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Lady Ellen Investigates #9
The Curse of Cairo: A 1920s Mystery
A sealed tomb, a whispered curse and murder before sunrise.
Ellen has a week of cultured sightseeing ahead of her Cairo with an organised tour party. But when Captain Hamilton proposes a private visit to the Pyramids, Lady Ellen eagerly escapes the city.
At a remote archaeological camp, a long-sealed tomb stands ready to be opened. A professor translates the warning carved above its
Death shall come swiftly to the one who claims what is not his.
The Egyptian labourers step back, refusing to break the seal. Undeterred, the expedition’s wealthy patron, Sir Reginald Kingsley, pushes the door open himself, to find a glittering hoard of jewels and ancient artefacts.
That night, whispers of a Pharaoh’s curse drift across the desert. By morning, Sir Reginald is dead.
Was it the curse of the ancients…or a killer walking beneath the desert stars?
Ellen has a week of cultured sightseeing ahead of her Cairo with an organised tour party. But when Captain Hamilton proposes a private visit to the Pyramids, Lady Ellen eagerly escapes the city.
At a remote archaeological camp, a long-sealed tomb stands ready to be opened. A professor translates the warning carved above its
Death shall come swiftly to the one who claims what is not his.
The Egyptian labourers step back, refusing to break the seal. Undeterred, the expedition’s wealthy patron, Sir Reginald Kingsley, pushes the door open himself, to find a glittering hoard of jewels and ancient artefacts.
That night, whispers of a Pharaoh’s curse drift across the desert. By morning, Sir Reginald is dead.
Was it the curse of the ancients…or a killer walking beneath the desert stars?
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 30, 2026
Well, I’m not sure how I’m supposed to wait another 5 months for the identity of the slasher!!
An engaging book that I’ve read this in one sitting. Kelly Masons writing and plotting has grown incredibly since the first novel. Although on paper this book is about an archaeologist found dead after opening a tomb, the plot lines for the vigilante slasher were predominant. But, at the end of this novel we’ve been left with 3 firm suspects and I can’t wait to see it unravel.
As a side note, is anyone else secretly still holding out hope for Alex? He just feels like a much better fit for Ellen and I much prefer his unserious manner to Ernest’s.
An engaging book that I’ve read this in one sitting. Kelly Masons writing and plotting has grown incredibly since the first novel. Although on paper this book is about an archaeologist found dead after opening a tomb, the plot lines for the vigilante slasher were predominant. But, at the end of this novel we’ve been left with 3 firm suspects and I can’t wait to see it unravel.
As a side note, is anyone else secretly still holding out hope for Alex? He just feels like a much better fit for Ellen and I much prefer his unserious manner to Ernest’s.
July 2, 2026
Know that I’ve already pre-ordered book ten before you judge my review.
I love to hate on the heroine and her boyfriend.
I’m convinced he’s the Vigilante Slasher and she’s just refusing to face facts at her own peril.
I read hoping she’ll either wake up, finally listen to one of the many people telling her to check into her boyfriend’s (missing) alibis, or that her boyfriend will simply snap and she’ll be saved at the very last moment.
I’m not rooting for their love story. At all. It’s flat, there’s weird class issues (he’s declaring his love and she offers him a job to run the grounds?), and then there’s the mental health issues that he’s just not getting health for. Oh, and the fact that a renowned criminal psychologist DIED after he warned her about her boyfriend. And who was found standing above the body?
I’m rooting for justice. And the oddly dashing desolate Duke. Because he makes our heroine feel things, while she’s content to play nurse to her milquetoast boyfriend.
Why do I keep reading?
Because I’m waiting to see if our dear detective really is an idiot or if her faith isn’t misplaced and she brings the true Slasher to justice.
I’ve got to hand it to the author. I’m hooked. I’ve texted friends about this series. I’ve stayed up way too late reading. And yet…I’ve already preordered the next book.
I love to hate on the heroine and her boyfriend.
I’m convinced he’s the Vigilante Slasher and she’s just refusing to face facts at her own peril.
I read hoping she’ll either wake up, finally listen to one of the many people telling her to check into her boyfriend’s (missing) alibis, or that her boyfriend will simply snap and she’ll be saved at the very last moment.
I’m not rooting for their love story. At all. It’s flat, there’s weird class issues (he’s declaring his love and she offers him a job to run the grounds?), and then there’s the mental health issues that he’s just not getting health for. Oh, and the fact that a renowned criminal psychologist DIED after he warned her about her boyfriend. And who was found standing above the body?
I’m rooting for justice. And the oddly dashing desolate Duke. Because he makes our heroine feel things, while she’s content to play nurse to her milquetoast boyfriend.
Why do I keep reading?
Because I’m waiting to see if our dear detective really is an idiot or if her faith isn’t misplaced and she brings the true Slasher to justice.
I’ve got to hand it to the author. I’m hooked. I’ve texted friends about this series. I’ve stayed up way too late reading. And yet…I’ve already preordered the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2026
Every Lady Ellen book is 5 stars, how am I supposed to wait months for the next one? And with 3 possible suspects!
July 1, 2026
Good story. The Vigilante Slasher storyline was dragged out. If it turns out that Ernest Hamilton is the slasher I would be disappointed and would probably hesitate to read more of her books. I think it is Alex, however, the author could spin it in the direction of Stone. I like Alex for Ellen but think that he has too many secrets.
July 8, 2026
Great book to read!
Lady Ellen and Lottie had another interesting adventure in Egypt. Many different avenues and clues. My only pet peeve is how long the question of the vigilante slasher identity has been going on. That is getting too long and drawn out.
Lady Ellen and Lottie had another interesting adventure in Egypt. Many different avenues and clues. My only pet peeve is how long the question of the vigilante slasher identity has been going on. That is getting too long and drawn out.
June 29, 2026
As always a fun read, book did not disappoint.
July 5, 2026
So who is the Slasher? I think it's not who everyone suspects.
And Ellen should marry Alex. Earnest is too stodgy.
And Ellen should marry Alex. Earnest is too stodgy.
July 5, 2026
Just want to go on the record and say that my money's on Rupert!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
Tired
Please end the Slasher story; it’s been way too long. Over worked.
If Ellen is an Investigator she would want to figure it out! She wouldn’t be able to help her self!!
Please end the Slasher story; it’s been way too long. Over worked.
If Ellen is an Investigator she would want to figure it out! She wouldn’t be able to help her self!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews