Murder on the Nile

Lady Eleanor Swift #19

by Verity Bright

A cruise down the Nile, a camel ride around the pyramids, lunch in the shadow of the Sphinx… And a very dead body!

1924. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler Clifford are touring the great, ancient sights of Egypt on a much-anticipated extended vacation. But when the pair arrive at the docks in Cairo expecting to board the luxurious paddle steamer advertised in their brochure, they are baffled by the crumbling old cruiser waiting for them. And things only go from bad to worse as death stalks the decks of the SS Cleopatra…

Two days into the trip one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, is found shot dead in his locked cabin. Immediately suspicious and desperate to see justice done, Eleanor discovers a half-finished note addressed to her hidden in Baxter’s travelling trunk. In it he asks her to deliver a vitally important letter to the authorities at their next stop down a priceless treasure worthy of a king has been stolen and an innocent man’s life hangs in the balance.

But before the sands of time wipe away all evidence on board, Eleanor must uncover who among the other travellers wanted Baxter dead. Was it the anxious archaeologist who doesn’t have an alibi, the reptile expert with a passion for the murderous Nile crocodile or the art dealer with a devious secret?

With the killer readying to strike again much closer to home, can Eleanor dig up the truth before she’s trapped in a tomb under the pyramids forever?

A gripping and twisty 1920s murder mystery set in Egypt, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nineteenth book in this excellent series written by a husband and wife team. How great to be able to be married, live together, work together and produce good books as well!

It is 1924 and Lady Eleanor, Clifford the butler, all her staff and even her pets are making a grand tour of ancient Egypt. We meet Eleanor and Clifford as they are boarding a cruise down the Nile which turns out to be not quite as luxurious as planned. Certainly they did not expect a murder, stolen treasure, travelling companions with secrets, and even an innocent man who is about to be executed. Can Eleanor find the meaning of all this and save him?

I enjoyed this book enormously and it may even be my favourite of the whole series so far. The Egyptian setting is wonderful, Eleanor and Clifford bicker entertainingly, and her 'ladies' are there to make sure there is always a safe place to be. I guess one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is that having read each book from the beginning I now know the characters really well and it is like spending time with friends. I hope the authors have plans to write lots more!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1924 when Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, were sailing down the Nile after leaving Cairo. The SS Cleopatra was headed for the small village of Bawaaba, where they would disembark and meet with Lady Swift's staff plus Gladstone and Tomkins, who were waiting in a rented home. The Cleopatra was a dilapidated vessel; the few other guests decidedly odd; the crew strange - but when one of the guests was discovered dead, things changed in Ellie and Clifford's lives for the next little while.

With grave robbers, archaeologists, a policeman on his way to his new posting, and pyramids awaiting their awe, Ellie and Clifford set to work, investigating not just one murder, but two. With the pressure on, Cleopatra unable to sail for a few days due to being held by the police, the clock was ticking. Would Ellie and Clifford find the brutal murderer before everything went wrong?

Murder on the Nile is another awe-inspiring addition to this wonderful series by Verity Bright, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. #19 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series, and with another exceptional cover to grace the book, the series is coming along in leaps and bounds. Long may it continue! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Nile is the 19th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series. Each book in this series is a self-contained mystery, so can be read as a standalone story, but I have enjoyed reading them in order. In this book, Lady Eleanor, her butler Clifford, her ladies who work for her along with her cat Tomkins and bulldog Gladstone are on vacation in Egypt. Eleanor and Clifford are taking a cruise on the Nile, while the rest of them head to a townhouse she has rented in Bawaaba. The boat is not what Clifford expected, but they sail on. With an eclectic group of passengers, Eleanor makes friendly will all of them, although they don't all get along. When the brash retired Lieutenant Baxter is found dead in his cabin from an apparent suicide, Eleanor disagrees and is sure it is murder. It turns out that one of the passengers is the new police captain heading to Bawaaba, so he is on the case, with Eleanor and Clifford to assist. When another body turns up on the boat, they have to move quickly to determine who the killer is.

I think this is my favourite in the series so far. I liked that Eleanor was out of England in a country that wasn't necessarily friendly to the English, since they had only recently gained their independence. There was not only a killer to find in this one, but also a mystery surrounding a task that has been left to Eleanor by the dead man. The fact that this was a locked room, or should I say boat, murder meant that everyone on the SS Cleopatra was a suspect. There were a lot of secrets and lies to sort through, but determining who had a motive was difficult. Although Eleanor and Clifford knew that he was killed before he "righted a terrible wrong" they didn't know what it was or who it would have exposed. There is some adventure, sneaking around late at night, a dangerous criminal and some deadly wildlife to contend with, which all added to the suspense in this one. I didn't figure out who the culprit was, and was constantly changing my mind along the way. I really liked how Verity Bright pulled it all together with a great ending. If you enjoy a good historical cozy mystery, with a bit of humour, a great plot and wonderful characters, then I recommend this book and series.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bookcoture and NetGalley for the free advanced reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

Lady Eleanor Swift is treating her staff to a much needed vacation in Egypt! She's rented a house for the ladies and Ellie and Clifford will sail up the Nile and join them. Ellie booked the trip without Clifford's approval and without even reading the brochure! She just liked the pictures, which turn out to be misleading. The S.S. Cleopatra is an old, rusty, leaky boat with minimal crew. The captain is never available and the rest of the guests are unwilling to socialize much. Then, one of the guests, a Lieutenant Baxter, begins to act strangely, especially around Ellie. He keeps talking about the secrets of the dead. Creeped out, Ellie tries to ignore him but when Lt. Baxter dies by his own hand in a locked room even leaving a note behind, Ellie is skeptical. Was he trying to tell her something? Did she pick up on the wrong thing or did someone kill Lieutenant Baxter? Certain she's right, Ellie plunges in to solve the mystery with enough evidence to bring to the new chief of police in Bawaaba. When they learns time is off the essence, Ellie and Clifford have to get creative before time runs out.

This was a convoluted mystery! I'm not quite sure what happened exactly. I read it twice but everything happened so quickly. I was annoyed that a villain got away and another didn't really have to pay for their crimes. At first I was worried about comparing the story and setting to my beloved Amelia Peabody but this one pays homage to Agatha Christie more than Elizabeth Peters. There was one character who reminded me of the MC in Amelia's books. It's not about archaeology although there is some history of that and the mystery is rooted in the recent past. The story relays the information about what a sensation the finding of King Tut's tomb was and how everyone wanted to get rich and famous. It addresses Egyptian independence and British military control, the looting of tombs (What is the purpose of archaeology? Is it a good thing or bad?) and the removal of artifacts from the country illegally. There's a little more recent history than in Amelia's books since this one takes place after the last Amelia book. I learned some new things about what happened after Amelia's journals leave off and that was great.

Never fear, there's still plenty of banter between Ellie and Clifford and a few scenes with the ladies and the pets. The ladies' new hobby made me almost laugh out loud! Can you imagine the cook belly dancing? LOL! The antics of the pets are adorable as always and make this qualify as a cozy mystery.

Dear Ellie is so compassionate and has such a big heart. She's very sweet but she can be tough when she wants to be. I felt her confrontational method of solving the murder was just shooting in the dark and not effective. She also could have found herself in some serious trouble sneaking around on her own. Clifford is remarkable and it's amazing he always knows what Ellie is thinking. I missed having Hugh investigate with them and the quirky characters Clifford always seems to know. Hugh was very much in Ellie's thoughts though which is nice. What I really liked about this story is how complimentary people are about Ellie's intelligence and bravery. No one puts her down for having bicycled alone around the globe the way they do back home. That's how it should be but we all know when a woman does something even the least bit extraordinary, she gets pushback or all anyone wants to mention is her looks. Ellie is beautiful, strong, brave and intelligent.

The new characters are not very likable. I only enjoyed one because they reminded me of a lovable character who is not what they seem in the Amelia Peabody mysteries. Deckhand Farah doesn't speak English. He's not too intelligent and gets caught up in things he doesn't understand. Captain Anders is sleazy, cheap, lazy and not very nice. He's never around when Ellie asks, not even to greet his passengers or dine with them. Is he even on board? If so, doesn't he have someone else to help pilot the ship? It's such an odd, old boat and the brochure technically doesn't lie but the photos are misleading. This guy is suspicious and probably up to no good.

The passengers are not a jolly lot. Herr Ernest Piltz is German and obviously suspicious because it's just after WWI. He claims to be traveling for business but why is he on this old, creaky, leaky boat if he has to be somewhere for work? He's not friendly and seems suspicious beyond his nationality. Ludo and Frederika de Groot are supposedly married but I think she's way too quick to announce her surname and the fact they are a married couple. I think they are not married. Ellie won't care but for propriety's sake they must pretend. I think he's married to someone else. Frederika is more intelligent and dominant. She's sharp and seems to know who Ellie is somehow. Has the news of Ellie's murder solving exploits become widely known? Ellie seems worried about that. Ludo is a fussy man who can't agree with his "wife" on anything but he's aware when he hurts her and after a good sulk, apologizes. I appreciate that. However, one or both of them could be a murderer!

Wesley Merrick is also traveling on business. He's a pompous businessman of some sort and likes to brag about how it's not his first time in Egypt. He has followed his wealthy father into business by being the dutiful son. How far is he willing to go to protect his business interests - whatever they are? I'm guessing import/export (as in illegal exports)? Lieutenant Baxter acts like a total pompous, arrogant English military gentlemen. He has little use for women or foreigners. Then his behavior changes and he seems nervous almost and tries to hold cryptic conversations with Ellie. Is he suffering from shell shock (not battle fatigue, that's a WWII term) as Clifford suggests? I don't think so. I get the impression something happened in his past in the military he now regrets. He wants to make amends. He may have stolen something and/or killed someone. The clues seem to suggest it. The actual story is pretty complicated and tragic.

Yakub Sharaf, from near Cairo, is traveling to Bawaaba. He's kind and Ellie is respectful of his beliefs. Of course the arrogant Europeans also traveling on the boat are less kind. They don't know who he really is and why he's on the boat! He's far more astute than anyone gives him credit for and a good man. He's the most likable of the passengers. Also likable is Felix Trott, a goofy herpetologist. He's a bit of an idiot and probably lying about his profession but not it being a passion. He's continually going on about crocodiles and making Merrick squeamish. Merrick loathes and fears reptiles of all kinds. Who doesn't fear crocs and snakes? No thank you! Arthur Barr, a cockney rogue, probably escaped prison a time or two, is a man on the make in Egypt. He'll do anything as long as the pay is good. He's quite an enjoyable character. At first I didn't like him or see the necessity of this type of person but he grew on me, especially at the end. Mahmoud Zaki is another one I didn't like at first. He runs a nightclub probably a brothel and is rumored to be a smuggler and gun runner. He's scary in a mob boss way. His revelations about himself are surprising and made me like him a little bit more. I don't trust him though.

Overall, this was another great adventure. I think I will give it another look over before the release date. I was speed reading towards the end! I look forward to Ellie's arrival back at Henley Hall and hope she stays put for awhile. I don't know how many people in the area can be murdered but I do love it when she's home.

[Linniegayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable entry in the Lady Eleanor historical mystery series, featuring Ellie and her Butler Clifford. This time, as the book opens, Ellie and Clifford are in Cairo, getting ready to board a boat to head South to meet up with her staff who are already in a home she's rented in Bawaaba. As they board the ship, it seems understaffed, and their fellow passengers all seem completely disagreeable. Of course, shortly afterwards, a murder occurs.

This time, the murder the two investigate (because of course they do) involves them in the illegal antiquities trade, issues between the British and the Egyptians, gun running, smuggling, and more. And to make things more complicated, many of the people Ellie and Clifford encounter aren't what they seem to be at first.

I enjoyed the mystery, and loved the setting of Egypt, but definitely look forward to the next book as it seems Hugh, Ellie's fiancee, will play a key role.

[Lady Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.4 / 5

So, 19 books in and this is my third book of the series that gets four stars instead of five, and that's...pretty darn good, actually. It's just a testament to how much I truly love this series and won't be getting tired of it anytime soon! Plus, I've also been in yet another reading slump lately (hence the slow pacing), and therefore getting through any book in any length of time is bound to be a challenge; but not for Lady Swift, oh no!

The story this time around is that Eleanor is on vacation in Egypt, which of course necessitates bringing along her entire household--naturally. Part of her trip includes a nice little cruise on the Nile, but *le gasp* murder strikes! Once again, it's up to Eleanor and Clifford to solve the case, and away we go!

A lot of the setup is perfect, of course: Eleanor and Clifford together as a team, exotic Egypt as a setting, a mysterious murder aboard (which narrows down the suspect list and makes it all the more thrilling in considering whether Eleanor herself might be in danger or not), and a tight deadline to figure everyone out as well. Absolutely deee-lish, no?

BUT

A few things held me back from fulling enjoying this one, with a few negatives that I really think I ought to point out, in all honest criticism.

1 - Eleanor's being far from home is...kind of against her in this one
I will say that this is a step up from A Death in Venice in that the authors don't go on and on about the setting, thank goodness; however, I am starting to notice that the further away that Eleanor is from home--such as in Venice, Manhattan, or France--the less it seems like she has a stake or even a place in the mystery at hand. Because...yeah, Eleanor is tasked with finishing something for the victim who got murdered this time around, except that I really didn't see her as having much of an obligation this time around, and therefore it really DID feel like she was just going out of her way to get involved, and all whilst she's supposed to be vacationing instead. There was a lack of urgency in the plot for me as a result of this, and it slowed up the reading process by quite a bit.

2 - Eleanor and Clifford don't have as many heartwarming moments in this, neither with each other, their ladies, or Gladstone and Tomkins
Balance is key between the heartwarming and the mystery-solving within cozy mysteries, and unfortunately the former is not too present in this book. Unlike some other reviews I've seen, I actually don't mind Hugh being absent for some of Eleanor's mysteries, because it's really not her relationship with him that's the basis of the series: it's her dynamic with Clifford that makes or breaks the character relationship parts for me. And while Eleanor and Clifford are working side-by-side and almost constantly thrown together in this, unfortunately I just didn't feel that same camaraderie between them as in some other books. On the one hand, it's kind of neat how they can read the subtlest hints of things from each other without saying anything; but, on the other hand, just seeing the more human side of them when they're NOT being just detectives was kind of lacking here. Even their back-and-forth banter and quips that I've come to expect felt just a bit formulaic here.

