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The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries #2
Footprints in the Sand
Cairo 1887: A melting pot of jealousy, lust and revenge. Who will pay the ultimate price? Lucy Lawrence throws caution to the wind and embarks on a journey of self-discovery to the land of the pharaohs. Travelling to Cairo as the patron of the charming French Egyptologist, Armand Moreau, Lucy discovers an archaeological community plagued by professional rivalries and intrigue. It is soon apparent that the thriving black market in antiquities threatens Egypt’s precious heritage. When the Egyptian Museum is burgled, Lucy is determined to solve the case, much to the annoyance of the local inspector of police, and the alarm of Mary, her maid. But when an archaeologist is found murdered in the Great Pyramid, Lucy is catapulted into the resulting maelstrom. Can she keep her wits about her to avoid meeting a similar fate?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2020
1265 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Pam Lecky
19 books293 followersPam Lecky is an Irish historical fiction author, represented by Susanna Lea & Associates, London. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Crime Writers Association, and the Society of Authors.
Since 2020, Pam has been writing for Avon Books UK, and in January 2024, she signed a 4 book deal with Storm Publishing.
Her debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award.
Pam lives in north county Dublin, close to the sea, where she loves to walk the beach, garden and herd her three PAs (2 cats and a dog!).
Since 2020, Pam has been writing for Avon Books UK, and in January 2024, she signed a 4 book deal with Storm Publishing.
Her debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award.
Pam lives in north county Dublin, close to the sea, where she loves to walk the beach, garden and herd her three PAs (2 cats and a dog!).
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July 2, 2024
Footprints in the Sand (Lucy Lawrence Mysteries, #2) by Pam Lecky
Synopsis /
When Lucy Lawrence travels to Egypt with a dashing French archaeologist, she thinks she's leaving her troubled past behind. But in the shadow of the pyramids, death and deception await...
Egypt, 1887. After scandals in London, young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start in Cairo, agreeing to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. Enticed by Egypt's ancient mysteries, Lucy dreams of making a spectacular discovery. But her hopes turn to dread when Moreau is found brutally murdered in the Great Pyramid. The only clue is the ceremonial dagger buried in his heart – a relic of Moreau's own past.
As mysterious thefts plague the expedition, Lucy becomes ensnared in a plot reaching from lost desert tombs to Cairo's stylish avenues. With Phineas Stone far away in London, Lucy must rely on her own wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death. Pitted against corrupt officials, rival archaeologists, and a foe determined to silence her, can Lucy unmask the killer... or will she become the next unlucky victim herself?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Pam Lecky, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 25, 2024.
Footprints in the Sand begins where No Stone Unturned ended; and while it probably isn't going to spoil too much of your enjoyment if you didn't read book #1, I would urge you to do so, as there are subtle references throughout book #2 that won't mean anything to you if you haven't read No Stone Unturned.
After solving the mystery of her late husband's death, AND, locating and returning the missing sapphires to a very grateful maharaja, our protagonist, Lucy Lawrence is now a wealthy woman. Still finding her feet after the trauma of losing her husband, Charlie, Lucy has decided to take a sabbatical from London and travel the World. Arriving in France, Lucy realises that the scandalous grapevine has reached Nice before she did. It seems as though the English community in Nice are less than welcoming towards her. Just as Lucy is contemplating leaving France, she meets Armad Moreau. Moreau, a well-known charming and charismatic French archaeologist, regales her with his tales of working digs in ancient Egypt - of unearthing ancient Egyptian artifacts and sarcophagi, and the mummified bodies of those preserved within it.
“As a patron you could be one of the first to enter a tomb last sealed thousands of years ago. The first to see a pharaoh’s treasures. Perhaps hold in your hand a sacred scarab revealed in the wrappings of a mummy.”
So captivated by Moreau's tales, Lucy offers to become the Frenchman's patron for his next project, and soon both are headed off for Egypt to become involved with his next excavation.
Lucy quickly makes friends within the eclectic international community in Cairo and her spirits rise as she begins to explore the city and ancient sites. But underneath the Egyptian skies, all doesn’t exactly go to plan. Lucy finds herself in the middle of an archaeological tug-of-war between Moreau and an English rival over a dig site. Making matters worse, Lucy discovers someone is stealing priceless artefacts from the dig and proffering them for sale on the black market. But her hopes for a successful dig turn to dread when Moreau's body is found dead on his dig site, and Lucy finds herself; once again, knee-deep insand a mystery.
Bookish Yays
🌟Location, Location, Location - ✅✅✅ - I absolutely adored the choice of location, and I think this opens up a never-ending list of settings for Mrs Lawrence to possibly visit in future stories.
🌟Atmosphere - ✅✅✅ - I could just feel the heat of the sand between my toes and the sweat running down my neck as I was reading. It's obvious the author has a sweet spot for this part of the world, and it shows.
🌟Characters - ✅✅✅ - in book #2 we revisit with some old friends and are introduced to new characters who are an absolute delight to read about.
🌟Writing - ✅✅✅ - You must check out the Glossary at the back of this book! Filled with wonderfully colourful words like:- Ammit (an ancient Egyptian goddess), Bakhshish (money given to beggars), Boulaq (a riverside suburb of Cairo), Fellaheen (a farmer), and many many more!!!
🌟Plot - ✅✅✅ - more than one thread to this instalment kept me interested and the author tied them all up well in the end.
Bookish Hmms
🌟Lucy - ? - Sigh. [copied verbatim from my previous review for book #1] - for an intelligent and capable woman, there were occasions where I found her decision making a little reckless and far too spontaneous. Actually, upon reflection, I have to say some of Lucy's decisions in this instalment are disappointingly stupid and at times a little selfish. It's probably my biggest bugbear with this series which stops me from saying this is a five star read.
Looking forward to book #3, The Art of Deception.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
#FootprintsintheSand #NetGalley #PamLecky
Synopsis /
When Lucy Lawrence travels to Egypt with a dashing French archaeologist, she thinks she's leaving her troubled past behind. But in the shadow of the pyramids, death and deception await...
Egypt, 1887. After scandals in London, young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start in Cairo, agreeing to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. Enticed by Egypt's ancient mysteries, Lucy dreams of making a spectacular discovery. But her hopes turn to dread when Moreau is found brutally murdered in the Great Pyramid. The only clue is the ceremonial dagger buried in his heart – a relic of Moreau's own past.
As mysterious thefts plague the expedition, Lucy becomes ensnared in a plot reaching from lost desert tombs to Cairo's stylish avenues. With Phineas Stone far away in London, Lucy must rely on her own wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death. Pitted against corrupt officials, rival archaeologists, and a foe determined to silence her, can Lucy unmask the killer... or will she become the next unlucky victim herself?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Pam Lecky, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 25, 2024.
Footprints in the Sand begins where No Stone Unturned ended; and while it probably isn't going to spoil too much of your enjoyment if you didn't read book #1, I would urge you to do so, as there are subtle references throughout book #2 that won't mean anything to you if you haven't read No Stone Unturned.
After solving the mystery of her late husband's death, AND, locating and returning the missing sapphires to a very grateful maharaja, our protagonist, Lucy Lawrence is now a wealthy woman. Still finding her feet after the trauma of losing her husband, Charlie, Lucy has decided to take a sabbatical from London and travel the World. Arriving in France, Lucy realises that the scandalous grapevine has reached Nice before she did. It seems as though the English community in Nice are less than welcoming towards her. Just as Lucy is contemplating leaving France, she meets Armad Moreau. Moreau, a well-known charming and charismatic French archaeologist, regales her with his tales of working digs in ancient Egypt - of unearthing ancient Egyptian artifacts and sarcophagi, and the mummified bodies of those preserved within it.
“As a patron you could be one of the first to enter a tomb last sealed thousands of years ago. The first to see a pharaoh’s treasures. Perhaps hold in your hand a sacred scarab revealed in the wrappings of a mummy.”
So captivated by Moreau's tales, Lucy offers to become the Frenchman's patron for his next project, and soon both are headed off for Egypt to become involved with his next excavation.
Lucy quickly makes friends within the eclectic international community in Cairo and her spirits rise as she begins to explore the city and ancient sites. But underneath the Egyptian skies, all doesn’t exactly go to plan. Lucy finds herself in the middle of an archaeological tug-of-war between Moreau and an English rival over a dig site. Making matters worse, Lucy discovers someone is stealing priceless artefacts from the dig and proffering them for sale on the black market. But her hopes for a successful dig turn to dread when Moreau's body is found dead on his dig site, and Lucy finds herself; once again, knee-deep in
Bookish Yays
🌟Location, Location, Location - ✅✅✅ - I absolutely adored the choice of location, and I think this opens up a never-ending list of settings for Mrs Lawrence to possibly visit in future stories.
🌟Atmosphere - ✅✅✅ - I could just feel the heat of the sand between my toes and the sweat running down my neck as I was reading. It's obvious the author has a sweet spot for this part of the world, and it shows.
🌟Characters - ✅✅✅ - in book #2 we revisit with some old friends and are introduced to new characters who are an absolute delight to read about.
🌟Writing - ✅✅✅ - You must check out the Glossary at the back of this book! Filled with wonderfully colourful words like:- Ammit (an ancient Egyptian goddess), Bakhshish (money given to beggars), Boulaq (a riverside suburb of Cairo), Fellaheen (a farmer), and many many more!!!
🌟Plot - ✅✅✅ - more than one thread to this instalment kept me interested and the author tied them all up well in the end.
Bookish Hmms
🌟Lucy - ? - Sigh. [copied verbatim from my previous review for book #1] - for an intelligent and capable woman, there were occasions where I found her decision making a little reckless and far too spontaneous. Actually, upon reflection, I have to say some of Lucy's decisions in this instalment are disappointingly stupid and at times a little selfish. It's probably my biggest bugbear with this series which stops me from saying this is a five star read.
Looking forward to book #3, The Art of Deception.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
#FootprintsintheSand #NetGalley #PamLecky
August 2, 2024
Lucy Lawrence and her maid Mary had recently arrived in Cairo, she as a patron to archaeologist, Frenchman Armand Moreau. Lucy's constant desire for excitement and adventure had seen her succumb to Armand's chivalry, and the draw of Egypt's ancient tombs kept Lucy enthralled. It was 1887 and Lucy enjoyed her time at the Excelsior in Cairo before they departed for the excavation site.
When Moreau was murdered in Giza she was devastated. She'd become fond of him and she was determined to discover his killer. The local police worked hard, but that was too slowly for Lucy. Her investigation took her into danger - but that was nothing new. Would she discover the killer before she lost her own life, buried in the tombs of Egypt forever?
Footprints in the Sand is the 2nd in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries by Pam Lecky and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! Lucy's a courageous, determined and independent young woman - much to Mary's horror - and won't let others do for her, what she believes she can do herself. Whether safely or not! For that, she's an intriguing character. I'm very much looking forward to #3. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read.
When Moreau was murdered in Giza she was devastated. She'd become fond of him and she was determined to discover his killer. The local police worked hard, but that was too slowly for Lucy. Her investigation took her into danger - but that was nothing new. Would she discover the killer before she lost her own life, buried in the tombs of Egypt forever?
Footprints in the Sand is the 2nd in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries by Pam Lecky and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! Lucy's a courageous, determined and independent young woman - much to Mary's horror - and won't let others do for her, what she believes she can do herself. Whether safely or not! For that, she's an intriguing character. I'm very much looking forward to #3. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read.
October 19, 2021
3 Stars
*A slow, dialogue-focused mystery with an interesting setting*
After enjoying No Stone Unturned, I was eager to continue on with the series. And the fact that the sequel was set in Egypt made it doubly appealing. But I ended up a little disappointed in this installment despite the decent plotting.
I really wanted to see more growth and depth from Lucy. While she was frustratingly naïve and lacking agency at the beginning of the first book, she did manage to gain some gumption by the end. I was really hoping that growth would gain momentum in this sequel. But while Lucy was more independent in some ways, most of the time she still felt like a product of her stifling times.
It was also disappointing that one of the main characters from the first book was absent.
But my main issue was that the story was slow with a lot of filler. The murder didn’t happen until over half the way through the story, so this didn’t feel like much of a whodunit. It was mostly Lucy talking to pretty much everyone in Cairo. For such a short book, the pages of dialogue made the story seem a lot longer, and lot of the story felt centered on the drama.
Despite all that, Footprints in the Sand was still a decent read. The Egyptian setting was interesting and well-researched. It’s hard to turn your nose up at archelogy, mummy curses, and hidden treasure with a theft ring and murder thrown in.
Although I found aspects of the story disappointing, I still plan on continuing with the series when the next book comes out.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
*A slow, dialogue-focused mystery with an interesting setting*
After enjoying No Stone Unturned, I was eager to continue on with the series. And the fact that the sequel was set in Egypt made it doubly appealing. But I ended up a little disappointed in this installment despite the decent plotting.
I really wanted to see more growth and depth from Lucy. While she was frustratingly naïve and lacking agency at the beginning of the first book, she did manage to gain some gumption by the end. I was really hoping that growth would gain momentum in this sequel. But while Lucy was more independent in some ways, most of the time she still felt like a product of her stifling times.
It was also disappointing that one of the main characters from the first book was absent.
But my main issue was that the story was slow with a lot of filler. The murder didn’t happen until over half the way through the story, so this didn’t feel like much of a whodunit. It was mostly Lucy talking to pretty much everyone in Cairo. For such a short book, the pages of dialogue made the story seem a lot longer, and lot of the story felt centered on the drama.
Despite all that, Footprints in the Sand was still a decent read. The Egyptian setting was interesting and well-researched. It’s hard to turn your nose up at archelogy, mummy curses, and hidden treasure with a theft ring and murder thrown in.
Although I found aspects of the story disappointing, I still plan on continuing with the series when the next book comes out.
RATING FACTORS:
Ease of Reading: 4 Stars
Writing Style: 3 Stars
Characters and Character Development: 3 Stars
Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars
Level of Captivation: 3 Stars
Originality: 2 Stars
June 24, 2024
What a follow up to the first Lucy Lawrence mystery this is! We have a complete change of setting and a new cast of characters for Lucy and her maid, Mary, to meet and work with.
Lucy is newly wealthy due to rewards earned during the first book in the series and she decides to travel. Unhappy with the prevalence of gossiping Brits in her travels, she heads to Egypt as the patron of a French archeologist. The Egypt craze is in full effect and Lucy unknowingly inserted herself into the fray, where there is tension between British and the French teams working in the area. At first, it seems like a jewel theft is going to take us down the same road as in the first book, but the head of Lucy's dig is found dead in one of the pyramids soon after and we're off on another murder investigation.
Local officials tolerate Lucy, probably because of her wealth, but the local inspector isn't interested in working with her. She makes a lot of progress without much help, but ultimately gets herself into a dangerous situation.
I loved the change of location! Granted, I was surprised that we didn't see Phineas Stone in this story, but having Lucy come into her own was satisfying - she's not the sad widow anymore! She still thinks of Phineas, but isn't afraid of adventure.
Lucy is newly wealthy due to rewards earned during the first book in the series and she decides to travel. Unhappy with the prevalence of gossiping Brits in her travels, she heads to Egypt as the patron of a French archeologist. The Egypt craze is in full effect and Lucy unknowingly inserted herself into the fray, where there is tension between British and the French teams working in the area. At first, it seems like a jewel theft is going to take us down the same road as in the first book, but the head of Lucy's dig is found dead in one of the pyramids soon after and we're off on another murder investigation.
Local officials tolerate Lucy, probably because of her wealth, but the local inspector isn't interested in working with her. She makes a lot of progress without much help, but ultimately gets herself into a dangerous situation.
I loved the change of location! Granted, I was surprised that we didn't see Phineas Stone in this story, but having Lucy come into her own was satisfying - she's not the sad widow anymore! She still thinks of Phineas, but isn't afraid of adventure.
August 20, 2024
Romance and danger!
Ah Egypt! It’s 1887, Lucy Lawrence, now a woman of means travels to Paris and by chance meets renowned charismatic French Egyptologist Armand Moreau.
From that meeting it’s a small step to funding his dig at Sakkâra, Egypt, and sailing on to Cairo. Of course Mary is consumed by dark forebodings.
Cairo is everything Lucy dreamt of and more.
Unexplained deaths, uncovering a new tomb, stolen antiques and more greet Lucy. Meanwhile Phineas has disappeared, which unhappily coincides with his ex fiancé Alice Vaughan disappearance.
What is Lucy to think?
Ok, the adventures of Lucy Lawrence have sucked me in and I can but continue!
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Ah Egypt! It’s 1887, Lucy Lawrence, now a woman of means travels to Paris and by chance meets renowned charismatic French Egyptologist Armand Moreau.
From that meeting it’s a small step to funding his dig at Sakkâra, Egypt, and sailing on to Cairo. Of course Mary is consumed by dark forebodings.
Cairo is everything Lucy dreamt of and more.
Unexplained deaths, uncovering a new tomb, stolen antiques and more greet Lucy. Meanwhile Phineas has disappeared, which unhappily coincides with his ex fiancé Alice Vaughan disappearance.
What is Lucy to think?
Ok, the adventures of Lucy Lawrence have sucked me in and I can but continue!
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
July 11, 2024
Looking for historical mystery read? Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky is your answer! This is set in Egypt and Lucy’s on an expedition turned deadly. It was a well-crafted plot with relatable characters. Get ready to be transported to the scorching desert and experience the thrill of the mystery. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
Thanks Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
October 11, 2020
I'm so perplexed by this author. She writes well and the characters are good - aside from the main character who is so vapid and insipid ... I'm going to keep reading the series because the secondary characters are wonderful .. I just wish that Lucy herself wasn't so bad, unlikeable and downright dim-witted...
September 19, 2020
Thumbs up
Not quite as good as the first book in the series, perhaps because I am not interested in Egypt that much. Still a steady 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Not quite as good as the first book in the series, perhaps because I am not interested in Egypt that much. Still a steady 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
November 12, 2025
Pace was a little too slow compared to other book in the series. The elongated suppressed chemistry and sometime bantering between the protagonists (Lucy & Stone) was missing.
Nevertheless, a good story with murder, thieves, corruption and her own life in peril. Anxious to search out more from this author and look forward to book 3 in the series.
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Nevertheless, a good story with murder, thieves, corruption and her own life in peril. Anxious to search out more from this author and look forward to book 3 in the series.
3.5 Stars ⭐️
May 25, 2020
My, oh my!!! How bloody brilliant is this book? – Rhetorical question, honestly you don’t need to answer The intrepid and brilliant; Lucy Lawrence is back with another cracking case for us all to get our teeth into, how much do I adore this series?
This is like opening a box of chocolate and find that the box is full of your favourites; Brilliantly thrilling plot with more twist and turn then a maze! Fabulous heroine, who has an unfortunate habit of finding herself in trouble. Egypt, mystery, stunning scenery, richly and vivid attention to detail, this book has got everything that you would ever want in a book…did I mention that I utterly adore this book?
I’m telling you the Lucy Lawrence mysteries needs to be made into a tv series, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years time we will be all milling around out tv screens waiting for the opening titles of the very first Lucy Lawrence mystery in the same way we do whenever there is a new Agatha Christie on the box.
If you love ‘Death on the Nile’ (I mean, come on who doesn’t love Poirot?) and The Mummy, then this is the perfect book for you!
This more or less starts off where the last one finished, but don’t worry, it’s not essential to read these books in order, they really are stand-alone’s. Lucy is still finding her feet again after all the trauma of what happened when her husband was murdered, she has taken herself off to France. But soon scandal has caught up with her and she is left unwelcomed, yet again. She meets charismatic Armand Moreau, a French archaeologist, who soon chooses to sponsor his dig in Egypt. But this being a Lucy Lawrence mystery, all doesn’t exactly go to plan and soon Lucy finds herself; once again knee-deep in a mystery.
I utterly love the parts in Egypt, I have always since I was very little had a passion for ancient Egypt and this book settles itself into my heart and feeds that love
There is something very addictive about this series, I can guarantee that the moment you pick up a Lucy Lawrence mystery you will be hooked for life. Lucy and Phin are under my skin now, I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment of this marvellous series, I can’t wait to see what mischief our Lucy gets herself into and will Phin be there too??
Without giving any spoilers, that ending! Loved it, brilliant finish to was a compelling, engaging and intriguing case for Lucy, but with regards to Phineas, it has left me more questions then ever, I thought from the last boo; no stone unturned that I could see where the wind was blowing but I was so wrong and now I am feeling as much in limbo with the whole Phin/Lucy issue as Lucy Lawrence herself. What’s going to happen next? Will they head in the direction that I am desperately hoping they will? Or will the next book be yet another curveball and leave me once again enthralled and surprised?
I have to say that Pam Lecky, you are an absolute genius!! I knew that his series was going to be a keeper when I read the first book; No Stone Unturned and this one has cemented Pam Lecky’s place right up there with the very great historical mystery writers.
This was an arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed, Thank you, Pam! xx
This is like opening a box of chocolate and find that the box is full of your favourites; Brilliantly thrilling plot with more twist and turn then a maze! Fabulous heroine, who has an unfortunate habit of finding herself in trouble. Egypt, mystery, stunning scenery, richly and vivid attention to detail, this book has got everything that you would ever want in a book…did I mention that I utterly adore this book?
I’m telling you the Lucy Lawrence mysteries needs to be made into a tv series, in fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years time we will be all milling around out tv screens waiting for the opening titles of the very first Lucy Lawrence mystery in the same way we do whenever there is a new Agatha Christie on the box.
If you love ‘Death on the Nile’ (I mean, come on who doesn’t love Poirot?) and The Mummy, then this is the perfect book for you!
This more or less starts off where the last one finished, but don’t worry, it’s not essential to read these books in order, they really are stand-alone’s. Lucy is still finding her feet again after all the trauma of what happened when her husband was murdered, she has taken herself off to France. But soon scandal has caught up with her and she is left unwelcomed, yet again. She meets charismatic Armand Moreau, a French archaeologist, who soon chooses to sponsor his dig in Egypt. But this being a Lucy Lawrence mystery, all doesn’t exactly go to plan and soon Lucy finds herself; once again knee-deep in a mystery.
I utterly love the parts in Egypt, I have always since I was very little had a passion for ancient Egypt and this book settles itself into my heart and feeds that love
There is something very addictive about this series, I can guarantee that the moment you pick up a Lucy Lawrence mystery you will be hooked for life. Lucy and Phin are under my skin now, I am on tenterhooks waiting for the next instalment of this marvellous series, I can’t wait to see what mischief our Lucy gets herself into and will Phin be there too??
Without giving any spoilers, that ending! Loved it, brilliant finish to was a compelling, engaging and intriguing case for Lucy, but with regards to Phineas, it has left me more questions then ever, I thought from the last boo; no stone unturned that I could see where the wind was blowing but I was so wrong and now I am feeling as much in limbo with the whole Phin/Lucy issue as Lucy Lawrence herself. What’s going to happen next? Will they head in the direction that I am desperately hoping they will? Or will the next book be yet another curveball and leave me once again enthralled and surprised?
I have to say that Pam Lecky, you are an absolute genius!! I knew that his series was going to be a keeper when I read the first book; No Stone Unturned and this one has cemented Pam Lecky’s place right up there with the very great historical mystery writers.
This was an arc copy via the author, which I voluntarily reviewed, Thank you, Pam! xx
April 1, 2020
I have had a most enjoyable read. The plot was very devious and I wasn't able to guess the culprit until the very end. Well done Pam and I am looking forward to the 3rd. book.
April 16, 2020
Still recovering from the traumatic events that surrounded the murder of her husband, Lucy Lawrence seeks refuge on the continent but news of the scandals has followed her. Made unwelcome by the English community in Nice, she is delighted to make the acquaintance of a charming French Egyptologist and soon agrees to sponsor his latest dig on condition that she, too, can go to Egypt. Lucy quickly makes friends in the international community there and her spirits rise as she begins to explore Cairo and the ancient sites. Sun-drenched days are followed by starlit nights.
Pam Lecky admirably captures the allure of nineteenth century Egypt for tourists and archaeologists alike. Tensions rise as different nationalities vie for the right to excavate at the most promising locations while the Egyptian authorities seek to prevent the best finds being smuggled out of the country. When old resentments are added to personal rivalries, burglary, theft and murder follow. Soon Lucy must ask herself whom can she really trust.
This gripping story is the perfect antidote to our current quarantine and isolation. It will appeal to all lovers of historical crime fiction and especially to fans of Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody.
Pam Lecky admirably captures the allure of nineteenth century Egypt for tourists and archaeologists alike. Tensions rise as different nationalities vie for the right to excavate at the most promising locations while the Egyptian authorities seek to prevent the best finds being smuggled out of the country. When old resentments are added to personal rivalries, burglary, theft and murder follow. Soon Lucy must ask herself whom can she really trust.
This gripping story is the perfect antidote to our current quarantine and isolation. It will appeal to all lovers of historical crime fiction and especially to fans of Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody.
July 21, 2024
This is the second installment of the Lucy Lawrence series, written by Pam Lecky. Unfortunately, I do not think it was a good as the first.
This book picks up right where the first left off. We find Lucy Lawrence on a new adventure, this time to Egypt. Now wealthy after the events of the first book, she is patron to renown Egyptologist M. Moreau. The book follows Lucy on her adventures in Egypt, from the marvelous hotel she is staying at in Cairo, to the desert dig site where she is hopeful that Moreau will find an intact tomb.
When the local museum is robbed and an archaeologist murdered, old friendships and hidden rivalries come to light. Can Lucy crack the case?
As said above, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The writing is good, however, the first half of the book and the second half felt very different. The first half is very dialogue heavy and focuses on character development which at times I struggled to get through. The murder in question does not take place until about halfway through the book, and at that point the pace does pick up and is more like the first novel.
Also—a main character from the first novel is entirely absent in this one aside from being mentioned a few times.
Still, I will continue to read the series as I find it enjoyable and charming.
As always, thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review before release day.
This book picks up right where the first left off. We find Lucy Lawrence on a new adventure, this time to Egypt. Now wealthy after the events of the first book, she is patron to renown Egyptologist M. Moreau. The book follows Lucy on her adventures in Egypt, from the marvelous hotel she is staying at in Cairo, to the desert dig site where she is hopeful that Moreau will find an intact tomb.
When the local museum is robbed and an archaeologist murdered, old friendships and hidden rivalries come to light. Can Lucy crack the case?
As said above, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The writing is good, however, the first half of the book and the second half felt very different. The first half is very dialogue heavy and focuses on character development which at times I struggled to get through. The murder in question does not take place until about halfway through the book, and at that point the pace does pick up and is more like the first novel.
Also—a main character from the first novel is entirely absent in this one aside from being mentioned a few times.
Still, I will continue to read the series as I find it enjoyable and charming.
As always, thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review before release day.
August 13, 2020
I completely enjoyed the second entry in this historical mystery series. After her adventures in London in the first book, Lucy escapes London to avoid all of the gossip, and heads for Nice. But she finds Nice filled with gossips, and is contemplating leaving when she meets a charming Frenchman who is also a noted archaeologist. Lucy is so charmed, that she decides to become the Frenchman's patron, and head off for Egypt to become involved with his excavations.
Once in Egypt, Lucy meets an interesting set of people, all involved in Egyptology in some way. Soon, there are thefts at the hotel, and thefts at the Cairo Museum. Of course Lucy decides to investigate.... and then, there is a murder.
I'll admit I guessed correctly who had committed the thefts and murder, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment in any way. I loved all of the details about Egypt, and enjoyed visiting with Lucy again. The only downside was the complete lack of Phineas! I looked forward to the next in the series and hope Phineas will reappear.
Once in Egypt, Lucy meets an interesting set of people, all involved in Egyptology in some way. Soon, there are thefts at the hotel, and thefts at the Cairo Museum. Of course Lucy decides to investigate.... and then, there is a murder.
I'll admit I guessed correctly who had committed the thefts and murder, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment in any way. I loved all of the details about Egypt, and enjoyed visiting with Lucy again. The only downside was the complete lack of Phineas! I looked forward to the next in the series and hope Phineas will reappear.
March 14, 2022
Having enjoyed Lucy’s adventures in “No Stone Unturned”, the first book in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries, I couldn’t wait to start “Footprints in the Sand” and I wasn’t disappointed. The second book in the series is set in Egypt in 1887 and the reader is soon drawn into the intriguing story. The vivid descriptions of the desert and the surroundings reminded me of the scenery in the film Raiders of the Lost Ark, a favourite with my three sons, and also myself. Lucy, now a widow, seeks a new adventure in the land of the pharaohs and is soon embroiled in a mystery that places her and her ever-faithful maid, Mary, in danger. When I started the book I was hoping that Lucy’s romance with the enigmatic Phineas Stone would continue, but it seemed this wasn’t to be – or was it? The author has clearly carried out detailed research into Egypt and the Land of the Pharaohs and the notes at the end of the book are very helpful to the reader.
March 18, 2020
I loved this book. Having read this first book in the series I was waiting for more stories about Lucy Stone and this didn't disappoint. The story is well-plotted and incredibly well researched. I learned so much about the pyramids and the way they were excavated but in a very entertaining way. I felt with the archaeology and Egypt there were shades of Agatha Christie in this book. Excellent.
May 27, 2020
This is the second book in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series. While I missed my favourite character from the first book, there was a host of new characters to meet. The author clearly did very thorough research and the Egyptian setting was so authentic and detailed.
July 19, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I was excited to be able to read the next and the fact it takes place in Egypt was even better. I like Lucy, she fearless and strong. I’m not sure I totally believe one woman could get into so much trouble constantly. I did think the book moved slow and it felt like nothing was happening. It has some surprises along the way. I did miss that Phineas wasn’t in this book.
I hope he’s in the next one.
I hope he’s in the next one.
August 6, 2020
Not as good as the first
While the writing is good, and the author is great at capturing the feel of the era and nails the setting descriptions (I’ve been to Egypt and seen many of the same sights, which look exactly as she describes), the story was terribly “meh” until about the last third of the book. There was far too much build up to the actual plot. Much of the first part of the book was completely unnecessary, and felt like filler. much more could have been written during the action part of the book. The pacing of the first book was much better, so this one was a bit of a let down.
Having said all that, it wasn’t a bad book. The story was good, and once the action started, it was well done. It was easy to figure out the villain, as well as their motive, but that didn’t bother me, as I read a ton of books and frequently figure them out. I really like the main characters (Mary is brilliant and needs more story time-she was not as adventurous in this book as the previous one), and the feel like I’m there with them while I read. That’s the mark of a good story teller.
Slight spoiler ahead:
I was sad that a certain character was only mentioned, though, and not I actually in the book.
While the writing is good, and the author is great at capturing the feel of the era and nails the setting descriptions (I’ve been to Egypt and seen many of the same sights, which look exactly as she describes), the story was terribly “meh” until about the last third of the book. There was far too much build up to the actual plot. Much of the first part of the book was completely unnecessary, and felt like filler. much more could have been written during the action part of the book. The pacing of the first book was much better, so this one was a bit of a let down.
Having said all that, it wasn’t a bad book. The story was good, and once the action started, it was well done. It was easy to figure out the villain, as well as their motive, but that didn’t bother me, as I read a ton of books and frequently figure them out. I really like the main characters (Mary is brilliant and needs more story time-she was not as adventurous in this book as the previous one), and the feel like I’m there with them while I read. That’s the mark of a good story teller.
Slight spoiler ahead:
I was sad that a certain character was only mentioned, though, and not I actually in the book.
October 5, 2020
“As a patron you could be one of the first to enter a tomb last sealed thousands of years ago. The first to see a pharaoh’s treasures. Perhaps hold in your hand a sacred scarab revealed in the wrappings of a mummy.”
It sounded so exciting, so glamourous. How could she possibly refuse? And besides, French Egyptologist, Armand Moreau, could be very persuasive, and Lucy Lawrence had always been fascinated with history and archaeology. To go to Egypt, to be a part of an archaeological dig was a childhood dream. This was her one chance to make that dream come true.
Despite her maid’s misgivings, Lucy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime. But an archaeological dig is not as romantic as Moreau had made it out to be. Underneath the Egyptian sun, Lucy finds herself in the middle of an archaeological feud between Moreau and his English rival, Reginald Whitmore. To make matters worse, someone is stealing artefacts from the dig and selling them on the black market.
Surrounded by rogues and charlatans, Lucy is determined to embrace every single second of this foreign yet fascinating world. Unbeknownst to Lucy, however, there is more than professional rivalry and reputation at stake. Someone is out for revenge, and they will not be content until they have it…
With flawless attention to the period that this book is set in along with a propulsive plot that grabs the reader from the opening sentence and takes them forever onward to its dramatic climax, Footprints in the Sand (The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries Book 2) by Pam Lecky is an example of Historical Fiction at its very best.
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, No Stone Unturned, I was really looking forward to reading the second book in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries Series. I was anticipating a wonderful read, but Lecky has exceeded all of my expectations. From a perfectly respectable hotel in Nice, France, to the majestic beauty of the pyramids at Giza, Lecky has presented her readers with a novel that is as enthralling as it is addictive — I simply could not put it down. The adventure, the sense of time and place, along with the gripping narrative, enthralled me from the opening sentence to the very last full-stop. This is the kind of book that keeps giving—a real treat for lovers of quality Historical Thrillers.
Unlike most Historical Thrillers, the protagonist in this series is a woman — and how refreshing that is! Lucy is a rather meddlesome woman who always wants to be in the thick of the action, which leads to some rather unfortunate and dangerous incidents. Despite the fragility of her sex, the era the book is set in, and the perils that she faces, Lucy strives ever onwards to discover the truth and to unearth the villains. At times, this puts her at odds with the police, who would rather she left the detective work to them. But even poor Inspector Vauquelin realises that he cannot keep the redoubtable Madame Lawrence, from poking her nose into business that she has no right to pry into! However, I think her inability to leave something alone, makes her incredibly appealing to the reader.
There is an amazing cast of colourful characters in this book, and Lecky ensures that her readers care about them all – even those whose actions are delightfully suspicious. One of my favourite secondary characters is Lucy’s disgruntled maid, Mary. Mary is dragged from pillar to post by the whims of her mistress, and she makes it quite clear she is not happy about it. I thought Mary's depiction was fabulous – and her reaction to Egypt and the pyramids could not have been more different than Lucy’s! Through Mary, Lecky also demonstrates the class structure of the 19th Century. Lucy does not take into consideration Mary’s wishes at all, despite Mary’s obvious distaste for Egypt and her desperate desire to go home. At times this made Lucy appear incredibly self-centred in her approach to her maid, which I thought was very telling of the time. However, despite this, Mary is unfailingly loyal. When Lucy’s world is turned upside down, Mary is the one constant, and for that reason, I adored her.
Another character that caught my eye was the charismatic Frenchman, Armand Moreau. Moreau could charm the birds out of the tree if he had a mind to. He is one of those people who somehow makes the day seem brighter just by being alive, and for that reason, women hold him in high esteem — at least they do when they first meet him. But despite the broken hearts he leaves behind, he is married to his job. His passion, his excitement, is contagious and it was very easy to understand why Lucy became so enthralled with his project. However, as is often the case, Moreau has secrets, and as Lucy slowly discovers these secrets, she has to ask herself if she ever really knew him at all. Moreau was a character that drove this story forward. I thought his depiction was brilliant.
There are several antagonists in this book, but like all good thrillers, they are not always obvious. When I thought I had figured out who the antagonists were, Lecky would pull me up short, with a fabulous plot twist – this is a novel that kept me guessing right up until that final moment.
As I have already touched upon, the historical backdrop of this book is wonderfully portrayed. Lecky’s knowledge of not only the late 19th Century but also the history of ancient Egypt shines through in every single page. I really did feel like I had fallen through time and found myself in the 19th Century. Luckily, I had a very competent tour guide in Lecky.
Footprints in the Sand (The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries Book 2) by Pam Lecky is a dazzling book that is not only an immensely pleasurable one to read but the ending is also extremely satisfying. I truly hope there are more books to come in this beguiling series.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
June 28, 2024
Title: Footprints in the Sand
Author: Pam Lecky
Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery
Release Date: July 25th 2024
"Footprints in the Sand" by Pam Lecky is an exhilarating adventure set against the mesmerising backdrop of Cairo in 1887.
It's a tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and a dash of romance that will captivate fans of historical fiction and detective stories alike.
Lucy Lawrence, in her quest for self-discovery, embarks on a journey to the land of the pharaohs, throwing caution to the wind. Accompanying the charming French Egyptologist Armand Moreau, she finds herself amidst the archaeological community in Cairo—a hotbed of professional rivalries and hidden agendas.
As Lucy delves deeper into this world, she uncovers the thriving black market for antiquities, posing a grave threat to Egypt's rich heritage. When the Egyptian Museum is burgled, Lucy's curiosity and determination to solve the case put her at odds with the local police inspector and alarm her loyal maid, Mary. The stakes are raised when an archaeologist is found murdered inside the Great Pyramid, plunging Lucy into a whirlwind of danger and deceit. Now, she must navigate this treacherous terrain to avoid becoming the next victim.
What I Loved:
1. Exotic Setting: Lecky’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of Cairo and the enigmatic world of Egyptian archaeology. The setting adds a unique and captivating layer to the story adding that extra mystery setting.
2. Engaging Mystery: The plot is intricately woven with professional rivalries, black market dealings, and murder, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
3. Strong Female Protagonist: Lucy Lawrence is a delightful character—brave, curious, and intelligent. Her growth and determination to uncover the truth make her a compelling protagonist you can’t help but root for.
4. Characters: From the charming Armand Moreau to the enigmatic locals and fellow archaeologists, the cast of characters is richly developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story.
5. Historical Accuracy: Lecky’s attention to historical detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, making the reader feel truly immersed in the late 19th-century Egyptian archaeological scene.
"Footprints in the Sand" is a delightful romp through historical Cairo, filled with suspense, intrigue, and a plucky heroine determined to uncover the truth. Pam Lecky masterfully combines rich historical detail with a gripping mystery, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and detective novels.
Thank you to The Publisher Storm Publishing ,The Author Pam Lecky & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Pam Lecky
Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery
Release Date: July 25th 2024
"Footprints in the Sand" by Pam Lecky is an exhilarating adventure set against the mesmerising backdrop of Cairo in 1887.
It's a tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and a dash of romance that will captivate fans of historical fiction and detective stories alike.
Lucy Lawrence, in her quest for self-discovery, embarks on a journey to the land of the pharaohs, throwing caution to the wind. Accompanying the charming French Egyptologist Armand Moreau, she finds herself amidst the archaeological community in Cairo—a hotbed of professional rivalries and hidden agendas.
As Lucy delves deeper into this world, she uncovers the thriving black market for antiquities, posing a grave threat to Egypt's rich heritage. When the Egyptian Museum is burgled, Lucy's curiosity and determination to solve the case put her at odds with the local police inspector and alarm her loyal maid, Mary. The stakes are raised when an archaeologist is found murdered inside the Great Pyramid, plunging Lucy into a whirlwind of danger and deceit. Now, she must navigate this treacherous terrain to avoid becoming the next victim.
What I Loved:
1. Exotic Setting: Lecky’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of Cairo and the enigmatic world of Egyptian archaeology. The setting adds a unique and captivating layer to the story adding that extra mystery setting.
2. Engaging Mystery: The plot is intricately woven with professional rivalries, black market dealings, and murder, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
3. Strong Female Protagonist: Lucy Lawrence is a delightful character—brave, curious, and intelligent. Her growth and determination to uncover the truth make her a compelling protagonist you can’t help but root for.
4. Characters: From the charming Armand Moreau to the enigmatic locals and fellow archaeologists, the cast of characters is richly developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story.
5. Historical Accuracy: Lecky’s attention to historical detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, making the reader feel truly immersed in the late 19th-century Egyptian archaeological scene.
"Footprints in the Sand" is a delightful romp through historical Cairo, filled with suspense, intrigue, and a plucky heroine determined to uncover the truth. Pam Lecky masterfully combines rich historical detail with a gripping mystery, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and detective novels.
Thank you to The Publisher Storm Publishing ,The Author Pam Lecky & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.
July 1, 2024
Footprints in the Sand is book two in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series and if you haven't picked up book one, you definitely should. I think if you wanted to read this one without reading book one, you potentially could. You would miss the set up of how Lucy got to this point but the story is a completely different storyline and different set of characters (mostly) so you wouldn't be missing anything there. That said, I think you should read book one as I'll admit, I did enjoy that one better - mostly because I did miss Phineus in this one.
Lucy is back and having gotten the reward money from finding the sapphires in the last book, she is now a wealthy woman. Having decided to spend some time on the Continent, she's still feeling a bit restless and while in France she meets a French Egyptologyst by the name of Armand Moreau and agrees to become his patron and heads to Cairo. What she didn't expect was that the archaeological community to be so competitive and dangerous. Upon their arrival to Cairo, Lucy is quickly drawn into the city and the atmosphere as well as the goings on around her. When a burglary occurs at the Egyptian Museum, Lucy is determined to help solve the case, unfortunately the local police inspector doesn't really want her help but when an archaeologist is found murdered in Giza, Lucy is in the middle of the whole thing.
There is definitely a lot going on in this book. Now that Lucy is on her own, she is exploring who she is. She likes being independent and she wants to be daring but it is also clear she misses Phineus. Not knowing where they stand (and hearing rumors via her friend Sarah) hasn't helped her figure out whether they are "something" so she decides she will take a chance with M. Moreau and she inadvertently finds herself in the midst of a bit of trouble...which does seem to happen often.
There is a whole host of new characters in this book, some good and some not so good. I don't want to say too much here as I don't want to give anything away but I will say that while I didn't figure everything out, there were some bits I did. That said, it didn't take away from the story for me. The mystery of it all still kept me turning the pages and wondering what Lucy was going to do next. That said, I did miss Phineus in this one. I'll admit...I like my romances and without him here there was a gap. Of course, there was the mention of him throughout and Lucy wondering what was going on with him but I enjoy their actual interactions and I truly did miss them.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. We got to learn more about Lucy and see her grow more into who she is independently and I appreciated that. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series to see where Lecky takes her next.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy is back and having gotten the reward money from finding the sapphires in the last book, she is now a wealthy woman. Having decided to spend some time on the Continent, she's still feeling a bit restless and while in France she meets a French Egyptologyst by the name of Armand Moreau and agrees to become his patron and heads to Cairo. What she didn't expect was that the archaeological community to be so competitive and dangerous. Upon their arrival to Cairo, Lucy is quickly drawn into the city and the atmosphere as well as the goings on around her. When a burglary occurs at the Egyptian Museum, Lucy is determined to help solve the case, unfortunately the local police inspector doesn't really want her help but when an archaeologist is found murdered in Giza, Lucy is in the middle of the whole thing.
There is definitely a lot going on in this book. Now that Lucy is on her own, she is exploring who she is. She likes being independent and she wants to be daring but it is also clear she misses Phineus. Not knowing where they stand (and hearing rumors via her friend Sarah) hasn't helped her figure out whether they are "something" so she decides she will take a chance with M. Moreau and she inadvertently finds herself in the midst of a bit of trouble...which does seem to happen often.
There is a whole host of new characters in this book, some good and some not so good. I don't want to say too much here as I don't want to give anything away but I will say that while I didn't figure everything out, there were some bits I did. That said, it didn't take away from the story for me. The mystery of it all still kept me turning the pages and wondering what Lucy was going to do next. That said, I did miss Phineus in this one. I'll admit...I like my romances and without him here there was a gap. Of course, there was the mention of him throughout and Lucy wondering what was going on with him but I enjoy their actual interactions and I truly did miss them.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. We got to learn more about Lucy and see her grow more into who she is independently and I appreciated that. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series to see where Lecky takes her next.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2020
First off.. have you read book 1 in the series? No Stone Unturned. You don’t need to in order to read Footprints in the Sand but it would certainly help you understand Lucy and her motivations.
After the death of her husband Charlie and the events that followed it’s time for Lucy to find herself.. to enjoy herself a little..lord know she needs it.
Lucy’s quite an independent woman… at a point in time when this would be highly looked down upon. It’s the whole Men do the real work kind of thing but Lucy pulls no punches and doesn’t listen to these silly views.. she will do exactly what she wants. She’s a little headstrong too at times which isn’t always a good thing for her.. impulsive and that leads to trouble.
When Lucy meets Armand Moreau she’s captivated not only by him but also his profession.. he’s an archaeologist working in Egypt.. the whole idea fascinates Lucy and with no one waiting for her to come home to she decides to be a patron of Moreau and agrees to accompany him on the dig.
Soon a theft occurs.. and a black market in goods becomes clear.. is this really a good place for Lucy to be?
Things soon become even worse when a body is found in the Great Pyramid and the murder weapon is… oh well I’ll let you find that out ha.
There’s twists and turns along the way, some subtle..some quite glaringly obvious but Lucy needs to put the pieces together to understand the events and the meanings behind them.
Why doesn’t she just go to the Police you ask? Well she quite fancies herself as a amateur detective.. and more so she wants to prove she’s capable of anything she puts her mind too.. sod what anyone else thinks.
I really enjoyed the plot and the final twist in the tale. It’s paced well and I loved the characters and their development..everyone seemed to get their fair share of the limelight.
For me Footprints in the Sand is a fun and easy read..you’ll flow through it like a hot knife through butter..it’s just written in a way it’s effortless to read..you just get sucked in.
Pam Lecky is really good at writing female lead novels which I find I really enjoy.. her characters have their good and bad points.. that makes them human.. you can’t be perfect after all.
What also shined through is Pam’s commitment to the subject as she balanced the plot perfectly with tit bits of information to show she researched well. Archaeology and Egypt have always fascinated me so It was lovely to see she didn’t skim on this but neither overegged it.. spot on.
A fun and fresh series I’m very much enjoying. More please.
After the death of her husband Charlie and the events that followed it’s time for Lucy to find herself.. to enjoy herself a little..lord know she needs it.
Lucy’s quite an independent woman… at a point in time when this would be highly looked down upon. It’s the whole Men do the real work kind of thing but Lucy pulls no punches and doesn’t listen to these silly views.. she will do exactly what she wants. She’s a little headstrong too at times which isn’t always a good thing for her.. impulsive and that leads to trouble.
When Lucy meets Armand Moreau she’s captivated not only by him but also his profession.. he’s an archaeologist working in Egypt.. the whole idea fascinates Lucy and with no one waiting for her to come home to she decides to be a patron of Moreau and agrees to accompany him on the dig.
Soon a theft occurs.. and a black market in goods becomes clear.. is this really a good place for Lucy to be?
Things soon become even worse when a body is found in the Great Pyramid and the murder weapon is… oh well I’ll let you find that out ha.
There’s twists and turns along the way, some subtle..some quite glaringly obvious but Lucy needs to put the pieces together to understand the events and the meanings behind them.
Why doesn’t she just go to the Police you ask? Well she quite fancies herself as a amateur detective.. and more so she wants to prove she’s capable of anything she puts her mind too.. sod what anyone else thinks.
I really enjoyed the plot and the final twist in the tale. It’s paced well and I loved the characters and their development..everyone seemed to get their fair share of the limelight.
For me Footprints in the Sand is a fun and easy read..you’ll flow through it like a hot knife through butter..it’s just written in a way it’s effortless to read..you just get sucked in.
Pam Lecky is really good at writing female lead novels which I find I really enjoy.. her characters have their good and bad points.. that makes them human.. you can’t be perfect after all.
What also shined through is Pam’s commitment to the subject as she balanced the plot perfectly with tit bits of information to show she researched well. Archaeology and Egypt have always fascinated me so It was lovely to see she didn’t skim on this but neither overegged it.. spot on.
A fun and fresh series I’m very much enjoying. More please.
July 21, 2024
3.75 Stars
This is the second book in the historical mystery series about Lucy Lawrence. Lucy has been traveling in Europe while she heals from the betrayal and death of her husband. She is also missing Phinneus Stone, the investigator with whom she has feelings for, but is uncertain of where they stan. She meets M. Moreau, a renowned archeologist who will be heading to Cairo to head up a dig and decides to be his patron and fund the dig. Lucy decides to travel to Cairo with her maid Mary and stay for the winter so that she can experience the sights and history of Egypt. As the different groups arrive to start digging, there is tension between the French and English in regards to who truly has the official rights to dig there. There is also theft at the sites and the black market. All this leads to theft of artifacts, and then murder. However, are the 2 linked?
I enjoyed reading about the rights to dig in Egypt at this time. The English have control over rights, but the French control the digs. I also enjoyed the description of the Egyptian history of kings and burial traditions. There were many characters, and it was an enjoyable puzzle to try and figure out who was involved and how it all connected. I really liked the descriptions of the markets!
This was a well paced book, and I liked the mystery. However, I figured out one part at about 75% in.
I struggled a little with Lucy in this book. She came across a little more self-righteous. She seemed to assume that since she helped solve the previous case in England, then she should be privy to information the police had, and was offended when they did not share information. She questions the ability of those around her. However, at the end she is a bit humbled, and I am hoping that the author will continue to grow Lucy in a graceful way because I do enjoy these books, and even Lucy most of the time.
I also wish that Mary had been more "plucky" in this story. She seemed a different character- fearful and worrisome. This was not the same maid that was in the previous book! I hope as they return to England she will return to who she is.
There are a few times when there is repetitiveness in conversations, especially between Lucy and the Detective.
I did like that she reconnected with Phinneus Stone, and am looking forward to see how this pans out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with characters I like. It is a cozy historical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
This is the second book in the historical mystery series about Lucy Lawrence. Lucy has been traveling in Europe while she heals from the betrayal and death of her husband. She is also missing Phinneus Stone, the investigator with whom she has feelings for, but is uncertain of where they stan. She meets M. Moreau, a renowned archeologist who will be heading to Cairo to head up a dig and decides to be his patron and fund the dig. Lucy decides to travel to Cairo with her maid Mary and stay for the winter so that she can experience the sights and history of Egypt. As the different groups arrive to start digging, there is tension between the French and English in regards to who truly has the official rights to dig there. There is also theft at the sites and the black market. All this leads to theft of artifacts, and then murder. However, are the 2 linked?
I enjoyed reading about the rights to dig in Egypt at this time. The English have control over rights, but the French control the digs. I also enjoyed the description of the Egyptian history of kings and burial traditions. There were many characters, and it was an enjoyable puzzle to try and figure out who was involved and how it all connected. I really liked the descriptions of the markets!
This was a well paced book, and I liked the mystery. However, I figured out one part at about 75% in.
I struggled a little with Lucy in this book. She came across a little more self-righteous. She seemed to assume that since she helped solve the previous case in England, then she should be privy to information the police had, and was offended when they did not share information. She questions the ability of those around her. However, at the end she is a bit humbled, and I am hoping that the author will continue to grow Lucy in a graceful way because I do enjoy these books, and even Lucy most of the time.
I also wish that Mary had been more "plucky" in this story. She seemed a different character- fearful and worrisome. This was not the same maid that was in the previous book! I hope as they return to England she will return to who she is.
There are a few times when there is repetitiveness in conversations, especially between Lucy and the Detective.
I did like that she reconnected with Phinneus Stone, and am looking forward to see how this pans out.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read with characters I like. It is a cozy historical mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.
September 17, 2024
This is the second book in author Pam Lecky’s Lucy Lawrence Mystery series. I enjoyed the first one, which I received as an advance reader copy, so much that I want to continue the series. I was also given the fourth book in the series to read but I wanted to make sure I read the two in between before reading that one as well.
Footprints in the Sand takes place several months after the events in No Stone Unturned. The heroine of that story, Lucy Lawrence is off visiting Europe with her maid. The ending of the previous book made it sound like she was using most of the reward money to reimburse people her late husband had cheated. However, it seems that there is enough left over that Lucy is now a wealthy woman in her own right. In France, she meets a renowned Egyptologist, Armand Moreau. Moreau charms her with his stories of riches to be found at archaeological digs in Egypt. Lucy agrees to fund part of his dig for the season and follows him to Egypt.
There she finds intrigue among the archaeologists competing to dig for buried tombs. In particular, there is a rivalry between Moreau and British archeologist Reginald Hutchinson. The dig sites are being decided in a lottery system by M. Joubert, the head of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, to try to alleviate claims of bias. Everything does not go as planned, though, and Lucy soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
The main thing missing from Footprints in the Sand is the romantic flirting between Lucy and Phineas Stone. Moreau does represent a bit of a love interest for her, but it’s hard to take it seriously with Phineas still somewhere in the wings. I kept expecting him to show up, but he didn’t. This is strictly a Lucy book. In the first book of the series, her motivation to investigate was that she was caught up in the investigation. Here, she is somewhat of a socialite who is more on the outside looking in. She’s in an unfamiliar place with a different culture than she is used to. Instead of allowing the police to do their job and investigate several crimes that occur during the course of the book, Lucy continually takes matters into her own hands.
To read my full review please go to Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky – Archaeological Intrigue in Victorian Egypt
Footprints in the Sand takes place several months after the events in No Stone Unturned. The heroine of that story, Lucy Lawrence is off visiting Europe with her maid. The ending of the previous book made it sound like she was using most of the reward money to reimburse people her late husband had cheated. However, it seems that there is enough left over that Lucy is now a wealthy woman in her own right. In France, she meets a renowned Egyptologist, Armand Moreau. Moreau charms her with his stories of riches to be found at archaeological digs in Egypt. Lucy agrees to fund part of his dig for the season and follows him to Egypt.
There she finds intrigue among the archaeologists competing to dig for buried tombs. In particular, there is a rivalry between Moreau and British archeologist Reginald Hutchinson. The dig sites are being decided in a lottery system by M. Joubert, the head of the Egyptian Antiquities Service, to try to alleviate claims of bias. Everything does not go as planned, though, and Lucy soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
The main thing missing from Footprints in the Sand is the romantic flirting between Lucy and Phineas Stone. Moreau does represent a bit of a love interest for her, but it’s hard to take it seriously with Phineas still somewhere in the wings. I kept expecting him to show up, but he didn’t. This is strictly a Lucy book. In the first book of the series, her motivation to investigate was that she was caught up in the investigation. Here, she is somewhat of a socialite who is more on the outside looking in. She’s in an unfamiliar place with a different culture than she is used to. Instead of allowing the police to do their job and investigate several crimes that occur during the course of the book, Lucy continually takes matters into her own hands.
To read my full review please go to Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky – Archaeological Intrigue in Victorian Egypt
July 16, 2022
📚📚📚📚📚⭐ = A book in a million
Footprints in the Sand is the second book in Pam Lecky's, The Lucy Lawrence mysteries series. Having read book one a couple of months ago, I had not found the time to read book two and, therefore, it sat waiting patiently on my kindle while I tried to catch up with my other reading and reviewing commitments. But, I had not forgotten about it. I was really looking forward to reading book 2 of the series because if it was going to be anything like book 1, then I knew I would be in for a treat.
What can I say, but WOW! I have never read a book that is so utterly compelling - I have read more than my fair share of books. Actually, that is wrong, the story isn't so much compelling as totally addictive. I was like a junkie, I could not start the day until I had my hour fix of Footprints in the Sand!!! It is no exaggeration to say that I have never read a book quite like this. Lecky took me back to the past, and I was immediately immersed in the history, and thoroughly committed to the characters.
I was expecting Phineas Stone to be a big part of this book, but he wasn't because Lucy was off having her own adventures without her love interest from book 1 getting in the way - how refreshing is that?! Instead, we are introduced to a whole host of new characters - the most memorable being Armand Moreau - a dashing Frenchman with a secret past. I also found myself sympathising with poor Mary (Lucy's maid) who really loathed every minute of being in Egypt and counted down the hours until they could return to London! And I can't say I blamed her, being Lucy's maid is no easy task! Lucy was everything she was in Book 1 but with more confidence. I really loved how the author has depicted her heroine, a female sherlock holmes who is really relatable.
This novel, this series, is an absolute must for those who enjoy well-researched historical fiction.
Footprints in the Sand is the second book in Pam Lecky's, The Lucy Lawrence mysteries series. Having read book one a couple of months ago, I had not found the time to read book two and, therefore, it sat waiting patiently on my kindle while I tried to catch up with my other reading and reviewing commitments. But, I had not forgotten about it. I was really looking forward to reading book 2 of the series because if it was going to be anything like book 1, then I knew I would be in for a treat.
What can I say, but WOW! I have never read a book that is so utterly compelling - I have read more than my fair share of books. Actually, that is wrong, the story isn't so much compelling as totally addictive. I was like a junkie, I could not start the day until I had my hour fix of Footprints in the Sand!!! It is no exaggeration to say that I have never read a book quite like this. Lecky took me back to the past, and I was immediately immersed in the history, and thoroughly committed to the characters.
I was expecting Phineas Stone to be a big part of this book, but he wasn't because Lucy was off having her own adventures without her love interest from book 1 getting in the way - how refreshing is that?! Instead, we are introduced to a whole host of new characters - the most memorable being Armand Moreau - a dashing Frenchman with a secret past. I also found myself sympathising with poor Mary (Lucy's maid) who really loathed every minute of being in Egypt and counted down the hours until they could return to London! And I can't say I blamed her, being Lucy's maid is no easy task! Lucy was everything she was in Book 1 but with more confidence. I really loved how the author has depicted her heroine, a female sherlock holmes who is really relatable.
This novel, this series, is an absolute must for those who enjoy well-researched historical fiction.
June 30, 2024
*I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I loved this book just as much as book 1, even without Phineas Stone being a part of it. It was so great to see Lucy coming into her own more and becoming more confident in her own abilities and decisions. I was somewhat disappointed for her to find that she almost got taken in again by a charming man who would turn out to be pretty awful in his treatment of others - the more we learn about this guy the worse you found out he was (and it gets to a point where I didn't think that was possible). There were a few different mysteries going on here both of which Lucy finds herself in the middle of. I find that Lucy is kind of like Nancy Drew - yes, she does her own investigations, but mostly just happens to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to solving the mysteries. Don't misunderstand, I'm completely fine with that. I did find myself sometimes frustrated with Lucy regarding how she treated Mary throughout the novel. Yes, Mary's her maid, but Lucy often dragged Mary into situations with little consideration of how Mary felt - she often did what she wanted when she wanted. The murder mystery part of the story came to a surprising conclusion that I definitely did not see coming and I found the motive both expected and unexpected all at the same time. I would have preferred Lucy had the opportunity to confront the jewel thief, but knowing they were eventually caught was good enough for me. I liked that the "mystery" involving Phineas's whereabouts was cleared up prior to the end of the novel so that we could rest easy knowing what he had really been up to. Already working on book 3, but taking my time as I don't know when book 4 will be released!
I loved this book just as much as book 1, even without Phineas Stone being a part of it. It was so great to see Lucy coming into her own more and becoming more confident in her own abilities and decisions. I was somewhat disappointed for her to find that she almost got taken in again by a charming man who would turn out to be pretty awful in his treatment of others - the more we learn about this guy the worse you found out he was (and it gets to a point where I didn't think that was possible). There were a few different mysteries going on here both of which Lucy finds herself in the middle of. I find that Lucy is kind of like Nancy Drew - yes, she does her own investigations, but mostly just happens to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to solving the mysteries. Don't misunderstand, I'm completely fine with that. I did find myself sometimes frustrated with Lucy regarding how she treated Mary throughout the novel. Yes, Mary's her maid, but Lucy often dragged Mary into situations with little consideration of how Mary felt - she often did what she wanted when she wanted. The murder mystery part of the story came to a surprising conclusion that I definitely did not see coming and I found the motive both expected and unexpected all at the same time. I would have preferred Lucy had the opportunity to confront the jewel thief, but knowing they were eventually caught was good enough for me. I liked that the "mystery" involving Phineas's whereabouts was cleared up prior to the end of the novel so that we could rest easy knowing what he had really been up to. Already working on book 3, but taking my time as I don't know when book 4 will be released!
June 28, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley Storm Publishing and Pam Lecky for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Footprints in the Sand coming out July 25, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Egypt, 1887. After scandals in London, young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start in Cairo, agreeing to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. Enticed by Egypt's ancient mysteries, Lucy dreams of making a spectacular discovery. But her hopes turn to dread when Moreau is found brutally murdered in the Great Pyramid. The only clue is the ceremonial dagger buried in his heart – a relic of Moreau's own past.
As mysterious thefts plague the expedition, Lucy becomes ensnared in a plot reaching from lost desert tombs to Cairo's stylish avenues. With Phineas Stone far away in London, Lucy must rely on her own wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death. Pitted against corrupt officials, rival archaeologists, and a foe determined to silence her, can Lucy unmask the killer... or will she become the next unlucky victim herself?
I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt, especially when it’s set in the Victorian era. I’ve been reading a lot of this genre lately. Traveling must’ve been really difficult but exciting to see different parts of the world. I thought there was some growth with Lucy. She definitely went on an adventure. I love that she’s learning how to solve mysteries after everything that happened with her husband. I already have the next book in the series to read! I’m definitely excited to continue the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian Era murder mysteries!
Egypt, 1887. After scandals in London, young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start in Cairo, agreeing to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. Enticed by Egypt's ancient mysteries, Lucy dreams of making a spectacular discovery. But her hopes turn to dread when Moreau is found brutally murdered in the Great Pyramid. The only clue is the ceremonial dagger buried in his heart – a relic of Moreau's own past.
As mysterious thefts plague the expedition, Lucy becomes ensnared in a plot reaching from lost desert tombs to Cairo's stylish avenues. With Phineas Stone far away in London, Lucy must rely on her own wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death. Pitted against corrupt officials, rival archaeologists, and a foe determined to silence her, can Lucy unmask the killer... or will she become the next unlucky victim herself?
I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt, especially when it’s set in the Victorian era. I’ve been reading a lot of this genre lately. Traveling must’ve been really difficult but exciting to see different parts of the world. I thought there was some growth with Lucy. She definitely went on an adventure. I love that she’s learning how to solve mysteries after everything that happened with her husband. I already have the next book in the series to read! I’m definitely excited to continue the series.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian Era murder mysteries!
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July 19, 2024DNF 20%. I'm so bummed!
I read through the first book in this series, No Stone Unturned, so fast because it was SO GOOD. 5 hundred stars from me! Here's my raving review of that first book
I was so excited to jump into this second book, but I was disappointed.
20% in and nothing has happened. I was bored from the beginning of this one :(. 10% in and I started skimming. Same thing different page. All it was was Lucy making small talk with a bunch of people. And Lucy is so dingy with basically everything in life that it's exhausting. (She was like this in the first book, too.) I got 20% in and it's still the same thing. Small talk with new people she meets. Nothing of importance that I can tell. Maybe later in the book all of this small talk would matter somehow? I'm not willing to tough it through the snoring to find out, unfortunately.
I'm also bummed there's nothing of Lucy and Phineas. The first book ended with them so I'd hoped there was more to their story in this book. It's as if this book could be read as a stand-alone, since seemingly not much is referenced from the first book, including Phin. Aside from Lucy's handmaid and, like, one sentence explaining why she is currently rich. That's it.
Thank you NetGalley, Publisher, and Author for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I read through the first book in this series, No Stone Unturned, so fast because it was SO GOOD. 5 hundred stars from me! Here's my raving review of that first book
I was so excited to jump into this second book, but I was disappointed.
20% in and nothing has happened. I was bored from the beginning of this one :(. 10% in and I started skimming. Same thing different page. All it was was Lucy making small talk with a bunch of people. And Lucy is so dingy with basically everything in life that it's exhausting. (She was like this in the first book, too.) I got 20% in and it's still the same thing. Small talk with new people she meets. Nothing of importance that I can tell. Maybe later in the book all of this small talk would matter somehow? I'm not willing to tough it through the snoring to find out, unfortunately.
I'm also bummed there's nothing of Lucy and Phineas. The first book ended with them so I'd hoped there was more to their story in this book. It's as if this book could be read as a stand-alone, since seemingly not much is referenced from the first book, including Phin. Aside from Lucy's handmaid and, like, one sentence explaining why she is currently rich. That's it.
Thank you NetGalley, Publisher, and Author for sending me this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 1, 2024
“Footprints in the Sand” is the second in the Lucy Lawrence series by Pam Lecky. In this episode, Lucy, using her newfound wealth, has spent several months touring the continent. Upon visiting Nice she agrees to become an archaeological expedition sponsor for a French archaeologist who hopes to make it big during the upcoming season in Egypt. Lucy’s idea of sponsorship includes her active participation, of course. She discovers that she loves the ruggedness of an archaeological dig, but doesn’t have quite the same feeling for the seething competition between the French and British archaeologists she befriends. Soon artifacts go missing and a museum is robbed of priceless treasures. When a body turns up and the local police are getting nowhere, Lucy knows it is up to her to unmask a thief and a killer.
This episode was a bit slower than the first. Much of the first half of the book is devoted to establishing the setting, introducing the characters, and establishing the relationships between them. The disappearance of the artifacts and the robbery don’t take center stage until later. Ultimately, the mystery is multi-layered and filled with long held grudges and greed. Suspects abound.
This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries that take place in 19th century Egypt.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This episode was a bit slower than the first. Much of the first half of the book is devoted to establishing the setting, introducing the characters, and establishing the relationships between them. The disappearance of the artifacts and the robbery don’t take center stage until later. Ultimately, the mystery is multi-layered and filled with long held grudges and greed. Suspects abound.
This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries that take place in 19th century Egypt.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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