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Kitty Goring Investigates #5
The Scarab Society Murders: A 1920s Cozy Mystery
Kitty Goring is trading champagne flutes for ocean waves…and danger is already on board. When she sets sail aboard the RMS Mooltan to Alexandria, what should be a glamorous adventure turns deadly. A guest is found murdered, and the killer is hiding among the glittering passengers.
Armed with her keen mind, a scrappy little dog named Scottie, and her circle of eccentric friends, Kitty must navigate high society and treacherous waters to uncover the culprit before they strike again. Glamour, intrigue, and peril await in this thrilling 1920s cozy mystery.
The Scarab Society Murders is the delightful fifth book in the Kitty Goring Investigates historical cozy mystery series; perfect for fans of Magda Alexander, Verity Bright and Kelly Mason.
Author's
London in the 1920s is a glamorous and exciting city, but danger and death are never too far behind. Join Kitty Goring and her group of Bright Young Things in the adventure of a lifetime, as they race to catch a killer who lurks amongst them.
Each book in this series is a cozy period mystery that features our plucky heroine, aided in her investigations by her scrappy little dog, Scottie, and a group of eccentric and lovable characters.
Armed with her keen mind, a scrappy little dog named Scottie, and her circle of eccentric friends, Kitty must navigate high society and treacherous waters to uncover the culprit before they strike again. Glamour, intrigue, and peril await in this thrilling 1920s cozy mystery.
The Scarab Society Murders is the delightful fifth book in the Kitty Goring Investigates historical cozy mystery series; perfect for fans of Magda Alexander, Verity Bright and Kelly Mason.
Author's
London in the 1920s is a glamorous and exciting city, but danger and death are never too far behind. Join Kitty Goring and her group of Bright Young Things in the adventure of a lifetime, as they race to catch a killer who lurks amongst them.
Each book in this series is a cozy period mystery that features our plucky heroine, aided in her investigations by her scrappy little dog, Scottie, and a group of eccentric and lovable characters.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 29, 2026
My review of book 4
Genre: Historical
Setting: Cairo, Egypt
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Tone: Humerous
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: There is some light attraction suggesting a move toward a future romance
Sensitive aspect: 1 instance of he**
This mystery has something more of intrigue than the others, and the culprit was a total surprise for me. Like last time, Kitty and DCI Burton collaborate directly, and while their relationship is no more defined than before, it is clear that it will become so, whether or not it ends up happening during the series.
Favorite Quotations:
• “Well, you’d better keep him out of trouble’s way, then,” she said sternly. “I cannot vouch for his safety if he keeps stealing food off people’s plates. Ethel Linton looks like she has quite a nasty way with a knitting needle.”
• “I am a grown man,” he said coldly. “I do not need your permission to ride a camel, Kitty.” “Well, you certainly do need mine,” said Mother. “And I will not have my only son tumbling off one of those awful animals and breaking his neck. If you die, the title and estate will pass to your awful cousin, Quintilian, and that will be the ruin of us all. I am convinced Quintilian was dropped on his head as a baby.” “So was Jimmy,” I pointed out. “I saw it with my own eyes. You dropped him while lifting him out of his cradle.” “Mother,” exclaimed Jimmy. “You did not! Is that why I have such a misshapen head?” “Well, that explains a lot,” said Percy.
• “Does Sir James have the brain fever? Many an Englishman has gone mad from the brain fever.” “No, Abdullah. Sir James was mad long before he came to Cairo,” I said, with a wink. “Brain fever doesn’t stand a chance against his kind of madness.
(I received a free review copy of this book via Booksirens and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Genre: Historical
Setting: Cairo, Egypt
Writing style: 1st person, past tense
Tone: Humerous
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: There is some light attraction suggesting a move toward a future romance
Sensitive aspect: 1 instance of he**
This mystery has something more of intrigue than the others, and the culprit was a total surprise for me. Like last time, Kitty and DCI Burton collaborate directly, and while their relationship is no more defined than before, it is clear that it will become so, whether or not it ends up happening during the series.
Favorite Quotations:
• “Well, you’d better keep him out of trouble’s way, then,” she said sternly. “I cannot vouch for his safety if he keeps stealing food off people’s plates. Ethel Linton looks like she has quite a nasty way with a knitting needle.”
• “I am a grown man,” he said coldly. “I do not need your permission to ride a camel, Kitty.” “Well, you certainly do need mine,” said Mother. “And I will not have my only son tumbling off one of those awful animals and breaking his neck. If you die, the title and estate will pass to your awful cousin, Quintilian, and that will be the ruin of us all. I am convinced Quintilian was dropped on his head as a baby.” “So was Jimmy,” I pointed out. “I saw it with my own eyes. You dropped him while lifting him out of his cradle.” “Mother,” exclaimed Jimmy. “You did not! Is that why I have such a misshapen head?” “Well, that explains a lot,” said Percy.
• “Does Sir James have the brain fever? Many an Englishman has gone mad from the brain fever.” “No, Abdullah. Sir James was mad long before he came to Cairo,” I said, with a wink. “Brain fever doesn’t stand a chance against his kind of madness.
(I received a free review copy of this book via Booksirens and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
May 15, 2026
The Scarab Society Murders
This is a period cozy mystery set in the 1920s that travels from London by ship to Cairo. Our “heroine”, Kelly Goring, is young and craves excitement. She is traveling with her mother, brother, Scottie dog, best friend, and husband, among others. The passengers on the ship make up most of the rest of the active characters in the story. One of the other passengers is Detective Inspector Burton, whom Kelly met before when she was sleuthing, and who was not thrilled to see her as he felt she had interfered with his investigations. Another couple on the ship was an American millionaire, Harold Wilcox, and his wife, Emma.
Eventually, all arrive in Cairo and settle into a luxury hotel. While still on board, Emma complained of receiving threatening letters. As she complains often, her husband downplayed the events, but still asked the inspector to investigate. Kitty, excited to have a case to investigate, volunteered to assist the inspector. She notes that Mr. Wilson's secretary, an attractive young woman, also scoffs at the letters and infers that Emma wrote them herself. But as another letter arrives, some take the issue more seriously.
The story evolved with tales of tourist trips, camel rides, marketplace visits, and trips to the area of the pyramids. It also brings in a character whom we might call a fixer, Abdullah, who facilitates just about everything. But when Emma dies after drinking poisoned lemonade, all bets are off.
The mystery faithfully follows the historical period and the relationships between the British and Egyptian government authorities. It also addresses the concerns about the plundering of antiquities. So how does the murder get resolved? Who is not who they pretend to be? What was the Scarab Society? What role does Scottie play in the end? Does the Inspector come to appreciate Kitty? Does Kitty come to appreciate the inspector?
Read this pleasant mystery to learn more; you’ll enjoy the journey.
I received an advance review copy of this book and have reviewed it honestly.
This is a period cozy mystery set in the 1920s that travels from London by ship to Cairo. Our “heroine”, Kelly Goring, is young and craves excitement. She is traveling with her mother, brother, Scottie dog, best friend, and husband, among others. The passengers on the ship make up most of the rest of the active characters in the story. One of the other passengers is Detective Inspector Burton, whom Kelly met before when she was sleuthing, and who was not thrilled to see her as he felt she had interfered with his investigations. Another couple on the ship was an American millionaire, Harold Wilcox, and his wife, Emma.
Eventually, all arrive in Cairo and settle into a luxury hotel. While still on board, Emma complained of receiving threatening letters. As she complains often, her husband downplayed the events, but still asked the inspector to investigate. Kitty, excited to have a case to investigate, volunteered to assist the inspector. She notes that Mr. Wilson's secretary, an attractive young woman, also scoffs at the letters and infers that Emma wrote them herself. But as another letter arrives, some take the issue more seriously.
The story evolved with tales of tourist trips, camel rides, marketplace visits, and trips to the area of the pyramids. It also brings in a character whom we might call a fixer, Abdullah, who facilitates just about everything. But when Emma dies after drinking poisoned lemonade, all bets are off.
The mystery faithfully follows the historical period and the relationships between the British and Egyptian government authorities. It also addresses the concerns about the plundering of antiquities. So how does the murder get resolved? Who is not who they pretend to be? What was the Scarab Society? What role does Scottie play in the end? Does the Inspector come to appreciate Kitty? Does Kitty come to appreciate the inspector?
Read this pleasant mystery to learn more; you’ll enjoy the journey.