And, to add on to that, while the entourage from home is present with them, they're not really all that present, and just kind of ornamentally there, as in A Death in Venice. If they'd only been given more to do or had some more scenes, that would've been great.

3. Not. Enough. GLADSTONE!
I think this one speaks for itself.

4. The mystery itself was...not the twistiest it could have been
Without giving anything away, let's just say that I've read better mysteries from this author as well, and that the mystery itself, paired with what I felt was Eleanor's lack of a stake in it, was kind of telling. On the one hand, I did like the idea of having a murder happen on a boat and having different suspects that are all suspicious in one way or another; but, on the other hand, because none of the possible motives are particularly the best, especially as the victim was not really well known by any of them, I just felt that it was more of a mystery that existed to be solved as opposed to being, well, realistically a genuine murder, if that makes sense? Besides which, the resolution's not exactly the most satisfactory either, although it is...shall we say, "Egyptian".

________________

So, all in all, though the cover did give me high expectations for this one, I'm sorry to say that ultimately I walked away still just wanting. Fingers crossed that the next read, which will be out in time for the holidays and seems to have all the cozies that I love, will be able to fill that cap. #20, I'll be looking out for you!

My Updated Ranking of the Lady Eleanor Swift Mysteries

1. Death on a Winter's Day (Book 8)
2. Mystery by the Sea (Book 5)
3. A Very English Murder (Book 1)
4. Death Down the Aisle (Book 11)
5. A Witness to Murder (Book 3)
6. Murder at the Fair (Book 6)
7. Death on Deck (Book 13)
8. The French for Murder (Book 10)
9. Murder in an Irish Castle (Book 12)
10. Murder in Mayfair (Book 18)
11. Murder in the Snow (Book 4)
12. Death at the Dance (Book 2)
13. Murder on the Cornish Cliffs (Book 16)
14. Murder in Manhattan (Book 14)
15. A Royal Murder (Book 9)
16. Murder by Invitation (Book 15)
17. Murder on the Nile (Book 19)
18. A Death in Venice (Book 17)
19. A Lesson in Murder (Book 7)

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

1924, Lady Eleanor Swift, her butler Clifford & The Aprons are touring the great, ancient sights of Egypt on a much-anticipated extended vacation. But when the pair arrive at the docks in Cairo expecting to board the luxurious paddle steamer advertised in their brochure, they are baffled by the crumbling old cruiser waiting for them. Two days into the trip one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, is found shot dead in his locked cabin. Eleanor discovers a half-finished note addressed to her hidden in Baxter’s travelling trunk.
Eleanor must uncover who among the other travellers wanted Baxter dead.
The nineteenth book in the series & another well written cosy mystery, the downside was there was no Hugh. Eleanor & Clifford have their work cut out to not only find the murderer but also what does the letter refer to. There’s a mix of suspects who all have secrets & are not what they seem. The intrepid pair find themselves riding camels & entering catacombs all under the hot desert sun. I love the relationship between Eleanor & Clifford it’s witty & unique. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed it & highly recommend it
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I can't believe we're on the 19th outing of Lady Eleanor Swift! This spunky Golden Age heroine is in Egypt with Clifford and comes across yet another dead body. She's really like Murder, She Wrote's Jessica Fletcher, but of the flapper age.

As always, I enjoyed the pacing and writing style of this series, which pays homage to Agatha Christie in style, yet creates a style of their own with such an independent-thinking female heroine. I'll admit I was jazzed to find out that Ellie was in Egypt this time around because I just adored the Amelia Peabody Emerson mysteries. There's not-so-much regarding archeology, but the discovery of King Tut's tomb is in the recent past is mentioned in the book, and the moral implications of what we now see as essentially grave robbing.

The mystery was a bit convoluted this time around, and I figured out the murderer right away because by volume 19, one learns to read Verity Bright's books for the subtle clues. Still a very enjoyable read.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written and well researched mystery.

It took me a chapter or two to understand the partnership between Eleanor and Clifford but after that the book was quite smooth sailing (just like the ship they were on). I actually liked the Lady and Butler duo, it was a refreshing take and both the characters seemed logical and used their minds to solve the crime instead of pure guesswork.

The setting of the book is great, Egypt and the dunes and the catacombs (who knew Egypt had catacombs too) really brought the book to life.

Looking forward to reading the previous books and the future books of the series.

[Natasha (The Bookbasket) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Hercule Poirot's female counterpart, a force to be reckoned with who will stop at nothing to bring justice to the undead.

I love Lady Swift as a character, she always needs to solve a murder, even if she should be on vacation. And to do it with her counterpart and butler, she is unstoppable.

This book will also hold a special place in my heart because it is centred around Egypt, and I have a fascination with stories that are situated in the country. I should probably thank the movie "The Mummy" for my obsession, and I have not read or seen a movie situated in this country that I did not like.

Needless to say, I was yet again bamboozled by the second death in this story. The first one was warranted (I mean, it's in the name) but the second one always catches me off guard.

I was going along with the characters, trying to solve the puzzle with them, but I was looking at the wrong person this whole time 🤯.

The ending almost had me in tears as well, and that rarely happens. It could be because I have formed an attachment to the characters and if they feel a certain emotion, I do too.

Now I'm eagerly awaiting Lady Swift's next adventure and wondering where she will travel to next.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookotoure and the author for sending me an ARC for my honest review.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost gave it 5 stars I think this is my favorite book of the series

I didn’t go 5 only because it’s a cozy but it was such a good mystery. Egypt 1920s archaeology and murder Lady felicity is in her element and Clifford and the ladies are there to help her set things right and get justice for the victim(s).

[Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review about the series as a whole, rather than a specific book review about each book.


I am enjoying this series somewhat. I do find somethings rather frustrating at times, but overall, I like how things are developing through the whole series and I do want answers to certain questions that still have to be answered. It's a pleasant, not taxing on brain way to spend a couple of hours.

Eleanor. Right. She does not read as a 28 something woman, who eventually hits her 30's as the series progresses. Her character background doesn't fit the character we are presented with. I know she has been somewhat spoiled and is pampered, but she reads as a teenager to me, especially as all her exploring should've made her more mature. She has been travelling the world for 10 years alone. I repeat, travelling alone as a woman in the 1920's. That wouldn't have been easy and you'd need your wits about you. It's not like she's been locked in a manor for 15 years and is finally being released into the world alas Rapunzel. I also find her general horniness, both hilarious and frustrating, especially when she's falling for people she's just met and having romancey moments at the most worst times when she should be focusing on something much more serious. Though I do know it's part of her character that she falls hard over nothing and has a habit of rushing into romances with people she barely knows. She knows this about herself, yet does it anyway, she never really grows in this respect througout the story. I also didn't like that she turned into blushing, awkward giggling girl around males she finds attractive. It's stereotypical and once again, it's reminisce of a teenager. You'd think at 28, you can be around an attractive male and be fine. Most woman I know can. She just doesn't come across as a 28-30 year woman to me. I do sigh when she's like a bull in a china shop where a delicate hand was needed. She sometimes makes life hard for herself though once again, I know that's one huge part of her character traits, but she can come across quite rude at times. But I don't dislike her and I don't mind having her as the main character, I do wish we would have some more character growth within the story though.

Also, I know talk of food is a somewhat part of the cozy genre, but it gets tiring that Eleanor eats six heavily calorie meals a day, yet always keeps her figure. It's unrealistic and is a pet peeve of mine, as it's a mythical dream that is used as a stick to beat woman with when they can't achieve it.

I really like Clifford (despite the grating chivalry misogyny and being all proper which can get tiring. And I dislike how he's always reminding the ladies that because Eleanor has a title, that means she's better, worth more and special than them. All people are equal on the whole. A title doesn't mean much in this day and age. I know it's somewhat suitable/normal for the time period, but I think the authors can easily not focus and push this specific idea as much as they do. I know Clifford truly believes that she's better but it's getting old, especially when he pushes it on the staff several times a book.) and the rest of the staff though Clifford should be a bit easier on them, haha. I mean, they're doing several peoples worth of work a day by themselves. And one of them is 15 and started working at 11. (Imagine having an 11 year old as a maid/cleaner/everything else.) Dude doesn't know how to relax and chill. And Gladstone is my favourite. He's a cutie and I love his addition to the story. He makes a cute, fun aspect to the books with his charming personality of constantly stealing shoes and his penchant for digging.

Also, Polly started working at the manor at 11. In 1918, you had to stay in school until you were 14! so what's with that?!? Breaks the immersion. I don't understand why they couldn't have her at like 17? It would change nothing. She can still be a clumsy, young, silly girl at 17. You wouldn't have to change a thing about her character as it was written. I don't understand why the author chose her to come to the manor at 11, and be 15 within the stories narrative. Also, within the books I've read (13 as I type this sentence), we've had 2 Eleanor's birthdays, but Polly still has remained 15 somehow?

General Discussions about the series as a whole, including my thoughts on Hugh so probable minor spoilers;



While I think Hugh is a step up from the other guy (He had no substance and was always about just having a good time), I can't help but feel that he wants to change Eleanor, rather than accept her as she is. I know it's partly down the classic chivalry misogyny of the time period, but it is frustrating. He just needs to accept that she won't stand for injustice and stop ordering her about. For her to be like "Someone has been murdered. Oh well, not my problem." is asking her to be someone else. I know he worries about her safety, but that is in Eleanor's control, rather than his. Also, Eleanor has been right on the mark about murders happening. He says no. She says yes. She is proved right. It has happened what like seven times? I can accept that after the first or second one, he might still disregard her opinion. But after the third one, he still does it. Which I don't get. He should trust her instincts as she has yet to be proved wrong, unlike Hugh. She has proved him wrong every single book when he's declared "natural causes" yet he still doesn't trust her instincts and knowledge. Infact, Hugh should trust Eleanor opinion more than his own, considering he's been wrong on the mark so many times. It makes him come across as an idiot when he dismisses Eleanor so easily, especially as the reader knows he is in the wrong. So as a reader, I find that aspect frustrating as it feels like time wasting as we know Eleanor is right and doesn't make me warm to him. As we know Eleanor is right, he kinda comes across as incompetent when he could help but chooses not to do so. It's acceptable when higher ups are blocking him etc, but not when he's not helping due to free will. So I find that aspect really frustrating. And despite me reading 10 books with the character, we still know very little about him as a whole. So I hope the future books will stop him having a moan every book about Eleanor choosing to find answers to a murder as it's getting old. I want him to accept Eleanor as she is, she won't let things go when she could help and he needs to accept that. The chivalry disguised as misogyny is getting old and not making me like him all that much, and I believe as a reader, I'm supposed to do so, as I think he's the main romance aspect of this series. I can't see Eleanor swerving back to Lance and unless a new guy moves to the village, we don't have many other romance options. Also, it's hypocritical that he spends most of his time at work, so justice is important to him, yet he can't accept that justice and answers is just as important to Eleanor. It's one of the things they have in common. I am also getting so tired about the locking her in the house/Clifford control this woman!!! jokes, or should I say, jokey half truths, cause if he had no "chivalry", Eleanor would be tied to a chair in the library. I was going to say oven or something generic like that, but we know Eleanor isn't going to make a single meal in these books and why should she.

UPDATE SINCE THE ENGAGEMENT: Hugh has stopped acting such a twat since the engagement which I appreciate and has become a lot more tolerable, even though I still think he's an idiot. He's still on thin ice though.

Though his calviliar attitude towards Joseph being murdered in previous books as a proof of punitive justice was a bit twatish and cruel. I felt it was a very shrug of shoulders, even though he wanted to help, there was no emergency to it. Especially as it's part of his fault that Joseph ran. Also, come on, I have no real bad blood towards the Royals, but their attitude towards people who want "Republic" was way too dramatic, though it may be just because of the time period.


I didn't like Lance, he was shallow, vapid and had no real substance so I was glad he was binned off as a romance option quite quickly. He was more childish than Eleanor. He has no respect for anyone. And is very dismissive to the things that matter to Eleanor.

Also, it gets a bit boring when everyone fancies the main character. It's just a small annoying tidbit.

And it is a bit tiring when everyone else is either an serious idiot or is being evil for no reason. Like come on!

Also, I understand why the author keeps the staff at the manor down to 6-7 people as it would be hard to have 30 staff members popping up and being background characters. It allows the 6-7 staff to have their own personality without overwhelming. But I can't help think they must work to the bone, as it impossible they could do everything they do. There is no way that 6-7 people can keep a 40 something room manor clean, make food, do all chores, helping their lady etc. There are two, then three, ladies whose job it is to clean and help Eleanor amongst other jobs, no way two people can keep a manor in pristine condition. And Eleanor makes their life harder and easier at the same time, she'll buy them a vaccum but she won't keep her clothes tidy, thus making them clean up her twenty outfits that she's tried on and discarded on the floor. And I know it's stated that Eleanor offers more staff and they turn her down. But that's just silly. I mean, average people in a 3 bed can easily get behind with chores, especially with those tasks that should be done every month, but end up being done every three, e.g. spring cleaning, the fridge, cleaning the skirting boards, taking everything out of the cabinet and dusting/washing it all. But they simply could not realistically keep this manor to high standards, they would legit never be able to sleep. But I can let go and accept this part is pure fantasy. But Imagine watching an 11 year old work each day! Cleaning your banisters, dropping your tray, doing the stuff you could easily do yourself etc. It would be weird. The girl is meant to be at school! In 1918, it was compulsory to stay in school till 14. Obviously probably didn't always happen that way and not everyone followed it, but the law exists within this time period.





FOR READERS AFTER BOOK 13;

okay. I've decided to give Hugh another chance even though I dislike him, after the big old proposal. We'll see if he's actually accepted Eleanor or not.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nineteen books into this Lady Eleanor Swift series has Eleanor boarding a ship that is completely different than what was advertised. For the sake of Eleanor’s ever-reliable butler Clifford, she is willing to forgo the trip. However, Clifford knows Eleanor was looking forward to the trip, so they board the ship.

As Eleanor approaches her fellow travelers, they seem either rude or odd. But, the cruise promises more benefits that would outweigh the negatives. However, two days into the trip a gunshot is heard and a man is dead.

Much to the consternation of the other passengers, Eleanor is not shy about asking questions, especially when the murderer was right there among them. Not only does she follows clues as closely as possible, she has great instincts and has become an excellent amateur sleuth. Time is slipping away and Eleanor is determined to find the identity of the killer.

I have really been enjoying both Eleanor and Clifford over the course of the series. And, as aalways, Clifford reminds me of Mary Poppins, always having exactly what Eleanor needs at any given time. I am very much looking forward to whatever will be in store in the next installment of this series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Mirrordance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un giallo che rievoca nel titolo il più famoso "Death on the Nile" di Dame Agatha. Le ambientazioni sono simili, le atmosfere anche ma non c'è paragone.
Non so se partire dalla 19 avventura di Lady Eleanor Swift fa perdere qualcosa ma questa investigatrice improvvisata non rende e e non prende.
Una storia confusa e personaggi molto stereotipati.

[virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verity Bright’s 19th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series, Murder on the Nile, finds Lady Eleanor and Clifford heading toward the docks in Cairo to board a ship that will take them down the Nile. As soon as they get to the docks, they both realize the ship they are about to board is not what it seems. As they embark on a trip that is supposed to be a vacation, a murder occurs as the ship sails. Of course, Lady Eleanor and Butler-Clifford's team get involved and try to solve the mystery. With a mix of suspects carrying secret reasons for being on the trip, this cozy mystery who-dun-it amps up as Lady Eleanor and Clifford try to prove the death of a passenger was a murder, not a suicide.

With just the perfect amount of well-researched details about the Nile and Egypt, as well as characters I enjoyed getting to know from A Death in Venice, I put on the kettle one night, slept briefly, and put the kettle back on at 4 AM, reading until I finished. I thoroughly enjoyed the lively banter between Lady Eleanor and Clifford and the fact that Lady Eleanor is an independent woman who steps outside the lines of the typical female mores of her time and social status. The plot had plenty of twists and turns to keep me reading to the end.

However, this is the second book I have read in the series (I do plan to read them all) with a mention of a fiance named Hugh with few details about this mystery man until the ending, which unfortunately didn’t capture my imagination the way I wanted it to. Although the tale mentions the ladies of Eleanor’s staff and her adorable feline and canine pals she always travels with, I wanted to enjoy a few more details of their antics than I did.

At times, Lady Eleanor seemed dedicated to helping find the killer because the man posthumously asked her to do so via a note and other clues, but I was a bit confused about why she was so invested in doing so. Despite a few niggling narrative loopholes, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. I cannot wait to read every book in the series.

I highly recommend that readers start at the beginning of the series because, as a standalone, this book seems to have dangling characters inserted without much detail to draw readers into their role in Lady Eleanor’s story.

All in all, I absolutely loved the book. I could visualize myself on the rickety ship cruising the Nile, riding camels in the desert, and sneaking up to a balcony to see who a certain suspect would see. The setting details were great. The dialogue was witty but sometimes unbelievable, and the plot held my interest with a surprising ending that wrapped the storyline up beautifully. I recommend the book to anyone who loves a quick, eventful, cozy mystery.

4-Stars all the way around because I think a page or two in each book in the series to let new readers know who Hugh is and more about her staff would make this not just a great, cozy mystery series but an excellent one. As a standalone, the book has a few flaws with characters that seem merely afterthoughts with little to spark a reader's interest. Just a thought …

Verity Bright has earned a permanent place on my virtual and physical bookshelves. I love her work. I received this as an advanced copy for free. This review is voluntary and mine alone.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Egypt has always fascinated me. Having recently read a few non-fiction books focused on Egypt, I jumped at the opportunity to read this fictionalized account set in 1924. It'd also been quite some time since I checked up on the events in Lady Eleanor Swift's life. How long? Actually, I'm not sure, but obviously awhile since she was still relatively new to her title when I last tuned in. As much as I enjoy her growing friendship with Clifford, who seems to be the perfect lady's butler, I did miss getting to catch up with Hugh and the ladies of the manor until late in the story. That said, Egypt itself makes for a fascinating character in a way, particularly with the detailed descriptions we get from the author. I'm glad she made Lady Eleanor such an observant character, opening the way for those details.

Eleanor is quite likable and seems able to talk to everyone, probably due to her past history of world travel. As it was, however, I had to chuckle at her almost bubbly efforts to make conversation with the other passengers, none of whom seemed particularly interested in being social. That Eleanor persists, tells you about her personality, one not easily detoured or put off by someone. I could relate somewhat to the others this time as I'm one of those who frequently prefers to simply sit and read or gaze at the world about me, hard to do when someone as chatty as Eleanor is about. Her trust and admiration for Clifford, the butler-friend who accompanies on this voyage, is definitely fun to watch. Clifford is a fascinating character in his own right and I fear I may have missed some character reveals of him while on hiatus from this series. He seems unflappable and to almost know what Eleanor is thinking or needs before she even does at times. He's also protective and, even better, seems to be good at it. I mean, there are crocodiles.

As for the supporting cast this go-round, I never felt I got to know them well, though I'll blame the road work outside my window for that. There were interesting stories behind the characters but all seemed tied to the mystery. Ah, the mystery? Who killed Lieutenant Baxter. Even more delicious for mystery buffs, the body is found in a locked room of the (not so luxurious) SS Cleopatra. Shades of Agatha Christie. We do get to visit some pyramids, however, and actually spend time inside a tomb. Let's just say, that isn't for those with claustrophobia. There are also references to the discovery of King Tut's tomb and the demand for Egyptian artifacts, legal or otherwise. But, how is this all tied to the death of Baxter? Well, I'm not telling but will admit to not quite figuring it out myself prior to the reveal. The clues were tricky, let's just say, and I obviously need to up my sleuthing game. The killer is diabolical and there are reasons behind their actions that do help it all make sense in the end. Thanks #Bookouture for letting me catch up with Lady Eleanor again with this early peek at her adventurous life. I will be making an effort to catch up again, that's for sure.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relaxing cruise down the Nile on a sumptuous paddle-steamer was the plan. Instead, Lady Eleanor Swift (Ellie) and her butler, Clifford, are confronted with a wreck of a boat that bears no resemblance to the one depicted on the advertising brochure. Furthermore, their fellow passengers are not the travelling companions that suggest a good time will be had by all. Despite these set backs, Ellie is determined to enjoy her visit to Egypt, but she didn't envisage one of the passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, being found dead in his cabin. The authorities declare it a suicide, but Ellie and Clifford are unconvinced. Cryptic conversations she had with the victim and the discovery of a note addressed to her hint that Baxter knew he was in danger.

Unable to persuade the police to investigate Baxter's death, Ellie and Clifford continue their own investigation and are conveniently helped by the police impounding the SS Cleopatra at Bawaaba. Here, Ellie and Clifford are reunited with the female staff (the girls) of Henley Hall and pets, Gladstone (the bulldog) and Tomkins (the cat) as Ellie has rented a townhouse for their holiday. However, Ellie and Clifford spend more time at the hotel where the other passengers of the SS Cleopatra are billeted until permitted to resume their journey.

Once again, we follow Ellie and Clifford as they use their unique style to gather and analyse information. Before unmasking the murderer, they meet with a dangerous and powerful antiquities dealer, engage in a spot of sabotage and face danger in the catacombs. Then, race against time to prevent a miscarriage of justice.

True to form, Murder on the Nile is another exciting mystery from Verity Bright. It is set in the aftermath of the Anglo-Egyptian War, Egyptian independence (although there is still a British military presence) and the archaeological frenzy following the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. The political situation is summed up succinctly by Clifford as he and Ellie experience the heat and chaos of Egypt while waiting to board the SS Cleopatra.

My only disappointment is that Ellie's fiancé, Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon, hardly gets a mention this time. While reading, I wondered when he would put in an appearance, but sadly there was no communication between the affianced couple whatsoever. In previous novels, Hugh pops up in Ellie's thoughts constantly. This time, not so much, although she did notice that the captain of the SS Cleopatra had the same shade of curly hair as Hugh. It would be a shame if the bloom of their love is beginning to fade.

Despite Hugh's absence, there is still lots to savour: the descriptions of the exotic location, the inclusion of some colourful and quirky characters, interesting historical facts, the usual banter between Ellie and Clifford, a mystery that keeps you guessing until the reveal and a poignant ending; not to mention the eye-catching book cover, which has to be one of my favourites.

As always, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Swift, along with Clifford her indomitable Butler, are in Cairo waiting to board their ship for a cruise down the mighty River Nile, an adventure not at all approved of by Clifford, as he has not been able to ‘properly scrutinise’, the details. Little do they know what is in store for them once they board the not so wonderful looking boat, with a group of people of which they have little in common.
Murder on the Nile is nineteenth murder mystery in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and is the gravest and most dangerous murder mystery she and Clifford have even been involved with, which sees them both mixed up in what looks like being a serious and deadly situation, trying to solve a riddle that has seen two men killed.
Right from the beginning it is clear that nothing is as it seems as the SS Cleopatra has seen better days and is nothing at all like the brochure Ellie collected at the British Empire Travel exhibition in London. A strident English voice is heard demanding people get out of the way; the man was to be one of the other passengers.
Two Dutch Archaeologists, a German Arts dealer and seller, a Welsh businessman, a distinguish Egyptian man and a former Military man make up the passenger list. It becomes obvious from the first dinner together something is amiss as no one seems to be comfortable about answering even the politest of questions.
When a man is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message that Ellie and Clifford have obtained, Ellie is desperate to find out why he was killed and what the terrible injustice is that needs to be put right.
The SS Cleopatra is impounded in Bawaaba, a member of the crew is found murdered and Ellie and Clifford discover they have to convince the new head of the Bawaaba Policing, Sayeed Sharef, one of the passengers on the boat, that it is murder and not suicide, which has taken place in the first instance, with the second murder to make sure no one talked.
Rushing against the clock, they trek across the desert to meet with a man, a most dangerous man, who may be able to help them discover what happened, carry out a clandestine raid on the Cleopatra, and almost get themselves killed in a deadly race through the underground catacombs, in order to catch a cold blooded killer.
As always, well researched and written, this storyline captures the uncertainly of life in Egypt in 1924, not many years after he British moved out of Egypt, during a time when the British were not popular and the Egyptians were slowly taking over the reins of Government as well as their country.
Murder on the Nile is a cliff-hanger of an adventure as Ellie and Clifford do their utmost to try and right a terrible wrong and save a young soldier’s life.

[Beau Wasserman (Depression Arc) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

In Murder on the Nile, Verity Bright delivers yet another delightful installment in the Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, bringing readers aboard a luxurious cruise that quickly transforms into a stage for murder. As always, Lady Eleanor Swift shines as the novel’s heart and soul—a spirited and intelligent protagonist whose keen observations and fierce determination make her an unforgettable character in the cozy mystery genre.

From the moment we rejoin Lady Eleanor, her vibrant personality and sharp wit immediately captivate. Bright masterfully crafts Lady Eleanor as not just an amateur sleuth but also a woman navigating her way through a male-dominated society, defying norms while remaining endearingly relatable. Her growth throughout the series culminates beautifully in this installment, showcasing her evolution into a confident investigator with a knack for piecing together clues. Readers will find themselves rooting for her, particularly as she confronts the intricacies of relationships and loyalty among a diverse cast of characters aboard the ship.

The setting itself—a steamer navigating the enigmatic Nile—adds to the novel's allure, with Bright’s vivid descriptions immersing readers in the sights and sounds of this breathtaking locale. The juxtaposition of the serene landscape with the underlying tension of a murder mystery creates a palpable atmosphere, enhancing the story's suspense.

As Lady Eleanor delves deeper into the mystery, uncovering secrets and hidden agendas, the plot unfolds with unexpected twists that keep readers guessing. Bright expertly balances humor and intrigue, ensuring that the story remains engaging without sacrificing depth. Lady Eleanor’s interactions with other passengers bring humor and tension to the narrative, as she navigates both the social intricacies of her fellow travelers and the darker motives lurking beneath the surface.

The character development throughout the book is also commendable. Lady Eleanor’s relationships, particularly with her friends and romantic interests, add emotional layers to the narrative, providing insights into her motivations and vulnerabilities. Her determination to seek justice for the victim reflects her strong moral compass, making her an admirable figure in a landscape filled with deceit.

Overall, Murder on the Nile is a delightful and intricately woven mystery that highlights Verity Bright’s exceptional storytelling and character development. Lady Eleanor Swift is a standout protagonist, and her journey continues to enchant readers with her charm, intellect, and unyielding spirit. This installment is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and those who appreciate a strong, multifaceted heroine.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Murder on the Nile by Verity Bright

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I just finished Murder on the Nile by Verity Bright, and it was another enjoyable ride! Picture this: it’s 1924, and our fearless heroine, Lady Eleanor Swift, and her ever-loyal butler, Clifford, are all set for an epic Egyptian vacation. I mean, we’re talking about a dreamy cruise down the Nile, camel rides around the pyramids, and lunch right there in the shadow of the Sphinx. Sounds idyllic, right? But hold up—things take a dark turn when they find one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, shot dead in his locked cabin. Yikes!

Eleanor is not one to sit back and let justice slide, so she dives headfirst into the mystery. She finds a half-written note from Baxter tucked away in his trunk, urging her to deliver an important letter about a stolen treasure. With a killer lurking on board the SS Cleopatra, she races against time to figure out who wanted Baxter dead. Was it the nervous archaeologist? The reptile-loving expert? Or maybe the art dealer hiding some serious secrets? The plot thickens, and it kept me guessing all the way through!

Now, let’s get into my thoughts. I have to say, I absolutely adore this series! I mean, who doesn’t love a good cozy mystery set in historical times? Plus, add Egypt to the mix? Count me in! But alas, while I was super excited for this installment, it didn’t quite hit the mark as one of my favorites.

On the bright side, the Egyptian backdrop was just fabulous. Bright really brought the sights and sounds of Egypt to life. And of course, I can’t get enough of Eleanor and Clifford’s witty banter—it’s always entertaining and adds that extra sparkle to the narrative. The mystery itself was well plotted, with plenty of red herrings to keep me on my toes.

However, I did find myself missing more interactions with “the ladies” from previous books. It felt a bit lonely without them! And honestly, where is Hugh?! He’s always been such a intriguing character to have around, and his absence was definitely felt.

But regardless of these niggles, I still consider Lady Eleanor Swift one of my favorite cozy historical series ever! I’m eagerly looking forward to Lady Swift’s next adventure. Where will she travel to next? I can’t wait to find out! Overall, I’m giving this book a solid 3.5 stars. Not perfect, but still a delightful read that left me craving more.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "Murder on the Nile" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book 19 of the wonderful Lady Eleanor Swift mystery series. Having read every book so far, I can honestly say that the stories get better and better. This story takes place in Egypt in June and July 1924. Lady Swift has picked a Nile Cruise from a brochure that she picked up in a previous book at the British Empire Exhibition. Clifford her trusted butler does not think this will be a good idea. There are several interesting ship mates on the S.S. Cleopatra. Ernzt Piltz who deals in modern art (but what is he doing in Egypt), Ludo de Groot and his "wife" Fredericka (Dutch archeologists who claim to have never been in Egypt before and seem to know very little about each other), Wesley Merrick (heading to Aswan but refuses to say what business he is in), Lieutenant Alton Baxter, Yakub Sharaf and Felix Trott (a herpetologist). Everyone seems to be onboard for reasons of their own. Ellie feels that there is something odd about all the passengers. There is a lot of eavesdropping and people following others. It feels like not everyone is who they say they are.

As usual where Ellie is murder is sure to follow. One of the passengers has been shot. Yet how did it happen when his door was locked from the inside? The boat ends up docking in Bawaaba where they are detained at a hotel. Ellie has rented a house in Bawaaba where he staff: Mrs. Butters, the housekeeper, Mrs. Trotman, the cook and maids Lizzie and Polly are staying will the terrible twosome of Master Gladstone the bulldog and Tomkins the tomcat. While the police are happy to write off the murder as a suicide - Ellie is not. When another murder happens and she's convinced that it was the same person committing both murders - she and Clifford go to great lengths to prove this. As always they face great danger and excitement as they try to prove their theories. There is also the mystery of the locked/unlocked, empty cabin 5. What is going on in there?

Once Ellie and Clifford have all the pieces in place, they find that all their former suspects are more than happy to help them get justice and clear an innocent young man's name.

The book ends with one of my favourite features - Historical Notes where we the reader can learn more about topics brought up in the story. As always I eagerly await Ellie's next adventure in what is one of my all time favourite series. Again I wish there was the possibility to give more than 5 stars!!

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Verity Bright for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder on the Nile coming out September 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

1924. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler Clifford are touring the great, ancient sights of Egypt on a much-anticipated extended vacation. But when the pair arrive at the docks in Cairo expecting to board the luxurious paddle steamer advertised in their brochure, they are baffled by the crumbling old cruiser waiting for them. And things only go from bad to worse as death stalks the decks of the SS Cleopatra…

Two days into the trip one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, is found shot dead in his locked cabin. Immediately suspicious and desperate to see justice done, Eleanor discovers a half-finished note addressed to her hidden in Baxter’s travelling trunk. In it he asks her to deliver a vitally important letter to the authorities at their next stop down river: a priceless treasure worthy of a king has been stolen and an innocent man’s life hangs in the balance.

But before the sands of time wipe away all evidence on board, Eleanor must uncover who among the other travellers wanted Baxter dead. Was it the anxious archaeologist who doesn’t have an alibi, the reptile expert with a passion for the murderous Nile crocodile or the art dealer with a devious secret?

With the killer readying to strike again much closer to home, can Eleanor dig up the truth before she’s trapped in a tomb under the pyramids forever?

I have most of the books in this series. I’m obsessed with cozy historical mysteries. Verity is a really intelligent, strong character. I love that she’s always going on adventures. Ancient Egypt is fascinating to me and the time period reminds me of the Mummy. I loved it. It was a great adventure book. I’m definitely checking out more books in this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys adventure travel cozy mysteries!

[CPE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on the Nile is Verity Bright’s nineteenth novel in the Lady Eleanor Swift series. As you might guess, it’s set in Egypt! Eleanor has booked a Nile river cruise, accompanied as always by her butler, Clifford. We can tell on Page One that Clifford is not impressed – the boat looks nothing like the picture in the brochure. As one might expect, one of Eleanor’s fellow-passengers dies and the police are convinced it was suicide. However, Eleanor believes it was murder and sets out to prove it.

Eleanor’s foreign trips have been a mixed bag, with Manhattan not working for me as well as France did; and both Ireland and Venice fitting between the two. Surprisingly, we have Eleanor’s female staff joining her in Egypt, but not her fiancé, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Seldon. However, the women don’t play a large part in the plot’s development, although it’s always good to hear the banter between Mrs Butters and Mrs Trotters.

I enjoyed the book. Some of the minor characters are very well depicted and the villain, once unmasked, is really evil. Arthur Barr, a British ex-con and local “fixer” counterpoints the tension with a touch of comedy. It was also good to see the Egyptian police – Chief Sharaf – depicted with respect as an intelligent man, rather than the stereotype often found in Golden Age detection novels. Ditto the boat’s crew: they are introduced in spotless robes rather than as dirty “natives”. Although Verity Bright’s novels are set in the 1920s, they aren’t written with the same values as existed then. I do recommend it, but starting with the first book in the series – a Very English Murder – and working through the books in sequence, will make it even more enjoyable.

#MurderontheNile #NetGalley

[April Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor and Clifford are back for another adventure. This time they are in Egypt. Lady Eleanor has rented a townhouse and brought her household ladies along for a vacation. She and Clifford are taking a cruise down the Nile and will meet them at the townhouse. The boat, passengers and crew are not what Eleanor & Clifford had in mind. A death takes place on the boat, and it is thought to be suicide. Lady Eleanor is not so sure. She & Clifford have a lot of questions about the suspicious activities of their fellow passengers, of which one is revealed to be the new local police chief who is impounded the boat for his own mysterious reason and moving the passengers to local hotel. Another murder takes their own suspicious activities going on and no one seems to be telling the truth. Suddenly, The Chief is ordered to let the boat leave and Lady Eleanor and Clifford need to figure this out before it does.

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile or the Amelia Peabody mysteries by Elizabeth Peters, this is a story right up your alley! There is a lot going on in this book. No one is who they seem to be, there is archaeological treasures, smuggling, gun running, theft and of course murder! This story will keep you on your toes. I was so happy that the "Ladies," Tompkins and Gladstone make appearances in this book even though briefly. They always bring the comedy and smiles. I did miss Chief Inspector Seldon in this one but it's probably best he does not know what kind of dangerous situations his fiancé got herself into. LOL


Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this ARC.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor is enjoying a holiday in Egypt and is travelling down the Nile with her steadfast butler Clifford when a death occurs on board. The captain believes it was a suicide but Ellie is certain there is a murderer on the boat...
Murder on the Nile is the 19th book in the Lady Eleanor Swift series of cosy historical murder mysteries.
Ellie had booked hersef onto a bit of a ramshackle boat and Clifford is unimpressed. The situation further deteriorates when they meet the other passengers and then one of them ends up dead. The suicide note doesn;t fool Eleanor for a second and she is instantly convinced that the death was murder. The captain and chief of police are more skeptical and she needs to prove to them that there is a killer on board.
As usual in this series, there are plenty of antics, escapades and outright danger for Ellie to navigate. Luckily she has the ever brilliant Clifford by her side. Unfortunately, her fiance Hugh does not feature at all in this book and there are only a few chapters with the wonderful ladies and pets.
The historical and geographical research for this book brings the plot to life effectively. I particularly enjoyed the archaeology fever described as well as the political situation which added authenticity. Ellie subverts gender and class norms to forge ahead with life, seizing every moment. She has great respect for everyone irrespective of their social status, and this is hugely endearing.
Murder on the Nile is an enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery. Obviously the title and scenerio are reminiscent of the legendary Christie and this book is a great addition to the Lady Swift series.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 19 in the Lady Eleanor Swift series and I'm close to saying it's my favorite so far. Set in the 1920's you get a history lesson and a wonderful murder mystery all in one. 1924. Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler Clifford are touring the great, ancient sights of Egypt on a much-anticipated extended vacation. But when the pair arrive at the docks in Cairo expecting to board the luxurious paddle steamer advertised in their brochure, they are baffled by the crumbling old cruiser waiting for them. And things only go from bad to worse as death stalks the decks of the SS Cleopatra…
Two days into the trip one of their fellow passengers, Lieutenant Baxter, is found shot dead in his locked cabin. Immediately suspicious and desperate to see justice done, Eleanor discovers a half-finished note addressed to her hidden in Baxter’s travelling trunk. In it he asks her to deliver a vitally important letter to the authorities at their next stop down a priceless treasure worthy of a king has been stolen and an innocent man’s life hangs in the balance.
But before the sands of time wipe away all evidence on board, Eleanor must uncover who among the other travellers wanted Baxter dead. Was it the anxious archaeologist who doesn’t have an alibi, the reptile expert with a passion for the murderous Nile crocodile or the art dealer with a devious secret?

[Karren Hodgkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun and engaging. I really do enjoy the Ellie/ Clifford combination. With each book the relationship relaxes just a little and the banter continues. Sometimes its unclear whether its bravery or recklessness but while there are some close calls, they get there in the end,

They are a motley bunch onboard the SS Cleopatra. The boat was not what they expected at all and neither were the other passengers, The more Ellie and Clifford investigate the clearer it becomes that no-one is quite who they seem, And of course, there are a couple of red herrings.
.
Unsure how credible it is, but Ellie's adopted family manages to go around the world with her, and that's an element I really enjoy. Could we really survive without Gladstone? I know others will miss her fiancé, but I am not sold. I'd prefer a younger version of Clifford. Somehow this very part time romance with a very old fashioned beau just doesnt resonate for me

I enjoyed the context of Egypt, the Nile and the 'nod' to Agatha Christie.

It's another good one. I wonder what we can look forward to in the next one?

It's 4 out of 5 for me!

With thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Swift and Clifford are back with their signature witty banter and a mystery with more twists and turns than the Nile. Reminiscent of Murder In An Irish Castle (set in the rural hamlet of Derrydee, Ireland) this story takes place in an obscure part of Egypt, rather than the more well known and luxurious Cairo, giving it a unique atmosphere focusing readers on the story more than the accommodations and attractions. Even so, the descriptions of the terrain and people provide an interesting perspective of Egypt outside of its more populated cities. This is also very much Eleanor's and Clifford's adventure, with little interaction from "the ladies" and the complete absence of dear Hugh. While I thoroughly enjoyed the mental acuity and physical nimbleness of the two in this outing, I do look forward to spending more time with the other beloved characters, and especially Hugh, in future. Nevertheless, find a quiet spot, a comfortable chair, maybe a nice cuppa, and settle in to enjoy the humor and escapades of Lady Swift and Clifford.

Karen Cass does her usual superb job of bringing these characters to life and capturing the nuance of the relationships and humor unique to this series.

[Randee Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor Swift and her butler, Clifford, are on an extended holiday in Egypt. Their cruise down the Nile gets off to a bad start. First, the derelict boat they are traveling on is most certainly not the same boat pictured in the brochure. Second, one of the other travelers, Lieutenant Baxter, and his brusque demeanor are spoiling the trip for everyone.

Two days into the journey, Baxter is found dead in his locked cabin. The gunshot wound to the head leads the others to believe that Baxter took his own life. Eleanor and Clifford believe that Baxter was murdered, and his death staged to look like a suicide. While searching Baxter’s cabin, Eleanor finds a vaguely worded note addressed to her that implores her to finish his task should he not be able to. Convinced that Baxter was out to right a past wrong, Eleanor and Clifford must figure out which of their fellow travelers committed murder.

Thanks to Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody Series, I cannot pass up a mystery novel set in Egypt in the late 1800s or early 1900s. MURDER ON THE NILE is set just a couple years after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, and Egyptomania is running rampant. Having not read the first 18 books in the series, I knew I was at a disadvantage going into the book. There are a lot of backstories that I did not know—mainly Eleanor’s life up to this point and her unorthodox relationship with her butler—that might have helped some scenarios and references make more sense. The mystery itself—and the motive behind it—was a little convoluted at times. That being said, the boat is full of shady characters and Eleanor comes up with a plausible motive to Kill Baxter for most of them. Overall, I enjoyed MURDER ON THE NILE. Eleanor is a spunky character who refuses to conform to her role of English lady. Clifford is equally fascinating.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lady Eleanor and Clifford have another adventure but this time they travel to Egypt to do it. While the rest of the household “ladies” and the “terrible two” pets make an appearance, the story is mostly just Eleanor and Clifford trying to solve a murder. The clues left by the victim are incredibly vague, so much so that it is quite a stretch that anyone (even Eleanor) would be able to figure them out. While the book is similar to the rest in being a good mystery with interesting characters, this one felt a little bit too forced. While it’s interesting when characters travel, I found myself wishing they were back home with Hugh & Kofi. It may be that after 19 books, I’m just getting a little tired. I’d like to see more character development of the “ladies” or a new twist in the story of Eleanor’s parents to get my attention back.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.