon in her topknot that matched her owner’s outfit perfectly. The furry nuisance sprawled across Clifford’s lap, her outstretched paw touching my knee. Only because the animal had rescued me from imprisonment in a loo on my last mission did I indulge her encroachment on my person.

Clifford was another matter. Indulging him often tried my patience. Captain Clifford Douglas had been sent along by the War Office to chaperone us, despite the fact I’d already completed four missions. And Kitty, well, for all I knew, she was an assassin in petticoats.

While engrossed in his hunting magazine and fantasies of killing, at least Clifford was quiet for a change.

“I say!” Clifford looked up from his magazine.

Blast. I knew it was too good to be true.

“Gezira Sporting Club has fox hunts with English hounds.” Clifford beamed. “Do you ladies fancy a hunt?”

My eyes met Kitty’s and we both laughed.

“We’re not in Arabia for sports.” I scolded him. “Hunting.” I gestured from Clifford to Kitty. “Fashion… You’d think we were on holiday instead of…” I glanced over at the stranger in our compartment. “Instead of on business.”

If it hadn’t been for the stranger sharing our compartment, I would have chastised my companions. While I was busy preparing for our mission by studying guidebooks, they were faffing about with pretty dresses, gruesome blood sports, and fussing over a spoiled little dog.

“You can tell our priorities by our reading material.” I held up my book. “Mine is written by a scholar and a lady explorer.” I nodded for emphasis. “She—”

“If you want to get to know a people,” the stranger interrupted, “study their poetry.”

I sat blinking at him. His English was heavily accented, but I didn’t recognize the accent. And yet there was something familiar about his voice.

“You must read Hafez Ibrahim, poet of the Nile.” The stranger opened both his hands in offering. He clasped his hands together in prayer.

“Do I know you, sir?” Clifford dislodged the pipe from his mouth.

There was something uncanny about the man. I too had the uneasy sense of déjà vu.

“You don’t even know yourself,” the stranger scoffed. “If you English can’t make yourselves welcome with arrogant promises of freedom, you resort to armored tanks and Vickers machine guns.” His mustaches quivered.

“Well, I say,” Clifford huffed. “No need to be rude.” He tugged on the bottom of his jacket. Good old reliable Clifford. Quick to defend king and country… and any women within a twenty-mile radius.

“Those hunting hounds were brought here to fulfill your countrymen’s desire to turn every place into their homeland.” When the stranger waved his arms, the loose sleeve of his jacket danced a frenetic jig. “They died from the heat.” His dark eyes flashed. “Let that be a lesson to you.”

“Look here, whoever you are.” Clifford stood up. “This is no way to talk in front of the ladies.”

Good heavens. I hoped Clifford didn’t do something stupid like challenge this fellow to a duel or punch him in the nose.

The carriage swayed and Clifford fell back onto the seat, nearly landing in my lap.

“Now, now.” I patted Clifford’s arm. “The ladies can defend themselves, thank you.”

The stranger held up his book. “Here, you must learn Arabic if you want to do anything but see yourselves reflected in a mirror of your own hubris.” He stood up. “Since Egypt was occupied by the French before the English, you’ll get by passably well with French.” He opened the door to the compartment. “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I, too, have work in Cairo.”

As he crossed the threshold, a folded paper fell out of his book.

I reached down and picked it up. The paper was heavy and thick.

“You dropped something,” I said to the closed door.

The stranger had vanished.

“What is it?” Kitty said.

“I say.” Clifford snatched it from my hands and snapped it open. “Why, it’s a map!”

“Heavens.” I gazed down at it. “Not just any map.” I grabbed it back.

A map of the Suez Canal. Marked with a big black X. 

***

Excerpt from Covert in Cairo by Kelly Oliver. Copyright 2023 by Kelly Oliver. Reproduced with permission from Kelly Oliver. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Kelly Oliver is the award-winning and bestselling author of three mystery series: the seven-book suspense series, The Jessica James Mysteries; the three-book middle grade kids’ series, Pet Detective Mysteries; and the four-book historical cozy series, The Fiona Figg Mysteries, inspired by those trips to the Green Hills Library.

Currently, Kelly is the Vice President of Sisters in Crime.

