Curse of the Mummy's Hand: 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery

Starfire #5

by London Lovett

It's a long, hot summer in Los Angeles and there are plenty of changes happening in Poppy Starfire’s life. One thing that’s been holding steady is the continual stream of cases coming into the Starfire Detective Agency. But the Starfires' latest case really takes the sarcophagus.


When three prominent Egyptologists from the same expedition die unexpectedly, and in short order, the son of one of the deceased wants answers. Harvey Gaffner is certain the doctor who quickly, and without much care, declared his father suffered a heart attack is dead wrong. Poppy and Jasper must find out what happened to Edward Gaffner. Was it natural causes, a murder or something more sinister like a mummy’s curse?

Book 5 of the Starfire Cozy Mystery Series
1. Murder on Lot B
2. Murder at the Ostrich Farm
3. Murder on the Angels Flight Trolley
4. Murder on Holiday Lane
5. Curse of the Mummy’s Hand
6. TBA

Genres: Cozy Mystery

226 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2022

Reviews

[Dominique Daoust · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Poppy and her mysteries! Loved the mummy’s curse premise and the mentions of equality. I enjoyed how the story played out and I hope there will be more books in this series!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I enjoyed the old black and white movies about expeditions to Egypt in search of artifacts and tombs. When I began reading "Curse of the Mummy's Hand" I felt as though I was transported back in time of those old black and white movies.

Poppy Starfire is a private detective and one of her brothers works for her. It seems everyone is talking about the scientist who came back to Los Angeles a year ago after discovering an Egyptian tomb. Unfortunately, when they returned home a hand of a mummy was brought back with them and now that several of the explorers are dead suspicions are being raised that these deaths may not be from natural causes. Could it truly be a curse from the Mummy's hand?

After one of the explorers dies, Poppy is visited by the man's son. His father was a fit and healthy man in his 50's and the son finds it hard to believe his father had a heart attack. So, he has asked Poppy to investigate the situation. As Poppy begins investigating the situation she quickly learns that all of the deaths seem to have one thing in common, the same doctor, Dr. Morris. Now she just has to figure out what has a crime been committed and if so, what is Dr. Morris' involvement if any.

This was truly a fun read. I could imagine all of the fancy dresses, gloves and hats of the time not to mention the fact that a woman was also involved in an unusual profession for the era. There are also moments of intrigue and suspense and the author weaves descriptions of unusual characters lurking about. I for one, cannot wait to see what the 1920's Historical Cozy Mystery series will bring us next. It's good old fashion fun!

[Loraine Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this new book in the Starfire Cozy Mystery series, Curse of the Mummy's Hand. I liked all the mystery, angst, unexpected ending, because up to the last I could not tell who did it. Most of all I love the characters in this series.
Poppy Starfire, a detective and owner of the Starfire Agency has received another case. This case involves artifacts that have been taken to the U.S. from Cairo and revolves around the people who worked at the dig.
Up to now, there has been 3 murders involving the people who went to Cairo, and there is a lot of other players in this case. Poppy along with her brother Jasper have to really work hard and deal with a bunch of terrible people to get to the bottom of the case!
I also enjoyed reading this book because of all the wonderful characters That have been in this series from the beginning book to this latest book! I gave this book 5***** stars and can't wait for the next mystery.
Although this book can be read as a stand alone I got the best of it from reading series from the beginning book and all the others before this mystery.

1. Murder on Lot B
2. Murder at the Ostrich Farm
3. Murder on the Angels Flight Trolley
4. Murder on Holiday Lane
5. Curse of the Mummy’s Hand

[Peggy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Interesting concept of a curse being the cause of several sudden deaths. The story is woven together with much thought, and the characters get more interesting with each story. It's nice to read about a woman detective in the 1920's when women were considered second-hand citizens. Ms. Lovitt does a wonderful job of telling the story. And as usual.the ending is a surprise. Hope n you enjoybit as much as I did.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

After coping with lots of suspects, red herrings and dead ends lead investigator Poppy cracks another baffling case. I enjoyed the story and the way the author makes 1920's California come alive. Author London Lovett does a good job capturing the flavor and nuances of the time. And the characters, both new and recurring are interesting. I'm looking forward to the next Poppy Starfire mystery.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Add some Egyptian artifacts and even more thrilling! Poppy and Jasper on on another case. Fast moving and so much fun. I smile every time Jasper says Jeepers! This book is like a refreshing trip back to the roaring 1920's. I love how wording, clothing, and everything transport you back to that era. All our favorite characters are back! Can't wait for the next case!

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that I keep using the word delightful in these reviews but that is the perfect word to describe this series. Poppy and Co. is such an awesome group to follow along as they solve mysteries. They are like the epitome of a cozy mystery. The plot was interesting, and the characters were well written. All in all a great story. Fingers crossed the author will write more in this series!