A Clara Vale mystery taking you from Newcastle to Cairo at a fast pace. An exhibition of a new sarcophagus but with a more modern mummy!
Plenty of smuggling and danger leads Clara from one exciting incident to another. In the vein of Agatha Christie 1930 there are plenty of murders to keep you involved.
Thank you NetGalley and (Embla Books) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book has everything! Pyramids, mummies, murder, history and so much fun! This was a blast to read and it made you feel that you were actually among the cast of charming characters! Highly recommend!

Clara and her trusty assistant Bella are back for another investigation involving stolen jewels , a missing mummy and of course murder!
Miss Clara Vale is attending the opening of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle .
The highlight of the night is the opening of an ancient sarcophagus, but once opened the body inside is one that has died more recently than a mummified body from ancient Egypt .
Clara becomes an embroiled in an investigation that leads her to Egypt and also lures herself and Bella into danger .
Clara is a fascinating character a strong and intelligent woman , and the writing makes for an easy read .
An intriguing cosy mystery that kept me guessing until the end .
A really enjoyable read especially for Egyptology lovers .
Highly recommended!
Thanks to NetGalley and Embla Books.

Stolen Jewels, a fake mummy, it’s all happening as Clara attends the opening of an exhibition at The Hancock Museum. This is the beginning of a journey that will take her all the way to Cairo to find a murderer and uncover a smuggling ring….

Firstly, I just want to say that one of the many reasons that attracted me to reading the book was it took place in The Great North Museum (formerly called The Hancock Museum). This is a place I’ve visited many times and it has a fantastic Egyptian display. It is well worth a visit. I’m so glad that it was incorporated into the plot of this book. Now on to the story, I have to say that it was a world-wind of an adventure. We never paused for breath and the plot moved seamlessly from Newcastle across to London and Cairo. The latter city was vividly brought to life in full technicolour, obviously a lot of detailed research and imagination had gone into the book. For me personally, I enjoyed all the historical, or sometimes faux historical details that were at the centre of the plot.

One of the things I like about the historical cosy crime novel set during this time is the way that the historical and social expectations for women are juxtaposed with their female protagonists. This book did not disappoint with Clara being fiercely independent against expectations for women of her class at this time period. She also maintained control of the investigation for the most part and had very plausible reasoning and relatively good intuition. I have to talk about her partner in investigating crime, Bella, goodness me, what a character! Bella was the star of the show for me with her warm-heartedness and common sense approach to matters.

It might have been an added bonus to hear more Geordie voices during the Newcastle sections of the novel. Although I know this is the case with other books in the series. I also would have liked the book to go back to The Hancock Museum to see the mummy on display. Clara is still learning her craft as a detective and I’m excited to see where the books will go in the future.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Fiona Veitch Smith for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Pyramid Murders coming out June 13, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read in the series. I have the other two books, so I need to go back and read them. I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt so this book was definitely fun for me! I loved the scenes in the museum and uncovering ancient artifacts. I feel like travel would be hard in the 1930s, so it’s interesting Clara was able to travel to Egypt and make her way around. She’s definitely a smart character, but I think it would’ve been a little dangerous to travel as two women. Overall, I really loved the book. Historical cozy murder mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I enjoyed all of the historical facts added to the story. The only real issue was technical with the book formatting. It didn’t keep my place in the book. It kept going back to the first chapter. But I loved the story!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set in Egypt!

Mix Egyptomania, a spunky and and clever lady investigating, and a lot of fun. This is solid mystery is entertaining and well plotted.
It kept me guessing and reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is the 3rd in the Miss Clara Vale series and is a great addition to the series. It’s not essential to have read the first two but it certainly helps with the characters background and history
This story gave a fascinating insight to the study of Egyptian history - the reclamation of their cultural heritage was really interesting to read about and I bet interesting to research.
I loved Clara’s recollections of Bob in this story, her fondness for her uncle shone through every page. Her relationship with Bella also grew in this one and I loved their easy rapport.
With suspects all around, no one being quite who they seem and being a female in a foreign country, it’s a tough ask for Clara.

“The Pyramid Murders” is the latest adventure for Clara Vale. This time she is engaged to solve the mystery of a missing mummy and stolen Egyptian artefacts. A fantastic leading lady, a good dose of science, history, Egyptology, murder, mystery and intrigue what’s not to love?

The book is full of evocative descriptions and colourful characters from pompous to downright dangerous. We meet old friends and new, including a welcome nod to Poppy Denby, a female reporter who has her own series of books by the author Fiona Veitch Smith. Fiona skilfully intertwines fictional characters and situations with historical ones.

Clara Vale is an impressive character, an independent woman who has little interest in following the path expected of her as a “Lady”. I admire Clara’s tenacity and skills both as an enquiry agent and scientist. I thoroughly enjoy absorbing myself in Clara’s world from the glitz and glamour of Society to the darker side of life. I look forward to reading of her further adventures in the future.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Clara and Bella are two very modern and capable ladies mired in the misogynistic 1930s. Clara is a highly educated scientist whose expertise is required when a sarcophagus is opened only to discover they have the wrong mummy. Not only is it the wrong mummy but upon further inspections she realizes there has been a very recent murder and the body is that of the deceased. She and Bella are in a race with a sexist investigator whom the male powers that be of the museum have sent to make sure the ladies don’t mess things up.

Needless to say, Clara revels in being one step ahead although both she and Bella become targets for those who would want them to fail. From England to Egypt they follow the clues. They do figure out what is going on but not before they put themselves smack dab in harm’s way. It is an enjoyable mystery with smart heroines who must labour for recognition in a male dominated world. Four purrs and two paws up.

The latest in the Miss Clara Vale mystery trilogy is my favourite to date. The Pyramid Murders is steeped in the exotic and alluring atmosphere of 1930 Egypt. When Clara enjiys an evebing at the museum to take in the latest Egyptian display, some missing artefects lead Clara on a quest to retrieve the missing items, taking her from Newcastle to London and onwards to Cairo. Whilst this is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone (but be warned, you won't want to miss any of this series!) If you love a cosy mystery, then this will be the perfect trio , even better, if you enjoy a strong female lead - like Miss Marple or Vera, only much younger and at the start of a blossoming career in detecting long before ladies usually enjoyed the luxury of a career. Clara is young, but sharp and enthusiastic. She quickly and eagerly works to locate the missing Egyptian artefacts using the latest in scientific evidence to help. She isn't the only one on a quest to procure these artefacts though, and the pursuitleads her into peril. This is a humorous, intelligent and exciting and mystery. #thepyramidmurders #fionaveitchsmith #netgalley

It was 1930 when private eye, Miss Clara Vale, became embroiled in a plot involving Egyptian artefacts and mummies. The night at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle was the beginning and it wasn't long before Clara and her assistant Bella were heading for Cairo on a cruise ship. On board were people who had also been at the Museum, plus a fellow sleuth who wanted the answers before Clara. Jack had always been a thorn in her side, irritating and aggravating. But she also knew they were both on the same side.

Upon arrival in Cairo, Clara was amazed at the beauty surrounding her. But she also discovered that she had no idea who she could trust. With murders and smuggling, as well as devious people watching her and Bella, Clara knew the clock was ticking and danger was circling. Would they discover who the culprit/s were before someone else died?

The Pyramid Murders is the 3rd in the Miss Clara Vale Mysteries by Fiona Veitch Smith and the first I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip around Cairo, on the River Nile and the sight of the pyramids, even from the air! This historical mystery was filled with bad guys, and I certainly didn't come to the right conclusion until the reveal! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third in this fabulous series and this time the case takes Clara to Egypt. It’s a great read, but not my favourite of the books as it’s a bit long winded in places. You don’t need to read them in order, but you do need to read them! Historical cosy with great female characters.

It's another mystery to crack for Clara Vale, and this time the dead body makes a very early arrival. In this case, she's the mummy who shouldn't be in the sarcophagus opened as part of a planned exposition. Clara is hired to find out where the real mummy might be, who is the mummified woman, and oh yes, there's quite a bit of jewelry that seems to have disappeared....

Clara's investigation takes her to Cairo, where even more danger lurks. And, of course, Jack has weaseled his way into the investigation, selling his own talents as an "enquiry man" and trying to trip up Clara and trying to find out what she's learned, intending to take credit and possibly a large sum of cash.

If you've read the previous books in this series you'll be able to dive right in to the story, and if this is your first Clara Vale mystery, you'll be up to date in short order. My only quibble with these book is how both Jack and Clara's family are portrayed--they're not nice people,but by the third book, they're close to being panto villains. However, it's a very small part of the overall series.

four stars: Highly Recommended, especially for fans of cozy mysteries.

1930: Miss Clara Vale, Oxford graduate in chemistry now turned detective after taking over her uncle’s agency, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake. Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow set out to solve the mystery
The third outing for Clara & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I love Clara who is like a terrier with a bone, she now has an assistant, the delightful Bella. This was one interesting mystery from the cold streets of Newcastle to the desert & the pyramids in Egypt. I loved the descriptions not only of the journey but also the hustle & bustle of Cairo. There are twists & turns as Clara unravels the mystery, who can she trust & what are red herrings & what is the truth. I look forward to more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Mystery set in 1930 featuring Clara Vale trying to solve a case that includes murder, smuggled jewels, missing mummies, buried treasure, and secret societies (both good and evil). This was the third in the series, but the first I have read, and it was easy to follow. Clara is a bit too trusting, and she rather stumbles across the criminals, but more experience in future books will probably help her in her investigative work. I look forward to the next mystery in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher Embla Books for the ARC.

"A night at the museum, a dead body and a trail to Cairo. Sounds like a case for Miss Clara Vale!

1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...

Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.

But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.

Can Clara catch the smugglers before they get away with another murder among the pyramids?"

Egyptian and Egyptian adjacent murders are my catnip. Or should that me Skehmetnip?

I enjoyed this book, somehow I missed the first two. I loved the setting of both England and Egypt. I liked the characters as well.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m still not finished reading this book yet. Life has been busy. I love the idea of this book. Pyramids and Egyptology a little murder. What’s not to love.
I’m not fan of using big words that I have to look up when a little word is just fine. Some of the context in the story seemed not accurate. Over all it’s an interesting read.

Thanks to Embla Books and Net Galley for this ARC. This is a very good read, lots more character development and a twisty plot line, will keep you guessing right tot he end.

The Pyramid Murders is the third installment of the Miss Clara Vale Mystery series by Fiona Veitch Smith. This time Clara investigates a fake mummy and a set of valuable, ancient jewels found along with it. Her investigation takes her on a whirlwind tour to Cairo and she has plenty of adventures along the way!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have loved the series as a whole. Clara is a smart, interesting, spunky character who still maintains classic English charm. I wish I could be as calm and collected as her when I’m angry! The mystery is complex and appropriately supernatural for an Egyptian mummy story. I love Smith’s historical notes at the end. I look forward to reading the next installment!

Thank you to Embla Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.