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The Clarissa Bell Mysteries #1
Hieroglyphs and Homicide
Step into the sultry heat of 1920s Egypt, where ancient secrets hide beneath the shadow of the Great Pyramid.Dr. Clarissa Bell came to Giza to prove herself a serious archaeologist, not to sort pottery while her male colleagues claim the glory.
But when she discovers a mysterious scribe's palette stained with rare blue pigment, she uncovers more than just an artifact—she stumbles into a deadly conspiracy.
Armed with nothing but her Cambridge education, an alarming tendency toward sarcasm, and a talent for finding trouble in supposedly empty tombs, Clarissa navigates a world where British imperial power meets ancient Egyptian mysteries, taking her from the bustling streets of Cairo to the steaming bathhouse and glittering auction houses of the colonial elite.
And what about the enigmatic Benedict Quinn? Charming, mysterious, and far too handsome for her peace of mind. Her carefully ordered world is beginning to crumble like ancient limestone.
But when professors pack pistols and black market dealers have government connections, the only thing Clarissa can trust is her own sharp wit—and her ability to sort pottery under pressure.
"A gripping historical mystery that blends Agatha Christie's puzzle-solving with the exotic danger of 1920s Egypt—perfect for fans of atmospheric period adventures and clever heroines who refuse to stay safely on the sidelines."
But when she discovers a mysterious scribe's palette stained with rare blue pigment, she uncovers more than just an artifact—she stumbles into a deadly conspiracy.
Armed with nothing but her Cambridge education, an alarming tendency toward sarcasm, and a talent for finding trouble in supposedly empty tombs, Clarissa navigates a world where British imperial power meets ancient Egyptian mysteries, taking her from the bustling streets of Cairo to the steaming bathhouse and glittering auction houses of the colonial elite.
And what about the enigmatic Benedict Quinn? Charming, mysterious, and far too handsome for her peace of mind. Her carefully ordered world is beginning to crumble like ancient limestone.
But when professors pack pistols and black market dealers have government connections, the only thing Clarissa can trust is her own sharp wit—and her ability to sort pottery under pressure.
"A gripping historical mystery that blends Agatha Christie's puzzle-solving with the exotic danger of 1920s Egypt—perfect for fans of atmospheric period adventures and clever heroines who refuse to stay safely on the sidelines."
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
650 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Higley
46 books791 followersTracy Higley has been attempting to time travel through the pages of books since she was a child. She started her first story at the age of eight, and has since authored nearly twenty books, including the acclaimed Seven Wonders Series, and the Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge. She earned a Master’s Degree in Ancient and Classical History, and has traveled to Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Italy, and Turkey, researching her books and falling into adventures. Peruse her travel journals and learn more fascinating history at www.tracyhigley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 1, 2026
I’m at a loss for more words because it’s so good! 😊
Best lines: “I met my reflection's eyes directly. The woman looking back wasn't just the dutiful academic, cataloging by color. She was someone else too—someone willing to risk everything for truth, for justice, for the messy, gloriously complex reality of the past.”
"If I wished to murder my way to archaeological prominence," I dabbed at the perspiration forming on my upper lip, "I would have started with Dr. Bradford and his insufferable mustache, not Dr. Sutherland, who was one of the few people who actually respected my work."
"Why do you care so much about these artifacts? Beyond the academic interest." I considered this. "Because it could be that someone is using them to rewrite history. To erase evidence of accomplishments that don't fit their preferred narrative.”
Best lines: “I met my reflection's eyes directly. The woman looking back wasn't just the dutiful academic, cataloging by color. She was someone else too—someone willing to risk everything for truth, for justice, for the messy, gloriously complex reality of the past.”
"If I wished to murder my way to archaeological prominence," I dabbed at the perspiration forming on my upper lip, "I would have started with Dr. Bradford and his insufferable mustache, not Dr. Sutherland, who was one of the few people who actually respected my work."
