What do you think?
Rate this book
1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt #1
Murder Among the Pyramids
Escape on an Egyptian Excursion to the Land of the Pyramids!
Tour highlights Hieroglyphics and high tea in the desert, followed by murder after sunset . . .
It’s 1924 and Blix Windway has made a career out of her wanderlust, giving lectures to ladies’ groups about everything from the flora of the American desert to the beauty of the Swiss Alps, but she needs new material for her talks.
She strikes what seems to be an ideal agreement with an eccentric older lady. Blix will be her travel companion during a journey to Egypt, helping to smooth the way through customs and coordinate sightseeing tours. The arrangement will provide Blix with the perfect opportunity to photograph the pyramids and gather material for her next lecture series.
But they’ve barely left England before the trouble begins—rough seas and an attempted robbery. Then a murder occurs during a tour of the pyramids.
Despite the attempts of the British officials to sweep the death under the rug, Blix becomes increasingly convinced that one of their tour party is a murderer.
Blix’s search for the truth takes her from the posh sporting clubs and lavish gardens of Cairo to the narrow, twisting lanes of the city’s centuries-old bazaar and the vast desert around the Giza Plateau. Can Blix unearth the truth before the killer makes this journey her last?
Join Blix on this classic murder mystery from Sara Rosett, author of the beloved High Society Lady Detective series.
Tour highlights Hieroglyphics and high tea in the desert, followed by murder after sunset . . .
It’s 1924 and Blix Windway has made a career out of her wanderlust, giving lectures to ladies’ groups about everything from the flora of the American desert to the beauty of the Swiss Alps, but she needs new material for her talks.
She strikes what seems to be an ideal agreement with an eccentric older lady. Blix will be her travel companion during a journey to Egypt, helping to smooth the way through customs and coordinate sightseeing tours. The arrangement will provide Blix with the perfect opportunity to photograph the pyramids and gather material for her next lecture series.
But they’ve barely left England before the trouble begins—rough seas and an attempted robbery. Then a murder occurs during a tour of the pyramids.
Despite the attempts of the British officials to sweep the death under the rug, Blix becomes increasingly convinced that one of their tour party is a murderer.
Blix’s search for the truth takes her from the posh sporting clubs and lavish gardens of Cairo to the narrow, twisting lanes of the city’s centuries-old bazaar and the vast desert around the Giza Plateau. Can Blix unearth the truth before the killer makes this journey her last?
Join Blix on this classic murder mystery from Sara Rosett, author of the beloved High Society Lady Detective series.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
131 people are currently reading
7481 people want to read
About the author
Sara Rosett
48 books1,660 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries for readers who enjoy atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunits.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
She is the author of the High Society Lady Detective historical mystery series as well as three contemporary cozy series, the Murder on Location series, the On the Run series, and the Ellie Avery series. Sara also teaches an online course, How to Outline A Cozy Mystery.
Publishers Weekly called Sara's books, “satisfying,” “well-executed,” and “sparkling.” Sara loves to get new stamps in her passport and considers dark chocolate a daily requirement. Find out more at SaraRosett.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 12, 2025
She'll expose you / When she snows you / Off your feet with the crumbs she throws you (Bette Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes).
I admit that I’m at a bit of a loss here, because even though I did read this book (suspiciously specific denial), I don’t know how much of it that I've actually retained. After a while I noticed I was having a hard time keeping track of the who's who, and by the time we reached the big reveal, it was more of a "huh... okay?" kind of thing rather than a "Okay! Huh!" vibe. I feel like I’m taking a test without having done the reading and just decided to totally wing it. Um… which is something that I’ve never done, mind you, we’re just talking in hypotheticals! Anyway, I’ll try to keep it brief this time around (famous last words), because I feel like I get a little too candid whenever I’m talking about a book I just read, like we’re on The Drew Barrymore Show and I’ve been completely disarmed by your listening skills to the point where I’m sitting here all crisscross applesauce and spilling my heart out. What can I say? You’re the next Drew Barry, and I want mo~ore! So yeah, Murder Among the Pyramids is another lovely murder mystery by the master of the genre, Sara Rosett, where we follow Blix Windway, a sharp and witty twenty-something who decided to become a world traveler after having an Emancipation of Mimi moment and abruptly left her intended at the altar. After securing a traveling companion (read; sugar mama without the "sugar" who’s able fund expensive excursions to, say… something like the Star Wars hotel) in Hildy, the two then decide that their next stop is Egypt, and nothing, not even a little gruesome murder can stop them from having the trip of a lifetime. So yeah, ignoring for a second that the name “Blix Windway” sounds more like the name for one of those vaguely racist Star Wars aliens than a mystery detective, I found her to be an engaging main character who was tough against adversary, clever when met with a brain-teaser, and more than willing to stand against injustices. Sure, you can basically say the exact same thing about most leads of these cozy mystery books, but hey, it’s never failed to resonate before, and that’s definitely not the reason why I wasn’t as engaged in this book as I had been with Sara Rosett’s High Society Lady Detective series. Besides, Blix is a bit different than her contemporaries because she has the tiniest bit of edge to her personality that makes it so reading along as she verbally combats each and every misogynistic man in her vicinity incredibly entertaining. In other words, “She'll tease you, she'll unease you" and all that. I don’t know, regardless of whatever else I say here, I feel I need to stress that Sara Rosett just has a way with words (which is a good trait for an author, I reckon) and has an effortless ease with dialogue and plot that I can’t help but sit afar in admiration, even if I otherwise hadn’t been loving the narrative. Okay, I guess that’s enough stalling, huh? I’m a little sad right now because I wasn’t really able to become fully engrossed in this story in the same way as I have been with the High Society Lady Detective series. And this will sound a bit weird, but I almost wish I had a legit reason to complain, like if this book had a decrease in writing quality or glaring plot-holes, but nah… I’m afraid my reasoning are a bit more embarrassingly personal.
Oh damn, your Drew Barrymore interview techniques have allowed me to unknowingly let my guard down yet again! How do you keep doing that? But really though, I think one of the reasons why I didn’t love Murder Among the Pyramids as much as I had hoped was that there was a noticeable absence of romance. And yeah, I know that a lot of people hate forced romances in stories that have no business dealing in love, or just romances in general, but I don’t know… I think I tend to look for romance sub-plots in stories regardless of how appropriate they are. There’s this new sci-fi game out called Outerworlds 2 where the goal is all about taking down (or joining) the corporate overlords of the galaxy, and I haven’t played it yet because… well, because I can't justify paying upwards of $70 for a video game, but also because all the advertisements underlined and even bragged about the fact that there is absolutely no romance to be found throughout the game. Or how about the fact that I’ve liked each and every Bioware game (including Dragon Age: Veilguard and Mass Effect: Andromeda), but my running theory of why their million dollar flop Anthem actually failed was because there’s no point in running around in an Iron Man suit if there’s no romance options in the game! But that’s just me, and sure, Murder Among the Pyramids is clearly setting up this Mr. Briarcliff to become a close companion to Blix, but I can’t help but compare him in an unflattering manner to Jasper from the High Society Lady Detective series. Whereas Jasper and Olive have an ease with each other that belays years of trust and genuine fondness, Mr. Briarcliff and Blix have constant verbal spats that, while entertaining in a 1930’s screwball comedy kind of way and wonderfully written, still had me wondering how two people who are carry such opposing personalities could possibly grow to like each other over time. Oh well, I guess we’ll find out. I’m just saying that I always look for a romance in a story, because to me it’s like that extra splash of sriracha in your Pho! Otherwise, while I appreciate this book’s strong feminist messaging, I don’t think it’s a secret that a lot of this book was purposefully written in a frustrating manner in order to make a point, and this is great because it means that the novel is actually about something, but on the other hand… that means that most situations Blix finds herself are frustrating to read! Constantly battling against sexism plays an important role in casting an empathetic light on what women went through during this time period, but that also means that I spent most of the novel indignant on Blix’s behalf rather than enjoying the mystery. You can go ahead and scratch the “cozy” part of the “cozy mystery” off the label before jumping into this story! And you know what? I’m okay with that, because at this point, I’d much rather read a book that stays steadfast in saying something than one that gets boxed in by genre conventions. And in that regard, I’m glad to have read Murder Among the Pyramids, it’s just a shame that I wasn’t able to add to my three person list of “book boyfriends” but… oh well, there’s always next time. Thanks for listening!
“Hindsight was a beautiful thing, especially when applied to other people’s action.”
I admit that I’m at a bit of a loss here, because even though I did read this book (suspiciously specific denial), I don’t know how much of it that I've actually retained. After a while I noticed I was having a hard time keeping track of the who's who, and by the time we reached the big reveal, it was more of a "huh... okay?" kind of thing rather than a "Okay! Huh!" vibe. I feel like I’m taking a test without having done the reading and just decided to totally wing it. Um… which is something that I’ve never done, mind you, we’re just talking in hypotheticals! Anyway, I’ll try to keep it brief this time around (famous last words), because I feel like I get a little too candid whenever I’m talking about a book I just read, like we’re on The Drew Barrymore Show and I’ve been completely disarmed by your listening skills to the point where I’m sitting here all crisscross applesauce and spilling my heart out. What can I say? You’re the next Drew Barry, and I want mo~ore! So yeah, Murder Among the Pyramids is another lovely murder mystery by the master of the genre, Sara Rosett, where we follow Blix Windway, a sharp and witty twenty-something who decided to become a world traveler after having an Emancipation of Mimi moment and abruptly left her intended at the altar. After securing a traveling companion (read; sugar mama without the "sugar" who’s able fund expensive excursions to, say… something like the Star Wars hotel) in Hildy, the two then decide that their next stop is Egypt, and nothing, not even a little gruesome murder can stop them from having the trip of a lifetime. So yeah, ignoring for a second that the name “Blix Windway” sounds more like the name for one of those vaguely racist Star Wars aliens than a mystery detective, I found her to be an engaging main character who was tough against adversary, clever when met with a brain-teaser, and more than willing to stand against injustices. Sure, you can basically say the exact same thing about most leads of these cozy mystery books, but hey, it’s never failed to resonate before, and that’s definitely not the reason why I wasn’t as engaged in this book as I had been with Sara Rosett’s High Society Lady Detective series. Besides, Blix is a bit different than her contemporaries because she has the tiniest bit of edge to her personality that makes it so reading along as she verbally combats each and every misogynistic man in her vicinity incredibly entertaining. In other words, “She'll tease you, she'll unease you" and all that. I don’t know, regardless of whatever else I say here, I feel I need to stress that Sara Rosett just has a way with words (which is a good trait for an author, I reckon) and has an effortless ease with dialogue and plot that I can’t help but sit afar in admiration, even if I otherwise hadn’t been loving the narrative. Okay, I guess that’s enough stalling, huh? I’m a little sad right now because I wasn’t really able to become fully engrossed in this story in the same way as I have been with the High Society Lady Detective series. And this will sound a bit weird, but I almost wish I had a legit reason to complain, like if this book had a decrease in writing quality or glaring plot-holes, but nah… I’m afraid my reasoning are a bit more embarrassingly personal.
Oh damn, your Drew Barrymore interview techniques have allowed me to unknowingly let my guard down yet again! How do you keep doing that? But really though, I think one of the reasons why I didn’t love Murder Among the Pyramids as much as I had hoped was that there was a noticeable absence of romance. And yeah, I know that a lot of people hate forced romances in stories that have no business dealing in love, or just romances in general, but I don’t know… I think I tend to look for romance sub-plots in stories regardless of how appropriate they are. There’s this new sci-fi game out called Outerworlds 2 where the goal is all about taking down (or joining) the corporate overlords of the galaxy, and I haven’t played it yet because… well, because I can't justify paying upwards of $70 for a video game, but also because all the advertisements underlined and even bragged about the fact that there is absolutely no romance to be found throughout the game. Or how about the fact that I’ve liked each and every Bioware game (including Dragon Age: Veilguard and Mass Effect: Andromeda), but my running theory of why their million dollar flop Anthem actually failed was because there’s no point in running around in an Iron Man suit if there’s no romance options in the game! But that’s just me, and sure, Murder Among the Pyramids is clearly setting up this Mr. Briarcliff to become a close companion to Blix, but I can’t help but compare him in an unflattering manner to Jasper from the High Society Lady Detective series. Whereas Jasper and Olive have an ease with each other that belays years of trust and genuine fondness, Mr. Briarcliff and Blix have constant verbal spats that, while entertaining in a 1930’s screwball comedy kind of way and wonderfully written, still had me wondering how two people who are carry such opposing personalities could possibly grow to like each other over time. Oh well, I guess we’ll find out. I’m just saying that I always look for a romance in a story, because to me it’s like that extra splash of sriracha in your Pho! Otherwise, while I appreciate this book’s strong feminist messaging, I don’t think it’s a secret that a lot of this book was purposefully written in a frustrating manner in order to make a point, and this is great because it means that the novel is actually about something, but on the other hand… that means that most situations Blix finds herself are frustrating to read! Constantly battling against sexism plays an important role in casting an empathetic light on what women went through during this time period, but that also means that I spent most of the novel indignant on Blix’s behalf rather than enjoying the mystery. You can go ahead and scratch the “cozy” part of the “cozy mystery” off the label before jumping into this story! And you know what? I’m okay with that, because at this point, I’d much rather read a book that stays steadfast in saying something than one that gets boxed in by genre conventions. And in that regard, I’m glad to have read Murder Among the Pyramids, it’s just a shame that I wasn’t able to add to my three person list of “book boyfriends” but… oh well, there’s always next time. Thanks for listening!
“Hindsight was a beautiful thing, especially when applied to other people’s action.”
June 19, 2025
I now have a hyperfixation on what it would look like for someone to die by falling off a pyramid and spent like 3 hours researching this post-read
May 17, 2025
An entertaining start to a new series set in 1924 Egypt. I enjoyed the mystery and the setting. I'll definitely be reading the next one.
October 9, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up! This was a fun start to a new mystery series. I love Sara Rosett’s writing and the Egyptian setting is fun to read about. I didn’t find the murder itself particularly interesting but the new characters that are introduced, especially Blix Windway, Hildy Honeyworth, and Rafe Briarcliff, are fantastic. It sounds like they’re going to be main characters going forward, and I can’t wait!
August 12, 2024
A well-done start to a new cozy series set in Egypt. I find a lot of cozy series to be a bit on the lame side. This one is not. I enjoyed the main characters and the atmosphere along with the well-plotted mystery. While the heroine has a very different personality, the book overall reminded me of an Amelia Peabody story. Looking forward to the next one! I also plan on looking up some of the books mentioned by the author that helped in her research.
January 30, 2025
4.5 stars
I’m not a huge fan of Egyptology or Egyptian settings, but I did find the mystery to be interesting!
I’m not a huge fan of Egyptology or Egyptian settings, but I did find the mystery to be interesting!
November 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a new series by Sara Rosett, the 1920s Lady Traveler in Egypt series! In this one, our intrepid lead character Blix Windway heads to Egypt as the companion for a woman. Being a companion is simply a way for Blix to earn money to allow her to take photographs throughout Egypt. In her main occupation, Blix offers travel programs about her travels to women's groups.
Unfortunately for Blix, the woman she's a companion to gets seasick on the way to Egypt and turns around and heads home. Fortunately for Blix, she meets a much more agreeable woman who takes her on as a companion.
This book takes place briefly in Alexandria, and then for the most part in Cairo (hence the pyramids). While Blix is on an overnight glamping expedition outside the pyramids, someone is murdered. When the police seem unwilling to really investigate, Blix begins to look into the murder.
I found the mystery interesting, and really liked Blix and Hildy (the woman who hires Blix as a companion). At the end of the book they're getting ready to head up the Nile (going south). I hope the next book picks up there.
Unfortunately for Blix, the woman she's a companion to gets seasick on the way to Egypt and turns around and heads home. Fortunately for Blix, she meets a much more agreeable woman who takes her on as a companion.
This book takes place briefly in Alexandria, and then for the most part in Cairo (hence the pyramids). While Blix is on an overnight glamping expedition outside the pyramids, someone is murdered. When the police seem unwilling to really investigate, Blix begins to look into the murder.
I found the mystery interesting, and really liked Blix and Hildy (the woman who hires Blix as a companion). At the end of the book they're getting ready to head up the Nile (going south). I hope the next book picks up there.
August 7, 2024
This was really good! It might be my favorite Sara Rosett book! If The Mummy made you want to become an Egyptologist and you’re obsessed with the 1920s, you’ll love this.
June 7, 2025
Blix Windway is a lady traveler. She makes a living traveling the world and giving lectures to ladies' groups, which in turn fund further travels. She's looking forward to a visit to Egypt. Everyone is mad for Egypt these days with the recent discovery of King Tut's tomb. When her friend Percy Smitherington asks her to deliver a top secret package to someone in Egypt, Blix is excited to think she's a part of a government network, doing something worthwhile to help her country. Upon arriving in France, the woman Blix is supposed to be traveling with as a companion decides to return to England after suffering an extreme case of seasickness! Blix is left wondering what to do and how she'll get to Egypt when all she has is a train ticket to Paris. Then she rescues an older woman being robbed of her luggage and Hildy Honeyworth invites Blix to join her in Paris. Blix finds a way to get back at an old rival and make enough money to travel on to Egypt, where she meets her contact, not George Rhodes, but his wife, Vita Rhodes. Vita is a woman obsessed with the writings of Cornelius Duncan, whose diary Blix has been duped into bringing to Egypt. Mr. Duncan founded some new age craze called Pyramidology and Vita won't rest until she knows all the secrets. Gathering all the upper crust European travelers in Cairo (and Blix) to have a sleepover in the desert and watch the sun rise on top of the pyramids, is eager to find out what visions the pyramids will reveal to her. Unfortunately she never gets the chance as she is murdered and robbed in her tent before morning. Blix reports her discovery of a dead body to the police commissioner and he's eager to pin the blame on a native Egyptian servant. Blix isn't so sure. She's certain the Egyptian man, Tadros, wouldn't have been so obvious about it, especially after she uncovers the missing jewels and stumbles across a second body. She believes the murderer is one of them. Everyone else thinks so too- and they're convinced it's Hildy or Hildy and Blix! Hildy laughs it off but Blix is terribly worried about her reputation. She can't afford another scandal and Hildy will be cut off from good Society forever if she loses her reputation. Can Blix figure out who the real murderer is before she and Hildy are cast out of Society?
This is an entertaining mystery. Inspired by Amelia Peabody but more Eurocentric and not Egyptology or Archeology related, it's different. The characters are mainly European travelers and not archeologists. We still get Shephard's hotel and the basic premise is more or less the same with a similar meeting between the characters, it flips the ages of the main character and her traveling companion. Blix is young and Honey is older but more naive. The mystery had enough twists and red herrings to keep me guessing and I enjoyed the familiar but different setting of Egypt in the 1920s. I was half hoping Blix would at least encounter Amelia from a distance. I think Blix would really like Nefret. Alas, the Emersons do not make an appearance.
I really like Blix. I don't love her or think we'd be best friends, the verdict is still out, but I like how practical and pragmatic she is. She worked as an orderly during the war and the sight of dead bodies, no matter how gruesome, doesn't bother her. She can't be bothered with pyramidology, it's ridiculous and there's nothing about it in Mr. Duncan's diary. She's frustrated because she thought she was on some diplomatic mission and all it was was bringing some travelogue to some lady with more money than sense. *sigh* Poor Blix! Blix is interested in photography, photojournalism to be precise, a new field, especially for women. She knows the name of a female photo journalist she admires and wants to be like, Jessie Tarbox Beals, someone to be greatly admired for sure! That shows Blix wants to do something worthwhile with her life and make a difference. She hints at something that happened in her past, something about her fiancé she didn't quite like, but Blix doesn't tell us exactly what she learned that caused her to break off the engagement. I'd like to know more about this slimeball. Her parents sound horrid too. They cut her off without even checking on her to see if she was well or hearing her side of the story. Blix is well rid of these people. Her experiences have shaped her and she is more modern in her outlook towards others. She has more empathy and is kinder to the Egyptians and new money people.
This empathy brings Blix into contact with Hildy Honeyworth. A middle aged spinster, everyone assumes Hildy is new money and a social climber. It doesn't sound like she is though. She was just living a secluded life stuck taking care of her brother until his death. Now she's free to do what she wants for the first time in her life and she's going to enjoy it. Honey does know some Society people from when she was chaperone to her niece years ago. She insists she's not on the hunt for a husband at her age. She enjoys attention from men but not too much. Hildy is a bit of a matchmaker though. I think she really wants Blix to get together with someone - especially someone she knows and likes. Blix isn't interested in romance right now and I kind of hope not ever, although there's a potential Emerson or two in her life. Hildy is a much more interesting and enjoyable traveling companion than Miss Spalding. Good riddance to her, although I empathize. I suffered terribly crossing the Channel myself and refused to do it again. Thank goodness for the Chunnel! I had no problems on the train.
George Rhodes is a wealthy banker and the person Blix thinks she's supposed to hand Percy's package to. She assumes he's from Whitehall but he's not. George is very friendly and he knows Hildy from long ago. He likes to flirt and is quite charming. A little too charming sometimes and ladies tend to believe he means more than he actually does. George is married to Vita Filmore, the American candy heiress. Vita is lively, vivacious and brutal. She doesn't take no for an answer or let anyone or anything stand in her way. Vita is obsessed with Pyramidology, a pesuo-science craze sweeping Europe and America. She's generous with her money and her time, inviting newcomers Hildy and Blix, into her circle of friends but she also has an ulterior motive. She wants to convert them to pyramidology. Vita is always eager to try something new, something few have ever tried before and this is her latest thing. Hildy has no interest in learning what it is and Blix doesn't believe in it. Unfortunately Vita did and it may have gotten her killed. What secrets do the pyramids hold that someone doesn't want getting out? Maybe it's not actually magical mysticism but something real? Or maybe an opportunist just wanted her Egyptian jewelry? Poor George is a grieving widower now and too upset to resist the lures of widows on the hunt.
Mrs. Louise Jenkins is a snobby, older English lady. Now SHE is a social climber. She may be from Society but I get the impression her life has not been what she expected. She grew up next door to George Rhodes and loved running around his estate. She always expected him to marry her but when he married Vita, Mrs. Jenkins had to find someone else. She's widowed now and on the hunt for an estate, perhaps a permanent home? She's terrible to her daughter Rose. Louise browbeats Rose and treats Rose like a paid companion. Rose at first seems to be downtrodden but she suddenly comes alive after the murder. She's lively, intelligent and could be a good friend for Blix - if she's not a murderer. Louise is my #1 suspect. She's super obvious and makes a play for George before Vita's murder is even solved.
Blix doesn't know any young men her own age. They all died in the war. The only men she knows are younger and none of them are appealing. Percy is charming but he's a buffoon. He acts like he's giving Blix a top secret mission and if she doesn't pull it off, he'll be fired. Yet, he gets drunk and tells the entire world what he failed to tell Blix! In France she runs into Ned, younger brother of an old school friend of hers. Ned was nasty as a boy and he's still nasty. He's so rude! Ned is racist, sexist and snobby. He's certain Hildy is trying to con Blix into giving her entrance to Society. He's so egotistical, he just ASSUMES all kinds of things without getting to know someone. He assumes he's a better driver than Blix because he's male. She seems to have been a lonely old child raised by a series of governesses, but she had one fun governess who taught her how to drive and Blix drives well. She can handle herself against the likes of nasty Ned. Ned also makes assumptions about the native Egyptian servant. He's eager to "bag" a crocodile and his primary purpose for being in Egypt seems to be sport. Disgusting. Yet, late in the book, he does show a softer, kinder side. His friend Timothy seems a little nicer. He's scholarly and enjoys studying hieroglyphics. Ned might be a bad influence on Timothy though. They're up to something together and Timothy may even be a murderer!
Mr. Chambers is a retired clergyman who runs an orphanage in Cairo. He seems nice but he has a strong motive for wanting Vita out of the way. He was also spotted taking a piece of paper from the crime scene and Blix noticed he had blood on his cuff. I don't want him to be the murderer but he does act a little bit suspicious.
There are two men Blix doesn't care much for and I kept getting them confused. I think one of them might be her Emerson but they're both a little grumpy at times. Casper Denby may not be interested in Blix or women. He's described as "effete", an adjective I don't like but makes sense for the time period. He enjoys cocktails with English women and writing a gossip column for the local English language newspaper. Denby is hot on the trail of a REAL story after he gets wind of the murder and Blix finds him in very unexpected places. She's suspicious of him enough not to fully trust him but not enough to think he's the murderer. Only suspicious that he wants the scoop and is prepared to lie and cheat his way to it. He's friendly and charming though and I'd like to hang out with him and hear him tell stories but he may not be the most effective sleuthing partner.
Sir Abner is the commandant of the Cairo police and is a most ineffective, lazy policeman. He assumes the killer is Tadros, the Egyptian servant who is now missing. CLEARLY because Tadros was a "native" and poor, he thought he could get away with stealing the jewels (which rightly belong to his country anyway) and disappearing. This assumption is based on nothing more than sheer prejudice. Yes people were super racist and Egypt was a British protectorate. Get over it or don't read history. Sir Abner doesn't do much to find the real killer. To be fair, it would be a PR nightmare of the killer was a European or American. (Which it clearly is in Blix's mind). He wouldn't be able to do much about it anyway. Tadros is merely a scapegoat for the money and power than drive Society and allow them to get away with literal murder. Mr. Briarcliff is a private detective of sorts. He works for the owner of Shephard's hotel and other businesses. He keeps an eye on things and makes sure everything runs smoothly for the snooty European tourists and they don't have to deal with anything unpleasant like pickpockets and petty crime. Mr. Briarcliff is taciturn, doesn't think highly of women and would prefer it if Blix did not interfere with his investigation into Vita's murder. The two do not get along. Hildy likes him though and he can be charming with her. I do think he will end up being Blix's Emerson (love interest). Like Emerson, he doesn't suffer fools gladly or have respect for silly women who model Victorian values. He does seem to develop a begrudging respect for Blix. Only time will tell because Blix is moving on with Hildy after this trip to Cairo so maybe they won't meet again.
I suspect the next book will feature a death on the Nile. If this one was based on Amelia Peabody Crocodile on the Sandbank, the next will be based on Agatha Christie judging from the author's inspiration. I'm eager to read it. She's still proofreading the manuscript so we're a ways away. (I want more Olive, too, please!) Fans of historical cozy mysteries will enjoy this new series.
This is an entertaining mystery. Inspired by Amelia Peabody but more Eurocentric and not Egyptology or Archeology related, it's different. The characters are mainly European travelers and not archeologists. We still get Shephard's hotel and the basic premise is more or less the same with a similar meeting between the characters, it flips the ages of the main character and her traveling companion. Blix is young and Honey is older but more naive. The mystery had enough twists and red herrings to keep me guessing and I enjoyed the familiar but different setting of Egypt in the 1920s. I was half hoping Blix would at least encounter Amelia from a distance. I think Blix would really like Nefret. Alas, the Emersons do not make an appearance.
I really like Blix. I don't love her or think we'd be best friends, the verdict is still out, but I like how practical and pragmatic she is. She worked as an orderly during the war and the sight of dead bodies, no matter how gruesome, doesn't bother her. She can't be bothered with pyramidology, it's ridiculous and there's nothing about it in Mr. Duncan's diary. She's frustrated because she thought she was on some diplomatic mission and all it was was bringing some travelogue to some lady with more money than sense. *sigh* Poor Blix! Blix is interested in photography, photojournalism to be precise, a new field, especially for women. She knows the name of a female photo journalist she admires and wants to be like, Jessie Tarbox Beals, someone to be greatly admired for sure! That shows Blix wants to do something worthwhile with her life and make a difference. She hints at something that happened in her past, something about her fiancé she didn't quite like, but Blix doesn't tell us exactly what she learned that caused her to break off the engagement. I'd like to know more about this slimeball. Her parents sound horrid too. They cut her off without even checking on her to see if she was well or hearing her side of the story. Blix is well rid of these people. Her experiences have shaped her and she is more modern in her outlook towards others. She has more empathy and is kinder to the Egyptians and new money people.
This empathy brings Blix into contact with Hildy Honeyworth. A middle aged spinster, everyone assumes Hildy is new money and a social climber. It doesn't sound like she is though. She was just living a secluded life stuck taking care of her brother until his death. Now she's free to do what she wants for the first time in her life and she's going to enjoy it. Honey does know some Society people from when she was chaperone to her niece years ago. She insists she's not on the hunt for a husband at her age. She enjoys attention from men but not too much. Hildy is a bit of a matchmaker though. I think she really wants Blix to get together with someone - especially someone she knows and likes. Blix isn't interested in romance right now and I kind of hope not ever, although there's a potential Emerson or two in her life. Hildy is a much more interesting and enjoyable traveling companion than Miss Spalding. Good riddance to her, although I empathize. I suffered terribly crossing the Channel myself and refused to do it again. Thank goodness for the Chunnel! I had no problems on the train.
George Rhodes is a wealthy banker and the person Blix thinks she's supposed to hand Percy's package to. She assumes he's from Whitehall but he's not. George is very friendly and he knows Hildy from long ago. He likes to flirt and is quite charming. A little too charming sometimes and ladies tend to believe he means more than he actually does. George is married to Vita Filmore, the American candy heiress. Vita is lively, vivacious and brutal. She doesn't take no for an answer or let anyone or anything stand in her way. Vita is obsessed with Pyramidology, a pesuo-science craze sweeping Europe and America. She's generous with her money and her time, inviting newcomers Hildy and Blix, into her circle of friends but she also has an ulterior motive. She wants to convert them to pyramidology. Vita is always eager to try something new, something few have ever tried before and this is her latest thing. Hildy has no interest in learning what it is and Blix doesn't believe in it. Unfortunately Vita did and it may have gotten her killed. What secrets do the pyramids hold that someone doesn't want getting out? Maybe it's not actually magical mysticism but something real? Or maybe an opportunist just wanted her Egyptian jewelry? Poor George is a grieving widower now and too upset to resist the lures of widows on the hunt.
Mrs. Louise Jenkins is a snobby, older English lady. Now SHE is a social climber. She may be from Society but I get the impression her life has not been what she expected. She grew up next door to George Rhodes and loved running around his estate. She always expected him to marry her but when he married Vita, Mrs. Jenkins had to find someone else. She's widowed now and on the hunt for an estate, perhaps a permanent home? She's terrible to her daughter Rose. Louise browbeats Rose and treats Rose like a paid companion. Rose at first seems to be downtrodden but she suddenly comes alive after the murder. She's lively, intelligent and could be a good friend for Blix - if she's not a murderer. Louise is my #1 suspect. She's super obvious and makes a play for George before Vita's murder is even solved.
Blix doesn't know any young men her own age. They all died in the war. The only men she knows are younger and none of them are appealing. Percy is charming but he's a buffoon. He acts like he's giving Blix a top secret mission and if she doesn't pull it off, he'll be fired. Yet, he gets drunk and tells the entire world what he failed to tell Blix! In France she runs into Ned, younger brother of an old school friend of hers. Ned was nasty as a boy and he's still nasty. He's so rude! Ned is racist, sexist and snobby. He's certain Hildy is trying to con Blix into giving her entrance to Society. He's so egotistical, he just ASSUMES all kinds of things without getting to know someone. He assumes he's a better driver than Blix because he's male. She seems to have been a lonely old child raised by a series of governesses, but she had one fun governess who taught her how to drive and Blix drives well. She can handle herself against the likes of nasty Ned. Ned also makes assumptions about the native Egyptian servant. He's eager to "bag" a crocodile and his primary purpose for being in Egypt seems to be sport. Disgusting. Yet, late in the book, he does show a softer, kinder side. His friend Timothy seems a little nicer. He's scholarly and enjoys studying hieroglyphics. Ned might be a bad influence on Timothy though. They're up to something together and Timothy may even be a murderer!
Mr. Chambers is a retired clergyman who runs an orphanage in Cairo. He seems nice but he has a strong motive for wanting Vita out of the way. He was also spotted taking a piece of paper from the crime scene and Blix noticed he had blood on his cuff. I don't want him to be the murderer but he does act a little bit suspicious.
There are two men Blix doesn't care much for and I kept getting them confused. I think one of them might be her Emerson but they're both a little grumpy at times. Casper Denby may not be interested in Blix or women. He's described as "effete", an adjective I don't like but makes sense for the time period. He enjoys cocktails with English women and writing a gossip column for the local English language newspaper. Denby is hot on the trail of a REAL story after he gets wind of the murder and Blix finds him in very unexpected places. She's suspicious of him enough not to fully trust him but not enough to think he's the murderer. Only suspicious that he wants the scoop and is prepared to lie and cheat his way to it. He's friendly and charming though and I'd like to hang out with him and hear him tell stories but he may not be the most effective sleuthing partner.
Sir Abner is the commandant of the Cairo police and is a most ineffective, lazy policeman. He assumes the killer is Tadros, the Egyptian servant who is now missing. CLEARLY because Tadros was a "native" and poor, he thought he could get away with stealing the jewels (which rightly belong to his country anyway) and disappearing. This assumption is based on nothing more than sheer prejudice. Yes people were super racist and Egypt was a British protectorate. Get over it or don't read history. Sir Abner doesn't do much to find the real killer. To be fair, it would be a PR nightmare of the killer was a European or American. (Which it clearly is in Blix's mind). He wouldn't be able to do much about it anyway. Tadros is merely a scapegoat for the money and power than drive Society and allow them to get away with literal murder. Mr. Briarcliff is a private detective of sorts. He works for the owner of Shephard's hotel and other businesses. He keeps an eye on things and makes sure everything runs smoothly for the snooty European tourists and they don't have to deal with anything unpleasant like pickpockets and petty crime. Mr. Briarcliff is taciturn, doesn't think highly of women and would prefer it if Blix did not interfere with his investigation into Vita's murder. The two do not get along. Hildy likes him though and he can be charming with her. I do think he will end up being Blix's Emerson (love interest). Like Emerson, he doesn't suffer fools gladly or have respect for silly women who model Victorian values. He does seem to develop a begrudging respect for Blix. Only time will tell because Blix is moving on with Hildy after this trip to Cairo so maybe they won't meet again.
I suspect the next book will feature a death on the Nile. If this one was based on Amelia Peabody Crocodile on the Sandbank, the next will be based on Agatha Christie judging from the author's inspiration. I'm eager to read it. She's still proofreading the manuscript so we're a ways away. (I want more Olive, too, please!) Fans of historical cozy mysteries will enjoy this new series.
July 12, 2025
3.5 Stars
For whatever reason, books set in desert locations are not my favorite.
Having started and enjoying Sara Rosett's other series, The High Society Lady Detective, I was quite pleased. The mystery was twisty enough to keep me guessing and the setting was beautifully described. There are quite a lot of characters and that was a bit hard to get a grasp on via audio. I usually read the first few chapters of a new book before I switch to audio for just this reason but the ebook had a long wait at my libraries and I didn't want to wait. So I had to rewind a few times to catch details about who was who and that made for a little bit of self-induced clunkiness. Once I got everyone in mind, it was smooth sailing.
Blix is a spinster and supports herself by traveling as a companion and then producing seminars for various groups to talk about the different locations to various groups/organizations. A former society girl, Blix was cut off by her family. She meets Hildy, a older woman traveling alone, and they team up to travel through Egypt together. Murder happens. The end was satisfying and I almost picked out suspect, as they were one of two on my list. Looking forward to the next one!
For whatever reason, books set in desert locations are not my favorite.
Having started and enjoying Sara Rosett's other series, The High Society Lady Detective, I was quite pleased. The mystery was twisty enough to keep me guessing and the setting was beautifully described. There are quite a lot of characters and that was a bit hard to get a grasp on via audio. I usually read the first few chapters of a new book before I switch to audio for just this reason but the ebook had a long wait at my libraries and I didn't want to wait. So I had to rewind a few times to catch details about who was who and that made for a little bit of self-induced clunkiness. Once I got everyone in mind, it was smooth sailing.
Blix is a spinster and supports herself by traveling as a companion and then producing seminars for various groups to talk about the different locations to various groups/organizations. A former society girl, Blix was cut off by her family. She meets Hildy, a older woman traveling alone, and they team up to travel through Egypt together. Murder happens. The end was satisfying and I almost picked out suspect, as they were one of two on my list. Looking forward to the next one!
November 20, 2024
This a spin-off from her High Society Lady Detective series, where a character from one of the novels gets her own series. As such, it has the same flavor as the original with new people & an exotic setting. Blix makes a living taking photographs of far-away places, then giving slide-show lectures to women's groups. She joins a wealthy woman as her companion to Egypt in order to get content for a new lecture, but it all goes awry, leaving her stranded. She's plucky & gets there, only to get caught up with a group interested in an obscure journal on pyramidology that ends in murder. Blix has a keen mind & a good eye, so when she begins to notice odd things, she puts 2+2 together to solve it before the uninterested authorities can manage. Good start to the series.
July 20, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Devo dire che all'inizio avevo scartato questo libro perché gli anni Venti del secolo scorso non è uno dei miei periodi preferiti. Sono, però, contenta di avergli dato una possibilità perché alla fine la storia mi è piaciuta. Avevo subito notato un particolare fondamentale per la risoluzione del mistero, ma l'autrice è riuscita a distrarmi con altri possibili colpevoli. Ora non vedo l'ora che esca il secondo libro (sperando che non costi un occhio alla testa).
Devo dire che all'inizio avevo scartato questo libro perché gli anni Venti del secolo scorso non è uno dei miei periodi preferiti. Sono, però, contenta di avergli dato una possibilità perché alla fine la storia mi è piaciuta. Avevo subito notato un particolare fondamentale per la risoluzione del mistero, ma l'autrice è riuscita a distrarmi con altri possibili colpevoli. Ora non vedo l'ora che esca il secondo libro (sperando che non costi un occhio alla testa).
October 19, 2024
This is the first book in a new series from Sara Rosett that I was looking forward to. After reading more than half the book I gave up. I did not connect with any of the characters and I found the story drab. There was so much potential and it just fizzled.
February 11, 2025
I am always excited when a favorite author comes out with a new series. Murder Among the Pyramids is book one in the 1920s Lady traveler in Egypt series. We are following Blix Windway as she travels to Egypt to gain more material for her talks. She has also been tasked with delivering a top secret parcel to someone along the way.
Unfortunately, almost at the very beginning things do not go as planned When she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery and danger, she sets out to solve the crime.
This was a great beginning to a new series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters are Well rounded, and you will root for them. I look forward to reading more inthe series. I also highly recommend other books by the author.
February 14, 2025
I enjoyed listening to this start of a new series. 3.5
October 27, 2025
I’m a simple girl. Give me an Agatha Christie inspired cosy mystery set in the 1920’s Egypt, and I will probably like it
October 25, 2024
Sara Rosett is the author of the High Society Lady Detective series, which I thoroughly enjoy, so when I saw she had a new historical mystery coming out I was excited to get my hands on a copy. I alternated between print and audio for Murder Among the Pyramids, until last night when I just couldn’t stop listening. Narrator Elizabeth Klett is a delight to have in my ears!
It’s 1924, and Blix Windway is an independent woman who has created a career for herself by presenting lectures of her travels to ladies’ groups. For her lectures to stay in high demand, Blix needs a new trip and she believes she’s found the perfect opportunity. Blix will travel with Ms Hildy Honeyworth to Egypt, helping Hildy with all the planning and maneuvering a journey like this involves. This also gives Blix the chance to take pictures and gather notes for a future lecture.
Blix’s trip starts out rough with strong seas and an attempted robbery. Those bumps, though, seem small when a murder occurs during a tour of the pyramids. The inspectors seem quick to brush this crime under the rug, but Blix is convinced that the police are wrong and a person from the traveling party is the murderer.
Blix is an admirable character – independent and brave. I loved getting to know her and the other characters, especially Hildy. I could certainly travel with those two (minus the murder, of course). I loved the details of time and place included in the story – this was true armchair travel, as I could easily visualize the setting. I did not have a guess as to the murderer ahead of time and enjoyed the classic murder mystery feel of the story. Fans of historical mysteries shouldn’t wait to get their hands on this new book. I hope we travel with Blix and Hildy again!
It’s 1924, and Blix Windway is an independent woman who has created a career for herself by presenting lectures of her travels to ladies’ groups. For her lectures to stay in high demand, Blix needs a new trip and she believes she’s found the perfect opportunity. Blix will travel with Ms Hildy Honeyworth to Egypt, helping Hildy with all the planning and maneuvering a journey like this involves. This also gives Blix the chance to take pictures and gather notes for a future lecture.
Blix’s trip starts out rough with strong seas and an attempted robbery. Those bumps, though, seem small when a murder occurs during a tour of the pyramids. The inspectors seem quick to brush this crime under the rug, but Blix is convinced that the police are wrong and a person from the traveling party is the murderer.
Blix is an admirable character – independent and brave. I loved getting to know her and the other characters, especially Hildy. I could certainly travel with those two (minus the murder, of course). I loved the details of time and place included in the story – this was true armchair travel, as I could easily visualize the setting. I did not have a guess as to the murderer ahead of time and enjoyed the classic murder mystery feel of the story. Fans of historical mysteries shouldn’t wait to get their hands on this new book. I hope we travel with Blix and Hildy again!
November 8, 2024
Blix Windway is a lady traveler in the 1920s; she was at one time amongst the wealthy, but she did something that caused her father, a diplomat, to throw her out and so she has taken jobs as a lady’s companion and as a photographer and traveler who periodically arranges to give travel lectures to womens’ societies and the like. When we meet her, she is heading for Egypt as a lady’s companion, but the lady in question discovers a distaste for travel and Blix has to figure out some other way to get there; fortunately, she meets Hildy Honeyworth, an older woman traveling on her own who takes Blix under her wing. Once in Egypt, however, they become embroiled with the ex-pat community, including some who are fascinated by the mystical pyramids, and when one of those is murdered, Blix cannot bring herself to trust the local (English) police to apprehend the real killer, so she chooses to do so herself…. Apparently Beatrix “Blix” Windway appeared in an earlier series by Ms. Rosett, one that I have read, but I didn’t remember her as a character there. It’s nice that she’s emerged enough in the writer’s mind to give her her own series, and of course the premise that she is a traveling lady on her own in the 1920s gives plenty of scope for mischief. I like Blix a lot, and enjoyed her interactions with Hildy (of whom I hope we will see more, as she’s quite colourful herself) and with some of the men in the cast, most of whom underestimate women as a whole (and one who, I assume, will become a love interest for Blix); here’s hoping for more of the Lady Traveler in Egypt series! Recommended.
January 14, 2025
Blix Windway doesn't have a lot of money, but she loves to travel and take lots of pictures. She heads off from England with a woman who needs a companion. However, the woman who was financing her is very sea sick while crossing the English Channel and doesn't want to go any further. Fortunately, she helps another woman who is about to be robbed regain her pocketbook, and the woman askes if Blix would like to travel with her. They spend some time in Paris, and then go to Cairo. There are a group in the hotel that often do things together. Blix takes part in visits to gardens and museums as well as tennis and other activities. When they go with a group to to stay overnight by the pyramids, one of the women is found murdered in the morning. When a young man is found with with a notebook which disappeared when the woman was killed was found in the bag of one of the young men, he is put in jail. Blix is sure he isn't a murderer. She talks with one of the police on a regular basis, and he is happy with her information. The man Blix thinks might be guilty had gone back to the hotel rather than spending the night and she and the policeman tried to figure out how he could have left the hotel. However, the ways out were areas with only employees of the hospital. The young man who was arrested is still in jail on the last day before they go on a cruise on the Nile. Can Blix figure out the murderer before she leaves?
January 26, 2025
I love Sara Rosett's High-Society Lady Detective series, but I don't remember Blix from that series, but all that means is I get to go back to re-read and find her again!
Here Blix is resourceful and intelligent & resilient! When she gets abandoned by her original travel companion after a few rough days at sea she is determined to make it on to Egypt on her own, she meets another travel companion in Hildy, an older well off adventurer and they place a bet with a couple of rude boys Blix knows to win some money and teach them a lesson. Blix isn't afraid to use others bad impression to her advantage. Although there are times her traumatic past/banishment make it difficult for her to not care what society thinks of her I think in the end & at the heart of the matter is, she investigates because she knows the police will not get justice for all involved, be it the victim, the patsy, & the grieving family.
The mystery here involves a rich Lady who rubs people the wrong way, but she is a patron, of sorts, she holds the purse strings and most people feel like they have to do what she commands, in the end this is the attitude the killer gives for her murder. (its always the husband).
Blix works it out by being diligent and not giving up when most would want her to give it up, not because she's not right in her questioning everything, but mainly because that "it's simply isn't the done thing." that always makes me laugh.
I can't wait to read her & Hildy's next adventure.
Here Blix is resourceful and intelligent & resilient! When she gets abandoned by her original travel companion after a few rough days at sea she is determined to make it on to Egypt on her own, she meets another travel companion in Hildy, an older well off adventurer and they place a bet with a couple of rude boys Blix knows to win some money and teach them a lesson. Blix isn't afraid to use others bad impression to her advantage. Although there are times her traumatic past/banishment make it difficult for her to not care what society thinks of her I think in the end & at the heart of the matter is, she investigates because she knows the police will not get justice for all involved, be it the victim, the patsy, & the grieving family.
The mystery here involves a rich Lady who rubs people the wrong way, but she is a patron, of sorts, she holds the purse strings and most people feel like they have to do what she commands, in the end this is the attitude the killer gives for her murder. (its always the husband).
Blix works it out by being diligent and not giving up when most would want her to give it up, not because she's not right in her questioning everything, but mainly because that "it's simply isn't the done thing." that always makes me laugh.
I can't wait to read her & Hildy's next adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
As an avid fan of Ms. Rosett's High Society Lady Detective Mystery series, I was excited to read this new series, and it did not disappoint. The characters are interesting; the mystery complex; and the spin on the Egypt/Cairo/Pyramids trope manages to avoid the banal. Our MC, Blix Windway, brings an energy to the story, in part due to her rather compelling job, that of a travelogue lecturer. No, she does not give a lecture in this book, but she and her trusty Brownie camera are photographing all the people, places, and things for future presentations. Apparently traveling UP the pyramids, even having picnics at the top, was the done thing, and no matter the amazing views, I can tell you that the entire scene had my vertigo tinged nerves on edge. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next. There is also the requisite (at least for me) budding friendship and maybe, just maybe, a potential love interest. This one checked all the boxes for me, and left me wanting more.
The narrator is critical to any audiobook, and Elizabeth Klett does a wonderful job voicing the characters.
The narrator is critical to any audiobook, and Elizabeth Klett does a wonderful job voicing the characters.
October 5, 2024
Blix Windway (yeah that’s her actual name) is off as a travel companion to Egypt, she’s also carrying a book for her uncle that he as promised to a friend.
Crossing the channel, makes her way to Paris, has a car race before getting herself to Egypt, minus her traveling companion but she’s found a new one so no worries. Then she gets into the desert and over to the pyramids and finally she stumbles over a dead body. The local police insist that a native did it and wants the case to just go away, Blix is of an other opinion.
I might be becoming a grumpy old lady but, the MC has a car race through Paris which I assume is fun but all I see is her putting other peoples lives in danger, very little concern for others and I didn’t like it.
The murder happens pretty deep into the book, first in a new series so you do need some space to build it up and present the MC, I get it, but 13 chapters?
Never really warmed up to Blix or her new travel companion. Not getting a proper mystery or sleuthing from this one. Won’t continue the series.
Crossing the channel, makes her way to Paris, has a car race before getting herself to Egypt, minus her traveling companion but she’s found a new one so no worries. Then she gets into the desert and over to the pyramids and finally she stumbles over a dead body. The local police insist that a native did it and wants the case to just go away, Blix is of an other opinion.
I might be becoming a grumpy old lady but, the MC has a car race through Paris which I assume is fun but all I see is her putting other peoples lives in danger, very little concern for others and I didn’t like it.
The murder happens pretty deep into the book, first in a new series so you do need some space to build it up and present the MC, I get it, but 13 chapters?
Never really warmed up to Blix or her new travel companion. Not getting a proper mystery or sleuthing from this one. Won’t continue the series.
April 14, 2025
The high society series is so fun! This is a spinoff of the most recent one.
And yet. It has nothing. Characters, plot, fun, sense.
The mystery is boring and obvious.
Blix was more interesting in Murder in the Alps.
The reason for the murder was terrible. The red herrings were terrible. The portrayal of Egypt was terrible. Don't talk about how happy oppressed people are to serve you. JUST DON'T.
The love interest calls her a vacuous woman and dismisses her. Very rudely. The very first time they meet, after she has made a sharp and insightful discovery, by the way. Because women are all flibbertigibbets.
Yet he just is too good for polite society? That makes no sense. He doesn't know her, but is rude and cruel to her for no reason. This is unforgivable. And again, senseless. There's no reason for him to act that way. Then everyone else, including the author, gaslights her that he's a great guy.
I won't be reading anymore of these. She's experienced enough to write well. She chose not to here for whatever reason. I won't support books that normalize racism and abuse.
And yet. It has nothing. Characters, plot, fun, sense.
The mystery is boring and obvious.
Blix was more interesting in Murder in the Alps.
The reason for the murder was terrible. The red herrings were terrible. The portrayal of Egypt was terrible. Don't talk about how happy oppressed people are to serve you. JUST DON'T.
The love interest calls her a vacuous woman and dismisses her. Very rudely. The very first time they meet, after she has made a sharp and insightful discovery, by the way. Because women are all flibbertigibbets.
Yet he just is too good for polite society? That makes no sense. He doesn't know her, but is rude and cruel to her for no reason. This is unforgivable. And again, senseless. There's no reason for him to act that way. Then everyone else, including the author, gaslights her that he's a great guy.
I won't be reading anymore of these. She's experienced enough to write well. She chose not to here for whatever reason. I won't support books that normalize racism and abuse.
January 26, 2025
What a great start to a new series. I really enjoyed Sara's High Society Lady Detective books, so this was a no brainer for me. Blix, a side character from that series is a great character. Determined, independent, she has overcome gossip and rumour to make a name for herself as a lecturer on her travels abroad. Hildy was a sweet, if slightly naive older lady who befriends her and Rafe Briarcliff is the slightly disillusioned war veteran making his living by making sure the expats and tourists in Cairo have everything just the way they like. (I really hope this trio continue together for future books!). The plot was simple enough to follow, but detailed enough to keep you guessing to the end, with several red herrings along the way. The setting of old Cairo and the Giza was spectacular and brought to life with the wealth of details. Such a shame Shepheard's burned down in the 1950s. I would have really like to visit the original.
June 16, 2025
This writer does several cozy mysery series surrounding travel which I like.
To be honest, I needed to start yet another series like I needed another hole in my head but here we are...
Blix and Hildy were likable characters. They're both independent women making their own way in the world during a time period when that was unusual. I admired that especially given that Blix's income came from talks about her world travels.
There were lots of characters which I got lost on as normally I would make notes but since I was listening to this while driving, I wasn't able to do that.
Some negatives were that it moved slowly. Really slow! Also, it didn't specify the time period nor the ages of Hildy & Blix.
At the end, the writer lists her references so I know it was well researched.
Overall, it was ok. Not as engaging as her other series. I'd recommend it if you like historical cozies surrounded by travel to foreign countries.
To be honest, I needed to start yet another series like I needed another hole in my head but here we are...
Blix and Hildy were likable characters. They're both independent women making their own way in the world during a time period when that was unusual. I admired that especially given that Blix's income came from talks about her world travels.
There were lots of characters which I got lost on as normally I would make notes but since I was listening to this while driving, I wasn't able to do that.
Some negatives were that it moved slowly. Really slow! Also, it didn't specify the time period nor the ages of Hildy & Blix.
At the end, the writer lists her references so I know it was well researched.
Overall, it was ok. Not as engaging as her other series. I'd recommend it if you like historical cozies surrounded by travel to foreign countries.
March 10, 2025
So like Agatha Christie
Very much enjoyed this book, even though it was set in the 1920s. I usually read things set in the Regency period or before.
As with Agatha Christie novels, this takes place in an exotic place with a myriad of diverse characters, so many who might be the villain behind everything.
The characters were well developed.
For all the difficulties that Blix faced years ago, she has shown that she is not only a survivor, but someone who loves to embrace life. She comes across as a thoroughly modern, strong and brave woman of a new century. I loved the race in Paris. The plot moves along well because the writing is very good. I will definitely be wanting to read another book by this author.
This was a great read and I would recommend it.
Very much enjoyed this book, even though it was set in the 1920s. I usually read things set in the Regency period or before.
As with Agatha Christie novels, this takes place in an exotic place with a myriad of diverse characters, so many who might be the villain behind everything.
The characters were well developed.
For all the difficulties that Blix faced years ago, she has shown that she is not only a survivor, but someone who loves to embrace life. She comes across as a thoroughly modern, strong and brave woman of a new century. I loved the race in Paris. The plot moves along well because the writing is very good. I will definitely be wanting to read another book by this author.
This was a great read and I would recommend it.
August 11, 2025
Of all the mysteries I've read that were described as "for fans of Agatha Christie" this is the only one I think I've ever read where that felt like it might be true. Ironically, the book was not even described that way! It just could have been.
It still felt like a book written in the modern era, don't get me wrong -- Blix is strongly inflenced by modern ideas and values -- but the setting and characters and even the language felt reminiscent of Christie in a way that the nostalgic part of me enjoyed. The story stood up on its own as well (it got a little wobbly in the middle, but it started and ended quite strong). I haven't read any of Rosett's books before, but I'll definitely be looking for more of this series as it develops.
It still felt like a book written in the modern era, don't get me wrong -- Blix is strongly inflenced by modern ideas and values -- but the setting and characters and even the language felt reminiscent of Christie in a way that the nostalgic part of me enjoyed. The story stood up on its own as well (it got a little wobbly in the middle, but it started and ended quite strong). I haven't read any of Rosett's books before, but I'll definitely be looking for more of this series as it develops.
August 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I generally enjoy anything with a 1920s Egyptian, but especially towards the end I was really impressed with Sara's writing and handling of the plot. I think she did a good and thorough job with the cast of characters being distinct without losing the main focus. Blix is a stupid name to me (I mean, really, a photography chemical??), but I liked her as a heroine. I generally DON'T like it when the love interest is a fellow mystery solver, so hopefully things with Briarcliff don't go that way, but we'll see. If the second book was out right now, I would download it, but I feel like by the time it does come out, I won't be super focused on this series.
December 1, 2025
As enjoyable as the related High Society Lady Detective series. The book is very detailed about the history and location in which it’s set, which is an absolute delight. The characters are very likable and the mystery is interesting and unfolds nicely. The only (minor) downside for me is that there were a lot of characters, including some who were not viable suspects and it was just a bit much to keep track of the characters and I kept confusing the superfluous characters with similar characters that were important to the storyline. The narrator is very nice to listen to. Will definitely be continuing the series.
December 14, 2025
When I read the synopsis of Murder Among the Pyramids, I was hoping for something in the vein of an Amelia Peabody–style adventure. I’d previously encountered the heroine, Blix Windway, in another of Rosett’s series and found her intriguing—a celebrated “lady traveler” who journeys to exotic locations and then shares her experiences with women’s groups back home.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t live up to that promise. Blix came across as more irritating than engaging, and the mystery itself never really found its footing. I generally enjoy Rosett’s other series, but this one was a disappointment for me, and I’m unsure whether I’ll continue on to book two.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t live up to that promise. Blix came across as more irritating than engaging, and the mystery itself never really found its footing. I generally enjoy Rosett’s other series, but this one was a disappointment for me, and I’m unsure whether I’ll continue on to book two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews