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The Lady Adventurers Club
A barnstormer. A Wild West trick shooter. A mathematician. When archaeologist Anna Baring announces the founding of the Lady Adventurers Club in May 1923, none of the other three members expect to ever meet again. After all, they live halfway around the world from each other. What could possibly bring them together once more? Then they each receive an unexpected letter. Anna has found a tomb that promises to be even grander than that of King Tutankhamun, and she wants them to come to Egypt for the opening.
It’s the find of the century. The tomb will make old Tut look like a pauper. But will the women of the Lady Adventurers Club get to see it? Egypt is a political powder keg. Unscrupulous criminals keep shooting at them. And weird, unnerving things seem to happen wherever they go. As the women race across Egypt, their friendship will be tested as they fall deeper into danger. They’re not the only ones after a pharoah’s treasure.
It’s the find of the century. The tomb will make old Tut look like a pauper. But will the women of the Lady Adventurers Club get to see it? Egypt is a political powder keg. Unscrupulous criminals keep shooting at them. And weird, unnerving things seem to happen wherever they go. As the women race across Egypt, their friendship will be tested as they fall deeper into danger. They’re not the only ones after a pharoah’s treasure.
300 pages, ebook
First published August 18, 2022
14 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 12, 2022
On a chance meeting four women from vastly different backgrounds band together to form The Lady Adventurers Club. They are brought to Egypt by club member and archeologist Anna Baring to witness the opening of her latest find, a pharaoh’s tomb.
The year is 1923 and King Tutankhamun’s tomb was considered the find of the century the previous year. Egyptians had violently broken away from British Colonial rule and the country was in a fragile state. The adventure begins when the three club members arrive and meet up with Anna.
The story is a rush of adrenaline with nonstop action even through some of the obvious plot devices. Of the four women the mathematician Georgette is my favourite character. She is pivotal to the plot more so than Anna with her logic and observational prowess.
The romance between Anna and Clara started in a very uncomfortable manner to me. Anna is Svengali-esque with her domination and controlling the emotions of a naive Clara. She is conniving in her methods to seduce her. Fortunately, the story centres more on the adventure than the romance and kept me reading.
I admire the idea of this story and hope to see more styled after it. Even with the questionable romance and some obvious plot twists I did enjoy the novel. Here’s hoping the next one will be polished a little brighter.
I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The year is 1923 and King Tutankhamun’s tomb was considered the find of the century the previous year. Egyptians had violently broken away from British Colonial rule and the country was in a fragile state. The adventure begins when the three club members arrive and meet up with Anna.
The story is a rush of adrenaline with nonstop action even through some of the obvious plot devices. Of the four women the mathematician Georgette is my favourite character. She is pivotal to the plot more so than Anna with her logic and observational prowess.
The romance between Anna and Clara started in a very uncomfortable manner to me. Anna is Svengali-esque with her domination and controlling the emotions of a naive Clara. She is conniving in her methods to seduce her. Fortunately, the story centres more on the adventure than the romance and kept me reading.
I admire the idea of this story and hope to see more styled after it. Even with the questionable romance and some obvious plot twists I did enjoy the novel. Here’s hoping the next one will be polished a little brighter.
I received a free advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2022
3.25 stars. I’ve read a couple of Frost’s YA fantasy books which I liked and was glad to see now an adult sapphic historical adventure book being released. In the end this book was not totally what I wished for, but I do hope Frost will continue this into a series as it has potential.
As the title promises there is lots of adventure. Four ladies meet in NYC and found “The Lady Adventurers Club”. Not long thereafter they meet in Egypt as Anna (the archeologist) has discovered a pharaoh’s tomb, but nothing is as easy as it looks and nothing goes according to plan. I love adventure like Indiana Jones or The Mummy and this book has that feeling so that made me very happy. Nevertheless, I had several issues with the storyline.
First, several things were inconsistent and too convenient. As an example, the women have to face inequality with men in their daily lives (the story is set in the 1920’s), this book starts with showing that Anna is not allowed to do anything in Egypt, but later she digs, finds, and is allowed to excavate a pharaoh’s tomb, how is that possible and why did she not do this sooner, and who funds all this? I guess they might be minor points, but these things can annoy me when they don’t add up.
Second, the plot was rather predictable as big clues are dropped. The twist near the end I liked a lot though, I saw parts of it coming, but wanted to know how it would play out and I enjoyed the ending.
Frost made significant efforts to have four very different main characters, both in occupation and character, which is something I appreciate. There’s an archeologist, a mathematician, a barnstormer and a sharp shooter. They are all around their forties and this is where another problem arose, while they all have pretty extensive life experience they were so naive and made incredibly poor decisions. It had a strong YA feel to it and while I can accept that behavior for teenagers these ladies made me roll my eyes several times.
Furthermore, all ladies have their specific qualities and I liked three of them a lot, but unfortunately I didn’t like Anna. Especially her behavior in the romance that plays out felt predatory and egotistical. While one of the other ladies did address it (kudos for that), Anna didn’t change her behavior and I could not root for her or the romance.
All in all, this is the type of story I like, even though I had some clear issues with it. If you can suspend belief then this is a fun book to read. I do hope Frost will continue with this series and will improve on the mentioned points in the future. The ending provides a good opening for more adventures.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As the title promises there is lots of adventure. Four ladies meet in NYC and found “The Lady Adventurers Club”. Not long thereafter they meet in Egypt as Anna (the archeologist) has discovered a pharaoh’s tomb, but nothing is as easy as it looks and nothing goes according to plan. I love adventure like Indiana Jones or The Mummy and this book has that feeling so that made me very happy. Nevertheless, I had several issues with the storyline.
First, several things were inconsistent and too convenient. As an example, the women have to face inequality with men in their daily lives (the story is set in the 1920’s), this book starts with showing that Anna is not allowed to do anything in Egypt, but later she digs, finds, and is allowed to excavate a pharaoh’s tomb, how is that possible and why did she not do this sooner, and who funds all this? I guess they might be minor points, but these things can annoy me when they don’t add up.
Second, the plot was rather predictable as big clues are dropped. The twist near the end I liked a lot though, I saw parts of it coming, but wanted to know how it would play out and I enjoyed the ending.
Frost made significant efforts to have four very different main characters, both in occupation and character, which is something I appreciate. There’s an archeologist, a mathematician, a barnstormer and a sharp shooter. They are all around their forties and this is where another problem arose, while they all have pretty extensive life experience they were so naive and made incredibly poor decisions. It had a strong YA feel to it and while I can accept that behavior for teenagers these ladies made me roll my eyes several times.
Furthermore, all ladies have their specific qualities and I liked three of them a lot, but unfortunately I didn’t like Anna. Especially her behavior in the romance that plays out felt predatory and egotistical. While one of the other ladies did address it (kudos for that), Anna didn’t change her behavior and I could not root for her or the romance.
All in all, this is the type of story I like, even though I had some clear issues with it. If you can suspend belief then this is a fun book to read. I do hope Frost will continue with this series and will improve on the mentioned points in the future. The ending provides a good opening for more adventures.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Great cover & good book !!!
About the story ... I found it's a well paced, well written & captivating one & I loved it !!
it's original to have 4 MCs, some adventure and a touch of romance.
I really hope there'll be a sequel ...
because I'd really appreciate to read more about those characters and see how the romance will evolve ... and this, who knows, for the 4 of them (in their respective pairings) !!!
About the story ... I found it's a well paced, well written & captivating one & I loved it !!
it's original to have 4 MCs, some adventure and a touch of romance.
I really hope there'll be a sequel ...
because I'd really appreciate to read more about those characters and see how the romance will evolve ... and this, who knows, for the 4 of them (in their respective pairings) !!!
August 19, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
In this story Karen Frost has presented us with 4 women all with vastly different backgrounds. They meet by accident and decide to form a club just for women-The Lady Adventurers.
We have Anna an archeologist from Egypt, daughter of the former English governor. Next is Georgette a brilliant mathematician from Paris, who is being denied her doctorate because she’s a woman. Then we have Clara an American from Iowa who is a expert sharpshooter. Her career has ended since by 1923, people are no longer wanting to see Wild West Shows. Lastly we have Eliza, born in the south and raised in Chicago. She works as a barnstormer and has travelled the world.
Anna is giving a lecture in NYC and meets the other 3 women. They start to form a friendship and she invites them to come Egypt to help and watch her open her recent tomb and see the greatest pharaoh of them all with all his gold and precious jewels.
Anna is captivated by the naïve Clara’s beauty and tries to seduce her. Clara is shocked and doesn’t know what to do. Georgette is always trying to solve the mysterious things that keep happening on this adventure. Eliza is the seasoned and mature person and kinda like mother hen who tries to keep everyone safe.
I liked this adventure story and it reminded me of the Indians Jones and The Mummy films. Each woman had a unique personality and Frost did a great job developing each character and telling the story from the four different viewpoints. I like Clara even as naive as she is, inside she has a big heart and a sense of self to lead the group to make the right decision in solving the mystery and themselves from certain death.
For those looking for an action/adventure story and a little romance, this is the book for you.
ARC received from Bella Books through NetGalley for a voluntary and honest review.
In this story Karen Frost has presented us with 4 women all with vastly different backgrounds. They meet by accident and decide to form a club just for women-The Lady Adventurers.
We have Anna an archeologist from Egypt, daughter of the former English governor. Next is Georgette a brilliant mathematician from Paris, who is being denied her doctorate because she’s a woman. Then we have Clara an American from Iowa who is a expert sharpshooter. Her career has ended since by 1923, people are no longer wanting to see Wild West Shows. Lastly we have Eliza, born in the south and raised in Chicago. She works as a barnstormer and has travelled the world.
Anna is giving a lecture in NYC and meets the other 3 women. They start to form a friendship and she invites them to come Egypt to help and watch her open her recent tomb and see the greatest pharaoh of them all with all his gold and precious jewels.
Anna is captivated by the naïve Clara’s beauty and tries to seduce her. Clara is shocked and doesn’t know what to do. Georgette is always trying to solve the mysterious things that keep happening on this adventure. Eliza is the seasoned and mature person and kinda like mother hen who tries to keep everyone safe.
I liked this adventure story and it reminded me of the Indians Jones and The Mummy films. Each woman had a unique personality and Frost did a great job developing each character and telling the story from the four different viewpoints. I like Clara even as naive as she is, inside she has a big heart and a sense of self to lead the group to make the right decision in solving the mystery and themselves from certain death.
For those looking for an action/adventure story and a little romance, this is the book for you.
ARC received from Bella Books through NetGalley for a voluntary and honest review.
September 14, 2022
Fun beginning of what I hope is a new series. Lady Anna Baring is an archeologist living most of her life in Egypt. Her work was conveniently ignored by Carter for the finding of King Tutankhamen’s tomb and she wants a great historical find of her own. While in NYC she meets and spends a dinner with three women. To their shock months later Anna invites the French mathematician, the pilot barnstormer and the quiet wild west trick shooter to Egypt to witness her latest discovery. Time is spent getting to know each other the characters during the travels but action heats up an attempt is made on their lives. I love the descriptions for the time period in history and especially the happenings in Egypt as they try and leave colonialism. The villain isn’t much a mystery but I was surprised at the story taking a paranormal turn. This is an adventure to read, think Indiana Jones but with a team of talented women. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC;
I love ancient Egyptian history and mix that with feminists on an adventure and I am all for it. This book is about an archeologist (Anna Baring) who finds a Pharaoh's tomb and invites the three other members of the Lady Adventurers Club (Georgette, Clara, and Eliza) to the great unveiling. Along the way, it all goes wrong and the women are set on a chase for their life against thieves and ancient myths. The plot was intriguing and enjoyable and I didn't want to put it down. Each woman had their own personality and clearly thought out voice. However, at times Anna struck me as manipulative which made me a little weary.
Overall enjoyable and I look forward to more adventures with the foursome.
I love ancient Egyptian history and mix that with feminists on an adventure and I am all for it. This book is about an archeologist (Anna Baring) who finds a Pharaoh's tomb and invites the three other members of the Lady Adventurers Club (Georgette, Clara, and Eliza) to the great unveiling. Along the way, it all goes wrong and the women are set on a chase for their life against thieves and ancient myths. The plot was intriguing and enjoyable and I didn't want to put it down. Each woman had their own personality and clearly thought out voice. However, at times Anna struck me as manipulative which made me a little weary.
Overall enjoyable and I look forward to more adventures with the foursome.
August 8, 2022
*Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
I went in to this book very excited, the story sounded fun, the characters were interesting and diverse, and the idea of an all-female adventure book is very appealing. I liked the first bit or so, but once the group meets in Egypt, things fell apart for me. The 'twist,' that the tomb is raided and the treasure is stolen before the group returns, was set up really poorly, it was very obvious in a particular scene what was going to happen and who was going to do it. And a lot of the book is like that, it's heavy-handed and too transparent. I also did not like the romance at all, it was underdeveloped, happened too quickly, and Anne often came off as predatory towards Claire (who is unfamiliar with LGBTQ individuals, much less the concept of dating another woman and often expresses confusion and apprehension). I think where the two ended up was fine, but the relationship lead up was not done well. I also did not like how the plot was handled and how things were resolved. There were a few hints as to what could be the problem, but Overall, the concept was great, I think there's a set-up of a sequel, but i'm not sure i'd continue the series.
I went in to this book very excited, the story sounded fun, the characters were interesting and diverse, and the idea of an all-female adventure book is very appealing. I liked the first bit or so, but once the group meets in Egypt, things fell apart for me. The 'twist,' that the tomb is raided and the treasure is stolen before the group returns, was set up really poorly, it was very obvious in a particular scene what was going to happen and who was going to do it. And a lot of the book is like that, it's heavy-handed and too transparent. I also did not like the romance at all, it was underdeveloped, happened too quickly, and Anne often came off as predatory towards Claire (who is unfamiliar with LGBTQ individuals, much less the concept of dating another woman and often expresses confusion and apprehension). I think where the two ended up was fine, but the relationship lead up was not done well. I also did not like how the plot was handled and how things were resolved. There were a few hints as to what could be the problem, but Overall, the concept was great, I think there's a set-up of a sequel, but i'm not sure i'd continue the series.
August 9, 2022
Not usually my reading material but after reading the first few chapters I was hooked. You will have to overcome the reason for the Lady Adventures Club.
When archaeologist Anna Baring found the treasure of a lifetime her excitement was off the charts. Imagine her downer when as was usual a man took the credit, along with all the glory. Left with nothing to show for all her hard work she decides to keep searching but this time she would search in an area long believed to be just a pile of rocks and sand.
The idea of finding something brings Anna to New York to seek the help of other women who also longed for adventure in their lives. None of these women have anything to add to the actual treasure hunt but they all prove themselves invaluable when Anna's treasure is stolen.
Turns out this one was worth my time. Lot’s a fun, with dangerous situations where Clara , Eliza and Georgette prove their own bravery, fighting to keep Anna’s treasure safe. Enjoyable fast paced story. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/Bella Books
When archaeologist Anna Baring found the treasure of a lifetime her excitement was off the charts. Imagine her downer when as was usual a man took the credit, along with all the glory. Left with nothing to show for all her hard work she decides to keep searching but this time she would search in an area long believed to be just a pile of rocks and sand.
The idea of finding something brings Anna to New York to seek the help of other women who also longed for adventure in their lives. None of these women have anything to add to the actual treasure hunt but they all prove themselves invaluable when Anna's treasure is stolen.
Turns out this one was worth my time. Lot’s a fun, with dangerous situations where Clara , Eliza and Georgette prove their own bravery, fighting to keep Anna’s treasure safe. Enjoyable fast paced story. Very enjoyable.
ARC via NetGalley/Bella Books
April 5, 2025
Huge thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for granting me permission to review this ARC.
Overall, I enjoyed it and hope that it will become a series. Each character was different enough to add something special to the storyline, however I found sectioning off portions as if it were from each perspective to be redundant. It didn't seem to add a significant enough personal details to make it worth it. I especially felt like I didn't get much of a backstory on Eliza. The relationship between Anna and Clara felt a bit rushed considering Clara's backstory and Anna was almost predatory in her persuasion.
The last bit of supernatural elements was unexpected and felt artificial, I wish it had been sprinkled throughout the story rather than one large event in the end.
The best way to describe the book is a strange blend of the Mummy and the all female remake of Ghostbusters, that somehow works well together.
Overall, I enjoyed it and hope that it will become a series. Each character was different enough to add something special to the storyline, however I found sectioning off portions as if it were from each perspective to be redundant. It didn't seem to add a significant enough personal details to make it worth it. I especially felt like I didn't get much of a backstory on Eliza. The relationship between Anna and Clara felt a bit rushed considering Clara's backstory and Anna was almost predatory in her persuasion.
The last bit of supernatural elements was unexpected and felt artificial, I wish it had been sprinkled throughout the story rather than one large event in the end.
The best way to describe the book is a strange blend of the Mummy and the all female remake of Ghostbusters, that somehow works well together.
August 1, 2022
The Lady Adventurers Club by Karen Frost
⭐⭐⭐
CW: Colonialism, Jim Crow, gun violence, homophobia
What a fun adventure about a group of women in their late 30s/40s racing to recover Egyptian artifacts The Lady Adventurers Club is a magical realism historical fantasy about four women (Anna, Clara, Eliza and Georgette) who meet by happenstance and form a friendship while trying to track down a group of looters and grave robbers across Egypt. The historical aspect of the book delivered. Frost clearly took her time researching Egyptian History, Colonial Imperialism, Geography, and political influence of nations in the early 1920s of each area mentioned in the story. The setting came alive at every turn and really grounded each of our four main protagonists and felt like the driving force of the story as well as character development. Anna, Clara, Eliza and Georgette are lovely characters and each gets their time to shine as narrator and show off their individual skills that help the group excel at whatever challenge is before them.
As much as I did enjoy the book there were a few things that somewhat bothered me. First, I feel the religion of Ancient Egypt played such a small part of the book.Without spoiling anything, I will say that it felt shoehorned in at the last minute to conveniently wrap things up. Had the religion of Ancient Egypt been mentioned earlier and weaved into the narrative from the beginning, I think the ending would have had a greater impact.
My second criticism was that the tone of the story occasionally felt off. For a book marketed to and for an adult audience there were times when the dialogue and some scenes felt a bit juvenile. So much so that I had to go back into previous chapters to check a character’s age because what they were saying or doing doing didn’t feel like it matched a 30/40 year old person. I owe this more to the fact that Frost has written several YA books (none that I’ve read), and this appears to be one of their first books for adult readers. I’m sure if The Lady Adventurers Club continues as a series this may improve.
Last, and my biggest criticism, the romance between Anna and Clara seemed a bit predatory and manipulative most of the time. This does get addressed between Anna and Eliza at one point and while it doesn’t change Anna’s actions, I was happy someone in the book called her out and stepped into stop it. To be honest, I wasn’t as invested in Anna and Clara’s relationship almost at all. It didn’t really do much for the story if they were together or not. But, this has stayed with me since finishing the book and thought it should be addressed.
Overall, if you are looking for a book with strong female protagonists who are ride or die for each other, or just a fan of the 1999 classic the Mummy and wanted it to have more queer representation, this book may be for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Bella Books for an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
⭐⭐⭐
CW: Colonialism, Jim Crow, gun violence, homophobia
What a fun adventure about a group of women in their late 30s/40s racing to recover Egyptian artifacts The Lady Adventurers Club is a magical realism historical fantasy about four women (Anna, Clara, Eliza and Georgette) who meet by happenstance and form a friendship while trying to track down a group of looters and grave robbers across Egypt. The historical aspect of the book delivered. Frost clearly took her time researching Egyptian History, Colonial Imperialism, Geography, and political influence of nations in the early 1920s of each area mentioned in the story. The setting came alive at every turn and really grounded each of our four main protagonists and felt like the driving force of the story as well as character development. Anna, Clara, Eliza and Georgette are lovely characters and each gets their time to shine as narrator and show off their individual skills that help the group excel at whatever challenge is before them.
As much as I did enjoy the book there were a few things that somewhat bothered me. First, I feel the religion of Ancient Egypt played such a small part of the book.Without spoiling anything, I will say that it felt shoehorned in at the last minute to conveniently wrap things up. Had the religion of Ancient Egypt been mentioned earlier and weaved into the narrative from the beginning, I think the ending would have had a greater impact.
My second criticism was that the tone of the story occasionally felt off. For a book marketed to and for an adult audience there were times when the dialogue and some scenes felt a bit juvenile. So much so that I had to go back into previous chapters to check a character’s age because what they were saying or doing doing didn’t feel like it matched a 30/40 year old person. I owe this more to the fact that Frost has written several YA books (none that I’ve read), and this appears to be one of their first books for adult readers. I’m sure if The Lady Adventurers Club continues as a series this may improve.
Last, and my biggest criticism, the romance between Anna and Clara seemed a bit predatory and manipulative most of the time. This does get addressed between Anna and Eliza at one point and while it doesn’t change Anna’s actions, I was happy someone in the book called her out and stepped into stop it. To be honest, I wasn’t as invested in Anna and Clara’s relationship almost at all. It didn’t really do much for the story if they were together or not. But, this has stayed with me since finishing the book and thought it should be addressed.
Overall, if you are looking for a book with strong female protagonists who are ride or die for each other, or just a fan of the 1999 classic the Mummy and wanted it to have more queer representation, this book may be for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Bella Books for an Arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
The Lady's Adventures Club by Karen Frost.
Thank you Netgallery for a ARC e-book copy for an unbiased review.
Historical fiction. Check
wlw main characters. Check.
Aspects in any book I love.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would have happily given this 4 stars. Possibly even 5 stars. It is though set at 3 stars for me. Although the reality is more 3.5.
What did I enjoy? Overall the settings and characters were intriguing and felt pretty good for the story at hand. I felt the author did a great job at bringing each character's history to us, allowing us to understand their motivations in the present.
Needless to say, we begin with Lady Anna Baring, and instinctively you know she's going to be wiped from the history of a certain archaeological find. And sure enough, that is what occurs. From that, she does a talk, where we are introduced to the 3 other women. From there, after correspondence is sent, they join Anna in Egypt to go on a dig she is arranging for a previously undiscovered tomb.
Suffice to say, there are shenanigans afoot, and it doesn't go to plan. I won't write more on this so as not to spoil it.
The world-building was good. Solid in its execution and you felt that sense of the historical aspects easily. But from there it also needed some greater expansion in one of two areas, not least, the religious aspect, which seemed to be crammed in to make a plot point work, rather than brought in greater detail earlier.
It also veered unexpectedly - for me at least - into a paranormal storyline. While in itself, this isn't usually something I'd have any kind of problem with, it seemed at odds with the synopsis and overall premise the book implied. Yes, there is a hint with 'weird, unnerving things seem to happen wherever they go,' but it doesn't encompass for me at least, what actually was coming. Do not get me wrong, perhaps if there had been more to show it was there, for example in the tags (I only see Historical fiction and LGBTQIA tagged on Netgallery) then it wouldn't have been quite such a jarring experience.
I also felt at times Anna was manipulative, particularly when it came to the romance aspect, and that made me feel somewhat uncomfortable reading it. Which is a shame, as I felt a similar vein of difficulty in wlw relationships of the time could've been achieved without it being done that specific way. I've read other wlw historical fiction where it has indeed been tackled without a need for that aspect.
Overall, though it is a solid book for a wlw audience. I feel nothing really stood out, but it also isn't a bad book to read. Hence a solid 3 out of 5 star rating for me. I'd certainly still recommend this as a book to read for anyone who enjoys this genre.
Thank you Netgallery for a ARC e-book copy for an unbiased review.
Historical fiction. Check
wlw main characters. Check.
Aspects in any book I love.
Overall I enjoyed the book and would have happily given this 4 stars. Possibly even 5 stars. It is though set at 3 stars for me. Although the reality is more 3.5.
What did I enjoy? Overall the settings and characters were intriguing and felt pretty good for the story at hand. I felt the author did a great job at bringing each character's history to us, allowing us to understand their motivations in the present.
Needless to say, we begin with Lady Anna Baring, and instinctively you know she's going to be wiped from the history of a certain archaeological find. And sure enough, that is what occurs. From that, she does a talk, where we are introduced to the 3 other women. From there, after correspondence is sent, they join Anna in Egypt to go on a dig she is arranging for a previously undiscovered tomb.
Suffice to say, there are shenanigans afoot, and it doesn't go to plan. I won't write more on this so as not to spoil it.
The world-building was good. Solid in its execution and you felt that sense of the historical aspects easily. But from there it also needed some greater expansion in one of two areas, not least, the religious aspect, which seemed to be crammed in to make a plot point work, rather than brought in greater detail earlier.
It also veered unexpectedly - for me at least - into a paranormal storyline. While in itself, this isn't usually something I'd have any kind of problem with, it seemed at odds with the synopsis and overall premise the book implied. Yes, there is a hint with 'weird, unnerving things seem to happen wherever they go,' but it doesn't encompass for me at least, what actually was coming. Do not get me wrong, perhaps if there had been more to show it was there, for example in the tags (I only see Historical fiction and LGBTQIA tagged on Netgallery) then it wouldn't have been quite such a jarring experience.
I also felt at times Anna was manipulative, particularly when it came to the romance aspect, and that made me feel somewhat uncomfortable reading it. Which is a shame, as I felt a similar vein of difficulty in wlw relationships of the time could've been achieved without it being done that specific way. I've read other wlw historical fiction where it has indeed been tackled without a need for that aspect.
Overall, though it is a solid book for a wlw audience. I feel nothing really stood out, but it also isn't a bad book to read. Hence a solid 3 out of 5 star rating for me. I'd certainly still recommend this as a book to read for anyone who enjoys this genre.
November 2, 2022
An Epic Adventure!
Anna, an archaeologist who forms an exclusive ladies only club when male explorers exclude her from the prestigious clubs, finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime when she invites the other three club members to witness uncovering of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. As Anna isn’t the only treasure hunter out in Egypt, threat looms everywhere and its effect on their club is make or break!
Fantastic, epic, and such an intense exciting adventure. Anna was determined she could have it all and I believed her. Her enthusiasm for adventure and history was infectious, as was her loyalty to the others in her club and especially for Clara. I loved the connection the four of them had as companions then friends, but there was something very special between Anna and Clara that had me hoping they’d be together in the end.
I was drawn into this from the first chapter and excited once the club formed. I knew there would be something big in their future, and so when they were called back to Egypt by Anna, I was ready to be a part of the action with them. It really felt like being a part of their club and I found myself agreeing with some decisions, arguing with them all when they disagreed, and rooting for them when the heart stopping moments cropped up.
It really did have everything you’d expect for the era of the 1920s. Strong leading characters that were focused on their bond, and individual and group friendships. Such a lovely experience to be able to join them all. Each one different and having a strength of their own that helped them survive all the threats and danger looming. They were so brave though and having an experience many would have only dreamed of back then.
Really hope this isn’t their only adventure and the club will soon be back together for more mayhem, because I am super excited to join them.
Anna, an archaeologist who forms an exclusive ladies only club when male explorers exclude her from the prestigious clubs, finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime when she invites the other three club members to witness uncovering of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. As Anna isn’t the only treasure hunter out in Egypt, threat looms everywhere and its effect on their club is make or break!
Fantastic, epic, and such an intense exciting adventure. Anna was determined she could have it all and I believed her. Her enthusiasm for adventure and history was infectious, as was her loyalty to the others in her club and especially for Clara. I loved the connection the four of them had as companions then friends, but there was something very special between Anna and Clara that had me hoping they’d be together in the end.
I was drawn into this from the first chapter and excited once the club formed. I knew there would be something big in their future, and so when they were called back to Egypt by Anna, I was ready to be a part of the action with them. It really felt like being a part of their club and I found myself agreeing with some decisions, arguing with them all when they disagreed, and rooting for them when the heart stopping moments cropped up.
It really did have everything you’d expect for the era of the 1920s. Strong leading characters that were focused on their bond, and individual and group friendships. Such a lovely experience to be able to join them all. Each one different and having a strength of their own that helped them survive all the threats and danger looming. They were so brave though and having an experience many would have only dreamed of back then.
Really hope this isn’t their only adventure and the club will soon be back together for more mayhem, because I am super excited to join them.
October 23, 2022
As an adventure, this was merely OK. I would have preferred more treasure hunting and less treasure chasing, and I was not at all a fan of the supernatural deus ex machina. When you have such strong, wonderful women leading the story, let them win it as well - to do otherwise robs them as much as the thieves did.
As a romance, this was fabulous. I loved Anna's the slow seduction and Clara's slow awakening to the reality of a relationship with which she has no experience. We get false starts, interrupted moments, and some friendly cautions, all of which make the eventual consummation that much more wonderful.
As a romance, this was fabulous. I loved Anna's the slow seduction and Clara's slow awakening to the reality of a relationship with which she has no experience. We get false starts, interrupted moments, and some friendly cautions, all of which make the eventual consummation that much more wonderful.
August 1, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is about a group of (at first) unlikely friends that form a "ladies' adventurers club' because women aren't accepted in (men's) explorer's club in the 1920s.
I was super excited seeing their adventure in Egypt following Anna's new discovery. I really wanted to know how they'd get out of everything that happened and how they'd prove to society that women can do what men can. But I didn't get what I hoped for. Only at the end of the book the religion of Ancient Egypt plays its part, without it being actually acknowledged before. I also thought they would tackle more on the club... so If it's a standalone book I wish we got more of it.
Also the romance between Anna and Clara.... didn't sit well with me. I usually fancy sapphic romance in books, and actually seek f/f relationship in books other than romance, but I caught myself skipping some pages when they were interacting because it actually bothered me to read it. In their first encounter I thought they had chemistry, but then as they meet again, their romance felt almost predator like and it lacked the spark they once had.
The book is about a group of (at first) unlikely friends that form a "ladies' adventurers club' because women aren't accepted in (men's) explorer's club in the 1920s.
I was super excited seeing their adventure in Egypt following Anna's new discovery. I really wanted to know how they'd get out of everything that happened and how they'd prove to society that women can do what men can. But I didn't get what I hoped for. Only at the end of the book the religion of Ancient Egypt plays its part, without it being actually acknowledged before. I also thought they would tackle more on the club... so If it's a standalone book I wish we got more of it.
Also the romance between Anna and Clara.... didn't sit well with me. I usually fancy sapphic romance in books, and actually seek f/f relationship in books other than romance, but I caught myself skipping some pages when they were interacting because it actually bothered me to read it. In their first encounter I thought they had chemistry, but then as they meet again, their romance felt almost predator like and it lacked the spark they once had.
August 8, 2022
A group of very different women meet at an Egyptology lecture in the early 20th century, and form The Lady Adventurers Club.
This was a fun thrill ride of a story, with mystery and car chases. The scenes of different cities in Egypt, complete with some of the unrest of the time, enhances the storyline, the characters, and the stakes of the chase.
The turn into fantasy at the end was a little jarring, though it had been hinted at throughout. But I actually enjoyed it once I went with it.
My biggest issue of this book is the way Anna and Clara interact. Anna comes on incredibly strong to say the least. But it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth how she crosses boundaries with a "I know you'll love it once I show you" attitude. This is especially true since the women talk about the culture of men acting entitled and abusive. Although there is a happy resolution, I couldn't shake my bad feeling through the end.
All in all, a good read. I would recommend for the excitement, the taste of history, and the characters themselves.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for the review copy!
This was a fun thrill ride of a story, with mystery and car chases. The scenes of different cities in Egypt, complete with some of the unrest of the time, enhances the storyline, the characters, and the stakes of the chase.
The turn into fantasy at the end was a little jarring, though it had been hinted at throughout. But I actually enjoyed it once I went with it.
My biggest issue of this book is the way Anna and Clara interact. Anna comes on incredibly strong to say the least. But it leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth how she crosses boundaries with a "I know you'll love it once I show you" attitude. This is especially true since the women talk about the culture of men acting entitled and abusive. Although there is a happy resolution, I couldn't shake my bad feeling through the end.
All in all, a good read. I would recommend for the excitement, the taste of history, and the characters themselves.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for the review copy!
October 7, 2022
Under-appreciated Egyptologist Anna Baring founds a Lady Adventurers Club to stick it to the men who take credit for her work and exclude her from their social circles. However, when she invites her club to Egypt to excavate the treasures of a lost pharaoh's tomb, a series of unfortunate events unfolds and danger draws ever closer.
I knew nothing about this book when picking it up, but the premise was so interesting to me: 4 ladies making their own place into the world they were excluded from, and on top of that, in Egypt! The first part of the book--the creation of the club--was very compelling, however once the ladies arrive in Egypt, things started going downhill. Several of the plot twists were very predictable and it was easy upon meeting new characters to guess what their role in the story was going to be. The love story between Anna and Clara felt forced, and most of the time very cringy. I found Anna's attitude towards Clara to be very predatory and inappropriate, often taking advantage of her innocence and lack of experience. I simply could not root for their relationships to succeed.
The ending of the book, (the big reveal) was disappointing to me. I found that is was a lazy way to end the book and ultimately undermined all the work that these female characters were doing, particularly Anna, to make a name for themselves as an Egyptologist. The book failed to address colonialism in a meaningful way: all the main characters are non-Egyptian, and the few Egyptian characters are low-ranked employees. Finally, Georgette's lines, one of the club's members and a French woman, were unbearable. Every single one of her lines included a word in French, not translated, which for someone who can speak English that well is simply unrealistic and very redundant.
Overall, I think that this book had immense potential, could definitely be a series, but ultimately did not deliver. Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I knew nothing about this book when picking it up, but the premise was so interesting to me: 4 ladies making their own place into the world they were excluded from, and on top of that, in Egypt! The first part of the book--the creation of the club--was very compelling, however once the ladies arrive in Egypt, things started going downhill. Several of the plot twists were very predictable and it was easy upon meeting new characters to guess what their role in the story was going to be. The love story between Anna and Clara felt forced, and most of the time very cringy. I found Anna's attitude towards Clara to be very predatory and inappropriate, often taking advantage of her innocence and lack of experience. I simply could not root for their relationships to succeed.
The ending of the book, (the big reveal) was disappointing to me. I found that is was a lazy way to end the book and ultimately undermined all the work that these female characters were doing, particularly Anna, to make a name for themselves as an Egyptologist. The book failed to address colonialism in a meaningful way: all the main characters are non-Egyptian, and the few Egyptian characters are low-ranked employees. Finally, Georgette's lines, one of the club's members and a French woman, were unbearable. Every single one of her lines included a word in French, not translated, which for someone who can speak English that well is simply unrealistic and very redundant.
Overall, I think that this book had immense potential, could definitely be a series, but ultimately did not deliver. Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
This book had a terrific premise and mostly delivers on the concept of an age of explorers style adventure through Egypt, but with four women acting as the story’s explorers instead of the usual cast of male protagonists present in a book like this.
The idea was great and the execution is good for the first 80% or so of the book. Alas, it’s always guaranteed to ruin a book for me when an author writes a story grounded in the rules of reality only to toss in a supernatural element at the last minute.
There was plenty of derring-do throughout the book of the real world variety. Tomb robbers, assassins, the works. So I’m not sure why the author felt the need to do an about face into fantasy at the end by having the protagonists get chased by angry gods and imaginary animals.
I’m fine with fantasy books and fine with those with no fantasy elements, but when you get a book that is grounded in reality as, essentially, historical fiction, and then the author tosses in fantastical stuff out of. I where at the end of the story, it just feels like bad writing. It seems like the author couldn’t come up with an explanation for what happened to the treasure the protagonists are trying to recover, so she essentially cheated and brought in a god and turned the book into a fantasy at the last minute.
It’s a shame because there are plenty of plausible endings for a story like this that don’t require this kind of cheat on the part of the author and that would allow the reader to continue enjoying the story instead of feeling ripped off by a cheap bait and switch at the end of what was otherwise an entertaining, enjoyable novel.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The idea was great and the execution is good for the first 80% or so of the book. Alas, it’s always guaranteed to ruin a book for me when an author writes a story grounded in the rules of reality only to toss in a supernatural element at the last minute.
There was plenty of derring-do throughout the book of the real world variety. Tomb robbers, assassins, the works. So I’m not sure why the author felt the need to do an about face into fantasy at the end by having the protagonists get chased by angry gods and imaginary animals.
I’m fine with fantasy books and fine with those with no fantasy elements, but when you get a book that is grounded in reality as, essentially, historical fiction, and then the author tosses in fantastical stuff out of. I where at the end of the story, it just feels like bad writing. It seems like the author couldn’t come up with an explanation for what happened to the treasure the protagonists are trying to recover, so she essentially cheated and brought in a god and turned the book into a fantasy at the last minute.
It’s a shame because there are plenty of plausible endings for a story like this that don’t require this kind of cheat on the part of the author and that would allow the reader to continue enjoying the story instead of feeling ripped off by a cheap bait and switch at the end of what was otherwise an entertaining, enjoyable novel.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
November 3, 2023
Great romp through the pyramids in the company of some kick a$$ women … with a little romance and some pharaoh's tomb curses and just a few Egyptian gods and goddesses added. This is set just a few years after King Tut's tomb is discovered.
I loved the pace of this book! After introducing the characters and setting the scene the action explodes and just keeps going. There are twists and turns you just won't see coming!
I loved that each of the characters provides the impetus to keep going as the hardships and problems mount. What a team the lady adventurers became!
I learned a fair amount about ancient Egypt, met some great characters and had a lot of fun reading!
I loved the pace of this book! After introducing the characters and setting the scene the action explodes and just keeps going. There are twists and turns you just won't see coming!
I loved that each of the characters provides the impetus to keep going as the hardships and problems mount. What a team the lady adventurers became!
I learned a fair amount about ancient Egypt, met some great characters and had a lot of fun reading!
January 27, 2023
I found myself struggling with this book. I didn’t particularly like the characters (especially the main one) and the writing didn’t really grab me either.
The idea of this story was interesting with Archaeologist Anna Baring being written out of history on Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery so she sets out to carve her own name into the history books with her gang of like minded female adventurers.
Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me and I couldn’t finish the book.
The idea of this story was interesting with Archaeologist Anna Baring being written out of history on Tutankhamun’s tomb discovery so she sets out to carve her own name into the history books with her gang of like minded female adventurers.
Unfortunately it just wasn’t for me and I couldn’t finish the book.
August 31, 2022
When Anna Baring is frozen out of any of the accolades of finding King Tut’s tomb by the archaeologist and his benefactor, she vows to find the missing tomb of another pharaoh. She meets three women after a lecture in New York City, and they call themselves the Lady Adventurers Club. When she finds the pharaoh’s tomb, she arranges for the other members of the Club to join her in Egypt for the opening of the tomb.
This is a well-written historical novel set in 1923 Egypt. Readers will feel like they are in the bazaar of Cairo with the smells and noises associated with such a place. Frost obviously did her research and stays true to the time, including having her characters be more naïve than more modern characters.
Frost has created four very different and interesting characters. The story is told by four narrators. Two of the characters, Georgette, a mathematician, and Clara, an Annie Oakley type, are naïve and, unfortunately, are portrayed as having less sense than the other two. When Anna makes romantic overtures toward Clara, there is something predatory about her approach that will not endear her to modern readers. Eliza is the character who makes sure the less sophisticated women remain safe.
The ending has problems and may be off putting to some readers because of the introduction of an ancient Egyptian goddess which is improbable enough to take readers out of the story, but the aftermath of that visit is totally ignored by the author and will leave readers shaking their and wondering how in the world the author thought it was plausible.
If you love character-driven historical novels with a touch of Indiana Jones adventure, this book is for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
This is a well-written historical novel set in 1923 Egypt. Readers will feel like they are in the bazaar of Cairo with the smells and noises associated with such a place. Frost obviously did her research and stays true to the time, including having her characters be more naïve than more modern characters.
Frost has created four very different and interesting characters. The story is told by four narrators. Two of the characters, Georgette, a mathematician, and Clara, an Annie Oakley type, are naïve and, unfortunately, are portrayed as having less sense than the other two. When Anna makes romantic overtures toward Clara, there is something predatory about her approach that will not endear her to modern readers. Eliza is the character who makes sure the less sophisticated women remain safe.
The ending has problems and may be off putting to some readers because of the introduction of an ancient Egyptian goddess which is improbable enough to take readers out of the story, but the aftermath of that visit is totally ignored by the author and will leave readers shaking their and wondering how in the world the author thought it was plausible.
If you love character-driven historical novels with a touch of Indiana Jones adventure, this book is for you.
My thanks to Bella Books and NetGalley for an eARC.
August 23, 2022
What do you get when you put together an aristocrat turned archeologist, a Wild West sharp shooter, a stunt pilot, and a French mathematician, and then turn them loose in 1920’s Egypt? Well, in The Lady Adventurers Club by Karen Frost, you get thrills, chills, intrigue, treasure, romance, and, of course, adventure.
Archaeologist Lady Anna Baring believes she has found the tomb of an ancient pharaoh that will make King Tut’s treasure look tame, and she wants to share the opening of the tomb with her new friends Clara Pickering, Eliza Law, and Georgette Martin, all members of the newly formed Lady Adventurers Club. The trip to Egypt though, sets off a chain of events that will plunge the four women into extreme danger. They will need all their wits and skills if they are to survive the threats that are thrown their way.
This is an exciting read. The characters really work well together even though at first they seem to be very unlikely friends. The author did a good job developing these ladies. The setting plays a major role in the story, and it is well-described. It is the action, adventure, and romance that really makes this a great novel, especially with the added paranormal aspect of the story.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. If you love adventure, intrigue, romance and a bit of the paranormal in your historical fiction novels, then give this book a try.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Archaeologist Lady Anna Baring believes she has found the tomb of an ancient pharaoh that will make King Tut’s treasure look tame, and she wants to share the opening of the tomb with her new friends Clara Pickering, Eliza Law, and Georgette Martin, all members of the newly formed Lady Adventurers Club. The trip to Egypt though, sets off a chain of events that will plunge the four women into extreme danger. They will need all their wits and skills if they are to survive the threats that are thrown their way.
This is an exciting read. The characters really work well together even though at first they seem to be very unlikely friends. The author did a good job developing these ladies. The setting plays a major role in the story, and it is well-described. It is the action, adventure, and romance that really makes this a great novel, especially with the added paranormal aspect of the story.
I had a lot of fun reading this book. If you love adventure, intrigue, romance and a bit of the paranormal in your historical fiction novels, then give this book a try.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
September 4, 2022
Despite its promising premise - a society of female “adventurers”, doing archaeology and chasing thieves, and a central queer relationship! - I wasn’t enamored by the Lady Adventurers’ Club.
Let’s start with the good: I liked the central premise, and thought that the plot was, for the most part, engaging. I also thought that the fantasy element that was introduced later on in the story was interesting, and I wish it had been explored more fully. I think the multiple POV had a lot of potential, as well.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the book didn’t work for me. The writing wasn’t bad, but it didn’t do much to draw me in; the French-speaking main character’s bilingualism was a awkwardly written, and didn’t feel super genuine or natural; the central queer relationship started off in a way that felt very unbalanced (which is actually even called out by a character in-text!) and, while it got better, that initial weirdness was never addressed, which cast a weird shadow on the rest of the relationship. Though I loved the idea of the multiple POVs, it just ended up feeling like none of the characters got adequately developed.
And, although I had high hopes based on the foreword, the book didn’t do any real addressing of the colonialism that the foreword mentioned; the main characters are all non-Egyptian, and the focus of most of the characters seems to be on the “treasure” in the tomb rather than anything else; the archaeologist main character has somewhat less of this, but she refers to the tomb’s contents as “my gold” at least twice, which really didn’t read well to me. (There’s a lot of room for nuance and exploration of some serious themes here, but the book pretty clearly is trying to set her up as a “not-a-colonialist” kind of character, so this just ends up feeling out of character and ill-considered, based on the author’s pretty clear intention.)
All in all: not for me. There was a lot of potential, but the execution just didn’t come through. Thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for an e-ARC copy!
Let’s start with the good: I liked the central premise, and thought that the plot was, for the most part, engaging. I also thought that the fantasy element that was introduced later on in the story was interesting, and I wish it had been explored more fully. I think the multiple POV had a lot of potential, as well.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the book didn’t work for me. The writing wasn’t bad, but it didn’t do much to draw me in; the French-speaking main character’s bilingualism was a awkwardly written, and didn’t feel super genuine or natural; the central queer relationship started off in a way that felt very unbalanced (which is actually even called out by a character in-text!) and, while it got better, that initial weirdness was never addressed, which cast a weird shadow on the rest of the relationship. Though I loved the idea of the multiple POVs, it just ended up feeling like none of the characters got adequately developed.
And, although I had high hopes based on the foreword, the book didn’t do any real addressing of the colonialism that the foreword mentioned; the main characters are all non-Egyptian, and the focus of most of the characters seems to be on the “treasure” in the tomb rather than anything else; the archaeologist main character has somewhat less of this, but she refers to the tomb’s contents as “my gold” at least twice, which really didn’t read well to me. (There’s a lot of room for nuance and exploration of some serious themes here, but the book pretty clearly is trying to set her up as a “not-a-colonialist” kind of character, so this just ends up feeling out of character and ill-considered, based on the author’s pretty clear intention.)
All in all: not for me. There was a lot of potential, but the execution just didn’t come through. Thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for an e-ARC copy!
August 12, 2022
1923. Archaeology. Egypt. Lady-adventurers. Wonderfully raging feminism and the opening of a rediscovered tomb. Suddenly.. mythology?
I really enjoyed the beginning of this, but there were a lot of things that initially felt like they were just very convenient, either lazy plotting or simply just going back on what had previously been stated, but towards the end it took a sharp turn to a sort of fantasy-element that came out of nowhere? There had been a hint or two, but they were among the things I’d considered “convenient” previously, so when it suddenly went in that direction I was left with literary whiplash.
What really carries this story is the characters. The author has done a great job creating characters that are easy to distinguish between, both in tone and behaviour, and I loved that they’re all in their late thirties/possibly early forties. Sometimes there were situations where their responses to things were a bit naive and didn’t suggest they were actual adults and not teenagers, which was a bit unfortunate. I’d read an entire book about Eliza and Georgette going on adventures, but leave Anna out of it. She’s manipulative and gaslighty and doesn’t seem to play well with people, and despite all the ladies going on “adventures” with her to save “her” treasure she’s still pretty awful towards them. I was so excited for the romance in this, too, because the entire backdrop was perfect for that sweet falling-for-your-fellow-adventurer-vibe, but it just felt icky because of the way Anna behaved. She needs therapy (and to get over herself) more than she needs a girlfriend, is all I’m saying.
All in all, the ending feels like it’s opening up for the possibility of a sequel, and I think I’d read it - if nothing else then just to get to spend more time with Eliza and Georgette.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really enjoyed the beginning of this, but there were a lot of things that initially felt like they were just very convenient, either lazy plotting or simply just going back on what had previously been stated, but towards the end it took a sharp turn to a sort of fantasy-element that came out of nowhere? There had been a hint or two, but they were among the things I’d considered “convenient” previously, so when it suddenly went in that direction I was left with literary whiplash.
What really carries this story is the characters. The author has done a great job creating characters that are easy to distinguish between, both in tone and behaviour, and I loved that they’re all in their late thirties/possibly early forties. Sometimes there were situations where their responses to things were a bit naive and didn’t suggest they were actual adults and not teenagers, which was a bit unfortunate. I’d read an entire book about Eliza and Georgette going on adventures, but leave Anna out of it. She’s manipulative and gaslighty and doesn’t seem to play well with people, and despite all the ladies going on “adventures” with her to save “her” treasure she’s still pretty awful towards them. I was so excited for the romance in this, too, because the entire backdrop was perfect for that sweet falling-for-your-fellow-adventurer-vibe, but it just felt icky because of the way Anna behaved. She needs therapy (and to get over herself) more than she needs a girlfriend, is all I’m saying.
All in all, the ending feels like it’s opening up for the possibility of a sequel, and I think I’d read it - if nothing else then just to get to spend more time with Eliza and Georgette.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 19, 2022
Well now, this was an interesting take on a redundantly overused setting/trope. Maybe I didn't read the description closely enough, but I did not anticipate the twists in the end and I almost feel like it belittled the work and buildup of what are these strong women's stories and empowered character development was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the characters for what they were there to do. I didn't really understand their motivations for how they got to that point in their life, attending this one chance meeting in New York, leading to an all expense paid trip for three of them to join the 4th in Egypt for a world revealing of an undiscovered tomb of an ancient pharaoh. The naivete and misguided choices of all of these women at multiple points in the novel, is rather mind-boggling, but here we are trying to suspend my disbelief. I preferred the characters in this order from fave to least favorite: Georgette >Eliza>Clara>Anna.
I have some major critiques of Anna's romantic pursuit of Clara, as it appeared manipulative and unnecessarily predatory. I know that there are no perfect relationships in reality, but this didn't feel like the aspirational relationship pursuit for strong adventurous and yet supposedly logical women, that we should be modeling for readers, in my opinion.
I appreciated the direction the story was headed, but found a few hiccups in pacing along the way. I do hope that we might have an opportunity for a sequel to discover better character motivations and a smoother plot pace, as the raw components felt so promising.
One note on the narrator, Kim Bretton: she provided great distinctive voices for all of the women and created a fun ambience for the unveiling of the story. I certainly do believe that she did a great job with the material and would recommend the audio version.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me an eARC for the audiobook via NetGalley!
I have some major critiques of Anna's romantic pursuit of Clara, as it appeared manipulative and unnecessarily predatory. I know that there are no perfect relationships in reality, but this didn't feel like the aspirational relationship pursuit for strong adventurous and yet supposedly logical women, that we should be modeling for readers, in my opinion.
I appreciated the direction the story was headed, but found a few hiccups in pacing along the way. I do hope that we might have an opportunity for a sequel to discover better character motivations and a smoother plot pace, as the raw components felt so promising.
One note on the narrator, Kim Bretton: she provided great distinctive voices for all of the women and created a fun ambience for the unveiling of the story. I certainly do believe that she did a great job with the material and would recommend the audio version.
Thank you to Tantor Audio for allowing me an eARC for the audiobook via NetGalley!
September 21, 2022
This book was certainly an adventure, but I wanted a bit more cohesion from the overall story.
I feel like I was reading two different narratives that never quite came together or found a resolution on their own. On one hand there's this story about women trying to carve a place for themselves (both professionally and romantically) in a world built to cater to men. And then on the other hand there's a story about colonialism and the moral (and spiritual) implications of digging up sacred burial sites in the name of "discovery." I went into this book expecting it to be about the former and then about 2/3 in it pivots to the latter (with a heavy dose of magical realism and supernatural mythos) and kind of abandons the rest.
Georgette was easily my favorite character--always piping in with the cold hard logic of math and giving zero f**ks. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments and they were all due to her. Anna was my least favorite character. The manner in which she aggressively pursues Clara was a bit off-putting (it seemed like a conquest more than anything and at one point Anna even notes how easy Clara is to manipulate) and her pride leads her to make really stupid decisions on more than one occasion. On a similar note, I really hate it when intelligent women make dumb decisions for the sake of "plot" and sadly it happened more than once in this story.
Despite all that, I still enjoyed the overall experience. It was fun and whimsical and despite my frustrations, I would totally read a follow-up with the Lady Adventurers Club exploring a new location (especially it went all-in on the magical realism and supernatural elements). But please for the love of all things, give Eliza a chance to fly next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for a copy of this audiobook.
I feel like I was reading two different narratives that never quite came together or found a resolution on their own. On one hand there's this story about women trying to carve a place for themselves (both professionally and romantically) in a world built to cater to men. And then on the other hand there's a story about colonialism and the moral (and spiritual) implications of digging up sacred burial sites in the name of "discovery." I went into this book expecting it to be about the former and then about 2/3 in it pivots to the latter (with a heavy dose of magical realism and supernatural mythos) and kind of abandons the rest.
Georgette was easily my favorite character--always piping in with the cold hard logic of math and giving zero f**ks. There were a few laugh-out-loud moments and they were all due to her. Anna was my least favorite character. The manner in which she aggressively pursues Clara was a bit off-putting (it seemed like a conquest more than anything and at one point Anna even notes how easy Clara is to manipulate) and her pride leads her to make really stupid decisions on more than one occasion. On a similar note, I really hate it when intelligent women make dumb decisions for the sake of "plot" and sadly it happened more than once in this story.
Despite all that, I still enjoyed the overall experience. It was fun and whimsical and despite my frustrations, I would totally read a follow-up with the Lady Adventurers Club exploring a new location (especially it went all-in on the magical realism and supernatural elements). But please for the love of all things, give Eliza a chance to fly next time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for a copy of this audiobook.
September 26, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel for an honest review. It has been published in September 2022.
"The Lady Adventurers Club" by Karen Frost has everything I could desire: a highly original premise, an all-female cast of genial misfits, a queer budding relationship... and yet, it fell flat for me.
First of all, the story takes forever to start (nothing really happens in the first quarter of the book), and even after that, the pacing stays torturously slow, with plot developments few and far-between, and an over-abundance of pointless dialogues and filler scenes. That's not how an adventure novel is supposed to work.
Besides, too many plot points rely entirely on the protagonists behaving in ways that qualify them as being "too stupid to live". Meh.
The characters themselves are stereotyped, with no depth whatsoever.
To top it all off, there's an awful lot of romanticised sexual harassment in this novel. I'm not saying books can't talk about sexual harassment, but what made this story truly cringey is that the sexual harassment happening here has been airbrushed, excused away, and even justified. The reader is supposed to sympathize with the sexual predator in her relentless pursuit of a woman who has told her no time and time again, in words and actions alike. No. Just no. We don't need one more novel portraying sexual harassment as an acceptable form of courtship, in this day and age. And the fact that the abuse is woman-on-woman rather than man-on-woman (or any other possible combination) doesn't make it any better. No means no, ladies!
"The Lady Adventurers Club" by Karen Frost has everything I could desire: a highly original premise, an all-female cast of genial misfits, a queer budding relationship... and yet, it fell flat for me.
First of all, the story takes forever to start (nothing really happens in the first quarter of the book), and even after that, the pacing stays torturously slow, with plot developments few and far-between, and an over-abundance of pointless dialogues and filler scenes. That's not how an adventure novel is supposed to work.
Besides, too many plot points rely entirely on the protagonists behaving in ways that qualify them as being "too stupid to live". Meh.
The characters themselves are stereotyped, with no depth whatsoever.
To top it all off, there's an awful lot of romanticised sexual harassment in this novel. I'm not saying books can't talk about sexual harassment, but what made this story truly cringey is that the sexual harassment happening here has been airbrushed, excused away, and even justified. The reader is supposed to sympathize with the sexual predator in her relentless pursuit of a woman who has told her no time and time again, in words and actions alike. No. Just no. We don't need one more novel portraying sexual harassment as an acceptable form of courtship, in this day and age. And the fact that the abuse is woman-on-woman rather than man-on-woman (or any other possible combination) doesn't make it any better. No means no, ladies!
February 29, 2024
Do I need to start reading more historical fiction??? It’s a genre I’ve never tapped into, but am willing to give another chance.
*
It’s 1923 and four women become unlikely friends. A sharpshooter, a barnstormer, a mathematician and an archaeologist. Together they form a club to celebrate women’s achievements and to support each other.
A letter sent by Anna, the archeologist, brings the ladies back together. Anna has found a tomb in Egypt that she thinks could be full of ancient treasures and historical artifacts. When the women arrive to unearth the tomb, problems begin to arise. Starting with someone ransacking the tomb and shooting at the group of adventurers.
Their friendships will be tested as they race across Egypt, chasing the pharaoh’s treasure. Danger follows close behind them.
*
*
What I liked:
. We were promised adventure, and we got it! The story was pretty fast paced and kept my attention.
. The setting and atmosphere of Egypt. Made me want to watch The Mummy immediately after finishing.
. The ladies rocked. Each character had their own voice and motivations.
Meh:
. The romance… gave me the ick. Anna came off very pushy and almost predatory in her conquest of Clara. This behavior was addressed by members of the group, but Anna did nothing to change.
. At times this felt like a YA novel, not like I was reading about women 30+ years old. Naive and childish decisions were made often
. The plot twists were glaringly obvious. I wasn’t mad at it, but the mystery was severely lacking.
Over all rating: 3 stars
*
It’s 1923 and four women become unlikely friends. A sharpshooter, a barnstormer, a mathematician and an archaeologist. Together they form a club to celebrate women’s achievements and to support each other.
A letter sent by Anna, the archeologist, brings the ladies back together. Anna has found a tomb in Egypt that she thinks could be full of ancient treasures and historical artifacts. When the women arrive to unearth the tomb, problems begin to arise. Starting with someone ransacking the tomb and shooting at the group of adventurers.
Their friendships will be tested as they race across Egypt, chasing the pharaoh’s treasure. Danger follows close behind them.
*
*
What I liked:
. We were promised adventure, and we got it! The story was pretty fast paced and kept my attention.
. The setting and atmosphere of Egypt. Made me want to watch The Mummy immediately after finishing.
. The ladies rocked. Each character had their own voice and motivations.
Meh:
. The romance… gave me the ick. Anna came off very pushy and almost predatory in her conquest of Clara. This behavior was addressed by members of the group, but Anna did nothing to change.
. At times this felt like a YA novel, not like I was reading about women 30+ years old. Naive and childish decisions were made often
. The plot twists were glaringly obvious. I wasn’t mad at it, but the mystery was severely lacking.
Over all rating: 3 stars
May 28, 2024
This book was different than I expected, which made it very entertaining. It’s the 7th novel I’ve read by Karen Frost and I should be used to this, but I was still surprised by various events. The club consists of an archeologist and the the three women who came to her lecture. The story opens in the 1920s in the US and mostly takes place in Egypt. Anna invites the three others to join her on her dig in Egypt, and surprisingly (or not) they all agreed fo their own reasons. They are diverse: Clara is a performer in a wild west circus who is a crack shot with her revolver, Eliza is a pilot who also performs with a group and would be unusual in that era since she's a Black woman, and finally Georgette is a math teacher from France who can connect the dots better than any of the others.
Their diverse skills all mesh well in this adventure. Anna is immediately attracted to Clara, which only Eliza noticed. The others seemed rather naïve in that area. I agreed with Eliza’s stance on this because it felt like Anna was being manipulative at times. There are many things going on from the minute they all boarded the ship to Egypt. The mysteries and twists that occurred were unexpected, sometimes exciting and sometimes dangerous or even improbable, which just made this all the better. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but I’d read it if there was one.
Their diverse skills all mesh well in this adventure. Anna is immediately attracted to Clara, which only Eliza noticed. The others seemed rather naïve in that area. I agreed with Eliza’s stance on this because it felt like Anna was being manipulative at times. There are many things going on from the minute they all boarded the ship to Egypt. The mysteries and twists that occurred were unexpected, sometimes exciting and sometimes dangerous or even improbable, which just made this all the better. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but I’d read it if there was one.
September 13, 2022
I love the idea of this book. Four strong women who meet by chance form an Adventurer’s Club and head off the Egypt to discover an unopened tomb. Fantastic!
The world building was good, but the characters are mostly 2 dimensional and I didn’t really like any of them. There was so much potential, but it just didn’t come to fruition.
Anna, the supposed leader, is manipulative and a sexual predator. Gross! (Whether a woman or man, that quality in a character is very disturbing.) Her main focus seems to be to get Clara to bed, even if she shrinks away. I felt uncomfortable reading some parts. I really think this could have been written without all the predator manipulation.
She says she wants to protect the other women, but doesn’t have a clue on how to do it! If you are tied up in a baggage car and told just to sit there, would you listen? Me? Heck no! I would be breaking out of that ASAP! Instead, she gets mad when Clara unties her.
Overall, this book was just a string of frustrating situations. I didn’t particularly like how it all resolved. If there is a sequel, I don’t think I will be reading it.
One thing I did love was the narrator!
Thank you to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to the Advanced Reader’s Copy.
The world building was good, but the characters are mostly 2 dimensional and I didn’t really like any of them. There was so much potential, but it just didn’t come to fruition.
Anna, the supposed leader, is manipulative and a sexual predator. Gross! (Whether a woman or man, that quality in a character is very disturbing.) Her main focus seems to be to get Clara to bed, even if she shrinks away. I felt uncomfortable reading some parts. I really think this could have been written without all the predator manipulation.
She says she wants to protect the other women, but doesn’t have a clue on how to do it! If you are tied up in a baggage car and told just to sit there, would you listen? Me? Heck no! I would be breaking out of that ASAP! Instead, she gets mad when Clara unties her.
Overall, this book was just a string of frustrating situations. I didn’t particularly like how it all resolved. If there is a sequel, I don’t think I will be reading it.
One thing I did love was the narrator!
Thank you to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to the Advanced Reader’s Copy.
March 21, 2025
I almost gave up on this one at the end of Chapter One. I set it aside, then decided to pick it up again, telling myself I'd read Chapter Two before I gave up entirely. Turns out, that was a good decision.
If you're like me and watch a lot of Egyptian history, Archeology programs on TV and such, you'll be intimately familiar with the historical details in Chapter One. Don't let that deter you. Although it introduces the main character, Anna Baring, the intricacies of Carter opening Tut's tomb with his benefactor, Lord Canarvon may seem boring. (This may not be a problem if you're not familiar with those details.) Suffice to say, I found Chapter one boring.
Chapter Two found Anna on her own and separated into her own story, which I found to be well written and intriguing. The three additional characters, who with Anna, form The Lady Adventurers Club, unique and either endearing (Georgette), intriguing (Eliza), or inigmatic (Clara). After reading the second chapter, I was hooked. The promised adventure was served up fast-paced and did not disappoint. Toward the end of the adventure, the story takes on a supernatural bent, but this, too, gives a historical perspective to the story. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
If you're like me and watch a lot of Egyptian history, Archeology programs on TV and such, you'll be intimately familiar with the historical details in Chapter One. Don't let that deter you. Although it introduces the main character, Anna Baring, the intricacies of Carter opening Tut's tomb with his benefactor, Lord Canarvon may seem boring. (This may not be a problem if you're not familiar with those details.) Suffice to say, I found Chapter one boring.
Chapter Two found Anna on her own and separated into her own story, which I found to be well written and intriguing. The three additional characters, who with Anna, form The Lady Adventurers Club, unique and either endearing (Georgette), intriguing (Eliza), or inigmatic (Clara). After reading the second chapter, I was hooked. The promised adventure was served up fast-paced and did not disappoint. Toward the end of the adventure, the story takes on a supernatural bent, but this, too, gives a historical perspective to the story. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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