Murder in Cairo

Lottie Sprigg 1920s Travel Mystery #3

by Martha Bond

Beware of the Pharaoh’s Curse!

Young sleuth, Lottie Sprigg, accompanies her employer to Cairo - a city flushed with excitement after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. But a shadow looms after the untimely death of Lord Carnarvon - could the Pharaoh’s Curse be real?

Fears are confirmed when a wealthy hotel guest is poisoned. While some blame the long-dead pharaoh, Lottie’s suspicions fall on her fellow guests. They’re all up to no good, but can she work out why?

Another murder leaves the Cairo police baffled. Lottie’s gathered some clues and thinks she’s on the right track. But before she can act, her beloved dog, Rosie, is in danger…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Ebooks, Egypt, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 20, 2023

About the author

While Lottie Sprigg is solving mysteries with her beloved corgi, Rosie, I like curling up by the fire with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate. I love reading mysteries as much as I enjoy writing them, nothing beats the puzzle of a whodunnit! I hope you decide to join Lottie on her adventures to Venice, Milan, Paris and many more!

You can keep up to date with my books and get a free read via my website marthabond.com

Reviews

[Robin Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so silly! But fun!

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read.

The series is improving slightly. There are still some ridiculous and unrealistic situations and knowledge, but the story is interesting. Definitely a light summer read.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was another fun story :D

Mrs Moore and Lotty (and Rosie!) are in Cairo, following, of course, the prince *laughs* As the object of Mrs Moore's obs... er... interest has fallen ill they befriend some other passengers in the hotel and they are having a good time. Well, Lotty is, Mrs Moore is dreadfully worried about Prince Prince Manfred's health.

But, of course, things can't stay calm and soon one of the hotel's guests is poisoned during breakfast. And Lotty finds herself, again! involved in the crime. Which won't be the last one!

There is a cast of picturesque characters, some very funny situations (poor Mrs Moore!), a new friend for Lotty and even Rosie gets kidnapped!

But all ends well, of course, and Mrs Moore got to have dinner with the prince! \0/

Funny, easy to read and very entertaining, this book is a delight.

[Jennifer Warner · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing third instalment. Although I still enjoy the characters, this book fell flat in its resolution. The problems began with the kidnapping of Rosie, which was way over the top and ridiculous. First, there was the tactic of kidnapping the dog, which seemed without logic, even after everything played out. Then there was the hysteria with which Lottie reacted. It seemed a little out of character. Following this was the confession of the murderer which seemed implausible at best. There was no compelling evidence as to guilt, so I have a hard time believing he would implicate himself so thoroughly without need. There is so much promise in these characters, I hope the next book will move away from the plot repetition that has become a little tiresome.

[Mark J. Sauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lottie bravely? What

The last two books were great; full of young people exploring clues having adventures together seeing far away countries.
Murder in Cairo was different Lottie was crying, worriedv and just stumbling on clues not investigating the murder/ mystery.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha Bond has done it again!

Martha Bond has done it again! She has created a historical mystery worthy of the nomadic Lottie Sprigg, assistant and amateur sleuth, her employer, Mrs. Moore, an American heiress, and Rosie their Corgi companion. Set in the exotic locale of Cairo, Egypt, a hotel and the pyramids, Lottie and Mrs Moore find themselves once again in hot pursuit of Prince Manfred of Bavaria, a most eligible bachelor. But, as Lottie and Mrs Moore soon find, Prince Manfred is besieged by illness and the sordid hotel guests are inflicted with a relentless gossip and a Pharaoh's curse making this third entry in the series one of the best! When I started reading the series with Book 1, Murder in Milan, I had hoped that as the series progressed Mrs Moore would become less demanding and more encouraging of Lottie's "snooping". I also hoped that Rosie would play a larger role at some point and the friendship of Mrs Moore and Prince Manfred would deepen. In Murder in Cairo my hopes were realized as Mrs Moore became more supportive of the sleuthing process. Rosie…well I'll leave that as a surprise. Finally, the amiable Lottie makes another male friend who secretly admires her. And of course, another murderer is revealed in a stunning location. As intriguing and as picturesque as a travel sticker for your luggage, the Lottie Sprigg mysteries are just too irresistible not to collect. I've read everyone of them in the series and I've never been disappointed. Each has been an entertaining quick read with a solid plot and great amateur sleuthing at the heart of it. So, grab your passport and join me! I'd like to thank #MarthaBond and #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in exchange for my honest review.

[John Beaderstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solving Murder a is Part of the Job

Orphan Lottie Sprigg has landed her dream job. She was promoted from maid to traveling companion to Mrs. Moore, the thrice married American heiress who has set her sights on a prince for husband #4.

But in the international pursuit of Prince Rudolph, murder always enters the story. As in their three previous adventures, Lottie must identify the guilty and protect the innocent. It is fascinating to see how the naive girl reacts to their glamorous acquaintances and landmarks she never dreamed she'd visit.

The blend of characters, classic sites and period detail make this series charming and fun.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mystery

Lots of secrets in this one, and Bond keeps us guessing as to who did the killing among the cast of quirky characters. I like her pleasant tone and quick pace as well as not being bogged down by extraneousdetails. But the story suffers from skimmable speculative repetition, zillions of distracting comma splices and too many uses of the weak and empty question " Are you alright (sic)?" Not my favorite so far although better than book 2. I confess I'm not a fan of travelogue novels, but at least now I see where the situation with the prince is heading.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
A cosy crime set in Cairo in the 1920s. The story was fine but the style is very much a narration of the events and what everyone is doing rather than giving any insight into what people are thinking - including Lottie our supposed heroine. So you can't really connect with any of the characters. I picked the murderer fairly easily as the clues to that were fairly obvious, however the reason for the murders eluded me. While it was a perfectly acceptable way to pass an evening, I was not enamoured enough to pick up the rest of the series.

[Alexis (Lexi) Dutko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to snag this book for free during stuff your kindle cosy mystery day. I proceeded to read it the following day in nearly a single very long sitting. I just couldn’t put it down! I enjoy the characters and the easy way the book naturally progressed. I get Nancy Drew vibes from Lottie. Throughly enjoyed and highly recommend! Thanks for writing books that help us escape from reality.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series definitely follows a pattern of events, but I enjoy the characters. Ms. Bond has a way of bringing her people to life. Like the folks in real life, there are those we really like, some we can put up with, and the detestable ones. So once again, Mrs. Moore is trying to snag her prince and Lottie is making friends and solving a murder in this easy to read book. I think you'll like it.

[Daphne Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in Cairo

This book was truly an Amazing read. You could imagine yourself with these people in Cairo and the sights that they saw. The people that they interacted with. Mrs. Moore and Lottie Sprigg make these investigations something else. I really enjoy reading these series. Great book and I yes I highly recommend them.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Tea

Enjoyable book. Since the Prince left Paris for Cairo, so did Mrs. Moore, Lottie and Rosie. Mrs. Moore is quite insistant for a 4th marriage with the Prince. During their stay in Cairo, many secrets spilled and person who spilled is murdered. Easy to read without deep plots.

[Maureen Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, light mystery

Interesting characters populate this British mystery set during Egyptian time as a British dominion. Lottie, a traveling companion to a woman stalking a prince to be her fourth husband. A hotel blackmailing gossip is poisoned and her jewelry stolen. Almost everyone had a motive.

[Christmas Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a trip to Cairo with a fantastic group of characters in this picturesque location so well described you will feel like you are there. Of course Lottie and Rosie are prime for another adventure that will charm and addict you. Highly Recommended.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The characters grow on the reader with each book in the series. The plot is followed easily, and the premise is finding the killer before they kill again. I do recommend this book.

[marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

hooked on this series..the settings...... the relationship between Lottie and her employer mrs Monroe
is not as stuffy as previously.........the characters and murders are not as clear cut as one wold think from the beginning

[PIETER · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are very easy to read and quite pleasant. This one is less than convincing at the end but I won't use a spoiler. Lottie and Mrs. Moore continue to follow Prince Manfred around Europe and I'll continue to follow them.

[Elaine Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light and enjoyable

Another wonderful trip with Lottie Sprigg. Great fun.
Egypt as a setting was a delightful touch.
Can't wait for Monaco

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this lighthearted mystery. Quick read

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

another rousing entry

Such a fun read. I really like Lottie and Mrs Moore gets better with each book. Cannot wait to start on book 4 tonight

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite one of the series so far, I think it's because Mrs. Moore isn't as present in this one and it's more Lottie.

[lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

Thought I had worked out the murderer but got it wrong 😐 enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more by this Author in the future

[Susan Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touch of murder

An easy read sprinkled with murder and mayhem. A little bit of Agatha Christie mixed with Murder She Wrote for a lighthearted mystery

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed thoroughly - will read the rest of the series!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story, a quick read.

[Edy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lottie Sprigg is in Cairo - and you guessed it -- involved in another murder. A fun read.

[Marcia Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting who-done-it set in Cairo.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another to mark off my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, cozy, lighthearted murder mystery.