When she’s not writing novels, Kelly is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.

To learn more about Kelly and her books, go to:
www.kellyoliverbooks.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @KellyOliverBook
Instagram - @kellyoliverbook
Twitter - @kellyoliverbook
Facebook - @kellyoliverauthor

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaway entries!

 

 

JOIN IN ON THE GIVEAWAY:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Kelly Oliver. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Covert in Cairo by Kelly Oliver. This book is the second in the Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery series and was released last month.

With a threat to the Suez Canal, Fiona Figg along with Kitty Lane and Captain Clifford Douglas have arrived in Egypt. Certain that the spy Frederick Fredericks is behind the plot Fiona is determined to find him as well as a missing British agent. Cryptic notes, a female master of disguises, and argumentative archeologists, not to mention that shifty South African spy, have Fiona befuddled. Will she be able to get to the heart of the matter and save the Suez Canal? Or will she find herself entombed with the mummies of Egypt, without ever receiving a promotion?

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading...nothing. lol. 

My Kindle died while I was in the midst of reading The Socialite's Guide to Murder by S. K. Golden. While waiting in vain for it to revive and then waiting for a new device I read other books including Tales of Ancient Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green. This is a collection of Egyptian myths and legends originally published in 1967. I then went back to and just finished reading The Socialite's Guide to Murder. However, I already wrote a currently reading post about it, don't want to write about it again, and I haven't started reading the next book on my list. So...stay tuned.

Murder at the Mena House - A Review

Review

MURDER AT THE MENA HOUSE by Erica Ruth Neubauer

The First Jane Wunderly Mystery

In 1926 Cairo Jane Wunderly is looking forward to the prospect of visiting the pyramids and enjoying a cocktail or two with her aunt. But her aunt is acting oddly, drinking even more than usual and spending time with two young women, leaving her niece to fend for herself. With a hotel full of guests, Jane is not alone for long. Although she has no time for good looking men, a disastrous marriage cured her of any romantic notions, Jane can't help but be intrigued by the enigmatic Brit, Redvers. The brash young socialite Anna Stainton does have eyes for him though, as well as all of the other handsome fellows in the vicinity, and takes an instant dislike to Jane, causing more than one scene. Thus when Anna is murdered, police immediately see Jane as the prime suspect. With other hotel guests acting suspiciously, and in order to save her own neck, Jane is determined to discover the truth, wherever it leads!

I knew from the first sentence that I'd love this book, and love it I do! Jane is charming and someone I'd like to call a friend. A nightmare of a marriage has left residual effects, but has not dampened her spirit or outlook on life. Redvers is a perfect mysterious man, charming, but possibly dangerous. Is he too good to be true? Several subplots gave me plenty of suspicions about what was going on, most of which were proved wrong, thereby creating a complex and intriguing mystery.

MURDER AT THE MENA HOUSE is imbued with plenty of charm, a dash of romance, and historical detail set in an exotic local. Along with a cerebral puzzle, there are plenty of laughs as well as a pulse pounding, adrenaline fueled climax!

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer. This book is the first in the Jane Wunderly Mystery series and will be released March 31, 2020.

In 1926 Cairo Jane Wunderly is looking forward to the prospect of visiting the pyramids and enjoying a cocktail or two with her aunt. But her aunt is acting oddly, drinking even more than usual and spending time with two young women, leaving her niece to fend for herself. With a hotel full of guests, Jane is not alone for long. Although she has no time for good looking men, a disastrous marriage cured her of any romantic notions, Jane can't help but be intrigued by the enigmatic Brit, Mr. Redvers. The brash young socialite Anna Stainton does have eyes for him though, as well as all of the other handsome fellow in the vicinity, and takes an instant dislike to Jane, causing more than one scene. Thus when Anna is murdered, police immediately see Jane as the prime suspect. With other hotel guests acting suspiciously, and in order to save her own neck, Jane is determined to discover the truth, wherever it leads!

A Barnabas Tew Interview, Review, and Giveaway

I'm ever so pleased to welcome Columbkill Noonan to the blog today.  Columbkill pens the Barnabas Tew Mystery series. BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is the fist book in the series and will be released June 3rd.

Kathy: BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is set in Victorian London. How did you choose this location and time period?

CN: I've always loved London (AND been fascinated with the genre of British detectives in Victorian London...thanks to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I'm sure!) I'm also fascinated with mythology, and when I had the thought of putting a somewhat neurotic, quintessentially British detective smack in the center of the Egyptian afterlife...well, it struck me as a situation with a lot of potential for fun.


Kathy: Historical mysteries require an extra special brand of research. What's your favorite method to research this time period?

CN: I'm old-school, so I go straight to books. I order histories from Amazon, and I also use the library at the university where I teach. You'd be amazed at the obscure historical moments that scholars have written dissertations on!


Kathy: I've always had an interest in Egyptology and was delighted to see that Anubis is a character in your mystery. Have you always been interested in Egyptology as well?

CN: I've always loved all mythology: Egyptian, Greco-Roman, Vikings, Mayans...I'm fascinated by them all. In fact, Barnabas' next adventure will take him to Valhalla and the Nine Worlds of the Vikings, and the one after that has him working with the Mayans.


Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

CN: Well, I like mysteries and thrillers, but sometimes you need something a bit more lighthearted. Cozy mysteries are perfect for those times. There's excitement, but you also know that nothing truly awful is going to happen.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

CN: I like to throw some fantasy/mythology into almost everything I write. I see no reason why a cozy mystery has to be confined to the world as we know it!


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

CN: Barnabas is an adorably neurotic character, who gets terribly nervous when things aren't just so. So, when he's thrown into the mix with a pack of slightly crazy Egyptian gods, he has a bit of difficulty adjusting, to say the least! Luckily, he has his trusty assistant Wilfred with him to help him solve the case.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

CN: Definitely Barnabas. He's got an anxiety disorder, for sure, but he manages. It's not always smooth, and he's definitely not cool, but he keeps trying, and that's what's important.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

CN: Not really, the idea just came to me one day: why not insert a Victorian detective into a mythological setting? I chose Egyptian mythology for the first book because there are so many gods and goddesses, which gave me no shortage of characters to chose from. The idea is for Barnabas to go to a different afterlife with each book.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

CN: There was never a question of NOT publishing. I couldn't just leave Barnabas and Wilfred to languish in the depths of my computer, could I? They needed to go out and meet the world.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

CN: Janet Evanovich, because she's hilarious. Leo Tolstoy, because he's not. What would those two talk about? Could she get him to lighten up, or would he have her mired in a quagmire of bleak social observations? Third would have to be Stephen King, to add some scariness to the mix (although he does have a quirky sense of humor too, doesn't he?) Lastly would be Clive Barker; his imagination is so vivid and delighfully odd, so I'd love to see what he'd make of the conversation between the other three!


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

CN: "The Raven Boys", by Maggie Stiefvater. It's the first book of hers I've read, and it's really great.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

CN: I have a horse that I got from a rescue farm, and I love to hang out with her. When I got her she was all skin and bones, and now she's so spoiled that she'll only eat apples that are organic, and then only if they're sliced just so. It makes me so happy that she's come this far; I think it means I've done something right!


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

CN: I'm a vegan, so this might be a weird list. Cabbage, homemade ginger-beet juice, tofu, and vegan "bacon" from Sweet Earth .


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

CN: Oh yes! Barnabas' Viking adventure is coming out September 4 of this year, and his Mayan adventure should be next year. After that I'm not sure where he'll go, but I know he'll go somewhere!


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

CN: Seeing a review on Amazon from someone that loved the book. It's so surreal to me that people I don't know are reading what I wrote, and that they like it! Every time I see a new review I run over to my husband and read it to him. It never gets old (well, to me, at least..he might have a different opinion on that!)

****************************************************************************

Review

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB
by Columbkill Noonan

The First Barnabas Tew Mystery

Barnabas Tew had visions of becoming the next Sherlock Holmes. Apart from having an amiable assistant and a kindly landlady, Barnabas Tew was, sadly, nothing like Sherlock Holmes. In fact, he simply wasn't a good detective at all. However, he did have one satisfied customer who recommended his services. Unfortunately, said services were recommended to Anubis, Egyptian god of the dead, who had no problem bringing Barnabas to the Underworld to solve a kidnapping. Now Barnabas and his assistant, Wilfred, have to deal with a variety of difficult gods in order to prevent the destruction of the world!

