The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham is a beautifully written historical fiction novel. I love the time period it is set in and the mystery that surrounded Egypt at that time. The main characters were so fun and I loved how the story was told. Probably my favorite part of the story was the author’s descriptions of Egypt. I’ve been to Egypt and I can tell you that she has depicted Egypt just as it is. Her setting comes to life with such veracity that I felt transported back to my own trip, just as I felt transported into her story. Great book! This book can be read as a standalone novel, but I’d recommend reading the previous book first because it would give more context to the adventures of this book. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This story was so much fun to read. It has just a little bit of a “Raiders of the Lost Ark” kind of vibe, except it’s the heroine of the book, Gracie, who finds herself in the adventure of a lifetime in Egypt.

Gracie, who previously appeared in the book “The Mistletoe Countess”, is now married to Lord Astley. They are on their honeymoon in Egypt, and Gracie is having a wonderful time seeing the things she’s only read about: camels, tombs, and mummies. Gracie, who considers herself quite the detective, decides to investigate the strange circumstances that seem to be developing around her. There’s danger ahead for both Lord and Lady Astley, and once you begin reading this book in the series, you’ll find yourself delightfully drawn into Gracie’s adventure, too.

Gracie is becoming one of my favorite characters in Christian fiction with her spirited personality, compassion for others, and devotion to her husband. I’m already looking forward to her next adventure.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Happiness is reading a book by Pepper Basham! It is pure pleasure to see what antics Grace has gotten herself into! Trouble seems to follow her, but she bravely turns around and confronts it, trying to help people. In this case, her newly married husband Frederick tries his best to keep up with her in their Egyptian honeymoon. Their adoration of each other and dependence on God are refreshing! Grace's personality is delightful and will draw me in to each book the author wants to offer!

Lord and Lady Astley (Fredrick and Grace) are honeymooning in Egypt. Grace is a young woman with a love of fictional detective stories and a fertile imagination. Fredrick is stalwart and brave, supporting his adventurous wife and helping solve the mysteries she discovers.

Almost from the moment they arrive in Cairo, Grace is swept up into local mysteries…from defending a young orphan girl to a murder in the house where they’re staying with Frederick’s cousin to tomb robbing.

Pepper Basham has created some beautifully faceted characters with a charming romance between the two main characters and a well-developed mystery plot.

An absolutely delightful read with characters you’ll look forward to reading about in future adventures.

Another Frederick and Grace Story full of mystery and packed with action and Grace’s antics!

I love Frederick and Grace! The character are so well developed and have some quirky aspects! This mystery takes us to Egypt which is interesting too! Grace is a woman after my own heart! I love how prepared she is for anything! I laughed and rooted for Frederick and Grace figure things out!

I look forward to many more adventures!

Audiobook: Narrated by Pamela Klein
Pamela has the perfect voice and accents for this book! I love when the audiobook meets my expectations! She compliments the story itself and allows you to immerse yourself

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

There is a Pepper Basham book I haven't loved and The Cairo Curse is no different.

This adorable couple is supposed to go to Italy for their honeymoon with a side trip to Egypt to help Fredrick's cousin. What ensues is an adventure, camels, mummies (if it were left up to Grace), and romance that only Pepper Basham can pen.

This was a delightful book that had me grinning like a schoolgirl from the beginning all the way to the end. I loved Freddy and Grace in The Mistletoe Countess so it was fun to read another book with them in it. I have found that reading a series with the same characters is like getting together with old friends. It's one of the things I love about series.

If you haven't read The Mistletoe Countess I would highly recommend you read it prior to this one. You'll miss out on all the sweetness of this couple.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been in love with Grace since The Mistletoe Countess, so I was ecstatic to travel with her and Freddie to Egypt, of all places! I've actually visited Cairo years ago, so it was fun having a little idea of what she was seeing, smelling, and hearing. I don't know if the author planned for these to be a mystery series from the beginning, but if not, I'm so glad it worked out that way!
Grace was as lovely and as brave as I expected. She's such a hoot! She gets into the funniest scrapes and yet, always comes out on top. She's a little immature, but her ADD comes out well in the text. She has a child-like innocence that is refreshing and laughter-inducing, (with maybe a little head-shaking too.) I love how Frederick loves her and looks out for her.
The author has done an incredible job with the historical research. Everything was so well described that I was certain the author had visited the locations and settings in the story. The mystery isn't too complicated or mind-bending--it's just a fun read with a little danger and intrigue intertwined with the romance. Speaking of romance, I loved the secondary love story for Elliot! I won't give away who he falls in love with, but it was perfect.
One thing I enjoyed is that while Grace and Frederick are married, the author handled the physical side of their marriage with a great deal of tact and innocency. It wasn't cringey or too explicit, but masterfully done considering married characters.
I highly recommend the Grace and Frederick mysteries to lovers of sweet romance and cozy mysteries; readers looking for something light-hearted and fun. Be sure to start with The Mistletoe Countess to get the full affect. I can't wait for The Juliet Code!

So excited to read part 2! The first was so great and adventurous, the second book followed with just as much excitement and adventure. Grace and Frederick are much loved and love reading their story. A great book 1 & 2!

Delightful. Just delightful.

The Cairo Curse is a fun, frivolous romp escalating into an action-packed, suspenseful final scene that will have you turning pages quickly. The heroine is youthful, dashing, and charmingly naïve, in love with her slightly stodgy but completely besotted husband. They are a wonderful couple. So real and human!

Ms. Basham did a great job with the setting and plot. The mystery wasn’t complex, but the denouement scenes were excellent! The subplot involving the minor characters were fun, too.

I recommend this book to romance readers who like laughter and interesting historical detail. It’s the most enjoyable book I’ve read this year!

Nothing says 'honeymoon' like murder and mayhem...

I'm always up for a good adventure story set in the sands and tombs of Egypt. Very rarely do I run into one that I dislike and The Cairo Curse proved that rule to still be very true – don't worry, I liked it. Anyway, it has all of the mystery – and surprisingly the comedy – that a person might wish for in a historical romance.

I will admit that I have not read the first Freddie And Grace Mystery but as I had hoped I was still able to enjoy this second book in the series anyway. Pepper Basham did a great job writing a story that is definitely connected to its predecessor but can still be enjoyed as a complete story of its own.

While The Cairo Curse probably isn't my favorite book with an Egyptology theme, that would be Linda Chaikin's Egypt Trilogy, I can easily tell you that it is my favorite Pepper Basham book that I have read. The mix of humor and murder mystery was quite entertaining. The Egypt on the eve of WWI (1914) setting of this Freddie And Grace Mystery was an excellent one. It was an exciting time in Egyptology and in the world making it the perfect backdrop for a tale of murder, intrigue, and discovery.

I did enjoy reading The Cairo Curse and I think after this I will likely not be a stranger to Pepper Basham's Freddie And Grace Mysteries...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

Honestly, I struggled with this one. I enjoyed much of the middle of this book, but as with its predecessor, there is much more sexual references than I would want to see in a Christian book. I almost felt like I couldn't look the characters in the eye because I had seen too much. I loved the friendships between Freddie and Blake and Elliot, though.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of this series and knew that I would love this book as well. The author is amazing and really brings the characters to life!

The Cairo Curse is a wonderful read that will keep you guessing until the very end! Make sure you read the first book first!

I love Grace! Her character is amazing. She’s got so much she’s been through(read book one) and yet she is still a breath of fresh air and sunshine to all she meets. Of course, that’s from God but watching it play out is interesting and keeps me reading for sure.

Add a new adventure to this book! Oh and pistols and jewels and a thief plus murder. Oh yes, it’s a great book! I loved meeting new characters and catching up with some old ones, though I really will need to get back with some of these characters in another book or two or ten!

I loved the interactions between the characters and how our two main characters look at things differently. Grace is from a different world than Lord Astley and sometimes it’s very apparent.

Oh and don’t forget the street urchins!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham is based around a honeymoon trip between newlyweds Grace and Freddie Astley, where they go to visit Freddie's family in Egypt. It's far from the ideal honeymoon, however, when an archeological dig funded by Freddie's cousins becomes the hotbed of mystery, theft, and murder.

The story is a romance/adventure novel with a unique narrator, strong character, and solid plot development, but it has a few snags in the fabric. The spiritual aspects are mostly on the nose, with some nuances to unpack regarding salvation.

Overall, I would rate it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

For writing style, plot, and characters, I would rate it at 4 out of 5. Even if the plot was a bit predictable, the characters come off the page with their personalities--especially Grace Astley herself. She's both endearing and aggravating at times, but I know I am too!

I think there is confusion in comparing Egyptian religion and God. The book does share a message of salvation, even going as to explain Jesus's death on the cross for our sins, but we didn't quite see a full transformation. This was kind of left as a loose end with one particular character. I do hope it'll be touched upon in a later book.

This is. a solid read, and I would be tempted to pick up a third installment in this series. Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Frederick and Grace are starting out on their honeymoon by visiting family members in Egypt. One would expect a trip of sightseeing and cultural experiences. As usual, with Grace, her trip turns into so much more than other tourists visits. Frederick and Grace find themselves in the middle of jewelry thefts and murder.

This book contains so many things that I loved. It contained witty humor, romance, unpredictable scenes, and adventure. It was a page turner and a very quick read because I didn’t want to put the book down. It is full of information and history which is presented in such a seamless way that the reader is not intimidated or turned off.

Pepper Basham is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors that I rush to get her new book as soon as I can.
As a matter of fact, The Cairo Curse is my favorite book I have read so far this year. I can’t wait to read more books in the series. The book is book number two in the series. I would recommend reading the books in order since many events from the previous book are referenced. I have already purchased the book to share with a friend.

I would definitely recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Egyptian mysteries, murders, and romance…
During Christmas, I read and shared my thoughts on The Mistletoe Countess, also by Pepper Basham. There, we met Grace, Frederick, and Elliott, the butler who has “special gifts”. Well, if you enjoyed that story, you will enjoy The Cairo Curse as it is the continuation of their story.
Grace and Frederick are finally going on their honeymoon and their first stop is Cairo, Egypt where they are met with adventure, wonder, and murder. Grace is beside herself with excitement as they roll into the ancient city and I must admit, I would have been just as giddy, and just as chatty as she was. I share her enjoyment of Egyptology. Of course, ever curious and knowledgable Grace is always thinking and putting together the puzzles of people’s behaviors. I love this character–she is one that hungers for knowledge, not to use it against others but to understand them. She is a people watcher and that is something I identify with a great deal.
This also means that poor Frederick and Elliott have their hands full. I laughed as I imagined some possible looks between the two as Grace offered her theories on events in Cairo. And once the body count begins to rise, there is no stopping the precocious and ever-moving woman. Frederick and Elliott offer several words of warning to not go wandering off…do you think she listened? I love it.
In The Cairo Curse, we also see a more in-depth view of Elliott’s background. It was hinted in The Mistletoe Countess that he was more than just a butler and Fredericks’s eyes and ears when he wasn’t around. In this book, we are shown more of his skills and maybe even a hint of his heart as he interacts with the various guests in Cairo. I think I might have seen him have a small soft spot for one female guest in particular.
Anyway, you all know I love Pepper Basham so it is no surprise that I love this book. Egyptian mysteries, murders, and romance–what more could a reader ask for? (Maybe a continuation to the Freddie and Grace story–Scroll to the end to see a special treat. 😉 )
*** I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley and CelebrateLit Publicities by the publisher. A positive review was not required.

This is the second in the series A Freddie and Grace Mystery that focuses on Lord and Lady Astley and their honeymoon trip. Much to my chagrin I still need to read the first, which I own, so I will need to make that happen soon. I did like the characters of Frederick and Grace, Grace being an American heiress who helps save Frederick's estate. Their relationship is one still new and of learning about one another. Frederick is still getting used to his wife and her more wild tendencies. She does seem to find danger even though she is not really looking for it.

In this story Frederick has surprised Grace with a trip to ancient Egypt to visit his cousins along with all the sights and sounds. To Grace, this sounds like a lot of fun as she has not been much of a traveler, mostly a fiction reader. Which is also how she thinks, which I found most refreshing.

We meet a cast of characters who give off a certain air, that something is not quite right or what not all is what it seems. This was such a fun read for me as it took me to Egypt in the early 1900's and the world and its culture during that time. I enjoyed seeing a married couple working together as a team, relying on each other and certain strengths one may have while protecting one another. I hope Frederick and Grace have many adventures together. I know I want to be there for the ride.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I did not read the first book of Grace and Frederick’s adventures, The Mistletoe Countess, but now I wish I had, because I absolutely loved The Cairo Curse. But what’s not to love? There’s fun characters that you fall in love with, adventures that keep you turning the pages, and suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

I genuinely did not want this story to end. Basham transports you to Egypt where Grace and Frederick are immediately thrown into sticky but exciting, and sometimes even hilarious, situations. And the excitement carries on throughout the rest of the novel as dangers arise and deaths stack up.

Basham is a master at weaving suspense and humor in a way that keeps readers engaged. I would highly recommend this novel, especially to anyone who loves mysteries.

I had received a copy of the book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.

Loved this book by Pepper Basham. I love that we get to see Grace and Freddie again and get to go on another adventure with them. I loved that this story is a mystery but it has a lot of humor in it as Freddie and Grace solve the mystery. I love Grace’s innocence and how she see the world and I love how much Freddie loves her and supports her. I loved that the mystery took time to solve which to me is a sign of a good writer. I loved getting to meet new characters and seeing new places through Grace’s eyes. I thought this book was really good and look forward to reading more books like this.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

The Cairo Curse is written by Pepper Basham. This is book two in the Freddie and Grace series. I did not read the first book, and it appears that most of the romance was covered there. I am a huge fan of this author. She will always draw you in within the first few pages of her work.
Grace and Freddie are married now - and very much in love. They travel on an exotic honeymoon to Egypt - and they are on an adventure that includes: Camels, tombs, mystery and murder. The author had me smiling and laughing throughout this entire book.
Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Take a stroll through the pyramids and ride a camel with Grace as she skips her way through Egypt and deeper into her husband's heart. A heartwarming tale full of mischief and thievery. A mystery that must be solved, and who knows what will happen with Grace on the case. I love her interest in the whole world, her insatiable curiosity and desire to help others. Charming characters with vivid detail. Freddie and Grace are such a wonderful pair, and The Cairo Curse is perfect for people who love Indiana Jones, The Mummy, or National Treasure. Grace's antics will have you laughing in no time, and the story itself holds deeper meaning as the group unravels the mystery. I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.