A lovely collection of short mystery stories puzzled over and solved by Miriam and her friend Phoebe. Want to read more but having difficulty finding them. Thanks to Netgalley for the early read.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of the deadliest deceptions. this was pretty cool, a mystery short set in ancient roman times!

These are top-grade historical mystery short stories set in Alexandria during Roman times. The protagonist is a very appealing, wealthy Jewish woman whose intelligence and humor enable her to solve mysteries that stump her peers. Other characters ((her husband, her best friend) are enjoyable and the stories convey the sense of being in one if the world’s greatest cities at the time. Highly recommended

I read other novels in this series and enjoyed them. This anthology of short stories is entertaining, the stories are well plotted and solid.
I like the Miriam and the solid historical background.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

The Deadliest Deception is an anthology of mystery stories, solved by as Alexandrian alchemist and informal detective Miriam. Each story is brief and to the point, with little diversion from the main plot and a full resolution at the end. Whilst this edition references other stories in the series, this anthology can be read entirely as a stand alone, without having read the other titles in the series.
Throughout each of the stories in the anthology, there were detailed and vivid descriptions of each location and setting. It was able to illustrate the diverse and culturally varied nature of Alexandria. I found the references to the different types of food particularly interesting. I also liked the subtle ways the historical time period was integrated, like the passing reference to Poppaea Sabina (one of Nero’s wives). Because of the nature of the anthology being plot based, there wasn’t a lot of opportunity for strong character growth and progression. But there was consistency in the characterisation throughout.
The female central character in Miriam was a really enjoyable to read about. She was sharp, inquisitive and dedicated. Phoebe was a really enjoyable secondary character to read about, a lot of personality really shone through.
There were a few little things I wasn’t a fan of throughout the story, just things that ruined the immersion for me. Some of the stories are presented as Miriam recounting the events to Phoebe (usually over an assortment of food, which I actually found delightful) and others are happening to them in real time. The switching niggled me, its likely that others won’t really care about this.
Overall, this was a fun read, very quick and enjoyable. It had the perfect mix of short mystery stories and historical fiction, without one overpowering the other. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Love these mysteries, this one is set in ancient Rome.This book brings us a bit of the lifestyle of the era with its dangers -of lion feeding for displeasing the principals. The stories are well drawn and leads a good mystery. If you are a fan of short stories, this one will not disappoint. It is nice to go back in time, leave all our gadgetry behind, and use just common sense to write and solve the stories. Written in a half humorous way, I really enjoy them. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

This is a book full of mysteries all set and the time one Alexandria with the booming metropolitan. Miriam and her Maori best friend theby sing to go from one mystery to another from a locked room mystery to want to put Phoebe‘s life on the line but whether solving crime or just having tea they always pay homage to the Jewish holidays and have time for a gossip. I love these books and hope the author writes more of them. I don’t know where all these new historical mysteries are coming from but please keep coming the great and I can’t get enough. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.