I love this delightfully different book. I have always had an interest in Egyptology and enjoy the Victorian time period. Connect these two, add some humor and a mystery and I'm sold! One of my favorite things about the book is the humor. I was chuckling at the situations, and the dialogue, more than once, had me laughing out loud. Great characterization humanizes not only our detectives, but the assortment of gods they encounter. As silly as things sometimes get, there remains a depth of feeling. Barnabas and Wilfred try their best and we admire them and root for them to succeed and be happy.

BARNABAS TEW AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING SCARAB is highly entertaining and immensely pleasurable, if somewhat preposterous. A fussy, not too terribly clever Victorian detective is thrown into the Egyptian Underworld and forced to deal with capricious gods. It is simply great fun!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Egyptian Enigma - An Interview & Review

I'm so pleased to welcome L.J.M. Owen to Cozy Up With Kathy today. L.J. writes the Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery series. EGYPTIAN ENIGMA is the third book in the series and will be released in March.

Kathy: In each of your books you tell the story of an ancient woman along with Dr Pimms’ narrative. How do you choose these historical females?

LJMO: One of my goals in writing the series is to highlight forgotten women from history, so I start each novel by researching the women from that book’s featured ancient civilisation. It’s been amazing to discover fascinating, extraordinary women in every society I’ve explored; they may not have made it into mainstream history textbooks, but they are there in the literature. I now trust that no matter which civilisation I research, I'm going to be spoilt for choice as to who I write about.

In OLMEC OBITUARY I introduce readers to the ancient Olmec culture of the Mexican basin through the eyes of Ix, a player of the demanding and violent Great Ballgame. I based her character on a 3,000-year-old figurine of a woman who played that game.

MAYAN MENDACITY explores the society of the ancient Mayans of Guatemala, including their political system, female rulers and practice of human sacrifice. The main character in the historical story, Lady Six Sky, was a well-documented figure in seventh century Mayan history. This novel also touches on the dangerous path faced by many librarians-including female librarians-in the Mayan Empire.

The third book in the series, EGYPTIAN ENIGMA, is a celebration of the mostly forgotten period of Egyptian history when women could participate fully in the realms of academia, business, the military and government. Women’s legal and social status in ancient Egypt far outstripped that of many women today.

The central historical character in EGYPTIAN ENIGMA is Tausret, the final Pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty. During my research, I discovered at least ten recorded female Pharaohs over the course of ancient Egyptian history, most of whom have been ignored by modern historians. As I investigated Tausret’s life I could see how fraught it must have been, that the threat of death must have been ever-present. In the end, I chose to write about her because I could see her so clearly.


Kathy: Your mouth-watering descriptions of food add a wonderful cultural element to your mysteries and you're kind enough to share several recipes in each book. Do you like to cook? What's your favourite type of dish to make?

LJMO: I *love* to cook. And eat.

My favourite foodie thing to do is wander outside to the garden or go to a crop swap, gather as many local ingredients as possible, and make something up. I love taking freshly harvested fruit, berries, vegetables and herbs, eggs from my chickens and milk from just up the road, and turning them into a colourful stir-fry, a frittata, a berry smoothie or a blackberry clafoutis.

I have shelves and shelves of recipe books in my dining room. I flick through them while eating for inspiration when I’m cooking, as well as inspiration for the Dr Pimms series.


Kathy: In EGYPTIAN ENIGMA Dr. Pimms finally gets to return to Egypt. I admit being somewhat enthralled with Egyptology. What makes Egyptian archaeology so fascinating to the world in general?

LJMO: People like hidden things. It’s enticing, the idea that there are entire cities sitting beneath the sand, just waiting to be revealed. Pyramids and the sphinx and temples and tombs…and when they are excavated, so many hold caches of glorious artefacts.

I’d like to think there’s an unconscious pull there, too, between an ancient culture where women were essentially equal under the law and our own, which is steeped in centuries of violent misogyny and repression of women. Perhaps a sense that females were generally held in higher regard than they are across the planet now is attractive, to women in particular.


Kathy: What first drew you to mysteries?