"Why do you care so much about these artifacts? Beyond the academic interest." I considered this. "Because it could be that someone is using them to rewrite history. To erase evidence of accomplishments that don't fit their preferred narrative.”
November 13, 2025
This is the first in another historical mystery (about 1925) set in Egypt! This series features the daughter of a wealthy New York businessman, Clarissa, who years ago decided she wanted to be an Egyptologist, and now has the PhD from Cambridge to prove it. However, her fellow Egyptologists (mostly men) all discount her brilliant articles, and figure she only has the position on a dig near the Giza Pyramids due to her father.
Mysterious things begin happening on the dig, and artifacts go missing. Clarissa begins to investigate (she's being blamed for things) and gets caught up in a mysterious, dangerous plot involving politics, colonialism, and most of all valuable Egyptian artifacts. She also becomes involved with a very mysterious man. Is he the master criminal (sorry, my Amelia Peabody love is showing) or is he something else?
While some of the mysteries are solved in this book, there's an overarching thread that apparently continues into the next. I will definitely be reading it!
Mysterious things begin happening on the dig, and artifacts go missing. Clarissa begins to investigate (she's being blamed for things) and gets caught up in a mysterious, dangerous plot involving politics, colonialism, and most of all valuable Egyptian artifacts. She also becomes involved with a very mysterious man. Is he the master criminal (sorry, my Amelia Peabody love is showing) or is he something else?
While some of the mysteries are solved in this book, there's an overarching thread that apparently continues into the next. I will definitely be reading it!
September 25, 2025
I loved the Sahara Aldridge series and so was excited for this new adventure. An overlooked lady archaeologist and a shady antiquities dealer are on the hunt for stolen Egyptian treasures. There are a lot of characters and none of them are what they seem. I love the way Clarissa internally catalogues everything as if it were a pottery sherd, some of her musings were hysterical. The atmosphere was evocative and Higley's descriptions make you feel you are there.
In her search for the truth, she finds herself and maybe a connection with the enigmatic Benedict Quinn.
This book completes the initial investigation which will continue in book 2
In her search for the truth, she finds herself and maybe a connection with the enigmatic Benedict Quinn.
This book completes the initial investigation which will continue in book 2
January 2, 2026
A tale of two halves: Frustrating start, but a finish that hooked me.
I have such mixed feelings about Hieroglyphs and Homicide. To be honest, I really struggled to get through the first half of this book. After coming off a prequel that felt rushed and cluttered with info-dumping, I started this one already a bit annoyed—and the slow pace didn't help.
The Struggle:
The first 50–60% of this book dragged significantly. There was so much redundant, unnecessary information that it felt like the plot was at a standstill. Then there was Clarissa. I understand she’s meant to be naive, but at times, she just came across as annoying.
Also, can we talk about the "big words"? The constant use of high-level vocabulary and "analysis" felt a bit "show-offy" and pretentious. We get it—the characters are smart and educated! It felt unnecessary and took me out of the story.
The Turnaround:
However, once the story finally found its rhythm in the second half, it actually got really good. It felt like I was reading a completely different book!
The Dynamics: I loved the chemistry between Clarissa and Quin, and Annie was a great addition.
The Plot: The central conspiracy is a fantastic concept; I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the point.
The Ending: The finale was strong enough that it actually salvaged the experience for me.
Final Verdict:
I’m not completely won over yet, but the ending was intriguing enough that I’m going to continue to the next book—albeit with some hesitation. I’m genuinely curious to see how the investigation continues and how the relationship between Clarissa and Quin grows.
If you can push past the slow burn and the "thesaurus" moments, there is a good story hidden in here!
I have such mixed feelings about Hieroglyphs and Homicide. To be honest, I really struggled to get through the first half of this book. After coming off a prequel that felt rushed and cluttered with info-dumping, I started this one already a bit annoyed—and the slow pace didn't help.
