SECRETS OF THE NILE

In 1904, an Egyptian vacation turns into a quest to solve several mysteries.

Lady Emily and her husband, Colin Hargreaves, a former agent of the British Crown, accompany his mother, Ann, who’s been invited by her lifelong friend Lord Bertram Deeley to visit his home in Luxor. Also in their party is Colin’s daughter, Katharina von Lange, a product of his affair with an Austrian countess who was a fellow spy. Katarina, an impetuous young lady with shockingly modern ideas, has a rocky relationship with Emily. Even so, the trip up the Nile by boat is delightful. Colin and Emily remain onboard in Luxor rather than stay at Lord Deeley's home, but they do dine there and meet the other houseguests Deeley has been so happy to bring together: Caspian Troubridge; the politician Inigo Granard and his wife, Adelaide; Lady Wilona Bestwick and companion Pandora Evans; and Dr. Oliver Rockley. The first night’s dinner guest is archaeologist Tristan McLeod. When Deeley offers a toast and then collapses and dies—the smell of almonds reveals that there was cyanide in his glass—cracks immediately appear in the relationships among the guests. The police are convinced the poisoner was a servant, but Emily and Colin’s long experience of solving murders suggests otherwise. As it turns out, Deeley was not as beloved as he first appeared, but tracking down possible motives and winnowing out the truth will not be easy.

The unusual background and Agatha Christie twist make for an enjoyable and informative read.