LJMO: I find them comforting. Mysteries seek to find an answer, a solution. Most mystery novels see the protagonist reach a conclusion. For me, in our ever-changing, uncertain world, that’s appealing.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

LJMO: I began as an academic writer, then shifted to writing about women in science through my mystery series.

I’m intending to branch into historical steampunk soon, followed by dystopian political fiction later on. Though the latter will be almost entirely memoir, it’s probably going to be considered the most fanciful of my work.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

LJMO: The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series is the story of an archaeologist-librarian-Dr Elizabeth Pimms-who solves ancient mysteries from across the globe using 21st century techniques. The archaeology, ancient history, forensic science and library services described in the books are based on significant academic research.

A significant focus of the series is forgotten women’s history. The third book in the series, EGYPTIAN ENIGMA, is being released in March 2018 to coincide with Women’s History Month.


Kathy: Do you have a favourite character? If so, who and why?


LJMO: Although they don’t have a speaking role, the characters closest to my heart would be two of Elizabeth’s cats: Billy, her phrenic library companion, and Thoth, ‘her’ cat among the family’s feline foursome. Billy is based on my own Billy, who I lost some years ago, while Thoth is based on my deeply missed Ella, who passed away just before I began writing EGYPTIAN ENIGMA.

It’s hard for me to say who my favourite character is among the humans; I think it might give too much away.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

LJMO: As I say at the beginning of each Dr Pimms book, like many bookworms, the best parts of my childhood were spent in the story worlds created by others. A bad day saw me escape under the covers with a torch and an orange to faraway lands where mysteries were solved, hard work was rewarded, and bad guys got their comeuppance. As an adult I decided to create another place for us all to run away to.

As I’m a trained archaeologist, a qualified librarian and I have a PhD in palaeogenetics, I thought: archaeological mystery series, with a librarian protagonist – naturally! So I set about creating a series for the reader who likes to curl in an armchair, tea in hand, fireplace crackling, and immerse themselves in in a world of archaeological wonders, forensic science and really good food.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

LJMO: Like many aspiring authors, I spent years crafting my first novel. Then, in late 2014, the first draft of OLMEC OBITUARY was done. Publishing had always been the plan, but I found myself facing an absurdly unexamined question: how do I publish it?

There were two options—learn to self-publish or throw my hat into the traditional publishers’ ring. I calculated the likelihood of a traditional publisher plucking my fledgling work from their annual slush pile of 5,000 submissions. Self-publishing it was.

I initiated a Kickstarter project to fund a small print run. Unexpectedly, just five days into the crowdfunding campaign, I was contacted by a commissioning editor from a traditional publishing house, who asked to see the manuscript. They’ve published the series ever since.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

LJMO: It would have to be:

· Enheduanna, Akkadian/Sumerian poet (c.2260 BCE), often claimed to be the world's first named author

· Hypatia of Alexandria (c.400 CE), greatest philosopher of her time

· Empress Xu of the Ming Dynasty (c. 1400 CE), known for writing highly politicised texts on women considered to be virtuous

· Christine de Pizan, Italian-French author (c. 1400 CE), who penned Le Livre de la Cité des Dames (THE BOOK OF THE CITY OF LADIES)

I think we could have a fascinating conversation about the status of women across time and place; with the help of some babelfish, of course


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

LJMO: I recently finished JUST A QUEEN, the second in a trilogy on Elizabeth I by Jane Caro.

I’m now re-reading THE WOMAN WHO WOULD BE KING: HATSHEPUT"S RISE TO POWER IN ANCIENT EGYPT by Kara Cooney, ahead of interviewing her for International Women’s Day.


Kathy:  Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

LJMO: Over the years they’ve been quite eclectic. I always intend to go back to them, but somehow…

There’s been Raqs sharqi (Egyptian dance), weight lifting, Arabic drumming and the hammered dulcimer. For a while I also studied languages and became vaguely proficient in French, Chinese, Spanish and Welsh.

At the moment it’s yoga. I’d like to pick up the dancing and drumming again, as they were the most fun so far.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

LJMO: A SodaStream for making bubbly water, buckwheat crisps, Earl Grey tea and coconut oil.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?