The Struggle:
The first 50–60% of this book dragged significantly. There was so much redundant, unnecessary information that it felt like the plot was at a standstill. Then there was Clarissa. I understand she’s meant to be naive, but at times, she just came across as annoying.
Also, can we talk about the "big words"? The constant use of high-level vocabulary and "analysis" felt a bit "show-offy" and pretentious. We get it—the characters are smart and educated! It felt unnecessary and took me out of the story.
The Turnaround:
However, once the story finally found its rhythm in the second half, it actually got really good. It felt like I was reading a completely different book!
The Dynamics: I loved the chemistry between Clarissa and Quin, and Annie was a great addition.
The Plot: The central conspiracy is a fantastic concept; I just wish it hadn’t taken so long to get to the point.
The Ending: The finale was strong enough that it actually salvaged the experience for me.
Final Verdict:
I’m not completely won over yet, but the ending was intriguing enough that I’m going to continue to the next book—albeit with some hesitation. I’m genuinely curious to see how the investigation continues and how the relationship between Clarissa and Quin grows.
If you can push past the slow burn and the "thesaurus" moments, there is a good story hidden in here!
October 16, 2025
Hilarious! Dr. Clarissa Bell is off on an adventure to prove herself a true archeologist on her first dig.
Her sarcasm shines. She classifies everything, including her reactions.
"I cataloged my options: Option A: Alert Bradford (Common Resolution, Colonial Period, known to cause severe academic apoplexy) Option B: Follow suspicious stranger alone into dark tomb (Rare Example of Archaeological Idiocy, Modern Period) Option C: Pretend I hadn't seen anything (Cowardice, Well-Preserved Example of Career Preservation) After my spectacular contribution to pottery destruction this morning, I couldn't risk being wrong."
Her only option when things go wrong, as in her first major find disappears, is to join forces with Benedict Quinn, an 'archeological specialist' in his words.
"You want me to work with Benedict Quinn? The man you just called a ‘tomb robber in a tailored suit?’” The man whose eyebrows arch in that infuriating way whenever he thinks he's being clever?
Higley has hit her pace with this written artifact.
Her sarcasm shines. She classifies everything, including her reactions.
"I cataloged my options: Option A: Alert Bradford (Common Resolution, Colonial Period, known to cause severe academic apoplexy) Option B: Follow suspicious stranger alone into dark tomb (Rare Example of Archaeological Idiocy, Modern Period) Option C: Pretend I hadn't seen anything (Cowardice, Well-Preserved Example of Career Preservation) After my spectacular contribution to pottery destruction this morning, I couldn't risk being wrong."
Her only option when things go wrong, as in her first major find disappears, is to join forces with Benedict Quinn, an 'archeological specialist' in his words.
"You want me to work with Benedict Quinn? The man you just called a ‘tomb robber in a tailored suit?’” The man whose eyebrows arch in that infuriating way whenever he thinks he's being clever?
Higley has hit her pace with this written artifact.
January 13, 2026
3.75/5, Very enjoyable. A light romp with a good sense of time and place. I enjoyed the characters of Dr. Bell and Benedict Quinn and the author did a good job of playing them against each other. Romance isn’t my usual genre but I like murder mysteries and stories of early 20th century archaeology in Egypt so this was a good choice for me. The editing wasn’t perfect with some phrases and clichés repeated throughout the book (how many times can you say “his smile didn’t reach his eyes” in one chapter? And there was a lot of one smell combined with another smell imagery. Not bad , it’s just once you notice that something’s being used over and over again it can be distracting, but overall it didn’t detract too much from the pleasant read. And to be fair, the author is very good at creating atmosphere. will read the next book in the series soon.
October 9, 2025
This is an excellent first book in a new series about Dr Bell, an American archeologist with a Cambridge degree, her sweet 'maid' (sent by her wealthy father in New York) Annie, and Quinn, an enigmatic, charming, knowledgeable and immensely capable fellow who is also something of a mystery - can he really be trusted? They find themselves immersed in deadly circumstances involving a murder and ancient artifacts with blue symbols and hieroglyphics. It's exciting and fast paced, with unexpected twists and just enough romance to keep one's attention. ::grins::
This first book resolves some of the mysteries our characters are grappling with, but also sets up book 2 with a bigger challenge (and probably greater danger). The setting, in 1920s Cairo, Alexandria and the dig is marvellously drawn with sights, sounds, scents and the very texture of materials and the grit of dust on the wind. One falls into the story and I couldn't put it down. Lol, I've already pre ordered books 2 and 3. Ms Higley, congratulations - you have another hit series on your hands. I could even see this one made into a Netflix or Prime or BBC miniseries.
This first book resolves some of the mysteries our characters are grappling with, but also sets up book 2 with a bigger challenge (and probably greater danger). The setting, in 1920s Cairo, Alexandria and the dig is marvellously drawn with sights, sounds, scents and the very texture of materials and the grit of dust on the wind. One falls into the story and I couldn't put it down. Lol, I've already pre ordered books 2 and 3. Ms Higley, congratulations - you have another hit series on your hands. I could even see this one made into a Netflix or Prime or BBC miniseries.
December 31, 2025
Great easy read
I was hooked from the beginning. I really enjoyed the adventure and the knowledgeable aspect of Egypt’s history. I really loved the archaeology aspect and the intrigue of it all and the relationships that occur occurred between the main character and the people around her
I was hooked from the beginning. I really enjoyed the adventure and the knowledgeable aspect of Egypt’s history. I really loved the archaeology aspect and the intrigue of it all and the relationships that occur occurred between the main character and the people around her
November 11, 2025
A good start
I liked the main characters, the setting and the premise, but found there was way too much naval gazing and introspection. While I can accept some of this from Clarissa as she's young, she's also an Oxford PhD, wealthy and beautiful, it caused the story to lag.
I liked the main characters, the setting and the premise, but found there was way too much naval gazing and introspection. While I can accept some of this from Clarissa as she's young, she's also an Oxford PhD, wealthy and beautiful, it caused the story to lag.
November 23, 2025
This has all the tropes of romantic mystery crossed with historical fiction. We get an insider’s view of the cut-throat (literally) world of antiquity dealing in the early 20th century. What fun to see the Roaring Twenties through the eyes of seemingly proper British professionals.
Repeatedly accused of ”feminine archaeological hysteria,” Dr. Bell fights for her place on the archaeology team, especially after accidentally breaking a significant piece of whole pottery. Every time she discovers a deep, hidden fact about the ancient Egyptians, someone else either publishes it under their name, or steals the artifact she is cataloging. And cataloging—from people to situations—is what she does best!
Refusing to be deterred by any form of opposition, she repeatedly faces down Benedict Quinn—never quite sure if the brilliant antiquities dealer is trustworthy or not. However, when murder comes to visit and she and Benedict are both prime suspects, she is obliged to set aside her distrust and work more closely with him, especially if she wants to survive.
The historical setting, the complexities of Egypt and archaeology, and the drama of the murder make this a fascinating read.
Repeatedly accused of ”feminine archaeological hysteria,” Dr. Bell fights for her place on the archaeology team, especially after accidentally breaking a significant piece of whole pottery. Every time she discovers a deep, hidden fact about the ancient Egyptians, someone else either publishes it under their name, or steals the artifact she is cataloging. And cataloging—from people to situations—is what she does best!
Refusing to be deterred by any form of opposition, she repeatedly faces down Benedict Quinn—never quite sure if the brilliant antiquities dealer is trustworthy or not. However, when murder comes to visit and she and Benedict are both prime suspects, she is obliged to set aside her distrust and work more closely with him, especially if she wants to survive.
The historical setting, the complexities of Egypt and archaeology, and the drama of the murder make this a fascinating read.
October 19, 2025
This was such a fun little escape! It’s got all the good stuff — Egypt in the 1920s, hidden tombs, danger, and a gutsy heroine who refuses to stay on the sidelines. Clarissa Bell is smart, stubborn, and determined to prove herself in a field full of men. I liked her right away.
The setting was one of my favorite parts. You can almost feel the desert heat and hear the market noise. It has that “old adventure movie” vibe, but with a strong female lead instead of a guy in a fedora.
The mystery itself isn’t super twisty — it’s more of a steady, enjoyable ride than an edge-of-your-seat thriller — but I didn’t mind. It’s got charm and atmosphere, and I love when a story makes me want to go digging around in history books afterward.
If you like archaeology, a hint of romance, and stories that whisk you away to another time, this one’s worth a read. It’s light, a little sassy, and totally satisfying with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon
The setting was one of my favorite parts. You can almost feel the desert heat and hear the market noise. It has that “old adventure movie” vibe, but with a strong female lead instead of a guy in a fedora.
The mystery itself isn’t super twisty — it’s more of a steady, enjoyable ride than an edge-of-your-seat thriller — but I didn’t mind. It’s got charm and atmosphere, and I love when a story makes me want to go digging around in history books afterward.
If you like archaeology, a hint of romance, and stories that whisk you away to another time, this one’s worth a read. It’s light, a little sassy, and totally satisfying with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon
October 17, 2025
Years ago I read all of Elizabeth Peters' "Amelia Peabody" Egyptian mysteries. I have been
waiting for more in that style - but my wait has ended with the fabulous Clarissa Bell Mysteries.
This first book is one of my favorites of the year. I love Clarissa's self-deprecating asides and
classifications. The author has transported me to the Cairo streets and the Giza dig with all the sights and smells wonderfully described. The plot continued to surprise me and I devoured each chapter not wanting it to end.
Rush out and buy this book! I highly recommend it and I'm hoping the rest of the series "Palm Trees and Poison" and "Amulets and Alibis" are just as good. Also recommended is Ms Higley's "The Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge" series.
waiting for more in that style - but my wait has ended with the fabulous Clarissa Bell Mysteries.
This first book is one of my favorites of the year. I love Clarissa's self-deprecating asides and
classifications. The author has transported me to the Cairo streets and the Giza dig with all the sights and smells wonderfully described. The plot continued to surprise me and I devoured each chapter not wanting it to end.
Rush out and buy this book! I highly recommend it and I'm hoping the rest of the series "Palm Trees and Poison" and "Amulets and Alibis" are just as good. Also recommended is Ms Higley's "The Time Travel Journals of Sahara Aldridge" series.
January 28, 2026
I miss Amelia Peabody and so I am always looking for mysteries set in Egyptian archaeological excavations. This new series isn't Amelia by any means, but it is full of atmosphere, ancient historical detail, and clever villains. Clarissa Bell, newly minted DPhil from Cambridge in hand, arrives on the Giza plateau for the 1923 dig season. Almost immediately she is drawn into an investigation of what looks to be a huge theft and forgery ring. When the head of her dig decides to pair her with a charming but suspicious antiquities dealer for the investigation into the thefts, the two of them race all over Cairo and Alexandria as they try to uncover the thieves and forgers. Along the way, a fellow archaeologist is killed, a government minister is implicated and Clarissa learns that some things just can't be neatly slotted into classification schemes.
December 4, 2025
For a long time, my favorite literary character has been Elizabeth Peters' indomitable Amelia Peabody. Peters wrote 20 books about Amelia, and since she died I've been starved for a feisty female egyptologist/detective.
I think I've finally found a worthy successor in Dr. Cassandra Bell. She's just arrived in Egypt to take part in a dig at Giza. It's just after Howard Carter has begun excavating King Tutankhamen's tomb (it was discovered in 1922). After fighting her father, society, and patriarchal academia to receive her degree from Cambridge, she now has to fight her colleagues on the dig site to do more serious work that sorting potsherds.
I think I've finally found a worthy successor in Dr. Cassandra Bell. She's just arrived in Egypt to take part in a dig at Giza. It's just after Howard Carter has begun excavating King Tutankhamen's tomb (it was discovered in 1922). After fighting her father, society, and patriarchal academia to receive her degree from Cambridge, she now has to fight her colleagues on the dig site to do more serious work that sorting potsherds.
January 13, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I have always been fascinated by Egypt and being a 90’s baby The Mummy was/is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies. This book gave me all The Mummy vibes (complete with a mental casting of Brendan Fraser as Quinn). I cannot tell you how much I love Bell and her logical way of thinking, her quick and often under-appreciated wit, and her social awkwardness. I connected to her immediately and was hooked from the start. I adored this story and would highly recommend if you like scholarly and whip smart FMCs that won’t back down from a challenge, mysterious and charming MMCs and action from start to finish.
October 5, 2025
I have read just about all of Tracy Higley's published work. This is her best yet. She has positioned a murder mystery and the beginnings of a romance at an Egyptian dig site in the 1920s. A dubious cast of characters leaves you wondering if anyone can be trusted. Fast moving plot that keeps you guessing. The author demonstrates a sharp wit that was not present in her previous novels.
Recommended for lovers of murder mysteries who enjoy sarcasm and need less sleep.
Full disclosure: I am part of the advance reader's team.
Recommended for lovers of murder mysteries who enjoy sarcasm and need less sleep.
Full disclosure: I am part of the advance reader's team.
October 25, 2025
Wonderful adventure and intrigue
You are literally transported into the past. The archeology of Egypt history through the eyes of Clarissa, a determined female archeologist was fastinating. She finds herself deep in mysteries when artifacts go missing and murders. She gets help from Quinn, a handsome man of secrets and connections, but can she trust him? Looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about the missing artifacts and their importance to Eqypt history.
You are literally transported into the past. The archeology of Egypt history through the eyes of Clarissa, a determined female archeologist was fastinating. She finds herself deep in mysteries when artifacts go missing and murders. She gets help from Quinn, a handsome man of secrets and connections, but can she trust him? Looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about the missing artifacts and their importance to Eqypt history.
October 26, 2025
Absolutely great book! I love the characters, the witty dialogues, the fast pace thriller story and all this embedded in very accurate historical facts about Egypt in the 1920 under British "protectorate". Having just returned from a cultural trip to Egypt and Egyptian archeology being a hobby, I could relate to locations and facts very well. It's intelligent, fun and easy to read at the same time. Looking much forward to the sequels and can definitely recommend this book and the author.
December 2, 2025
Clarissa Bell recently graduated is off to Giza to make her mark as an archeologist and is assigned to pottery fragments instead of serious work reserved for men. After discovering a rare pallete it is stolen which uncovers a conspiracy involving the British musuem and other high ranking British officials. With the help of a rogue Benedict Quinn Clarissa starts investigating and getting a thrill out of the adventure. Great history lessons with a mystery and romance thrown in
January 3, 2026
A Woman Who Knows What She Wants
Her father wanted her to marry and settle down. She went to college and graduate school to study artifacts Here she is in Egypt her first dig site ready to make a name for herself. Little did she know there would be stolen artifacts, real or fake, murder, lies and possible romance? She stood her ground and believes! She knows what she wants!
Very good and enjoyable.
Her father wanted her to marry and settle down. She went to college and graduate school to study artifacts Here she is in Egypt her first dig site ready to make a name for herself. Little did she know there would be stolen artifacts, real or fake, murder, lies and possible romance? She stood her ground and believes! She knows what she wants!
Very good and enjoyable.
January 10, 2026
Sand and Suspicion
I love anything Egyptian. This was a very interesting story. The characters were believable .
Everyone had their own agenda, making them all suspects. There is murder and mayhem and a lot of narrow escapes. Nobody trusts anybody. Our heroin is typical of that period in history. There is also the dashing ,suave hero. This was clean and fun. A little like THE MUMMY movie. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I love anything Egyptian. This was a very interesting story. The characters were believable .
Everyone had their own agenda, making them all suspects. There is murder and mayhem and a lot of narrow escapes. Nobody trusts anybody. Our heroin is typical of that period in history. There is also the dashing ,suave hero. This was clean and fun. A little like THE MUMMY movie. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 6, 2025
This is one of Tracy most exciting stories with non-stop action & intriguing mystery. The setting is Egypt in the 1920’s. Our main female character is a hilarious but also serious gifted archeologist on site at a dig. This story is full of adventure and as usual, Tracy Higley’s descriptive engaging writing style made it hard for me to put down!
October 7, 2025
I enjoyed Tracy Higley's foray into 1920s Egypt. Her descriptions of locales and interactions was quite revealing. It was educational without being dry (far from it!) and insightful into history and human nature.
My favorite quote: "The gallery held the hushed reverence of a temple and the tasteful lighting of a museum, but the possessive energy of a dragon's hoard." Nice!!
My favorite quote: "The gallery held the hushed reverence of a temple and the tasteful lighting of a museum, but the possessive energy of a dragon's hoard." Nice!!
October 14, 2025
The book started off a little slowly. But I grew to like Clarissa and Quinn. Love the setting in Egypt. And the mystery was decent. It appears that there will be an ongoing subplot regarding stolen and fraudulent antiquities and the mystery of who is really pulling the strings. Will definitely read the next book.
October 23, 2025
Really enjoyed the Egyptian archaeology and main character development in this book. The author did a great job in depicting Cairo and archaeology in the 1920’s. I enjoyed how the author introduced new scenes and characters by having Clarissa note how they or it smelled. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and hope that the relationship between Clarissa and Quinn develops further.
October 24, 2025
Great start
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The escapades of Dr. Bell & Quinn kept my interest. The richly embroidered background made me feel like I was in Egypt. The archeology was fascinating. This is definitely a stand-alone book. But I'll be downloading the next one to find out how this part fits into the bigger picture. Definitely recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The escapades of Dr. Bell & Quinn kept my interest. The richly embroidered background made me feel like I was in Egypt. The archeology was fascinating. This is definitely a stand-alone book. But I'll be downloading the next one to find out how this part fits into the bigger picture. Definitely recommend!
December 19, 2025
Part Paean to Egypt, Part Romantic Adventure, Part Mystery
Clarissa thinks she knows exactly what she’s doing. Of course she doesn’t and there’s a stunning, mysterious, roguish man to point that out. This is a fun adventure tearing around 1920’s Egypt. Solving a murder, thwarting political machinations, and leaving some parts dangling for the next book.
Clarissa thinks she knows exactly what she’s doing. Of course she doesn’t and there’s a stunning, mysterious, roguish man to point that out. This is a fun adventure tearing around 1920’s Egypt. Solving a murder, thwarting political machinations, and leaving some parts dangling for the next book.
November 2, 2025
Great if you can get around the technical jargon!
I loved this book. The humor is unmistakable. It takes a bit to reread some parts to sort what exactly is being said; however, it’s a fun read.
I loved this book. The humor is unmistakable. It takes a bit to reread some parts to sort what exactly is being said; however, it’s a fun read.
November 8, 2025
I absolutely love Tracy Higley's writing style, the perfect mix of tongue in cheek, and serious adventure and I can't wait to read more books in the series. This book involves a murder mystery, Egyptian cultural history, and archeology.
January 13, 2026
The second half of the book was a lot more fun and fast-paced than the first. I found Clarissa both witty and clever as well as overly verbose and (at times) unlikable. Overall, this was a fun read that taught me more about cataloging Egyptian pottery than I truly ever needed, lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews