Murder at the Pyramids (Museum Mysteries)
Daniel and Abigail Wilson, described in the press as the ‘Museum Detectives’, decide in January 1901 to visit the pyramids of Gaza. Abigail was part of an archaeological team in the region and wanted to show off the wonders of ancient Egypt to her husband, an ex-detective of the London police. However, what they couldn’t anticipate was discovering the body of a murdered man in the passages of the Great Pyramid!
They insist to the local police, suspicious of the murder of a Westerner being uncovered by Westerners, that they remain on holiday. However, they are unwittingly drawn into the case by the American Embassy – the victim being American – while being opposed by the British governor of Egypt, who wants no blemish on the already contentious image of Westerners among the local population. Of course, they don’t wish to become embroiled in international politics, Egyptian nationalism, and the distain of the governor, and they must contend with the deceit and ulterior motives of the victim’s friends and associates.
An entertaining read, the pace is fast with characters being introduced that make an impact on the reader. They are ‘of a type’ which we can all understand. The protagonists, Daniel and Abigail, are likeable but tend to be unmemorable. They’re too nice, too reasonable, to be true. The personality conflicts remain with the cast of characters, apart from Abigail’s outrage at the governor’s arrogance and petty mindedness. That said, the novel as a whole is an ‘easy’ read and entertaining. The plot is littered with red herrings, maintaining interest in the protagonist’s progress, but the solution is neat and complete.
