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Poppy Denby Investigates #4
The Cairo Brief
'A deftly crafted and inherently riveting mystery.' Midwest Book Review
'I've heard all about you, Miss Denby. Everyone knows you have a nose for murder.'
Intrepid reporter sleuth Poppy Denby is invited to attend the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. The auction is to be held on the country estate of Sir James Maddox, a famous explorer and Egyptologist.
Representatives of the world's leading museums will be bidding on the mask which was found, in Egypt, under murderous circumstances. Poppy and her colleagues from The Daily Globe, who are trying to stay one step ahead of their rivals from The London Courier, dismiss rumours of an ancient curse.
But when one of the auction party is murdered, and someone starts stalking Poppy, the race is on to find the killer before 'the curse' can strike again.
'Poppy Denby is on top form solving the mystery surrounding the ancient Egyptian mask of Queen Nefertiti. Highly recommended!' Dolores Gordon-Smith, author of the Jack Haldean murder mysteries
'Thoroughly enjoyable mystery. Murders, sinister figures, a cursed Egyptian mask - and a seance! All the ingredients for another superlative Poppy Denby investigation.' A. J. Wright, award-winning author of the Lancashire Detective series
'Fiona Veitch Smith, where have you been all my life? Poppy Denby is delightful, the plot rocks, and the 1920s era is perfectly evoked. British mystery fans, you want to read this. You really, really do.' Cassandra Chan, author of the Bethancourt and Gibbons mysteries
'I've heard all about you, Miss Denby. Everyone knows you have a nose for murder.'
Intrepid reporter sleuth Poppy Denby is invited to attend the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. The auction is to be held on the country estate of Sir James Maddox, a famous explorer and Egyptologist.
Representatives of the world's leading museums will be bidding on the mask which was found, in Egypt, under murderous circumstances. Poppy and her colleagues from The Daily Globe, who are trying to stay one step ahead of their rivals from The London Courier, dismiss rumours of an ancient curse.
But when one of the auction party is murdered, and someone starts stalking Poppy, the race is on to find the killer before 'the curse' can strike again.
'Poppy Denby is on top form solving the mystery surrounding the ancient Egyptian mask of Queen Nefertiti. Highly recommended!' Dolores Gordon-Smith, author of the Jack Haldean murder mysteries
'Thoroughly enjoyable mystery. Murders, sinister figures, a cursed Egyptian mask - and a seance! All the ingredients for another superlative Poppy Denby investigation.' A. J. Wright, award-winning author of the Lancashire Detective series
'Fiona Veitch Smith, where have you been all my life? Poppy Denby is delightful, the plot rocks, and the 1920s era is perfectly evoked. British mystery fans, you want to read this. You really, really do.' Cassandra Chan, author of the Bethancourt and Gibbons mysteries
352 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 1, 2020
Journalist Poppy Denby is invited, along with some of her colleagues, to be present at the auction being held at the country estate of Sir James Maddox. The intriguing item being auctioned is the Death Mask of Nefertiti. Representatives from various museums gather to attend and bid on this historic item. But that was not the only thing found in Egypt that night. The underground chamber also contained a dead body. Could this be the result of the mask’s ancient curse? When a boy is badly injured at the Maddox estate and then someone ends up dead, it seem the curse is alive and well. Or is there another more human reason? When Poppy is threatened, she has even more reasons to find the killer.
Although this is the fourth book featuring Poppy Denby, journalist and occasional sleuth, this was my first venture into the series. I easily got caught up on what was going on so there is no reason this cannot be read as a stand-alone, although I am sure it might be a richer experience to have read the other books. Poppy was easy to like and the story moves along at a good pace with just the right amount of tension and mystery. The first chapter is set in Egypt in 1914, but the majority of the story takes place in England in 1921. Dialogue, description and action are conveyed so well you definitely get the feel of the era.
The characters are believable and there are even references to a few real live characters like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Emmeline Pankhurst and others. I really enjoyed my time with Poppy and her colleagues and would recommend this book to anyone who likes a carefully plotted historical mystery with a spunky and likeable female character. This was a book my husband borrowed from the library as he loved books set in that time frame.. Since he enjoyed it so much, I read it after him. An entertaining read it now has me looking to find more of this author’s books.