LJMO: Dr Pimms was a planned series of nine books from the beginning, so there’s lots more to come! In Book 4 we’re off to the Mongolia of Genghiz Khan’s daughters and granddaughters.


Kathy: What's your favourite thing about being an author?

LJMO: Without a doubt: fan mail!

***********************************************************************

Review

EGYPTIAN ENIGMA by L.J.M. Owen

The Third Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery

Despite the theft of her journal and having to curtail evening outings due to harassment by the local men, Dr. Elizabeth Pimms enjoys a marvelous vacation in Egypt with Henry, her friend from New York. While the entire trip rekindles her love of Egyptology, it is a visit to the Golden Tomb which leads Elizabeth and her friends to a new adventure. With modern day technology and good old fashioned research they plan to discover just who is buried in the Golden Tomb.

Every time I finish a Dr. Pimms mystery I feel smarter. I learn so much, about past civilizations and modern archaeological techniques, combined with strategy and deductive reasoning, my intelligence surely must be increasing!

L.J.M. Owen skillfully weaves a modern day mystery with a historical story, probing interpersonal relations and gender. The third Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery looks at patriarchy in its various forms. Wherever there are strong women wielding power, there are men looking to diminish it. Degradation, belittling, discrimination, and harassment are just some of the things women are forced to deal with. Sadly, the women in the modern day story have things worse than Pharaoh Tausret in this regard!

EGYPTIAN ENIGMA gives a fascinating look at ancient Egypt including its politics, religion, and daily life of the ruling classes. The modern day portion of the book provides more insight into the Pimms family, including the tragic death of Elizabeth's father, and just as we think we're to be given more answers, readers are left with a stunning ending that raises even more questions. My jaw dropped to the ground and I can only hope to have it closed by the time I'm able to read the next Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery.

*********************************************************************

Keep up with L.J.M. Owen using these links:

To purchase (with a discount and free shipping planet-wide):  https://www.bookdepository.com/Egyptian-Enigma-L-J-M-Owen/9781760407919

For more information on Egyptian Enigma and the Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series:  https://www.ljmowen.com/dr-pimms/

To keep up with the latest on the series: https://www.facebook.com/DrLJMOwen/

And to chat to L.J. on Twitter:   @Bleuddyn_Coll

Kate Parker and the Detecting Duchess - Guest Post

I'm happy to let Kate Parker take over the blog today. Kate writes the Victorian Bookshop Mystery series. The Detecting Duchess is the fifth book in the series.

A few years ago, I wrote a mystery set in Cairo in the late Victorian period. While no one will ever read this manuscript, I loved the plot. It was based on the history of that time, and it didn’t take long looking through my notes and source books to find it would work well as Georgia’s last case.

In The Detecting Duchess, Georgia begins to search for a missing man in England and goes on to investigate a murder in Cairo a few weeks before. All the Europeans of that time, whether tourists or government officials, left Cairo and the upcoming summer heat at the end of May and didn’t return until October. This meant all the suspects in a murder in Cairo would now be present in London for Georgia to question.

Egypt at that time, although officially a part of the crumbling Ottoman Empire, was controlled by the British with an assist by the French. Egypt had nearly gone bankrupt twenty years before due to the cost of building the Suez Canal. The British and French, who were their biggest creditors, reorganized Egypt’s finances and had Egypt pay about one million pounds sterling twice a year toward their debt. One of the payment dates was May first.

What if that one million pounds sterling, in the form of gold, disappeared between the Egyptian treasury and the European bankers?

There would be a treasure hunt of epic proportions. Murder, mayhem, and spying would involve more and more people as those who have the gold try to keep it and those who don’t have the gold try to find and steal it. How will Georgia survive among these ruthless thieves? And will she make it to her wedding on time?

I hope you enjoy The Detecting Duchess, available now in print and ebook from all major retailers.

Kate Parker grew up reading her mother's collection of mystery books by Christie, Sayers, and others. Now she can't write a story without someone being murdered, and everyday items are studied for their lethal potential. It's taken her years to convince her husband that she hasn't poisoned dinner; that funny taste is because she just can't cook. The five books in her Victorian Bookshop Mystery series are currently available, as are the first two books in her Deadly series. She may be found at www.KateParkerbooks.com and www.Facebook.com/Author.Kate.Parker/