I received an advance review copy of this book and have reviewed it honestly.
May 15, 2026
In book 5 of Ella Strike’s Kitty Goring mysteries, Kitty and the whole gang, including her mother are on their way to Egypt for a well-earned vacation. When they meet an incredibly obnoxious American financier and his dowdy wife on their way, none of them would be surprised if the annoying blowhard ended up on the receiving end of a poisonous asp. They’re all shocked, however, when his wife ends up being murdered by poisoned lemonade. Was the murderer going after her husband and made a fatal error? Was the mousy lady the intended victim? And what’s the story behind the mysterious book left in her car?
DCI Burton, who was really, really hoping to have a vacation and maybe get to know Kitty a little more, is appointed head of the investigation. Of course, Kitty is happy to help. This time he’s more than willing to let her in on the investigation.
This is a fun mystery with an entertaining story. The historical details really bring you into 1920s Egypt. And, as usual, there’s a great cast of characters. Kitty’s mom is especially delightful. I think she was my favorite character. I highly recommend this book. It’s a terrific read.
I received an advance copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
DCI Burton, who was really, really hoping to have a vacation and maybe get to know Kitty a little more, is appointed head of the investigation. Of course, Kitty is happy to help. This time he’s more than willing to let her in on the investigation.
This is a fun mystery with an entertaining story. The historical details really bring you into 1920s Egypt. And, as usual, there’s a great cast of characters. Kitty’s mom is especially delightful. I think she was my favorite character. I highly recommend this book. It’s a terrific read.
I received an advance copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
April 17, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is book 5 in the Kitty Goring Investigates series. I did not read the previous novels, and while it probably would have helped me get to know the character's relationships and personalities better, it did not impede on my enjoyment of the book. This was a fast-paced, cozy, murder-mystery set in 1920s Egypt. What appealed to me about this book was the setting - both the time period and location. The main character, Kitty, is likable and funny. Her relationship with the DCI is very innocent and cute. It makes me want to read the previous books to see how their relationship has evolved and future books to see how it grows. This book fits perfectly into the Cozy Mystery genre. I would recommend this book for people who like a quick, murder mystery read that you have a chance of solving on your own. This mystery is not too easy to solve, and it is also not so difficult that when you get to the end, you're thinking there was no way to solve that with the clues that were provided. I much enjoyed this book!
This is book 5 in the Kitty Goring Investigates series. I did not read the previous novels, and while it probably would have helped me get to know the character's relationships and personalities better, it did not impede on my enjoyment of the book. This was a fast-paced, cozy, murder-mystery set in 1920s Egypt. What appealed to me about this book was the setting - both the time period and location. The main character, Kitty, is likable and funny. Her relationship with the DCI is very innocent and cute. It makes me want to read the previous books to see how their relationship has evolved and future books to see how it grows. This book fits perfectly into the Cozy Mystery genre. I would recommend this book for people who like a quick, murder mystery read that you have a chance of solving on your own. This mystery is not too easy to solve, and it is also not so difficult that when you get to the end, you're thinking there was no way to solve that with the clues that were provided. I much enjoyed this book!
May 11, 2026
A trip with friends and family to Alexandria sounds like the perfect relaxing holiday for Kitty Goring. However, she is soon bored, and is eager to jump in when DCI Burton is asked to investigate some mysterious letters aboard ship. Initially believing the letters to be due to marital discord, Kitty and Henry need to reassess when a murder occurs. Amidst the luxury of 1920s Egypt, a killer hides in plain sight. Can Kitty deduce the secret of the scarabs in time to stop their deadly plans?
This was my first time reading Ella Strike’s Kitty Goring series and I enjoyed it immensely. Despite being the fifth in the series, I was not lost or confused regarding prior events. I found Kitty to be smart and capable and enjoyed the dynamic between her and Henry. The writing was quick paced and witty with plenty of intrigue. An eccentric cast of characters and period details held my interest from start to finish. I will definitely be exploring more of this fun series.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was my first time reading Ella Strike’s Kitty Goring series and I enjoyed it immensely. Despite being the fifth in the series, I was not lost or confused regarding prior events. I found Kitty to be smart and capable and enjoyed the dynamic between her and Henry. The writing was quick paced and witty with plenty of intrigue. An eccentric cast of characters and period details held my interest from start to finish. I will definitely be exploring more of this fun series.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2026
I’ve enjoyed all of Kitty Goring’s adventures, but I think solving this double murder is the best one yet! The ambience of the cruise ship and several luxury hotels in Egypt made ME feel like I was transported to another time and place. And isn’t that “escape” one of the reasons we love to read? Kitty’s ongoing banter with DCI Henry Burton is always entertaining- especially as their competitiveness slides toward romance. I love how they use their respective talents to solve crimes together, and how HER drive for independence clashes with HIS determination to protect her! Why can’t they recognize they’re perfect for each other, and call a truce?! This is a five star read only because I can’t give it six. I received a complimentary copy of this gem from the publisher via BookSirens and was not required to post a review.
