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Miss Clara Vale Mysteries #3
The Pyramid Murders
A night at the museum, a dead body and a trail to Cairo. Sounds like a case for Miss Clara Vale!
1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...
Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.
But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.
Can Clara catch the smugglers before they get away with another murder among the pyramids?
Perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey!
1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...
Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.
But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.
Can Clara catch the smugglers before they get away with another murder among the pyramids?
Perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey!
300 pages, ebook
First published May 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 7, 2024
It was 1930 when private eye, Miss Clara Vale, became embroiled in a plot involving Egyptian artefacts and mummies. The night at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle was the beginning and it wasn't long before Clara and her assistant Bella were heading for Cairo on a cruise ship. On board were people who had also been at the Museum, plus a fellow sleuth who wanted the answers before Clara. Jack had always been a thorn in her side, irritating and aggravating. But she also knew they were both on the same side.
Upon arrival in Cairo, Clara was amazed at the beauty surrounding her. But she also discovered that she had no idea who she could trust. With murders and smuggling, as well as devious people watching her and Bella, Clara knew the clock was ticking and danger was circling. Would they discover who the culprit/s were before someone else died?
The Pyramid Murders is the 3rd in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and the first I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip around Cairo, on the River Nile and the sight of the pyramids, even from the air! This historical mystery was filled with bad guys, and I certainly didn't come to the right conclusion until the reveal! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Upon arrival in Cairo, Clara was amazed at the beauty surrounding her. But she also discovered that she had no idea who she could trust. With murders and smuggling, as well as devious people watching her and Bella, Clara knew the clock was ticking and danger was circling. Would they discover who the culprit/s were before someone else died?
The Pyramid Murders is the 3rd in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and the first I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip around Cairo, on the River Nile and the sight of the pyramids, even from the air! This historical mystery was filled with bad guys, and I certainly didn't come to the right conclusion until the reveal! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
A dead body wrapped up as a mummy and stolen jewels are the impetus for Miss Clara Vale's new investigation.
A launch party for its new Egyptian exhibit, which includes most of Clara's beloved Uncle Bob's Egyptian treasures, at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle turns from a fun evening out for Clara into a much darker affair when Dr. Daphne Coleman suspects the body within the sarcophagus is not a true mummy. The jewels beneath the body are even more shocking.
Daphne requests Clara's help analyzing the body, which proves to be someone murdered within the last several years, and definitely not that of someone who died over two thousand years ago.
Daphne is deeply concerned about England's political relations with Egypt, and wants Clara to not only return the jewels to Cairo, but also to try to identify the body, which they all suspect to be one of a small group of female Egyptian students, whose academic fees were paid by Bob.
Bob had been on several archaeological digs in the past, and wrote several letters home to his lover, and kept a journal, which Clara takes with her when she and Bella head to Cairo.
They find several suspects on board the ship, including various members of other museums. Once Clara arrives in Cairo, she begins asking questions. There are attempts to stop her, but she and Bella prove to be a great investigative team together.
I have been greatly enjoying the Clara Vale mysteries, and this one was a lot of fun. Conjuring images of Agatha Christie's “Death on the Nile” with its many suspects and fascinating location, author Fiona Veitch Smith's latest was a compelling mystery full of interesting historical details. I enjoyed it a lot, and I hope there are more Clara Vale mysteries to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
A launch party for its new Egyptian exhibit, which includes most of Clara's beloved Uncle Bob's Egyptian treasures, at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle turns from a fun evening out for Clara into a much darker affair when Dr. Daphne Coleman suspects the body within the sarcophagus is not a true mummy. The jewels beneath the body are even more shocking.
Daphne requests Clara's help analyzing the body, which proves to be someone murdered within the last several years, and definitely not that of someone who died over two thousand years ago.
Daphne is deeply concerned about England's political relations with Egypt, and wants Clara to not only return the jewels to Cairo, but also to try to identify the body, which they all suspect to be one of a small group of female Egyptian students, whose academic fees were paid by Bob.
Bob had been on several archaeological digs in the past, and wrote several letters home to his lover, and kept a journal, which Clara takes with her when she and Bella head to Cairo.
They find several suspects on board the ship, including various members of other museums. Once Clara arrives in Cairo, she begins asking questions. There are attempts to stop her, but she and Bella prove to be a great investigative team together.
I have been greatly enjoying the Clara Vale mysteries, and this one was a lot of fun. Conjuring images of Agatha Christie's “Death on the Nile” with its many suspects and fascinating location, author Fiona Veitch Smith's latest was a compelling mystery full of interesting historical details. I enjoyed it a lot, and I hope there are more Clara Vale mysteries to come.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Embla Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
June 16, 2024
This highly quality is the third on a series but works well as a standalone. Its my second outing with the characters. As always the narration is compelling loving the usage of accents in the right places for the right amount. I loved the additional historic references manipulation to fit into the story. The plot itself again another cosy murder mystery with the added bonus of a trip to Egypt. Appropriate side characters throughtout gave the mystery more depth. To the story. It was a quick listen. Throughly recommended for anyone who loves cozy type mystery. This also attempts to put the modern wonen values and ideas into a historical setting .
I know originally only 3 novels were planned for this series but I really hope there is more to come
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
I know originally only 3 novels were planned for this series but I really hope there is more to come
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
August 11, 2024
The best of the series so far!!
In a weird twist, I was starting this as I was finishing [this was not planned by the way. LOL] a nonfiction book about women in Egyptology [some who were mentioned in this book; I was so surprised and happy I didn't need to go look them up], and while I didn't love that book [nor would I recommend this book, but WILL be looking into the books mentioned in the author's note], I did love this one and actually learned more in this than in the nonfiction one - go figure. The notes at the end added to the story [I love hearing about all the research author's get to do] and also answered some questions I had.
This is a great story and mystery [even knowing some of what is revealed at the end; it was just a lucky guess]; the writing is just so clever and you can tell that the author both likes this time period and doing the research to make a really good book, and I am grateful and truly enjoyed it.
I have really enjoyed the addition of Bella to the team [and she makes up for the gross Jack Danskins]; she plays off of Clara very well, is anxious to never over-step [and I love how Clara encourages here and brings her into situations that will both help Clara and teach Bella about the "toffs"], and is never afraid to both speak up *OR* step up. She is the perfect sidekick to Clara and I cannot wait for more of their adventures.
Rich in history, excellently researched, and just an overall fun read, I recommend this series to anyone who loves history, women slueths, and a smart, good, mystery.
Very well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona Veitch Smith, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In a weird twist, I was starting this as I was finishing [this was not planned by the way. LOL] a nonfiction book about women in Egyptology [some who were mentioned in this book; I was so surprised and happy I didn't need to go look them up], and while I didn't love that book [nor would I recommend this book, but WILL be looking into the books mentioned in the author's note], I did love this one and actually learned more in this than in the nonfiction one - go figure. The notes at the end added to the story [I love hearing about all the research author's get to do] and also answered some questions I had.
This is a great story and mystery [even knowing some of what is revealed at the end; it was just a lucky guess]; the writing is just so clever and you can tell that the author both likes this time period and doing the research to make a really good book, and I am grateful and truly enjoyed it.
I have really enjoyed the addition of Bella to the team [and she makes up for the gross Jack Danskins]; she plays off of Clara very well, is anxious to never over-step [and I love how Clara encourages here and brings her into situations that will both help Clara and teach Bella about the "toffs"], and is never afraid to both speak up *OR* step up. She is the perfect sidekick to Clara and I cannot wait for more of their adventures.
Rich in history, excellently researched, and just an overall fun read, I recommend this series to anyone who loves history, women slueths, and a smart, good, mystery.
Very well done!
Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona Veitch Smith, and Embla Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2024
It’s 1930 and Clara Vale, lady investigator is pulled into another mystery and with her assistant Bella, sets off to the land of the Pharaohs to solve the crime.
Missing mummies, priceless artefacts, ancient cults and plucky young gals. This is so nostalgic, quite Christiesque (the lady herself makes an appearance!) set in a time when women were property and going against the social norms was seen as degenerate, the women in this story are fierce and determined.
From the British Museum to a ship bound for Cairo in search of answers this is such fun. Clara and Bella are wonderful as is Daphne, the world renowned archaeologist who asks for their help. The whole series of books is available on KU and perfect for an afternoon’s reading.
Missing mummies, priceless artefacts, ancient cults and plucky young gals. This is so nostalgic, quite Christiesque (the lady herself makes an appearance!) set in a time when women were property and going against the social norms was seen as degenerate, the women in this story are fierce and determined.
From the British Museum to a ship bound for Cairo in search of answers this is such fun. Clara and Bella are wonderful as is Daphne, the world renowned archaeologist who asks for their help. The whole series of books is available on KU and perfect for an afternoon’s reading.
July 15, 2024
Another adventure for Clara, this time when the wrong mummy turns up in a sarcophagus!
I’m not sure if it was just that I wasn’t in the mood, but I struggled with this one. Clara just seemed all a bit too perfect and the storyline didn’t hold my attention.
Perhaps if there is another in the series I will still give it a read, but it may be that this series has reached its natural end for me.
I’m not sure if it was just that I wasn’t in the mood, but I struggled with this one. Clara just seemed all a bit too perfect and the storyline didn’t hold my attention.
Perhaps if there is another in the series I will still give it a read, but it may be that this series has reached its natural end for me.
June 18, 2024
The Pyramid Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith took Clara and Bella to Egypt as they investigated a missing mummy. The mummy was brought to the Hancock from the British Museum in London to be the cornerstone of the display of uncle Bob’s collected treasures, which Clara had donated. But when the sarcophagus was opened it appeared that the mummy was not the correct one. Upon some investigation by Clara and Dr Daphne Coleman, her uncle’s friend at the Hancock, they discovered that the mummy was a young woman. Further investigation discovered that the mummy was less than two years old and probably a student at the university in Egypt, based on a pin found on the girl. This raised questions. Where was the mummy that was supposed to be there? Where was the man from London? Where was the man that had delivered the mummy? Well, you got the idea. So Clara and Bella were off to Egypt where they felt certain the answers lay. On their tail was Clara’s nemesis, Jack Danskin, who had been hired by hired by the museum.
It was a rousing tale which included trips out into the desert, several trips to the astounding Egyptian Museum, and some interesting Egyptian meals. Clara is up for anything, but Bella is a bit more reserved. Clara is learning the investigation business quickly and Bella has a gift for it. Being woman in a man’s profession raises plenty of eyebrows, both for her and for Daphne. They both persevere and eventually reach their goals. Clara may have to concede that Jack played an important part. The story was especially interesting because of the Egypt connection. Clara is a clever young woman who knows no fear. The mystery was complicated and of course, rooted in greed and by the least expected person. It was a fun read. I recommend, it! Thanks Fiona Leitch Smith for this enticing character.
I was invited to read The Pyramid Murders by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #FionaLeitchSmith #ThePyramidMurders
It was a rousing tale which included trips out into the desert, several trips to the astounding Egyptian Museum, and some interesting Egyptian meals. Clara is up for anything, but Bella is a bit more reserved. Clara is learning the investigation business quickly and Bella has a gift for it. Being woman in a man’s profession raises plenty of eyebrows, both for her and for Daphne. They both persevere and eventually reach their goals. Clara may have to concede that Jack played an important part. The story was especially interesting because of the Egypt connection. Clara is a clever young woman who knows no fear. The mystery was complicated and of course, rooted in greed and by the least expected person. It was a fun read. I recommend, it! Thanks Fiona Leitch Smith for this enticing character.
I was invited to read The Pyramid Murders by Embla Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EmblaBooks #FionaLeitchSmith #ThePyramidMurders
June 4, 2024
1930: Miss Clara Vale, Oxford graduate in chemistry now turned detective after taking over her uncle’s agency, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake. Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow set out to solve the mystery
The third outing for Clara & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Clara who is like a terrier with a bone, she now has an assistant, the delightful Bella. This was one interesting mystery from the cold streets of Newcastle to the desert & the pyramids in Egypt. I loved the descriptions not only of the journey but also the hustle & bustle of Cairo. There are twists & turns as Clara unravels the mystery, who can she trust & what are red herrings & what is the truth. I look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The third outing for Clara & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Clara who is like a terrier with a bone, she now has an assistant, the delightful Bella. This was one interesting mystery from the cold streets of Newcastle to the desert & the pyramids in Egypt. I loved the descriptions not only of the journey but also the hustle & bustle of Cairo. There are twists & turns as Clara unravels the mystery, who can she trust & what are red herrings & what is the truth. I look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
June 21, 2024
I've not read the previous tow in this series, but that wasn't necessary, and this worked just as well as a stand alone book. Initially attracted to the storyline of Egypt, this was a fun, cosy mystery of smuggled artifacts and murder that managed to raise a few interesting questions about antiquities in private and national collections, other than in their country of origin. A near blend of period mystery and modern issues that did actually work. I liked the characters, Clara is engaging although I loved Bella, her assistant. There were numerous other characters that all worked well, and the narrator did an excellent job with all the different voices. The story moves at a decent pace and came to a reasonable conclusion. Overall, really enjoyable.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook version in return for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook version in return for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
This story starts out in my own city of Newcastle Upon Tyne and when a mummy arrives at the Hancock museum (just around the corner from me!) that isn't what was expected our heroine starts her sleuthing which takes her all the way to Egypt!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook which I enjoyed ever so much, and the narrator is spot on. Ah I love books set where I live. This is a remarkable series, and I will be looking to read the rest!
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook which I enjoyed ever so much, and the narrator is spot on. Ah I love books set where I live. This is a remarkable series, and I will be looking to read the rest!
September 20, 2024
This is the third of Fiona Veitch Smith’s mysteries which feature Miss Clara Vale. Clara is intent on making a success of the detective agency she has inherited from her uncle despite the prejudice and patronising attitudes she has to contend with as a fiercely independent woman making her own way in the world in 1930.
Clara attends a launch party being held at the Handcock Museum in Newcastle to mark a new exhibition of Egyptian artifacts donated to the museum in his will by Clara’s uncle. The highlight of the evening is the opening of a sarcophagus of Amentukah on loan from the British Museum. Later that night, someone breaks into the museum. The mummy is thrown on the floor to reveal a collection of valuable Egyptian jewelled artifacts. The would-be thief is disturbed and gets away. The precious remains have never been documented but Dr Daphnie Coleman, the museum’s curator, believes they were looted by grave robbers. Who hid them there?
There is a further mystery. Dr Colman confides to Clara that the mummy cannot be that of Amentukah. The two women investigate and discover that not only is the mummy that of a woman, but it also cannot be more than a few years old.
Daphne asks Clara to take the jewels to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Clara and her resourceful assistant, Bella, set off on a voyage aboard a luxury liner for a two-week cruise bound for Cairo. It’s a journey fraught with danger that will put both their lives at risk.
Events unfold at breakneck speed as the action moves from Newcastle to Cairo and the questions keep coming via a series of twists and turns that make the book impossible to put down. Each location from the musty atmosphere of the Handcock Museum, the luxury of the first-class section of the RMS Olympic, the heart-in-mouth plane journey to Egypt’s contrasting city and desert environments is vividly drawn. The reader can only marvel at the vast amount of research it must have taken to be able to re-create so credibly. As events unfold, suspicion falls on each of the archaeologists who are returning to Egypt. Appearances can be deceptive. Can Clara trust anyone back home or in Egypt?
Each of the large cast of characters is well-drawn. My favourite is Bella, Clara’s straight-talking assistant whose working-class background gives her access to areas where Clara cannot venture.
An excellent read that I can thoroughly recommend.
------
Reviewer: Judith Cranswick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Clara attends a launch party being held at the Handcock Museum in Newcastle to mark a new exhibition of Egyptian artifacts donated to the museum in his will by Clara’s uncle. The highlight of the evening is the opening of a sarcophagus of Amentukah on loan from the British Museum. Later that night, someone breaks into the museum. The mummy is thrown on the floor to reveal a collection of valuable Egyptian jewelled artifacts. The would-be thief is disturbed and gets away. The precious remains have never been documented but Dr Daphnie Coleman, the museum’s curator, believes they were looted by grave robbers. Who hid them there?
There is a further mystery. Dr Colman confides to Clara that the mummy cannot be that of Amentukah. The two women investigate and discover that not only is the mummy that of a woman, but it also cannot be more than a few years old.
Daphne asks Clara to take the jewels to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Clara and her resourceful assistant, Bella, set off on a voyage aboard a luxury liner for a two-week cruise bound for Cairo. It’s a journey fraught with danger that will put both their lives at risk.
Events unfold at breakneck speed as the action moves from Newcastle to Cairo and the questions keep coming via a series of twists and turns that make the book impossible to put down. Each location from the musty atmosphere of the Handcock Museum, the luxury of the first-class section of the RMS Olympic, the heart-in-mouth plane journey to Egypt’s contrasting city and desert environments is vividly drawn. The reader can only marvel at the vast amount of research it must have taken to be able to re-create so credibly. As events unfold, suspicion falls on each of the archaeologists who are returning to Egypt. Appearances can be deceptive. Can Clara trust anyone back home or in Egypt?
Each of the large cast of characters is well-drawn. My favourite is Bella, Clara’s straight-talking assistant whose working-class background gives her access to areas where Clara cannot venture.
An excellent read that I can thoroughly recommend.
------
Reviewer: Judith Cranswick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
June 13, 2024
Stolen Jewels, a fake mummy, it’s all happening as Clara attends the opening of an exhibition at The Hancock Museum. This is the beginning of a journey that will take her all the way to Cairo to find a murderer and uncover a smuggling ring….
