Secrets of the Nile - (Lady Emily Mysteries) by Tasha Alexander (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In a brilliant homage to Agatha Christie, critically acclaimed author Tasha Alexander sends Lady Emily to Egypt during British colonial rule to investigate a crime that leads back to the era of the Pharaohs.

In Secrets of the Nile, Lady Emily and her husband, Colin Hargreaves, have joined his formidable mother on a holiday to visit the exotic treasures of Egypt. Their host, Lord Bertram Deeley, is a renowned amateur British collector of antiquities, who has invited his closest friends on a lavish cruise up the Nile to his home at Luxor. But on the first night of their journey, he suddenly collapses after offering a welcome toast, a victim of the lethal poison cyanide. Who amongst this group of his nearest and dearest would want to kill their generous host?

Emily and Colin's investigation soon reveals that even his closest friends had reasons to want him dead: was it the archeologist whose dig Deeley was poised to fund until he suddenly withdrew support? The powerful politician whose career Deeley had secretly destroyed? The dyspeptic aristocratic English spinster whose hired travelling companion seems determined to protect her employer? Or could it be Mrs. Hargreaves herself, who may have spurned the advances of Lord Deeley when they were both younger?

A key clue may lie with several ancient ushabtis, exquisite three-thousand-year-old sculptures that played a role in a hidden story from the time of Ancient Egypt, one of a sister's unshakeable loyalty to her brother, a tale of betrayal and revenge. In an unforgettable finale, Emily and Colin gather their fellow travelers together to unmask a killer whose motive is as shocking as it is brilliant.

Review Quotes

"Secrets of the Nile has it all: a glamorous locale, plucky heroine and supporting cast worthy of a Kenneth Branagh film." --Bookpage

"Fans of this long-running series will appreciate the skills Kat brings to Lady Emily's sleuthing in this absorbing historical mystery." --Booklist

"Surprising, with a twist readers won't see coming. Alexander consistently entertains." -Publishers Weekly

"In 1904, an Egyptian vacation turns into a quest to solve several mysteries...The unusual background and Agatha Christie twist make for an enjoyable and informative read." -Kirkus Reviews

Praise for The Dark Heart of Florence:

"Alexander brings both early Renaissance and Edwardian-era Florence to life, with well researched references to Florentine history, literature, and art." -Booklist

"Lady Emily Hargreaves returns to Italy in 1903 in a tale of murder, espionage, and hidden treasure...Historical background adds depth to a complex, exciting mystery." -Kirkus Reviews

"Lively...Alexander effortlessly slips an enormous amount of Florentine history into a narrative that offers a loving portrait of the city and just the right amount of dashing derring-do. This series remains as fresh as ever." --Publishers Weekly

Praise for In the Shadow of Vesuvius:

"Alexander's precise attention to historical details invests her series about Lady Emily Hargreaves with an unshakeable background that she expertly weaves into solid plots...[her] skills shine in In the Shadow of Vesuvius...pitch-perfect." --Sun-Sentinel

"Tasha Alexander brings both eras to life through meticulous research, and the dual stories come together in a chilling finale. Scenes set among the ruins of Pompeii and in the city pre-disaster have such depth that it feels like we're walking directly into them. This is an urbane thriller with a big heart." --Bookpage

"[Evokes] the setting's rich history...lovers of classical culture should be pleased." --Publishers Weekly

"A captivating story of Pompeii... engaging." --Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Uneasy Lies the Crown:

"Readers are in the author's trustworthy hands, and the working out of the puzzle will delight mystery and history buffs alike." --Booklist

Praise for Death in St. Petersburg:

"Alexander is at the top of her game...(her) impeccable research and smart storytelling keep readers on the edge of their seats...A gripping tale by a grand mistress of the genre."--RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)

Praise for the Lady Emily Mysteries:

"Tasha Alexander has created Victorian London's most colorful and delightfully eccentric sleuth." --Jacqueline Winspear, New York Times bestselling author of the Maisie Dobbs Series

"Consistently witty, smart, and entertaining."--Booklist