Although this is the fourth book featuring Poppy Denby, journalist and occasional sleuth, this was my first venture into the series. I easily got caught up on what was going on so there is no reason this cannot be read as a stand-alone, although I am sure it might be a richer experience to have read the other books. Poppy was easy to like and the story moves along at a good pace with just the right amount of tension and mystery. The first chapter is set in Egypt in 1914, but the majority of the story takes place in England in 1921. Dialogue, description and action are conveyed so well you definitely get the feel of the era.
The characters are believable and there are even references to a few real live characters like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Emmeline Pankhurst and others. I really enjoyed my time with Poppy and her colleagues and would recommend this book to anyone who likes a carefully plotted historical mystery with a spunky and likeable female character. This was a book my husband borrowed from the library as he loved books set in that time frame.. Since he enjoyed it so much, I read it after him. An entertaining read it now has me looking to find more of this author’s books.
November 30, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Journalist Poppy Denby is back in her fourth book in the popular Poppy Denby Investigates Series by Fiona Veitch Smith.
Poppy is invited to attend the auction of Egyptian Nefertiti’s Death Mask at Winterton Hall owned by Sir James Maddox and his wife Lady Ursula. There are representatives from museums around the world attending, plus Egyptologists and members of the press.
The Egyptian representatives believe the mask should be theirs and that it was stolen many years ago, but their voices are overlooked and the auction is to go ahead. However, on the day of the uncovering of the Mask one of the party dies. It is assumed they died of natural causes but of course, Poppy is not so sure and begins to investigate. She seems to be never alone though as a man in a trench coat and deer-stalker hat starts stalking her.
This is the third book in the Poppy Denby series that I have read, I missed book three. I have always adored Poppy, she is a woman in the early part of the 20th century who is single and working in what was classed as a ‘man’ job. She is tough and won’t be pushed around by anyone. Not surprising really as she is related to one of the suffragettes.
It was nice to also see some familiar characters as well as a few new ones too. The book opens back in 1914 in El-Amarna, Egypt with the discovery of the Death Mask and some gruesome events. We then move on to 1921 and London when the mask is coming up for auction. I found that the first chapter was engaging and full on, then it slowed down for a while until the party ascends on Winterton Hall.
There are some famous names amongst the guests including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harold Carter to name a couple. It was nice to mix fact with fiction. Ms. Smith has also included information at the back of the book for further reading on any of the subjects covered, plus there are book club questions too.
Overall another great story to add to an already perfect series. I hope that Ms. Smith carries this series on for a long time to come. Now I just need to go back and read book three.
Journalist Poppy Denby is back in her fourth book in the popular Poppy Denby Investigates Series by Fiona Veitch Smith.
Poppy is invited to attend the auction of Egyptian Nefertiti’s Death Mask at Winterton Hall owned by Sir James Maddox and his wife Lady Ursula. There are representatives from museums around the world attending, plus Egyptologists and members of the press.
The Egyptian representatives believe the mask should be theirs and that it was stolen many years ago, but their voices are overlooked and the auction is to go ahead. However, on the day of the uncovering of the Mask one of the party dies. It is assumed they died of natural causes but of course, Poppy is not so sure and begins to investigate. She seems to be never alone though as a man in a trench coat and deer-stalker hat starts stalking her.
This is the third book in the Poppy Denby series that I have read, I missed book three. I have always adored Poppy, she is a woman in the early part of the 20th century who is single and working in what was classed as a ‘man’ job. She is tough and won’t be pushed around by anyone. Not surprising really as she is related to one of the suffragettes.
It was nice to also see some familiar characters as well as a few new ones too. The book opens back in 1914 in El-Amarna, Egypt with the discovery of the Death Mask and some gruesome events. We then move on to 1921 and London when the mask is coming up for auction. I found that the first chapter was engaging and full on, then it slowed down for a while until the party ascends on Winterton Hall.
There are some famous names amongst the guests including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harold Carter to name a couple. It was nice to mix fact with fiction. Ms. Smith has also included information at the back of the book for further reading on any of the subjects covered, plus there are book club questions too.
Overall another great story to add to an already perfect series. I hope that Ms. Smith carries this series on for a long time to come. Now I just need to go back and read book three.
April 8, 2019
"The Cairo Brief" by Fiona Veitch Smith is the fourth outing in the 'Poppy Denby Investigates' series and my first foray into this popular set of stories.
Set in my favourite fictional period of time - the roaring twenties - Agatha Christie fans will be addictively drawn to Poppy Denby, being a stereotypical character she would normally incorporate in her books. The author is an excellent writer and captures the era of the time perfectly, with dialogue, actions and surroundings depicted spot on making it wholly atmospheric of the 1920's.
Egyptian archeological digs and finds have always interested me and the fact the story revolved around the auction of the cursed Death Mask of Nefertiti made it all the more intriguing for me. When one of the members of the auction party is murdered and someone starts stalking Poppy, there's a race against time to find the killer....
I loved all the characters and it was nice to see some real life historical people incorporated, like the famed archaeologist Howard Carter and even a cameo role from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle too.
Having read and fully enjoyed this entertaining mystery, I do intend to seek out the other books in the Poppy Denby series and will continue to follow the arts and entertainment editor turned investigator in the future.
4 stars
With thanks to Love Reading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Set in my favourite fictional period of time - the roaring twenties - Agatha Christie fans will be addictively drawn to Poppy Denby, being a stereotypical character she would normally incorporate in her books. The author is an excellent writer and captures the era of the time perfectly, with dialogue, actions and surroundings depicted spot on making it wholly atmospheric of the 1920's.
Egyptian archeological digs and finds have always interested me and the fact the story revolved around the auction of the cursed Death Mask of Nefertiti made it all the more intriguing for me. When one of the members of the auction party is murdered and someone starts stalking Poppy, there's a race against time to find the killer....
I loved all the characters and it was nice to see some real life historical people incorporated, like the famed archaeologist Howard Carter and even a cameo role from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle too.
Having read and fully enjoyed this entertaining mystery, I do intend to seek out the other books in the Poppy Denby series and will continue to follow the arts and entertainment editor turned investigator in the future.
4 stars
With thanks to Love Reading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
Although a very good book, I felt it very sluggish at times and was not as good as the prior books in this series. I would give it 3 1/2 stars.
November 26, 2018
The Cairo Brief by Fiona Veitch Smith is a marvelous good old fashioned historical super sleuthing at its best. It is the fourth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The book opens in 1914 Egypt but is mainly set in 1921 London. The atmosphere of the age has been perfectly captured by Fiona Veitch Smith. The heat of Cairo is stifling, in contrast with the winter weather of London. The reader is in for a real cosmopolitan treat.
With a cast of characters reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, the reader tries to piece the clues together to work out who dunit? Poppy Denby, a reporter is a modern miss with an eye for a story and a nose for a crime. I loved the eclectic mix of characters – from Lords of the manor to charlatan mediums to real life historical figures, The Cairo Brief has it all.
Historical events and characters blend with fictional details to create a cracking story that keeps the reader on their toes.
The novel would translate perfectly into an afternoon’s television movie. Any producers please take note.
The Cairo Brief was my first foray into the world of Poppy Denby and I loved it. I really want to delve deeper into Poppy Denby’s world and read the other novels in the series.
Fabulously entertaining.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The book opens in 1914 Egypt but is mainly set in 1921 London. The atmosphere of the age has been perfectly captured by Fiona Veitch Smith. The heat of Cairo is stifling, in contrast with the winter weather of London. The reader is in for a real cosmopolitan treat.
With a cast of characters reminiscent of an Agatha Christie novel, the reader tries to piece the clues together to work out who dunit? Poppy Denby, a reporter is a modern miss with an eye for a story and a nose for a crime. I loved the eclectic mix of characters – from Lords of the manor to charlatan mediums to real life historical figures, The Cairo Brief has it all.
Historical events and characters blend with fictional details to create a cracking story that keeps the reader on their toes.
The novel would translate perfectly into an afternoon’s television movie. Any producers please take note.
The Cairo Brief was my first foray into the world of Poppy Denby and I loved it. I really want to delve deeper into Poppy Denby’s world and read the other novels in the series.
Fabulously entertaining.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
November 9, 2023
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
October 31, 2020
Poppy takes on a curse, spirits, and a killer...
The Cairo Brief is definitely my favorite Poppy Denby Investigates book so far! Everything about the story was right up my alley! From the stolen Egyptian funerary objects, to the Agatha Christie-esque murder at a house party, to an appearance from the master of detective fiction himself, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
From the very first page Fiona Veitch Smith had me immersed in the 1920s world of artifacts and archaeology, seances and spiritualism, and, of course, where Poppy and the crew from the Daily Globe are found murder and mayhem is sure to soon follow. As an American reader I loved the quintessential British flavor of an upper-crust gathering at a country estate creating an Agatha Christie style houseful of suspects with any number of motives.
I loved every bit of The Cairo Brief and finished it in a matter of hours. It was just one of those stories I couldn't seem to put down even when I probably should have been doing other things. I also found Fiona Veitch Smith's historical note at the end to be quite fascinating as she explains a little bit more about King Tut, Nefertiti, and the Jazz Age preoccupation with spiritualism after the devastation and loss of WWI.
So, if you know your onions and enjoy a story that's definitely the cat's pajamas you've got to check out this fourth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, it's a winner.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The Cairo Brief is definitely my favorite Poppy Denby Investigates book so far! Everything about the story was right up my alley! From the stolen Egyptian funerary objects, to the Agatha Christie-esque murder at a house party, to an appearance from the master of detective fiction himself, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
From the very first page Fiona Veitch Smith had me immersed in the 1920s world of artifacts and archaeology, seances and spiritualism, and, of course, where Poppy and the crew from the Daily Globe are found murder and mayhem is sure to soon follow. As an American reader I loved the quintessential British flavor of an upper-crust gathering at a country estate creating an Agatha Christie style houseful of suspects with any number of motives.
I loved every bit of The Cairo Brief and finished it in a matter of hours. It was just one of those stories I couldn't seem to put down even when I probably should have been doing other things. I also found Fiona Veitch Smith's historical note at the end to be quite fascinating as she explains a little bit more about King Tut, Nefertiti, and the Jazz Age preoccupation with spiritualism after the devastation and loss of WWI.
So, if you know your onions and enjoy a story that's definitely the cat's pajamas you've got to check out this fourth book in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, it's a winner.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
December 22, 2019
Five reasons I quite liked The Cairo Brief by Fiona Veitch Smith:
1. The Setting: I love historical mysteries and this book takes place in a great time period – 1921 London.
2. The Plot: Poppy Denby, a young and intrepid reporter for a London daily newspaper, is invited to attend the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. Soon there are all kind of shenanigans, though not too many bodies.
3. The Archaeology: The 1920s were a time of great discoveries and superstar archaeologist Howard Carter, appearing as a minor character in the book, will soon discover the lost tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The archaeological plot was the best part of the book for me.
4. The Heroine: I must admit that Poppy Denby did not win me over. Too perfect, too superficial, she didn’t feel like a real person to me, didn’t touch my heart, and I couldn’t bring myself to care about her personal story and romantic trials.
5. All in all: This was a fun read. The plot could have been tighter, I worked it out half-way through the story, and I’m not waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. But I did read it to the end and quite liked it.
1. The Setting: I love historical mysteries and this book takes place in a great time period – 1921 London.
2. The Plot: Poppy Denby, a young and intrepid reporter for a London daily newspaper, is invited to attend the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. Soon there are all kind of shenanigans, though not too many bodies.
3. The Archaeology: The 1920s were a time of great discoveries and superstar archaeologist Howard Carter, appearing as a minor character in the book, will soon discover the lost tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The archaeological plot was the best part of the book for me.
4. The Heroine: I must admit that Poppy Denby did not win me over. Too perfect, too superficial, she didn’t feel like a real person to me, didn’t touch my heart, and I couldn’t bring myself to care about her personal story and romantic trials.
5. All in all: This was a fun read. The plot could have been tighter, I worked it out half-way through the story, and I’m not waiting impatiently for the next book in the series. But I did read it to the end and quite liked it.
November 11, 2018
Poppy Denby's investigative skills are seriously put to the test in this stylish and atmospheric tale of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts and 1920's murder. Things are complicated by a long list of suspects, apparently supernatural interference and a heart-breaking situation in her personal life.
But she doesn't give up easily, and steadily unwraps the mystery to find out the truth.
As always with this author, the story is given extra interest with well researched fine detail - we even learn what number bus you should catch to get from Fleet Street to the British Museum! (And several reasons why that might not be a good idea, especially in bad weather). And there are some interesting moral questions raised, which still have relevance today - such as who truly owns these ancient treasures?
But the most important thing is the characters - very authentic, very believable - and the plot, which is tight, intricate and worked out to a satisfying conclusion.
Everything a historical mystery / thriller should be!
But she doesn't give up easily, and steadily unwraps the mystery to find out the truth.
As always with this author, the story is given extra interest with well researched fine detail - we even learn what number bus you should catch to get from Fleet Street to the British Museum! (And several reasons why that might not be a good idea, especially in bad weather). And there are some interesting moral questions raised, which still have relevance today - such as who truly owns these ancient treasures?
But the most important thing is the characters - very authentic, very believable - and the plot, which is tight, intricate and worked out to a satisfying conclusion.
Everything a historical mystery / thriller should be!
June 4, 2024
I was not a huge fan of the story itself BUT we finally got rid of MD (Misogynistic Danny) and thank you Fiona for that. Hoping to see the hot Russian spy in the next book ;)
April 18, 2020
Fiona Veitch Smith’s Poppy Debby Investigates series has become one of my favourites! Her new release, “The Cairo Brief”, is a great addition to this collection. I love the audiobooks, read by Helen Keeley, as they bring the characters to life.
My mum and I are both knitters so we decided to enjoy this one together! She hadn’t, until this one, read the series but had no problem in connecting with these lively characters! All the favourites from the previous books are there along with a wonderful collection of new ones!
As usual, Poppy’s questions land her in the midst of another mystery! This time, it’s centers around the ownership, and therefore right of sale, of a beautiful and ancient Egyptian mask. I love when 1920s mysteries take on an Egyptian slant and this is one of the best! With realistic Egyptian, German, American and English characters, this tale has a multicultural feel! Popular at time, was a fascination with curses and seances and all things mystic. This weaves it way through the plot adding another interesting dimension.
Whilst great entertainment, Fiona ensures she captures the serious and heartbreaking elements of post-World War One life including the psychological trauma endured by this generation.
If you enjoy an intelligent, historical murder mystery, this one is for you! It is a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
My mum and I are both knitters so we decided to enjoy this one together! She hadn’t, until this one, read the series but had no problem in connecting with these lively characters! All the favourites from the previous books are there along with a wonderful collection of new ones!
As usual, Poppy’s questions land her in the midst of another mystery! This time, it’s centers around the ownership, and therefore right of sale, of a beautiful and ancient Egyptian mask. I love when 1920s mysteries take on an Egyptian slant and this is one of the best! With realistic Egyptian, German, American and English characters, this tale has a multicultural feel! Popular at time, was a fascination with curses and seances and all things mystic. This weaves it way through the plot adding another interesting dimension.
Whilst great entertainment, Fiona ensures she captures the serious and heartbreaking elements of post-World War One life including the psychological trauma endured by this generation.
If you enjoy an intelligent, historical murder mystery, this one is for you! It is a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
November 26, 2018
Thanks to www.lovereading.co.uk for a review copy of this book.
This is the fourth in a series of Poppy Denby murder mysteries. Poppy is a journalist and amateur sleuth in 1920s London. It was the first of the series that I have read.
The setting of the story in the 1920s is really effective. You can feel the emotional after-effects of the 1914-1918 war on all the characters, and the author's attention to detail is impressive.
The main theme of the novel is the discovery and dubious acquisition of an Egyptian artefact in an archaeological dig, but really the story revolves around a country house murder mystery. I found the Egypt-based parts of the story very engaging, and wish that there had been more of them. By contrast the murder mystery plot is rather slow, especially because there are a huge number of characters, all of whom seem to be re-introduced at different points throughout the story.
However this is a charming period crime mystery and as it is set in the Christmas season it would make a great present for someone who likes this genre.
I think I would read more books by this author but unfortunately I'm not all that interested in finding out what Poppy did next.
This is the fourth in a series of Poppy Denby murder mysteries. Poppy is a journalist and amateur sleuth in 1920s London. It was the first of the series that I have read.
The setting of the story in the 1920s is really effective. You can feel the emotional after-effects of the 1914-1918 war on all the characters, and the author's attention to detail is impressive.
The main theme of the novel is the discovery and dubious acquisition of an Egyptian artefact in an archaeological dig, but really the story revolves around a country house murder mystery. I found the Egypt-based parts of the story very engaging, and wish that there had been more of them. By contrast the murder mystery plot is rather slow, especially because there are a huge number of characters, all of whom seem to be re-introduced at different points throughout the story.
However this is a charming period crime mystery and as it is set in the Christmas season it would make a great present for someone who likes this genre.
I think I would read more books by this author but unfortunately I'm not all that interested in finding out what Poppy did next.
May 1, 2021
I'm glad I pushed through after The Death Beat because The Cairo Brief bounded the series back to its original charm in my eyes. We see more of Daniel and Poppy's loving yet challenging relationship, Poppy squaring with her contradictory spiritual beliefs, and more cultural and political aspects of the 1920s to deep dive into. The mystery at the manor feels very Agatha Christie-esque without being too on the nose. I personally LOVED the spiritualist subplot and how FVS shows both sides of the phenomenon! By the final scene, Poppy won back the respect she had lost from me due to her antics in The Death Beat. I still can't stand Delilah (ugh she yet again endangers Poppy with her thoughtlessness and poor choice of friends. I don't understand why everyone indulges her) but one rotten Jane won't keep me from moving on to The Art Fiasco!
Listening to this book instead of reading it was the bee's knees - FVS's words just lend themselves very well to radio/audio storytelling. And hearing the many changes of accents is swell! I'm planning on listening to the next installment as well, which is read by the same actress.
Listening to this book instead of reading it was the bee's knees - FVS's words just lend themselves very well to radio/audio storytelling. And hearing the many changes of accents is swell! I'm planning on listening to the next installment as well, which is read by the same actress.
November 19, 2018
I was asked to review this book by Lovereading.
This popped through my letter box on Friday and by this afternoon I had snuggled down in my arm chair and read this interesting mystery.
This is book 4 of the Poppy Denby books, and can be read as a standalone story.
Set in the 20s Poppy is a journalist gets caught up a masks curse, then there is a murder. This is Agatha Christie written in a modern age set in the 20s.
Well researched and as a fan of the British museum and Egyptology this was right up my street. Who owns these artefacts made me think of today and the Elgin collection -the same issues today.
The roaring twenties, country estate setting atmospheric and the reader is transported back to a different age.
Recommended with an excellent plot which keeps the reader hanging on till the end - a thoroughly good read.
This popped through my letter box on Friday and by this afternoon I had snuggled down in my arm chair and read this interesting mystery.
This is book 4 of the Poppy Denby books, and can be read as a standalone story.
Set in the 20s Poppy is a journalist gets caught up a masks curse, then there is a murder. This is Agatha Christie written in a modern age set in the 20s.
Well researched and as a fan of the British museum and Egyptology this was right up my street. Who owns these artefacts made me think of today and the Elgin collection -the same issues today.
The roaring twenties, country estate setting atmospheric and the reader is transported back to a different age.
Recommended with an excellent plot which keeps the reader hanging on till the end - a thoroughly good read.
January 25, 2019
This book is number 4 in the Poppy Denby investigates series. I have not read any of the previous books, but didn't find that a problem as it can be read as a standalone. Set in the 1920's this book is a real traditional British mystery story, and the scenes set in the book really evoke that era.
Poppy is invited to a weekend held on a country estate, part of which would feature the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. Present there aside from bidders from various countries are also Egyptians who claim the mask was stolen from their country, as the weekend progresses and after various happenings including the murder of one of those present it is believed the curse of the mask has struck. Poppy sets out to find the truth which gives the reader a chance to try to work out whodunit!
An enjoyable read
Poppy is invited to a weekend held on a country estate, part of which would feature the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti. Present there aside from bidders from various countries are also Egyptians who claim the mask was stolen from their country, as the weekend progresses and after various happenings including the murder of one of those present it is believed the curse of the mask has struck. Poppy sets out to find the truth which gives the reader a chance to try to work out whodunit!
An enjoyable read
January 4, 2021
I loved this tale of Ancient Egyptian artefacts, the 4th in the Poppy Denby Investigates series. Murders, grand theft and spiritualism surround the death mask of Nefertiti, and Poppy, our intrepid young journalist, is determined to get at the truth as the auction draws ever closer and we wonder which of 4 countries will get their hands on the priceless object. Of all the Poppy books this is the one that most reminded me of Agatha Christie as Poppy constantly reviews and revises the list of murder and stalking suspects at the country houseparty. As ever I loved the cast of characters who reappear in each book - Poppy's colourful boss Rollo, her love-interest photographer Daniel and her bete noir Lionel from the rival newspaper. A captivating read.
January 26, 2026
London, December 1921. As Arts & Entertainment Editor at The Daily Globe, Poppy Denby is invited to attend the auction of the Death Mask of Nefertiti, held at the country estate of Sir James Maddox, a famous explorer. Researching the monumental find, Poppy discovers that the mask was not the only thing found that night in Cairo in 1914; the underground chamber also contained a dead body hidden in a sarcophagus. When one of the auction party is murdered, and someone starts stalking Poppy, the race is on to find the killer before the curse of the Death Mask can strike again. I loved learning more about the 1920s "Egyptomania" craze sweeping across the globe. This cultural phenomenon blended the mystique of ancient Egypt with the modern glamour of the Jazz Age. (3.5 stars)
December 22, 2021
Another thoroughly enjoyable outing for the engaging investigative journalist Poppy Denby. This time the story centres on the death mask of Nefertiti, as rival museum representatives assemble to bid for the Egyptian artefact. As always the period details are handled lightly, but transport us fully into 1920s London, and the contemporary interest in Egyptology and seances is fascinating. Poppy's personal dilemma adds an extra dimension to this well-plotted novel, when she finds herself torn between her career and love interest Daniel.
January 12, 2023
The famous bust of Nefertiti is in a museum in Berlin and has been the subject of dispute between Germany and Egypt since its removal in 1913. The fictional mask of Nefertiti that is at the center of this story is also claimed by Egypt, but is nevertheless being put up for auction. As the arts and entertainment editor for The Daily Globe, Poppy Denby has been invited to the auction and, in researching the mask, has found that a murder was connected with its discovery. The cast of characters is very beguiling and the two mystery plots are entertaining if not gripping.
September 13, 2025
I’m slightly disappointed as I believe there were 2 historical facts that were incorrect in the story. One concerns who died, which brought Arthur Conan Doyle towards spiritualism and one about how King Tut’s parents were related. I love murder mysteries set in 1920s Egypt and was looking forward to it being set there. I did enjoy the references made about Egypt, however. Loved how there were real life characters like Howard Carter and Arthur Conan Doyle in the story. Didn’t really care much about the love story as I couldn’t connect with the characters.
July 8, 2025
Good mysteries and good storytelling, and intrigue, with wonderful snippets of a young woman's life in the first part of the 20th century. We have the Great War behind us, women have been given the right to vote (albeit with caveats), and Poppy is striving to make her way in a world that is still a man's world.
Poppy once again delivers, with an amazing group of friends and associates behind her.
I adore this series.... Wish they would bring it back.
Poppy once again delivers, with an amazing group of friends and associates behind her.
I adore this series.... Wish they would bring it back.
June 5, 2025
Enjoyed this audiobook; the time and place, the mystery, the pace and the characters. Unfortunately I struggled a bit from day to day, to keep track of the characters and their place in the story as I completed my daily walks. But I still enjoy much about the series, the writing and the narration, and am willing to use the re-wind function and a note pad as needed!
November 23, 2025
A pleasure to read. Determined female character, Poppy Denby, succeeding in a man's world in the 1920's. In fact a few strong female characters. Poppy Denby is a journalist and gets into scrapes whilst investigation stories. Have really enjoyed the first 5 books.
July 24, 2022
So exhausted by this book, I'll just say TW if you want to read it for: Racism, Colonisation, Gaslighting, and Cultural appropriation.
April 5, 2023
This one is really fast paced and action packed
September 13, 2023
Just okay.
April 16, 2024
3.5 stars. Another enjoyable book in a great series.
November 3, 2024
A light read with a mystery. Poppy covers a story looking at the sale of a Egyptian artifact. It is easy to follow with a well-paced story.
February 11, 2025
The series is getting better. I liked the topic of Egyptian antiquities. I also appreciate the author's historical context comments in an afterword.
March 17, 2025
3.5 stars
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