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After her husband Billy dies, spiritualist medium Daisy Majesty travels to Egypt and Turkey with best friend Harold Kincaid, but she is followed there by Pasadena detective Sam Rotondo, who feels he owes it to BIlly to look after Daisy, but soon gets himself kidnapped--with Daisy and Harold his only hope of being freed. By the author of Genteel Spirits.

274 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

74 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Alice Duncan

103 books113 followers
Also writes as Emma Craig, Rachel Wilson, Anne Robins and wrote two books under the name of Jon Sharpe (Pecos Belle Brigade and California Crusader).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Ellen.
1,058 reviews180 followers
August 12, 2018
Ancient Spirits (Daisy Gumm Majesty, #6) by Alice Duncan.

This story was a delightful change from the type of mystery I usually read. Daisy Gumm Majesty is all heart and that's the center of this wonderful book. She's a character I can enjoy reading more and more of.
Daisy Majesty is going through the grieving process, but she's not going through it alone. She has the loving support of her family, neighbors and friends. Her husband Billy has died after battling cancer that he was stricken with after returning from the war. Daisy doesn't know which was worse the cancer or the depression Billy suffered from. The year is 1922 and America is still recuperating from the war along with most of Europe.
Daisy is also a spiritualist, which she has no problem agreeing is nothing more than a fraud that the wealthy are willing to pay for. Her best client is Mrs. Pinkerton, who she relies on for her bread & butter.
The problem is that Daisy is not getting back to her usual self since her husband's death. She has no appetite whatsoever and her clan are more than just worried about her. Then Harold, Mrs. Pinkerton's son, Daisy's long time friend comes up with the idea of taking Daisy on a trip to Egypt. Well, nothing else seems to be working for Daisy so off she goes to Egypt with Harold.

Kindness, family and old fashioned fun made this story all the more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Amy Lignor.
Author 10 books221 followers
January 12, 2012
This truly enjoyable series is really a little-known ‘gift’ to the literary world, that truly deserves to be way better known in this reviewer’s opinion.

Daisy Gumm Majesty is a sparkling wit, charming, intelligent, and truly devoted to her husband and her friends. Unfortunately, in this new novel, her husband Billy has passed away. He eventually just couldn’t take it anymore. Ever since WWI ended, his life was turned upside-down. He lived with pain, and felt abysmal that his own young wife had to bring in the money because he was unable to do so after getting home from the War. Daisy is so strong; she actually is a fake-psychic, but many believe her and pay her for her supposed ‘gifts.’ Her most lucrative client, Mrs. Pinkerton, is in need of Daisy’s help. But Daisy hasn’t done much of anything since Billy died. She finds herself in a deep depression - unable to eat - and unable to find her smile, now that her beloved is gone.

But, she does find it in her heart to help Mrs. Pinkerton, and goes to her house to do a reading. Now Daisy is simply not in the mood to be kind at the present time, and lays down the law where Mrs. Pinkerton’s selfish daughter is concerned - a child who needs a comeuppance and needs one now.

She is also a bit tired, as always, of Sam Rotondo - a cop who seems to always be a bit brusque and likes to roll his eyes when Daisy comes into the room because he knows that her “powers” are fake. But in this tale, Sam seems to be lightening up just a tad, and Daisy soon finds out why.

Because of her depression, her best fiend - Harold Kincaid (Mrs. Pinkerton’s son) - decides to take her to Egypt; a getaway across the globe to hopefully make Daisy want to live her life to the fullest once again. But when they run into some criminals and a kidnapping occurs that must be solved, Daisy Gumm Majesty soon finds herself ‘waking’ from her broken heart to save her friends.

This is, yet again, another wonderful mystery full of humor, love and some of the greatest characters to be given to literature in quite some time. Enjoy!

Until Next Time,
Amy

Profile Image for Kilian Metcalf.
984 reviews24 followers
October 17, 2016
Daisy is having a hard time coping with Billy's decision to end his own live, so Harold persuades her to take a trip to Egypt and Turkey, all-expenses paid. Daisy is really down in the mouth. She has lost weight and gets sick in Egypt. It doesn't help that Harold has chosen August to make this trip. August in Egypt is horrible and fly-ridden. An friendly Englishman lightens the atmosphere for Harold but Daisy takes a dislike to him.

When they move to Turkey and the same Englishman turns up Daisy is definitely suspicious. When Harold is attacked, Daisy is sure that there is a connection to the annoying Englishman.

Her appetite has returned and she enjoys Turkish food so much, she buys a cookbook for Aunt Vi and feels well enough to go shopping for souvenirs. To her surprise Sam Rotondo turns up in the company of two English policemen, and Daisy is not surprised that they are on the trail of the suspicious Englishman.

When Sam disappears, Daisy feels well enough to participate the efforts to rescue him, although Harold, is against the idea. Fortunately Daisy pays no attention to Harold's efforts to protect her. All turns out well, Sam is recovered, and everything ends well.
Profile Image for Sandra.
3,355 reviews12 followers
July 19, 2012
I generally enjoy the Daisy Gumm Majesty series but I found this a little boring. While I am happy Daisy didn't just bounce back and was truly devastated by Billy's death it was boring to read about. The author could easily have set this book 12 months after Billy's death. That would also have meant Sam's declaration wasn't in such poor taste and Daisy's supposedly starting to return those feelings more believable. While I always expected that Daisy & Sam would end up together based on their current interactions - it doesn't feel at all realistic.
Profile Image for Lynda Nester.
2 reviews
January 15, 2014
I have loved this series especially this one. Alot of parrallels in my life. I had a grandfather gassed in World War I. He died of pneumonia as a result of the gassing. I have family in the LA area. I have travelled to Istanbul (Constantinople.) I loved it there and the descriptions are well done. The characters are well drawn. Stories are good not too heavy or dark. Daisy is a strong woman. Her description of her reaction to her husband's death is right on! As was the description of the dog training in prior book. Very much enjoy the series!
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 14 books802 followers
March 10, 2012
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but it was such a charming and fun read that I’m going to backtrack and read the other books. The series takes place in California during the early 1920s, when Prohibition was in full force. Daisy Gumm Majesty helps support her family (Ma, Pa, Aunt Vi and dachshund Spike) by doing “spiritualist” readings for the privileged. While she knows she can’t really commune with the Other Side, her engaging and caring ways make her highly successful at her chosen profession. In Ancient Spirits, Daisy has just lost her beloved young husband to suicide—he’d been damaged by mustard gas during WWI and could no longer bear the pain. She is so deeply depressed that her kind and fabulously wealthy friend, Harold, persuades her to travel to Egypt with him, where he hopes she’ll recover from her slump. But things go horribly awry there, and Daisy and Harold find themselves in deadly danger. The ending is a delight as Daisy finds herself returning to the land of the living, with the possibility of a sweet romance brightening her future.
Profile Image for Kilian Metcalf.
984 reviews24 followers
September 11, 2016
Daisy’s husband has finally died, thank God. Daisy is distraught so Harold has the bright idea to take Daisy to Egypt. In August. Its barely two month since Billy died and Daisy is wasting away to nothing. Something must be done, and Harold has the money to do it. He chooses Egypt because Billy had read so much about it in National Geographic.

Howsomever, Egypt is a bust so Daisy and Harold pick up and head out for Turkey, where things start to pick up. Daisy’s appetite returns and Sam Rotondo appears on the scene, accompanied by two English policemen, convinced that Daisy is endangered. He’s not far wrong, but Daisy is far better at taking care of herself than Sam is. When Sam is kidnapped, Daisy insists on joining the rescue party.

All this helps take her mind off Billy’s death, and the money Mrs Pinkerton pays her in gratitude for putting her daughter on the right path make it possible for Daisy to buy gifts for everyone and enjoy herself. She returns to Pasadena refreshed and ready to return to normal life.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
August 13, 2019
Travel is supposed to broaden the mind but not kill you!

Wonderful. The plot starts of with a heartbreaking event. Billy has died! (For anyone who has lost someone close, the scenes are just too familiar to what we know people endure and go through. Obviously this is written by someone who has suffered through an event like this and will undoubtedly make you cry). Daisy is heartbroken and is so depressed that everyone is worried about her. Her favourite client is going through turmoil with her daughter and a few home truths come out. Now Harry wants her to travel with him to Egypt. Driven by her family and Sam she agrees. Only to suffer seasickness, unwanted attention from male travellers, dysentery, break-ins, attacks and the unexpected arrival of Sam. When he is kidnapped she forces her way into the rescue attempt - dragging an unwilling Harry with her. Why has he been kidnapped? Why has she been subjected to break-ins and attacks? What will she find out from Sam?
5,982 reviews67 followers
March 10, 2012
After the trauma that she suffered at the end of the last book, Daisy Gumm Majesty, the best (fraudulent) spiritual medium in 1920's Pasadena, is not herself. Her wealthy best friend Harold decides that she needs a trip to change her perspective. Despite missing her home and family, Daisy agrees to go to Egypt, where she and Harold meet an ingratiating Englishman whom Daisy instinctively dislikes. They also learn that everyone was right when they warned them not to go to Egypt in August. They flee the heat for Constantinople, where they're joined by Pasadena detective Sam Rotondo. This is a delightful historical series, kept fresh by Daisy's first person narration.
Profile Image for Shirley.
Author 2 books11 followers
May 12, 2017
After a grievous event, Daisy takes Harold (her good friend) up on an offer to get away and tour Egypt, Istanbul, and England with him. His treat, of course. Through their travels, the reader is treated to delightful descriptions of the various countries, their food, culture and sights. When they meet up with a trio of too-friendly gentlemen, Daisy becomes suspicious of their intentions. After receiving a warning letter from Sam back in the States, several strange occurrences put her on high alert. Sam, being a detective, becomes alarmed and shows up to make sure she and Harold are safe. Soon, the tables are turned.
Profile Image for Pat.
1,325 reviews
December 15, 2017
Another charming adventure with Daisy, this time on a tour with Harold.
1,167 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2020
With Daisy's husband newly dead, her friends and family all worry as she slides into a depression that is making her lose too much weight and not go out to see her clients. One of her friends gets the idea to take her to Egypt to fulfill one of her husband's dreams--seeing the great pyramids of Giza. But it is 120 degrees in August in Egypt and they have been there only a few days when Daisy begins to suspect one of their new acquaintances of nefarious purposes. It is 1922 and King Tut's tomb has just recently been opened. French, German and English tourists abound, and even a few Americans like themselves. But when Sam Rotondo becomes concerned about a white slavery ring he has read about in police files, he joins them in Istamboul, only to promptly become a kidnapping victim himself. Daisy to the rescue, of course. Travel in the 20s, whether by train, ship or camel, was an adventure and Daisy is up for every trick and quirk.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,626 reviews17 followers
May 15, 2021
After the tragic loss of her husband Billy, Daisy is unable to shake out of the depths of her grief. She is literally wasting away. In an attempt to bring back some of her good cheer Harold Kincaid decides they should go on a trip to Egypt in August lol. While not everything goes according to plan, there’s a bout of illness and an unforeseen amount of shenanigans the trip does do it’s bit to restore Daisy. This story starts out so sad and gradually as is wont with grief it turns into a more enjoyable and a more usual nuttiness filled Daisy Gumm Majesty tale. I very much enjoyed this book and I believe if you’re a cozy mystery fan you will too.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
285 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2021
To try and help Daisy through her mourning of Billy Harold takes her on a holiday to Egypt, Turkey and Europe. Once in Egypt Daisy starts finding joy in all the strange sights and sounds. They do a number of the touristy things including the pyramids and bazzars, and that's when weird things start to happen.
As always the characters and scenery are wonderfully written.
Looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this ebook from ebook discovery. This is my honest and freely given review.
50 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2021
All I can say is wow. I had a feeling that Billy would die, but for it to actually happen was heartbreaking. I would also love to see how the relationship between Daisy and Sam develop since Billy is no longer a buffer. Plus the excitement from the adventures in Egypt and Istanbul (or Constantinople) were great! This is probably my favorite book in the series!

I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
509 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2022
Ancient Spirits is the 6th of the Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery series by Alice Duncan. In spite of the title, it is not a mystery. It more resembles a 1920's travelogue and adventure combination. It took forever to get started but it was still a fun little story that gave a glimpse of the way Americans
viewed the world a hundred years ago.
Profile Image for Fredell.
316 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2019
Following her husband's death, Daisy Gumm Majesty, our erstwhile psychic medium, is grieving and can't seem to get her enthusiasm back. To help her heal, her friend, Harold takes her on a 'grand tour' of Europe and the Middle East. She does eventually regain her spunk and mishaps ensue.
651 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2018
A sweet cozy mystery set in 1922 Pasadena, California, Egypt, and Turkey. No dead bodies this time, except for the funeral at the beginning.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,646 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2019
Another in this cute series .Set in post WW1
2,187 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2020
Fast paced. Different locations for story. Just ok.
Profile Image for Linda Brue.
366 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2019
ANCIENT SPIRITS, Alice Duncan, 2013
This book takes Daisy away from home and her usual supportive family.
Mrs. Pinkerton has gifted her with a large amount of money in thanks
for setting her wayward daughter Stacy back on the right path. Since
the death of her husband Billy, Daisy has been grieving and wasting
away to nothing. Harold, Daisy's good friend and Mrs. Pinkerton's son,
has decided that a trip to Egypt, a place that Billy had read about in
the National Geographic and been fascinated by, is just the ticket to
help her recover. Egypt in the summer is broiling hot, and Daisy is
bothered by some men who seem to be wherever they turn. Harold is
certain that they are just being friendly, even though the men seem
awfully interested in their travel plans. Harold may be more worldly,
but he proves to be a mere babe in the woods when it comes to judging
character, as Daisy's suspicions are proved correct.

Even grieving for her husband, Daisy is still a breath of fresh air.
She is delightful in her spunkiness and tenacity, even illness doesn't
stop her. Sam Rotondo manages to insert himself in this adventure, and
Daisy finds herself in the position of saving everyone. A fun
adventure, so different from the usual mysteries available.
238 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2021
With much humor Alice Duncan keeps you turning pages!!

I have this series through book 6. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. They are humorous and keep me guessing most of the time. I have become interested and involved in the characters lives and want to keep reading just to find out what happens.
2,578 reviews
April 14, 2016
i love the daisy gumm books! this one starts off with poor bills funeral. just started it.

this is my favorite in the series so far. the beginning was sad with billys funeral . then the gay guy, son of the lady she is always helping with the naughty daughter, takes Daisy to Egypt and turkey! Constantinople/Istambul right when the time Nana must have been there! she gets mixed up with some antiquities traders looking for a pot, she doesnt have it, her traveling companion has it. he paid for the whole trip. her cop friend sam gets worried about her, ends up going to turkey to protect her and blurts out that he loves her. she thought he hated her. billy told him to watch over her. she got sick from the water and was stuck in her room for days.

sam goes home ahead of her. she returns with souvenirs for everyone. she addressed what sam told her about loving her by saying she was still mourning billy and it was not right so soon. he agreed. im glad about that. i think they should take it slow.

i enjoyed this very much and look forward to the next one. the author writes to me and i enjoy that too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for moxieBK.
1,763 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2019
Ancient Spirits (A Daisy Gumm Majesty Mystery, Book 6) — Alice Duncan (24 chapters) Dec. 18-26, 2018.

This book read very fast. I don’t know if it was the chapters; where they were shorter than normal. Or so it seemed. Again my reading was broken up by unfortunate events, so it felt disjointed at times fir me (and I think there were more typos that I recall earlier books having.)

After a tragedy, Daisy has retreated into herself, and no one can seem to pull her out, until her friend Harold invites her to Egypt for a trip to distract her from her pain.

It takes awhile, but Daisy finally starts to re-emerge. But Daisy can’t seem to keep out of trouble, as a nefarious group of men start to follow Daisy and soon Detective Sam is on the case and has come in Europe to track her down.

A twist at the end will lead Daisy in a new life direction, with her family’s blessing.

Despite the down in the dumpers beginning, this book rebounds to become a fairly fun read, especially the ending.

Four stars.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,004 reviews75 followers
October 26, 2014
Daisy is grieving for Billy who has died. She has lost interest in life and is losing weight as she can't eat. Harold decides she needs new interest and plans a trip to Egypt. Travel by train Daisy doesn't respond to new sights. On the boat she gets,sea sick. Arriving in Egypt they met a man that Daisy doesn't like. Because of the heat Harold and Daisy change their plans and leave suddenly. I await the next book as I enjoy Daisy's adventure
Profile Image for BRT.
1,850 reviews
June 13, 2015
A definite departure from the previous books in the series. Daisy is dealing with a tragic loss and so does almost none of her usual spiritualistic jobs. Her best friend treats her to a trip to Egypt in an effort to help her cope. As usual, she becomes the center of trouble & chaos and ends up with a surprising, but not so-surprising, potential new love interest.
7 reviews1 follower
Read
January 31, 2014
Best one yet!

I really enjoyed all 6 of these books. It's like watching a series of movies on cable.If you want an interesting read with characters you feel are like people you know,I recommend all of the Daisy Gumm books.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Olson.
617 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2015
A recent widow, Daisy agrees when a rich friend suggests travelling together on a cheer-up trip to Egypt, where, of course, a mystery develops. Numerous exotic, exciting adventures, the bad guys are foiled, and Daisy indeed recovers her appetite for life. Entertaining as always.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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