Firstly, I just want to say that one of the many reasons that attracted me to reading the book was it took place in The Great North Museum (formerly called The Hancock Museum). This is a place I’ve visited many times and it has a fantastic Egyptian display. It is well worth a visit. I’m so glad that it was incorporated into the plot of this book. Now on to the story, I have to say that it was a world-wind of an adventure. We never paused for breath and the plot moved seamlessly from Newcastle across to London and Cairo. The latter city was vividly brought to life in full technicolour, obviously a lot of detailed research and imagination had gone into the book. For me personally, I enjoyed all the historical, or sometimes faux historical details that were at the centre of the plot.
One of the things I like about the historical cosy crime novel set during this time is the way that the historical and social expectations for women are juxtaposed with their female protagonists. This book did not disappoint with Clara being fiercely independent against expectations for women of her class at this time period. She also maintained control of the investigation for the most part and had very plausible reasoning and relatively good intuition. I have to talk about her partner in investigating crime, Bella, goodness me, what a character! Bella was the star of the show for me with her warm-heartedness and common sense approach to matters.
It might have been an added bonus to hear more Geordie voices during the Newcastle sections of the novel. Although I know this is the case with other books in the series. I also would have liked the book to go back to The Hancock Museum to see the mummy on display. Clara is still learning her craft as a detective and I’m excited to see where the books will go in the future. Although I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley, I am leaving this review entirely voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions in it are my own.
Firstly, I just want to say that one of the many reasons that attracted me to reading the book was it took place in The Great North Museum (formerly called The Hancock Museum). This is a place I’ve visited many times and it has a fantastic Egyptian display. It is well worth a visit. I’m so glad that it was incorporated into the plot of this book. Now on to the story, I have to say that it was a world-wind of an adventure. We never paused for breath and the plot moved seamlessly from Newcastle across to London and Cairo. The latter city was vividly brought to life in full technicolour, obviously a lot of detailed research and imagination had gone into the book. For me personally, I enjoyed all the historical, or sometimes faux historical details that were at the centre of the plot.
One of the things I like about the historical cosy crime novel set during this time is the way that the historical and social expectations for women are juxtaposed with their female protagonists. This book did not disappoint with Clara being fiercely independent against expectations for women of her class at this time period. She also maintained control of the investigation for the most part and had very plausible reasoning and relatively good intuition. I have to talk about her partner in investigating crime, Bella, goodness me, what a character! Bella was the star of the show for me with her warm-heartedness and common sense approach to matters.
It might have been an added bonus to hear more Geordie voices during the Newcastle sections of the novel. Although I know this is the case with other books in the series. I also would have liked the book to go back to The Hancock Museum to see the mummy on display. Clara is still learning her craft as a detective and I’m excited to see where the books will go in the future. Although I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley, I am leaving this review entirely voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions in it are my own.
May 19, 2024
This is my second Miss Clara Vale Mystery. Last year I read and reviewed The Pantomime Murders. I ended that review with the words: ‘I’ve got a feeling I’ll be spending more time with Miss Clara Vale in the future’, and what do you know, just over six months later I find myself solving mysteries with the spunky lady investigator once again.
The year is 1930 and Clara, our heroine, has donated some of her deceased uncle’s Egyptian artifacts and papers to a local museum. But what should have been a joyous occasion soon turns sour when she discovers a mummy that is very recent as opposed to ancient, as well as a selection of Egyptian jewels that shouldn’t even be in England, never mind in her local museum.
When she’s asked to investigate it isn’t long before she finds herself on a journey to Egypt where she soon finds herself in danger as the plot thickens.
There is so much to enjoy in this book. The mystery is intriguing, Clara Vale is a wonderful MC, as is Bessie her assistant and there isn’t a dull moment in the story. This story is properly set in 1930. For example, there is mention of Dr. Fleming and penicillin, the start of (commercial) air travel, and most delightfully, Agatha Christie makes an appearance when Clara is in Egypt. The author’s biography states that Fiona Veitch Smith is a huge fan of Golden Age of Mystery stories and her books show that clearly.
I love Clara Vale’s independence which was still rare and mostly unheard of in the early decades of the 20th century.
The Pyramid Murders was well written and filled with detail without ever dragging. The characters are vivid and the mystery is very well plotted. Which means I’ll end this review as I did my review of The Pantomime Murders. I will be spending more time with Miss Clara Vale in the future. While I wait for book #4 to be published I can go back and read The Picture House Murders the first title in this series.
The year is 1930 and Clara, our heroine, has donated some of her deceased uncle’s Egyptian artifacts and papers to a local museum. But what should have been a joyous occasion soon turns sour when she discovers a mummy that is very recent as opposed to ancient, as well as a selection of Egyptian jewels that shouldn’t even be in England, never mind in her local museum.
When she’s asked to investigate it isn’t long before she finds herself on a journey to Egypt where she soon finds herself in danger as the plot thickens.
There is so much to enjoy in this book. The mystery is intriguing, Clara Vale is a wonderful MC, as is Bessie her assistant and there isn’t a dull moment in the story. This story is properly set in 1930. For example, there is mention of Dr. Fleming and penicillin, the start of (commercial) air travel, and most delightfully, Agatha Christie makes an appearance when Clara is in Egypt. The author’s biography states that Fiona Veitch Smith is a huge fan of Golden Age of Mystery stories and her books show that clearly.
I love Clara Vale’s independence which was still rare and mostly unheard of in the early decades of the 20th century.
The Pyramid Murders was well written and filled with detail without ever dragging. The characters are vivid and the mystery is very well plotted. Which means I’ll end this review as I did my review of The Pantomime Murders. I will be spending more time with Miss Clara Vale in the future. While I wait for book #4 to be published I can go back and read The Picture House Murders the first title in this series.
June 13, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Fiona Veitch Smith for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Pyramid Murders coming out June 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...
Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.
But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I have the other two books, so I need to go back and read them. I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt so this book was definitely fun for me! I loved the scenes in the museum and uncovering ancient artifacts. I feel like travel would be hard in the 1930s, so it’s interesting Clara was able to travel to Egypt and make her way around. She’s definitely a smart character, but I think it would’ve been a little dangerous to travel as two women. Overall, I really loved the book. Historical cozy murder mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed all of the historical facts added to the story. The only real issue was technical with the book formatting. It didn’t keep my place in the book. It kept going back to the first chapter. But I loved the story!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in Egypt!
1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...
Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.
But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.
This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I have the other two books, so I need to go back and read them. I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt so this book was definitely fun for me! I loved the scenes in the museum and uncovering ancient artifacts. I feel like travel would be hard in the 1930s, so it’s interesting Clara was able to travel to Egypt and make her way around. She’s definitely a smart character, but I think it would’ve been a little dangerous to travel as two women. Overall, I really loved the book. Historical cozy murder mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed all of the historical facts added to the story. The only real issue was technical with the book formatting. It didn’t keep my place in the book. It kept going back to the first chapter. But I loved the story!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in Egypt!
June 16, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Pyramid Murders is the third book featuring Clara Vale by Fiona Veitch Smith. Released 13th June 2024 by Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 300 pages and is available in audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently on KU.
This is a light cozy set interwar London with Clara Vale, a clever young woman well situated in life and with a formidable scientific mind. This installment sees Clara and her assistant Bella (who is wonderful) on the trail of artifact and jewel thieves from Newcastle to London and even down the Egyptian Nile.
The language is clean and the plot is woven around actual historical events whimsically and successfully. It's a cozy, and without graphic, on page violence. It's not at all derivative, but it will definitely appeal to fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Catriona McPherson's Dandy Gilver books.
Four stars. Light entertainment. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or a short binge/buddy read. The story is self contained in this volume, but there's some continuity between the volumes which will be spoiled if read out of order.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Pyramid Murders is the third book featuring Clara Vale by Fiona Veitch Smith. Released 13th June 2024 by Bonnier on their Embla Books imprint, it's 300 pages and is available in audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The other books in the series are also currently on KU.
This is a light cozy set interwar London with Clara Vale, a clever young woman well situated in life and with a formidable scientific mind. This installment sees Clara and her assistant Bella (who is wonderful) on the trail of artifact and jewel thieves from Newcastle to London and even down the Egyptian Nile.
The language is clean and the plot is woven around actual historical events whimsically and successfully. It's a cozy, and without graphic, on page violence. It's not at all derivative, but it will definitely appeal to fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Catriona McPherson's Dandy Gilver books.
Four stars. Light entertainment. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or a short binge/buddy read. The story is self contained in this volume, but there's some continuity between the volumes which will be spoiled if read out of order.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 4, 2024
Newcastle, 1930. After donating a collection of Egyptian artifacts left to her by her Uncle Bob, Clara Vale is attending a reception at the Hancock Museum to mark the opening of the exhibition. There’s even a sarcophagus, which will be opened during the ceremony. But when the cover is removed, the mummy inside is not the one expected. Oddly, there is also a set jewels discovered with the mummy. Events take a sinister twist when, with the help of Clara’s forensic skills, it is determined that the individual in the sarcophagus was a young woman, and that she was mummified sometime in the last fifteen years!
To find out where the jewels came from, and how they are connected to the death of the woman in the sarcophagus, Clara is soon on her way to Egypt.
I’ve read the previous books in this series, as well as the author’s Poppy Denby series and enjoyed them all. So I was surprised to find myself disappointed in this.
Egyptology, archaeology, mummies and murder should be perfect for a “Golden Age” cosy mystery. Unfortunately, there was little effort to define the time period or create the atmosphere necessary. The lack of descriptive detail made for settings that were flat and colorless.
Subplots involving Clara’s family, finances, romantic partners, Agatha Christie, a plug for the author’s Poppy Denby series, characters who are never seen, or disappeared from most of the book, or popped up at the end. There was just too much going for me and it became struggle to determine where the real focus was.
Hopefully this was just a hiccup…a short departure from the author’s usual approach to writing…and the next book in the series will bring me back around.
To find out where the jewels came from, and how they are connected to the death of the woman in the sarcophagus, Clara is soon on her way to Egypt.
I’ve read the previous books in this series, as well as the author’s Poppy Denby series and enjoyed them all. So I was surprised to find myself disappointed in this.
Egyptology, archaeology, mummies and murder should be perfect for a “Golden Age” cosy mystery. Unfortunately, there was little effort to define the time period or create the atmosphere necessary. The lack of descriptive detail made for settings that were flat and colorless.
Subplots involving Clara’s family, finances, romantic partners, Agatha Christie, a plug for the author’s Poppy Denby series, characters who are never seen, or disappeared from most of the book, or popped up at the end. There was just too much going for me and it became struggle to determine where the real focus was.
Hopefully this was just a hiccup…a short departure from the author’s usual approach to writing…and the next book in the series will bring me back around.
July 25, 2024
Let me just say before anything else: I loved this book! I had not yet read anything by Fiona Veitch Smith, but I am now a huge fan of this author. This book encompasses so much of what I love about books set in the Golden Age.. It reminds me of the works of Agatha Christie, with a heavy dose of glamour added in. In fact, there is a cameo appearance of Dame Agatha herself!
In the Pyramid Murders, Miss Clara Vale has inherited her uncle’s detective business, and has been invited to the launch party of a new exhibit at the museum in Newcastle. Upon opening the grand prize exhibit of am Egyptian sarcophagus they discover a fake mummy. Clara is later called back to the museum to investigate a series of stolen artifacts, which take her all the way to Egypt.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book, and definitely the settings, from Newcastle, to London, to the cruise ship, to the early-era airplane (I don’t think I would enjoy using the “bathroom” on that tiny plane!), to Egypt. The author has clearly done extensive research into the time period and incorporates it all seamlessly into the story. History is brought to life, and I learned some new things that didn’t sink in from the dry textbooks I had read way back in school!
As soon as I finished reading this book, I immediately purchased the first two in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries series. This author is definitely one of my new favorites, and one I will continue happily reading.
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for letting me read and review this book. I’m happy to give my honest opinion.
In the Pyramid Murders, Miss Clara Vale has inherited her uncle’s detective business, and has been invited to the launch party of a new exhibit at the museum in Newcastle. Upon opening the grand prize exhibit of am Egyptian sarcophagus they discover a fake mummy. Clara is later called back to the museum to investigate a series of stolen artifacts, which take her all the way to Egypt.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book, and definitely the settings, from Newcastle, to London, to the cruise ship, to the early-era airplane (I don’t think I would enjoy using the “bathroom” on that tiny plane!), to Egypt. The author has clearly done extensive research into the time period and incorporates it all seamlessly into the story. History is brought to life, and I learned some new things that didn’t sink in from the dry textbooks I had read way back in school!
As soon as I finished reading this book, I immediately purchased the first two in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries series. This author is definitely one of my new favorites, and one I will continue happily reading.
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for letting me read and review this book. I’m happy to give my honest opinion.
June 14, 2024
Clara Vale inherited her Uncle Bob’s estate and his investigation agency upon his death. Uncle Bob had been an amateur archaeologist as well as an investigator. An event at the Hancock Museum in memory of Uncle Bob, Clara and Uncle Bob’s friend Dr. Daphne Coleman discover that the mummy that the British Museum had loaned to the Hancock for the event was not an ancient mummy at all, but the body of a young woman who had recently died, made to look like a mummy. Further discovery of the ancient jewels of Queen Ahhotep who died about 1530 BC sent Clara and her assistant Bella to Egypt on an exciting and dangerous adventure to discover who the young woman was and to return the jewels to Egypt from where they had apparently been stolen. Clara and Bella found themselves in the midst of a mystery involving the antiquities black market, with lots of people trying to stop their investigations.
There is a large cast of characters, mostly archaeologists from various countries, all of whom begin to look as if they could be involved in the mummy swap, and possibly the murder of the young woman. And who was trying to get their hands on the ancient jewels?
It was great fun trying to untangle the mystery and figure who were the bad guys and who were the good guys. Attempts of the lives of both Clara and Bella step up the drama as the two get closer to figuring things out. It was a fun read, and I recommend it to all mystery lovers.
There is a large cast of characters, mostly archaeologists from various countries, all of whom begin to look as if they could be involved in the mummy swap, and possibly the murder of the young woman. And who was trying to get their hands on the ancient jewels?
It was great fun trying to untangle the mystery and figure who were the bad guys and who were the good guys. Attempts of the lives of both Clara and Bella step up the drama as the two get closer to figuring things out. It was a fun read, and I recommend it to all mystery lovers.
June 21, 2024
Another fantastic addition to the Clara Vale Mysteries. This time Clara finds herself on planes, trains and automobiles as well as a cruise ship. She follows the trail of Egyptian mummies and lost treasure on a trip around the world and even has time for tea with Agatha Christie! I love the little cameos that go into these books and I appreciate the sheer amount of research gone into making the book sound realistic. Don't forget to read the author's note at the end for all the details.
I really enjoyed seeing more of Uncle Bob through his letters and people that he met prior to his death. Clara finds out more about him and his life in this book and also has a few more run ins with her family.
The annoying as ever, Jack Danskin is hot on Clara's tail throughout the book and although he might say the best man won... he got a lot of his information from following Clara closely.
I read the book this time although I listened to the audio book of the first two. I must say, the narrator does such an amazing performance, especially with the different accents, that I really missed not hearing this title. There's always time to listen later on.
Sign me up for the next one please, it's one series not to miss!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed seeing more of Uncle Bob through his letters and people that he met prior to his death. Clara finds out more about him and his life in this book and also has a few more run ins with her family.
The annoying as ever, Jack Danskin is hot on Clara's tail throughout the book and although he might say the best man won... he got a lot of his information from following Clara closely.
I read the book this time although I listened to the audio book of the first two. I must say, the narrator does such an amazing performance, especially with the different accents, that I really missed not hearing this title. There's always time to listen later on.
Sign me up for the next one please, it's one series not to miss!
Thanks to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review
June 26, 2024
Mention Pyramids, and you probably think of Egypt. Mention Egypt and pyramids together, and you are likely to think of Mummies... which leads you to dark mysteries, fabulous treasures, and maybe some danger.
And all those things are present in this, the third of Clara Vale's adventures. The word 'murder' in the title is almost superfluous! But if some deaths are to be expected, the confusion of mummies and the strange hiding places of jewels are not. And that's just in the first two chapters.
No more, for fear of spoilers. Suffice it to say that Miss Vale must find her way through a tortuous plot whilst avoiding significant danger - and she tackles the task with her usual combination of grit and intelligence. Though this time with the additional help of her new assistant, Bella Cuddy.
A smooth, well paced and intricately plotted story, with (as usual in these books) a wealth of well-researched background information. Some slight liberties have been taken with historical facts to better facilitate the plot, but these are accounted for in the 'Historical Notes' at the end.
I'm just left wondering where Miss Vale and Miss Cuddy will go next!
And all those things are present in this, the third of Clara Vale's adventures. The word 'murder' in the title is almost superfluous! But if some deaths are to be expected, the confusion of mummies and the strange hiding places of jewels are not. And that's just in the first two chapters.
No more, for fear of spoilers. Suffice it to say that Miss Vale must find her way through a tortuous plot whilst avoiding significant danger - and she tackles the task with her usual combination of grit and intelligence. Though this time with the additional help of her new assistant, Bella Cuddy.
A smooth, well paced and intricately plotted story, with (as usual in these books) a wealth of well-researched background information. Some slight liberties have been taken with historical facts to better facilitate the plot, but these are accounted for in the 'Historical Notes' at the end.
I'm just left wondering where Miss Vale and Miss Cuddy will go next!
July 2, 2024
The Pyramid Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith is part of a murder mystery series set in the 1930s. Our main FMC is Miss Clara Vale. For the most part the books can be read on their own and you don’t have to read the whole series to understand what’s going on. There was a few instances with some of the side characters that would’ve made more sense if you’ve read more of the series but not necessary.
This book is set around Clara giving her late Uncle Bobs Egyptian collection to a museum. At the night of the viewing, they find out that the mummy on loan from the British museum was switched. Clara and her assistant Miss Cuddy are now on the hunt of who switched it and end up being part of a big murder mystery, illegal smuggling, and secret societies.
For the most part I really enjoyed the book. Some of the phrases were quite cheesy with trying to sound like the 1930s but you get used to it. The author did a great job at keeping us guessing on who solved the crime and I never did guess correctly. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy. I give it 3 stars.
September 19, 2024
This third installment finds the plucky Miss Vale wrapped up in a mysterious jewel theft and a mummified murder victim. Clara a chemistry major uses those skills to initially identify the mummy as a young woman dead for a very short time. So, while working with an Egyptologist to return the jewels to the proper authority she must also solve the murder. This takes her and her Assistant, Bella Cuddy, to Egypt. She soon finds out that her rival Jack Danskin has also been put on the case, and the race to solve the crimes is on.
Ms. Smith has researched Egypt and the archeology of the period very well. (Her detailed notes at the end verify it, something I like in all historical fiction, mystery or not). There are lots of suspects with motives that Clara and Bella must sort out and it can get a little muddled, which may be part of their character development.
Th conclusion is action packed. The murderer is a bit of a surprise. The rescue, while predictable was exciting. Will there be another? We will have to wait and see.
Ms. Smith has researched Egypt and the archeology of the period very well. (Her detailed notes at the end verify it, something I like in all historical fiction, mystery or not). There are lots of suspects with motives that Clara and Bella must sort out and it can get a little muddled, which may be part of their character development.
Th conclusion is action packed. The murderer is a bit of a surprise. The rescue, while predictable was exciting. Will there be another? We will have to wait and see.
September 21, 2024
Another case for Miss Clara Vale, who inherited her detective agency in Newcastle from her uncle.
This is her first case with her doughty assistant, Bella Cubby, as they unravel a mystery including an unidentified mummy who is probably not as old as she appears to be, some stolen jewels, disappearing Egyptian artefacts and some less than honest European archeologists. Under instructions from her friend at the museum, Professor Coleman, Clara and Bella head to Cairo with a modicum of luggage including her uncle's letters to a close friend, his notebook and a hand gun.
What could possibly go wrong?
Both on the cruise ship and around the hotel, university and museum in Egypt, intrigue and double dealing abound. Is anyone who they say they are? There's even a cameo appearance from Mrs Agatha Christie.
I've enjoyed all of these books and look forward to No4 which is currently being written (and set in Berlin). Don't bother trying to work out who the villains are, just enjoy the ride.
This is her first case with her doughty assistant, Bella Cubby, as they unravel a mystery including an unidentified mummy who is probably not as old as she appears to be, some stolen jewels, disappearing Egyptian artefacts and some less than honest European archeologists. Under instructions from her friend at the museum, Professor Coleman, Clara and Bella head to Cairo with a modicum of luggage including her uncle's letters to a close friend, his notebook and a hand gun.
What could possibly go wrong?
Both on the cruise ship and around the hotel, university and museum in Egypt, intrigue and double dealing abound. Is anyone who they say they are? There's even a cameo appearance from Mrs Agatha Christie.
I've enjoyed all of these books and look forward to No4 which is currently being written (and set in Berlin). Don't bother trying to work out who the villains are, just enjoy the ride.
May 31, 2024
The Pyramid Murders is the third installment of the Miss Clara Vale Mystery series by Fiona Veitch Smith. This time Clara investigates a fake mummy and a set of valuable, ancient jewels found along with it. Her investigation takes her on a whirlwind tour to Cairo and she has plenty of adventures along the way!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have loved the series as a whole. Clara is a smart, interesting, spunky character who still maintains classic English charm. I wish I could be as calm and collected as her when I’m angry! The mystery is complex and appropriately supernatural for an Egyptian mummy story. I love Smith’s historical notes at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have loved the series as a whole. Clara is a smart, interesting, spunky character who still maintains classic English charm. I wish I could be as calm and collected as her when I’m angry! The mystery is complex and appropriately supernatural for an Egyptian mummy story. I love Smith’s historical notes at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment!
Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 13, 2024
Clara and her trusty assistant Bella are back for another investigation involving stolen jewels , a missing mummy and of course murder!
Miss Clara Vale is attending the opening of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle .
The highlight of the night is the opening of an ancient sarcophagus, but once opened the body inside is one that has died more recently than a mummified body from ancient Egypt .
Clara becomes an embroiled in an investigation that leads her to Egypt and also lures herself and Bella into danger .
Clara is a fascinating character a strong and intelligent woman , and the writing makes for an easy read .
An intriguing cosy mystery that kept me guessing until the end .
A really enjoyable read especially for Egyptology lovers .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.
Miss Clara Vale is attending the opening of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle .
The highlight of the night is the opening of an ancient sarcophagus, but once opened the body inside is one that has died more recently than a mummified body from ancient Egypt .
Clara becomes an embroiled in an investigation that leads her to Egypt and also lures herself and Bella into danger .
Clara is a fascinating character a strong and intelligent woman , and the writing makes for an easy read .
An intriguing cosy mystery that kept me guessing until the end .
A really enjoyable read especially for Egyptology lovers .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.
June 15, 2024
Marvelous
No slogging around in frigid Newcastle in this Miss Clara Vale mystery.
She (and Clara) are, instead, off to Cairo in an extremely complicated adventure to return smuggled jewels, clear the reputation of a female archaeologist whom she has befriended, discover who slipped a mummy into Newcastle and why, determine the role (IF any) that her recently deceased Uncle might have inadvertently played in the run up to the mystery, gracefully and modesty use one of the first-ever inflight toilets, and do all of this without offending the proud Egyptians who were struggling to run their 5,000 + year old country/civilization that they had regained from the British just eight years before.
But Clara and Bella are up to the challenges, of course.
I loved it, and I hope you will also.
No slogging around in frigid Newcastle in this Miss Clara Vale mystery.
She (and Clara) are, instead, off to Cairo in an extremely complicated adventure to return smuggled jewels, clear the reputation of a female archaeologist whom she has befriended, discover who slipped a mummy into Newcastle and why, determine the role (IF any) that her recently deceased Uncle might have inadvertently played in the run up to the mystery, gracefully and modesty use one of the first-ever inflight toilets, and do all of this without offending the proud Egyptians who were struggling to run their 5,000 + year old country/civilization that they had regained from the British just eight years before.
But Clara and Bella are up to the challenges, of course.
I loved it, and I hope you will also.
June 22, 2024
I was provided with an advanced reader copy in audio book form free of charge in return for an honest review.
The narration was excellent and each character had their own voice and way of speaking so that the listener wasnt confused about who was speaking. It brought the book to life.
I didnt know when i asked for the book that it was the third book of the serries. That gave me a slight pause but in the end I dived in and I am very glad I did.
Lady Clara Vale is a wonderful character and her assistant Bella are tremendously good fun. The story well written with lots of action and description. Even Clara's interactions with Jack Dancy the male private investigator are believeable and fun.
If you are a fan The Miss Fisher Mysteries then Clara Vale is perfect for you. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to other books by the this author.
July 3, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, Bonnier UK Audio and Fiona Veitch Smith for the audio Arc of The Pyramid Murders
Narrated by Fiona Veitch Smith with Hannah Genesius
Book 3 of Miss Clara Vale Mysteries
This is my first book by Fiona V Smith and even though this is the 3rd book in the series, I found it easy to read as a standalone book.
I bonded with this book straight away and has a feel of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. So if you like clever cosy mysteries with a strong female lead. These books are for you.
Set in the 1030's, Clara a chemist come detective find that a newly discovered sarcophagus and the mummy incased in it, is actually a women who was killed some years earlier and mummified. This sets in motion an eventual trip to Cairo with her assistant Bella, to see if she can solve the mystery of who this women is and who is responsible.
The whole pacing of this book was marvellous, tense in places, playful and suspenseful. I loved the dynamics between Clara and her assistant Bella. There was a few laugh out loud moments for me with Bella and loved her sense of humour. Clara is a wonderful role model for the teen readers who are getting into mystery/thriller books. She's Intelligent, strong, a lady but most importantly, she's interdependent. Relying on help to solve this Mystery in the people she trusts.
Ill definitely be going back to read the first 2 books!
Its lovely to hear the authors voice narrating their own books, Fiona's voice suits her book and with Hannah Genesius brought the whole book to life.
4.5 rounded to 5 for Amazon, Netgalley
Narrated by Fiona Veitch Smith with Hannah Genesius
Book 3 of Miss Clara Vale Mysteries
This is my first book by Fiona V Smith and even though this is the 3rd book in the series, I found it easy to read as a standalone book.
I bonded with this book straight away and has a feel of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. So if you like clever cosy mysteries with a strong female lead. These books are for you.
Set in the 1030's, Clara a chemist come detective find that a newly discovered sarcophagus and the mummy incased in it, is actually a women who was killed some years earlier and mummified. This sets in motion an eventual trip to Cairo with her assistant Bella, to see if she can solve the mystery of who this women is and who is responsible.
The whole pacing of this book was marvellous, tense in places, playful and suspenseful. I loved the dynamics between Clara and her assistant Bella. There was a few laugh out loud moments for me with Bella and loved her sense of humour. Clara is a wonderful role model for the teen readers who are getting into mystery/thriller books. She's Intelligent, strong, a lady but most importantly, she's interdependent. Relying on help to solve this Mystery in the people she trusts.
Ill definitely be going back to read the first 2 books!
Its lovely to hear the authors voice narrating their own books, Fiona's voice suits her book and with Hannah Genesius brought the whole book to life.
4.5 rounded to 5 for Amazon, Netgalley
June 16, 2024
Third in the series, Clara Vale and her new assistant Bella, must travel to Egypt after discovering a murdered body swapped with a mummy. But first, she must sort out her strangled family relationships while staying strong to her convictions. Her journey includes many suspects, secret societies, potential suitors, enemies, and new friends that she must sort out along the way. Using her Uncle Bob’s old letters and notes, Clara attempts to connect old crimes with new ones. While continually being underestimated, the female sleuths travel by land, sea, and air, using their lockpicking and ju-jitsu skills, to stay one step away from the police and the annoying Jack Daskin. This book had twists, turns, and false leads that kept me guessing until the end.
June 13, 2024
The third in the Miss Clara Vale mystery series is my favourite yet, steeped in the exotic and alluring atmosphere of 1930 Egyptian artefacts, leading Clara on a quest from Newcastle to London to Cairo. Whilst this is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone (but be warned, you won't want to miss any of this series!) If you love a cosy mystery, then this will be the perfect trio , even better, if you enjoy a strong female lead - like Miss Marple or Vera, only much younger and at the start of a blossoming career in detecting long before ladies usually enjoyed the luxury of a career. Clara is young, but sharp and enthusiastic. On a well deserved night off at the museum, she soon becomes quickly involved in the investigation of some missing Egyptian artefacts. She isn't the only one on a quest to procure these artefacts and soon risks life and limb in their pursuit. An exciting and adrenaline fuelled mystery taking us on a quest to retrieve the items, whilst thoroughly entertaining us. The mystery and humour is well transferred via an incredible audiobook narration by Hannah Genesius. #thepyramidmurders #fionaveitchsmith #audiobook #netgalley
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