May 5, 2026
The Scarab Society Murders is a Superb story and series about Kitty Goring and her very clever, heroic, sleuthing dog Scottie they travel to Egypt with her Brother and Mother and friend Penelope and her husband Percy. While on the ship that Detective Inspector Chief Henry Burton was on holiday on board. A mystery start with letters and Henry starts to investigate with assistance from Kitty. There are many twists and turns throughout this story and some surprising events. But what will they uncover and can they discover the truth?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. I have read some of the previous series books quite a while ago, but even if I had not, I think the story covers the tone of the background. I’ve read many cozy mysteries and this one sits in the middle of stories that are too simplified, to ones that are very detailed. The characters are likable and well defined. The plot isn’t straightforward where you can guess who the murderer is. I would read more books by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2026
The Scarab Society Murders is Book 5 in the Kitty Boring Investigates by Ella Strike. I enjoyed how Kitty got her mother, brother, and her dog, Scottie, on a ship to Alexandra. Fun and relaxation was on the agenda, not MURDER. I feel that the author has written a very enjoyable series with characters that I enjoy reading about. Kitty is glamorous and very good sleuth. This mystery has twist and turns and a few surprises. Don't miss this good mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
April 13, 2026
Murder doesn’t take a vacation
Huge fan of all things Ancient Egyptian so you had me at scarab lol. It seems even though Kitty and her friends and family are off on holiday murder and a bit of mayhem are not taking a break. While we do get a delightful romp through Egypt in the 20’s chock full of foreign tourists we also get a rather puzzling problem that DCI Burton and Kitty are trying to unravel. I gotta say that was a doozy of a twist ending. The absolute last person I would’ve expected no doubt. Lighthearted and witty and an absolutely delightful mystery!
Huge fan of all things Ancient Egyptian so you had me at scarab lol. It seems even though Kitty and her friends and family are off on holiday murder and a bit of mayhem are not taking a break. While we do get a delightful romp through Egypt in the 20’s chock full of foreign tourists we also get a rather puzzling problem that DCI Burton and Kitty are trying to unravel. I gotta say that was a doozy of a twist ending. The absolute last person I would’ve expected no doubt. Lighthearted and witty and an absolutely delightful mystery!
May 7, 2026
This is another series I enjoy. Kitty is an intelligent, vivacious character who's fun to follow around on a mystery. It's actually quite entertaining to get to follow her to Egypt, especially during the roaring 1920's. (Maybe it's because I love the 90's 'The Mummy' movie, but I adore this time and place in history.) I admit, I did guess who was the killer relatively early this time, but that's probably because I'm a naturally suspicious person lol. Anyway, I nearly screamed when I realized that this one left on… not quite a full on cliffhanger, but definitely a 'tune in next time' feel! Not that I'm mad; I'm just dying to read the next novel!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2026
This was a very enjoyable read, a perfect cozy mystery. The writing style is easy to read without sounding too modern, which I appreciate given this is historical fiction.
The characters were all well written, and the plot twist at the end was a genuine surprise. I did NOT see that coming, which is exactly what I want in a good mystery.
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were all well written, and the plot twist at the end was a genuine surprise. I did NOT see that coming, which is exactly what I want in a good mystery.
I will definitely be reading more of this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2026
What is Kitty Goring up to this time? We will find her on a cruise on the Nile River with her family and various others. Of course, there will be trouble. I received an ARC and am leaving a review voluntarily.
May 19, 2026
This was a fun historical mystery. I love this series. Kitty is so much fun. Its fast paced and a great way to spend a few hours.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews