This is the 14th entry in the historical mystery series that features Barker and Llwelyn, a quintessential detective duo. It was a pleasure to spend time with them in this well written novel that was given a starred review by Publishers Weekly.
It is not necessary to have read the earlier books in the series to enjoy this one but readers who have the time may well want to do so in order to understand more about this duo. They are not alike but do respect one another.
Phillip Addison is a teacher by day but his true love is the volunteer work that the does in the Egyptology section of the British Museum. He might have had a promising future and a full-time job there had he not been murdered. Who did it? Why? Does it have anything to do with a discovery that he made on his last night at the museum? Barker and Llewelyn are hired by Mrs. Addison to figure things out.
This title has many strengths. I enjoyed the narrative voice and the well described settings, everywhere from the museum to the dank river where the body is found to homes and work spaces. The mystery is interesting and solid and will especially be enjoyed by Egyptologists.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 11 April 2023
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 