Secrets of the Nile
Lady Emily Mysteries book 16
by Tasha Alexander
GENRE : #historical-cozy-mystery
My rating: ★★★★☆
Actually 3,5 stars rounded up to 4.
"Secrets of the Nile" is a
well-written tribute to Agatha Christie, and not a simple rehash of "Murder on the Nile."
I've read many books in the "Lady Emily" series by Tasha Alexander , and that is primarily why I'm
giving this one 3.5 stars instead of a full 4: while I used to be a devoted fan of Golden Age whodunits, in recent years
I've preferred mysteries with more action, coupled with solid investigation, historical settings (ideally with real historical figures), and a dash of
flirtation and romance.
That
winning combination often characterizes the "Lady Emily" books. However, this particular installment leans heavily into the style of the "Queen of Crime," focusing on investigation, scattered clues,
logical reasoning, and deductive solutions, culminating in the classic final meeting of all suspects and the detective's (or their deputy's) revelation of the truth.
The book includes the
series' hallmark alternating chapters, featuring a story set in the past (very common in much modern fiction), but the connection between the ancient past and Lady Emily's present feels somewhat tenuous.
Before delving into the details, here's the
PLOT IN A NUTSHELL:
Lady Emily and her husband, Colin, along with Colin's illegitimate daughter, are invited by his mother to join a friend on a trip down the Nile, followed by a stay at his Egyptian villa.
Other British guests, all longtime friends of the host, join them. A sumptuous and elaborate welcome dinner is served on the first evening, but, at the very last moment, the host is poisoned to death, right before everyone's eyes.
Colin, a Crown Agent, takes charge of the investigation, with Emily's assistance (and the forced participation of his daughter, Kat), to unravel the mystery. Despite the group's dismay and long-standing friendships, cooperation proves difficult to come by.
________ ************** ____________
_____ THE MYSTERY_____
While many readers (myself included) might expect a murder mystery closely resembling Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile," Tasha Alexander appears to have
drawn inspiration from another of Christie's works, transplanting it to the exotic setting of Egypt, with its archaeological digs, impressive pyramids, giant statues, temples and stories of pharaohs and gods.
She mentions this in her end notes (which I always read before starting a book). She doesn't specify which Christie novel, but having read all of them,
I immediately thought of three or four possibilities.
I didn't immediately identify the solution, as the author skillfully blends elements reminiscent of Christie's books with the personal lives of Lady Emily and her family.
Even if I developed a strong hunch a couple of chapters before Emily uncovers the truth, I suspect this was mere luck, and my suspicion didn't detract from my enjoyment.
I
felt compelled to discover the truth until the very end. Similarly, I was eager to learn the fate of Meryt, the female sculptor and protagonist of the
ancient Egyptian storyline.
Overall,
the puzzle is well-crafted, and the author's work is excellent.
Even the
historical subplot, though less captivating than those in previous books,
maintained my suspense, as the dramatic events hinted at from the beginning remain unknown until the climax.
Both
timelines are narrated in the first person (Emily in 1904 and Meryt in ancient Egypt at the time of Ramesses II).
_____ CHARACTERS______
Readers familiar with the "Lady Emily" series will know the
many recurring characters (her family and friends) who often participate in the stories.
This book features her
handsome, clever (and very much in love with her) husband, her always-challenging mother-in-law, and Colin's impertinent and rebellious illegitimate daughter, Kat (a new character to me, as I skipped the two previous books).
While the
characters are usually well-defined in the early books of the series, later installments tend to describe them with fewer details, both physically and personality-wise. This makes their
personal experiences interesting for long-time readers, but it may be more challenging for newcomers to empathize with them.
I tend to read this series out of order (
each book works as a STANDALONE and I select them based on the setting and time of year). However, I don't recommend this approach.
----->READING THE BOOK IN SEQUENCE is definitely more rewarding, as the series begins with Emily as a young woman.
Approximately twenty years elapse between the first book and this one, during which Emily experiences considerable personal growth and change.
____ SIDE CHARACTERS_____
None of the supporting characters are explored in great depth, but,
in the style of classic Christie novels, each is presented with a characteristic that hints at a potential motive for murder.
_______ HISTORICAL PART______
This
element, in my opinion, feels less pronounced compared to previous books.
Nevertheless,
through Lady Emily's exploration of archaeological sites and Meryt's story, the author introduces us to the mysterious and fascinating world of the pyramids, their stunning frescoes, and the funerary customs surrounding not only deceased pharaohs but also the artists who decorated their tombs and lived together in villages near their construction sites.
Coincidentally, I watched a documentary on TV about excavations in Egypt, specifically focusing on the tombs of artists who decorated the tombs of the pharaohs during the reign of Ramesses II, the very period depicted in the book.
Witnessing the remarkable preservation of those paintings was thrilling. Therefore, if you choose to read this book, I recommend enhancing your knowledge with readily available video documentaries on YouTube... or perhaps planning your next vacation to Egypt!
----> SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES: clean language, no gruesome scenes, no sex scenes.
In conclusion,
while this wasn't my favorite Tasha Alexander novel, I will continue to eagerly follow the adventures of her heroine wherever she travels, both geographically and through history.
Thank you for reading my review.
If you want to know
more about OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES, you can read some reviews here :
(Alas I was not used to reviewing books until a couple of years ago, so
reviews of books #1 and #12 and some Christmas stories are missing )
BOOK #2 : A Poisoned Season
BOOK #3 : A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander
BOOK #4: Tears of Pearl
BOOK #5: Dangerous to Know
BOOK #13.5 : Upon the Midnight Clear ( Christmas novella )
BOOK #17: A Cold Highland Wind
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