The Bones of Santorini: An Edward Tyrington Mystery

Edward Tyrington #1

by Joni Swift

A destitute gentleman, an unusual woman, and a Victorian murder mystery that may kill them both

Suez Canal Egypt and Santorini Greece, 1863: Edward Tyrington did not intend to meet the unusual Miss Briggs over the body of a murdered man, but nothing had gone according to plan since his father squandered the family fortune and abruptly died. The poverty that followed forced him to leave London and take a position as the Chief Archaeologist with the Suez Canal Company.

When another man is murdered, this time at his archaeological excavation, suspicion turns to him. Thus begins his turbulent alliance with Catherine Briggs, who proves to be both reckless, and cunning in her efforts to clear his name. With corrupt police and international forces in play, time is running out to catch the murderer. If they fail, Edward will either be the next victim, or the man who will hang for the crimes.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Greece, Fiction

349 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2023

About the author

Joni Swift has loved mysteries since her first Agatha Christie novel. She is passionate about travel, hiking and is pretty much a sucker for any kind of adventure. Joni loves good wine, live music and good friends. When she isn’t writing, she is usually hiking in the mountains or planning her next vacation.

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book prior to publication for review.

This was a fun mystery with a well rounded lead character (despite his continued bad luck of tripping over dead bodies) and a good collection of supporting players. I liked the strong supporting female character, and the unusual place and time that were integral to the plot and added to the story without being overwhelming and overpowering the story. It was a good read, and I look forward to seeing where this series goes next.

[Erin Cadwalader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was advertised to me on Amazon based on my predilection for mysteries, and it was free given my account status. I loved Santorini and was happy to spend some more time there. This turned out to be a delightfully charming mystery, by turns humorous and with a delightful duo investigating two murders that seem likely to be connected but with no obvious linkages.

Santorini holds ruins that may have been the source of the earliest tales of Atlantis, abandoned (and thus there are no bones) before an enormous volcanic eruption exploded and the majority of the island collapsed into the sea. The advanced technology in civilization that existed thousands of years ago continues to amaze. We didn't have time to visit the ruins but I'd go back just to them. In the meantime, I was happy to trot around with our main character, leading excavations at the site while trying to clear his name as a suspect. Great fun!

[Marlene]

DNF at 53%. Although the author writes evocatively of Santorini and the frescoes found in the archaeological digs, the book's characters are not as well-drawn or developed; in film terms, there needed to be more "establishment shots." I also found most of the prose to be choppy. I'm usually a completist and was going to plow through to the end, but decided life is too short for "meh."

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Giving it 3 stars for lovely description and a solid opening scene, and characters I really wanted to like. But I just couldn't finish this one - a rarity for me. A real shame, as the premise is rock solid with a lot of material for exploration. The big off-put for me was getting just a couple chapters in and the POV character going to another town for a wild goose chase that only thinly made sense, and appears (now that I'm 30% in) to do nothing to advance the plot. *le sigh*

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1863 Egypt. On leaving a Ball separately, Edward Tyrington and Miss Catherine Briggs come across a body. That of the Suez Canal Operations Manager Pierre Dupont. Tyrington, the chief Archaeologist for the Company is joined by the Briggs family as he travels to Santorini, Greece, to oversee the dig. Where soon he discovers another body. Is this enough for the police to make him the prime suspect. Edward and Miss Briggs investigate.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery, with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. A good start to this new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the overall mystery and the characters. But I felt like I was dropped into an ongoing story rather than the first book. Edward was dealing with an investigation started by his dead father who bankrupted the family in order to continue investigating. Why him? Why did his brothers not seem to be bankrupt? I don't know. What happened with the money lender? Did he just give up? Doubtful, and yet it seems that way. And what was with the cat? Just filler? I liked the book but there was plenty to annoy me.

[Dave Measner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Tyrington is an archeologist and someone is surrounded by misfortune. His father passed away unexpectedly and squandered the family fortune in pursuit of treachery to the crown. In his recent expedition the leader caused grief and danger to the entire crew and passed the blame ono Edward.
Now he has gotten a post leading the unearthing of a village for the Suez Canal Company. Unfortunately a man is murdered and Edward is one of the first on the scene. When he returns to his own dig site another man is murdered and while trying to exhonerate one of his men suspicion falls on him. Now with the assistance of catherinr Briggs he must find the real killer or end up loosing everything, maybe even his life.
A well written story full of good descriptions of life at a dig in the mid 1800's with an interesting murder mystery.
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an impartial review.

[Lori Chodkowski Whitecar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book begins with the mysterious death of Monsieur Dupont who is the operations director of the Suez Canal project. It is at this time that Edward, the chief archaeologist of the project, first comes into contact with Catherine Briggs a witness who was horrified after seeing the body of Monsieur Dupont from the window of the carriage she was riding in. I loved the relationship that developed between Edward and the very astute Catherine as they pursued information and worked together to determine who was responsible for the murder. When another man was murdered near the excavation site the police began to suspect Edward was involved. The plot kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the historical aspect and unlikely alliance between these 2 characters and how they worked together to solve the crimes as the police were incompetent and pursuing inaccurate leads. Very well written and excellent read, can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[KimMacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bones of Santorini is the first books in the Edward Tyrington series by Joni Swift. It is a mystery thriller set in Egypt and Greece in 1863. Our main character Edward is the Chief Archaeologist with the Suez Canal Company and an amateur sleuth looking to solve two murders with the help of a very strong minded woman, Catherine Briggs.

If you like vintage style writing in a historic time period, this is definitely the book for you. The author does a wonderful job describing the era and helping us to visualize everything in this old time world. The mystery was intricate and unfolded reminiscent of a Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie mystery novel. Her characters were charming and the whole story was just a breath of fresh air for me. I can't wait to see where Edward's journey goes next!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a captivating read, I read it on a day! Edward was full of self doubt about his abilities and self recrimination as with regards to his younger brother. Catherine Briggs was a delightful character, she was exactly the opposite of the expected behaviour of a lady. She helped her father in his business and was a brave and resourceful lady. Catherine was very concerned with the conditions the poorer people worked and lived in. There is a murder mystery or two to solve and I enjoyed the connection between Edward and Catherine, even though they didn’t always agree. There was some humour that made me smile. This is quite a complex plot with some surprises and interesting locations. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The writing was very well done. I liked the whole archaeological aspect as it's something I've always been interested in. The way it was described made me feel like I was there. I could imagine what the site looked like, the paintings, along with what they extracted. I also enjoyed the year and the story being in Egypt and Greece. The book had a lot of likeable characters like Edward and Harri but I especially loved Catherine and her strength and determination.

Such a fun historical mystery. Can't wait for the continuance of this series!

Thank you to Joni Swift for an advanced readers copy. This is my honest review.

[Pepe Montecarlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the November "20 Books to 50,000" convention in Las Vegas. I do enjoy good historical mystery thrillers, and this was pretty good. Set in 1863 in and around the Suez Canal construction project, the impoverished noble hero archeologist Edward Tyrington meets open and hidden opponent-allies, plus hidden ally-opponents, male and female, in a quest to ferret out spies, preserve peace and keep canal construction on track. The rollicking climax was entertaining, thrilling and funny. As a former newspaper editor, I find typos particularly annoying, and I found those to be rare among "The Bones of Santorini." Well done, Joni Swift!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5 stars

I really wanted to like this one more as it's the start of a series, and I'm a big series fan.
Unfortunately, while the story was OK, the writing and method of storytelling as well as the struggle for me to connect to the story/characters, just made it difficult for me to finish. I felt that the story could have used more descriptive writing, and I often felt that I was being told the story (often in a somewhat rushed manner) rather than discovering the story (if that makes sense). It also felt a bit disjointed, both in narrative flow as well as some randomness thrown in occasionally.

Just not a good fit for me.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Tyrington did not intend to meet miss Catherine Briggs over the dead body of a murdered man. He was working as the chief Archaeologist with the Suez Canal Company. When another murder is found at his Archaeological excavation he becomes the main suspect. Thus begins his alliance with Catherine Briggs who helps him clear his name. It was no easy matter as the police were corrupt. It is a very exciting read. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the introduction to archaeologist Edward Tyrington, working in Santorini in 1860's during period of conflict over Suez Canal. His situation was result of difficult family problems, but he was succeeding in uncovering and preserving precious finds in a hostile environment. A young woman comes to his aid several times as police and a particularly evil British aristocrat work against him. Some swashbuckling action is called for along with slapstick near misses that keep a sometimes frantic pace lively and entertaining.

Kindle Unlimited

[Mbsuther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical mystery

This books had many recommendations and I do enjoy the period in which 5his takes place. I found that this book started very slow and with so many characters to keep track of. The murders were uniquely placed, but again development was slow. Once the "sleuthing" started and the real secondary characters really came into focus, the story and action picked up. The twist as to the identity of thecreal guilty person was well done. I will read the next as I want to see where all the relationships go. A 4.3 out of 5 rating.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down until it was finally 7 am! It was an exciting romp from Egypt to Greece with all sorts of intrigue and mystery mixed in with a twist of romance, maybe, thrown in to boot. The only question I have is where are the bones?

I was part of the ARC team for this enjoyable book and willingly left an honest review with no coercion, bribery, or skullduggery needed. Looking forward to the next one!

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and Mystery in 1863 Santorini? Yes, please!

This was such a fun mystery set in 1863 Santorini. Edward and Catherine take us running through the streets and slipping into dark alleys to solve a set of murders before the wrong person is arrested.

Swift mastered the visuals for the archeological sites and setting the tone for this historic mystery, The Bones of Santorini. I’m looking forward to reading her next book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful beginning to a new series

I picked this up because the title intrigued me. I was not disappointed. Set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea and the building of the Suez Canal and wonderful mystery transpired. I really enjoyed Catherine and hope she reappears in Edward’s future escapades.

[Gail Krisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful description of Egypt and Santorini

Interesting and exciting story with the surrounding area described in detail. The characters are complex as well as interesting. Just enough clues to make the story flow but not too many to solve the mysteries too soon.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is Tyrington’s first, I can’t wait to read more!

Santorini’s white washed walls and blue rooftops are the dramatic backdrop to this delightfully intriguing tale of mystery, betrayal, and murder.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder's afoot

Murder, intrigue, archeology, Egypt and Greece, plus a twisty plot, and throw in Edward Torrington and Caroline Briggs, well, what more could one ask for? The next book, oof course!

[J Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

No bones about it. Great!

Great historical mystery. Intrigue, archaeology and exposing murderous treachery, with a bit of potential romance and humor. Loved everything but the cover.

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Archaeological Dig/Murder/Lies..

An archaeological dig brings discovery & murder & grief. An investigation brings some truth/ murder & more lies. So, as Edward tries to stay one step ahead of the game, he takes two back steps. But he never gives up. Neither does Catherine!

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having been in Greece this past June, I could feel the sun, sea and smell the flowers!! Thoroughly enjoyed this s mystery and can’t wait to start the next one. I think this would make a great tv series so Netflix, Acorn, Britbox, ITV please read this! Till the next book happy reading!

[Frank Goetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a new author for me. I enjoyed her writing style and the story was interesting. I think I came into the middle of a series, so I was unfamiliar with the main character’s background, which took me out of the story a little bit.

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Characters are interesting, plot is unexpected, and story is placed in historical time which add to it. This is one of this book which you want to read in one sitting.

[Drasko · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 50% With all due respect but this is a chick-lit selling itself as a mystery.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed DuPont and why??? I enjoyed Edward getting dressed AND I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Jamie Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

complicated

In general the book was Interesting, good story line, but often convoluted and confusing. Hopefully the next book will catch its stride.