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Cleopatra's Dagger
A journalist in nineteenth-century New York matches wits with a serial killer in a gripping thriller by the prizewinning author of the Ian Hamilton Mysteries.
New York, 1880. Elizabeth van den Broek is the only female reporter at the Herald, the city’s most popular newspaper. Then she and her bohemian friend Carlotta Ackerman find a woman’s body wrapped like a mummy in a freshly dug hole in Central Park—the intended site of an obelisk called Cleopatra’s Needle. The macabre discovery takes Elizabeth away from the society pages to follow an investigation into New York City’s darkest shadows.
When more bodies turn up, each tied to Egyptian lore, Elizabeth is onto a headline-making scoop more sinister than she could have imagined. Her reporting has readers spellbound, and each new clue implicates New York’s richest and most powerful citizens. And a serial killer is watching every headline.
Now a madman with an indecipherable motive is coming after Elizabeth and everyone she loves. She wants a good story? She may have to die to get it.
New York, 1880. Elizabeth van den Broek is the only female reporter at the Herald, the city’s most popular newspaper. Then she and her bohemian friend Carlotta Ackerman find a woman’s body wrapped like a mummy in a freshly dug hole in Central Park—the intended site of an obelisk called Cleopatra’s Needle. The macabre discovery takes Elizabeth away from the society pages to follow an investigation into New York City’s darkest shadows.
When more bodies turn up, each tied to Egyptian lore, Elizabeth is onto a headline-making scoop more sinister than she could have imagined. Her reporting has readers spellbound, and each new clue implicates New York’s richest and most powerful citizens. And a serial killer is watching every headline.
Now a madman with an indecipherable motive is coming after Elizabeth and everyone she loves. She wants a good story? She may have to die to get it.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2022
3189 people are currently reading
8506 people want to read
About the author
Carole Lawrence
5 books401 followersPseudonym for C.E. Lawrence
Author Carole Lawrence is an award-winning novelist, poet, composer, and playwright. Among her published works are eleven novels, six novellas, and dozens of short stories, articles, and poems, many of which appear in translation internationally.
She is a two-time Pushcart Poetry Prize nominee and winner of the Euphoria Poetry Prize, the Eve of St. Agnes Poetry Award, the Maxim Mazumdar playwriting prize, the Jerry Jazz Musician award for short fiction, and the Chronogram Literary Fiction Award. Her plays and musicals have been produced in several countries as well as on NPR; her physics play Strings, nominated for an Innovative Theatre Award, was recently produced at the Kennedy Center. A Hawthornden Fellow, she is on the faculty of NYU and Gotham Writers, as well as the Cape Cod and San Miguel Writers' Conferences.
She enjoys outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and you can often find her cooking and hunting for wild mushrooms. She also writes under the names C. E. Lawrence and Carole Buggé.
Author Carole Lawrence is an award-winning novelist, poet, composer, and playwright. Among her published works are eleven novels, six novellas, and dozens of short stories, articles, and poems, many of which appear in translation internationally.
She is a two-time Pushcart Poetry Prize nominee and winner of the Euphoria Poetry Prize, the Eve of St. Agnes Poetry Award, the Maxim Mazumdar playwriting prize, the Jerry Jazz Musician award for short fiction, and the Chronogram Literary Fiction Award. Her plays and musicals have been produced in several countries as well as on NPR; her physics play Strings, nominated for an Innovative Theatre Award, was recently produced at the Kennedy Center. A Hawthornden Fellow, she is on the faculty of NYU and Gotham Writers, as well as the Cape Cod and San Miguel Writers' Conferences.
She enjoys outdoor sports such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and you can often find her cooking and hunting for wild mushrooms. She also writes under the names C. E. Lawrence and Carole Buggé.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 600 reviews
March 8, 2022
This book was good, not great. It did keep my attention, especially once it got clicking, but there was something missing for me. Most of Elizabeth’s actions I felt were wholly implausible. There was a sense of intrigue, but not not fear (the entire plot is her chasing a serial killer in pre 1900 NYC.) I didn’t feel much for the characters, and the ending felt anticlimactic with its brevity. Still, it kept me entertained for a few days and was relatively clean (aside from the brutal manner of the murders). Spoiler- I also felt like her assault was out of place and shoved under the carpet. I get that the author wanted to instill fear in her, but I felt it could have been done differently and better.
March 12, 2022
The writing is absolutely abysmal. I was interested in the story but the hack writing got in the way SO much. I did not finish. After reading this sentence about a character named SIMON SNEED, I knew I could read no further. This is the sentence, overwrought with alliteration : “He was a sleek, slippery sort of person who seemed to leave a trail of slime in his wake, like a slug.”
March 7, 2022
Could not finish
I forced myself to read through half of this book thinking it would improve. It didn't. It got worse. The author's tedious distraction with simplistic, irrelevant metaphors and alliteration pops up ad nauseam throughout. Some dialogue includes language not in use until 100 years later! Character descriptions and story development are boring and often incongruous. Why is this poorly written book offered as a Prime free book? I feel cheated.
I forced myself to read through half of this book thinking it would improve. It didn't. It got worse. The author's tedious distraction with simplistic, irrelevant metaphors and alliteration pops up ad nauseam throughout. Some dialogue includes language not in use until 100 years later! Character descriptions and story development are boring and often incongruous. Why is this poorly written book offered as a Prime free book? I feel cheated.
September 6, 2022
I don't know if the author has plans to create a mystery book series around the protagonist in this book, female journalist Elizabeth van den Broek. If not, then I feel this book would have worked much better if it had been planned as a duology.
The book has a strong and interesting premise with a lot of different story threads dealing with different characters which I feel deserved individual and detailed attention. There is a lot the author could have done with all these threads but in trying to merge all the them and finish the entire story in one book, the result is a rushed up and anticlimactic affair. A lot of the issues remain unresolved and there is a backstory to every character that is hinted at but never properly explored.... infact, a couple of characters are also introduced who just disappear from the storyline altogether. Even the Egyptian mythology aspect behind the murders is very basic.
Overall, a good premise that doesn't get the execution it deserves.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author via NetGalley.
The book has a strong and interesting premise with a lot of different story threads dealing with different characters which I feel deserved individual and detailed attention. There is a lot the author could have done with all these threads but in trying to merge all the them and finish the entire story in one book, the result is a rushed up and anticlimactic affair. A lot of the issues remain unresolved and there is a backstory to every character that is hinted at but never properly explored.... infact, a couple of characters are also introduced who just disappear from the storyline altogether. Even the Egyptian mythology aspect behind the murders is very basic.
Overall, a good premise that doesn't get the execution it deserves.
I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author via NetGalley.
March 11, 2022
Cleopatra's Dagger was my Amazon Frist March 2022 Selection. Historical Mystery the story is set in New York in the 1880's.
The title tells a small portion of what the story is going to be base on and if you like Egyptian anything then this is a pretty good story with Egyptian references. Author is very descriptive on details such as the characters, from their hair color to height and every thing in-between.
The story follows Elizabeth a rich young female who want's to be more than part of the elite and the society. She goes to collage and becomes a journalist. From there she finds herself in all sorts of situations with the common folk.
Story kept my interest with the history of New York and how the author hooks the reader with the little info on Egyptian gods. I would have like to have had more sections and explained a little more on the Dagger.
The title tells a small portion of what the story is going to be base on and if you like Egyptian anything then this is a pretty good story with Egyptian references. Author is very descriptive on details such as the characters, from their hair color to height and every thing in-between.
The story follows Elizabeth a rich young female who want's to be more than part of the elite and the society. She goes to collage and becomes a journalist. From there she finds herself in all sorts of situations with the common folk.
Story kept my interest with the history of New York and how the author hooks the reader with the little info on Egyptian gods. I would have like to have had more sections and explained a little more on the Dagger.
April 2, 2022
That was.. a rough read. Clearly from the other ratings my opinion is in the minority but I nearly didn’t finish this one and I kind of wish I hadn’t and saved myself the time.
Cleopatra’s dagger follows Elizabeth, who comes from a wealthy and prestigious family, and is the only female journalist at her newspaper. She stumbles across a murder and she and her neighbor gallivant around town trying to solve it.
Most of this was mind numbingly boring and the rest of it was annoying. There were so many unnecessary details and explanations and the main character was aloof and distant to the point of unrelatability. Carlotta’s character made absolutely no sense and their relationship was ridiculous. This felt like a bad debut novel and I won’t be back for more.
Cleopatra’s dagger follows Elizabeth, who comes from a wealthy and prestigious family, and is the only female journalist at her newspaper. She stumbles across a murder and she and her neighbor gallivant around town trying to solve it.
Most of this was mind numbingly boring and the rest of it was annoying. There were so many unnecessary details and explanations and the main character was aloof and distant to the point of unrelatability. Carlotta’s character made absolutely no sense and their relationship was ridiculous. This felt like a bad debut novel and I won’t be back for more.
March 1, 2022
Late 19th century NYC comes alive in this fast paced serial killer thriller.
Elizabeth is the only female reporter at a major NY newspaper. Of course, they assign her to the society page. Late to work one morning she believes she’s witnessed a murder. Her boss adamantly refuses to let her follow up on it and sends her off to the Astor Mansion to cover a garden party. Another consequence lands her face to face with a very unusual corpse and Elizabeth gets her wish to become a crime reporter. She also gets so much more.
Author, Carole Lawrence, is brilliant at the descriptive prose. The sights, sounds, smells - well, all the senses are engaged while reading “Cleopatra’s Dagger”. There’s a good mix of mystery, family, friends, and professional relationships to lay groundwork for a series. I’d be a reader, for sure.
While Amazon has this title marked as Historical Thriller, it’s really more a period fiction piece. There’s not a bunch of history woven thru the text the story just takes place in 1880 and the setting and all the accompanying stuff is appropriate. That took research on the author’s part, for sure, but is seamless and less heavy for the reader.
Altho’ there are a number of murders, this isn’t a gruesome story and the violence is light - not quite cozy but not offensive. There’s one sexual scene that borders on rape. It’s quick and not descriptive. Foul language is restrained to 3 mild expletives. We’re this a movie I’d rate it PG-13.
Lots of short chapters, very quick reading with excellent character development and hopes for another volume or more to follow, an excellent First Reads choice📚
Elizabeth is the only female reporter at a major NY newspaper. Of course, they assign her to the society page. Late to work one morning she believes she’s witnessed a murder. Her boss adamantly refuses to let her follow up on it and sends her off to the Astor Mansion to cover a garden party. Another consequence lands her face to face with a very unusual corpse and Elizabeth gets her wish to become a crime reporter. She also gets so much more.
Author, Carole Lawrence, is brilliant at the descriptive prose. The sights, sounds, smells - well, all the senses are engaged while reading “Cleopatra’s Dagger”. There’s a good mix of mystery, family, friends, and professional relationships to lay groundwork for a series. I’d be a reader, for sure.
While Amazon has this title marked as Historical Thriller, it’s really more a period fiction piece. There’s not a bunch of history woven thru the text the story just takes place in 1880 and the setting and all the accompanying stuff is appropriate. That took research on the author’s part, for sure, but is seamless and less heavy for the reader.
Altho’ there are a number of murders, this isn’t a gruesome story and the violence is light - not quite cozy but not offensive. There’s one sexual scene that borders on rape. It’s quick and not descriptive. Foul language is restrained to 3 mild expletives. We’re this a movie I’d rate it PG-13.
Lots of short chapters, very quick reading with excellent character development and hopes for another volume or more to follow, an excellent First Reads choice📚
March 14, 2022
A stab at a 1880's New York serial killer whodunnit which lurches between being an OK potboiler, and clunky history lesson (tell me why Hackney carriages are so called if you don't mind taking me out of the story). It initially does an admirable job of setting up a lot of suspects, but the final solutions doesn't really seem to be anything but pick one of the ten. Feels like the lead character is being set up for a series, but I don't think I'll be checking back in.
March 1, 2022
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
This crime, murder mystery set in nineteenth century New York felt very slow and plodding. I did not get a sense of any threat or danger to the protagonist and thought the writer took too much detail in getting to significant points.
This crime, murder mystery set in nineteenth century New York felt very slow and plodding. I did not get a sense of any threat or danger to the protagonist and thought the writer took too much detail in getting to significant points.
March 16, 2022
Interesting beginning; disappointing ending.
What began as a good premise for a mystery written in a pseudo Victorian period style turned into a poorly executed, less than satisfying read.
Plot lines meandered into areas that were not really pertinent and never were resolved. Characters were introduced with back stories and dialog that took up space but didn't really provide anything other than political commentary of the time in which the story was set.
The ending seemed rushed and contrived, adding yet another character out of nowhere.
Originally, I was intrigued enough to consider purchasing more of this author's mysteries. But by the time I had read all of this book, I decided to save my money.
What began as a good premise for a mystery written in a pseudo Victorian period style turned into a poorly executed, less than satisfying read.
Plot lines meandered into areas that were not really pertinent and never were resolved. Characters were introduced with back stories and dialog that took up space but didn't really provide anything other than political commentary of the time in which the story was set.
The ending seemed rushed and contrived, adding yet another character out of nowhere.
Originally, I was intrigued enough to consider purchasing more of this author's mysteries. But by the time I had read all of this book, I decided to save my money.
March 31, 2022
New York City, 1880
Elizabeth, a female newspaper reporter, follows the clues to discern the identity of a serial killer. Loads of other things are on her plate and a good bit of it unseemly and unpleasant reading.
We get a glimpse of the Astors along with the grit of the nightlife of NYC, so many contrasts color the story.
I would report what I disliked most, but that would be a spoiler.
Elizabeth, a female newspaper reporter, follows the clues to discern the identity of a serial killer. Loads of other things are on her plate and a good bit of it unseemly and unpleasant reading.
We get a glimpse of the Astors along with the grit of the nightlife of NYC, so many contrasts color the story.
I would report what I disliked most, but that would be a spoiler.
June 10, 2022
I’m so disappointed to be giving this book such a low rating. Cleopatra’s Dagger had the makings of a great historical mystery for me to obsess over—an intriguing setting in Gilded Age New York, a determined heroine hellbent on solving a crime despite her society’s rigid gender roles and all the men around her telling her she can’t, a sprinkling of romance and family tragedy, and a creative concept for a mystery involving a dead woman drained of all her blood and wrapped up like a mummy in Central Park. Sounds super interesting, right? Unfortunately, this book ended up being more like a historical mystery color-by-numbers. The author matched up all the numbers to their colors and painted inside the lines, but the result lacks that special something needed to make it truly great.
All the characters felt like one-dimensional representations of their tropes, without the detail or complexity to make them compelling. Elizabeth—the main character—was…fine? I didn't hate her, but I was not invested in her. Simon Sneed—Elizabeth’s slimy co-worker at the Herald—was one of the most boring, one-dimensional villains I’ve read recently. The author just used every awful word you can think of to describe him in hopes that would make me hate him, but you can’t hate someone who’s not interesting. There is a major difference between those villains you love to hate and those you just find irritating.
I also found it annoying how other characters immediately latch onto Elizabeth for no reason. Carlotta talks with her for two minutes, and suddenly, they’re besties. A teenage John Jacob Astor IV is head-over-heels after seeing her at one party—this plotline is brought up a few times, then never mentioned again. Jeez, what’s so special about Elizabeth that one conversation makes people fall in love with her instantly? Speaking of falling in love instantly, there were two potential romantic pairings, though their relationships went no farther than “man and woman lock eyes and are instantly attracted to one another and spend the rest of the book thinking how pretty the other is.” Insta-love is a terrible trope, and I just...did not care about these relationships.
It’s clear that Carole Lawrence has done a lot of research into 1880s New York, but I think she tried to cram too much information into one book. Every period-typical social issue is mentioned—sexism, racism, police brutality and corruption, poverty, mental illness, etc.—but none of these issues are discussed as thoroughly as they ought to be. I think focusing on one or two in more significant detail would’ve been more impactful than trying to touch on everything.
There is also a scene in which and—while I understand what the author was trying to achieve—I think given that this is such a weighty topic and a traumatizing thing for a person to go through, if she was going to write about it, it should’ve been a more significant part of the novel.
Ultimately, the author bit off more than she could chew, and there were so many plot threads, including details and scenes that did not go anywhere and were irrelevant to the story. There are some things I am scratching my head about, trying to think if they were ever resolved and wondering why they were included in the first place. I will say the killer was not who I was expecting, but the reveal was so rushed and melodramatic that I didn’t really care.
2 stars for me. ⭐️ ⭐️
All the characters felt like one-dimensional representations of their tropes, without the detail or complexity to make them compelling. Elizabeth—the main character—was…fine? I didn't hate her, but I was not invested in her. Simon Sneed—Elizabeth’s slimy co-worker at the Herald—was one of the most boring, one-dimensional villains I’ve read recently. The author just used every awful word you can think of to describe him in hopes that would make me hate him, but you can’t hate someone who’s not interesting. There is a major difference between those villains you love to hate and those you just find irritating.
I also found it annoying how other characters immediately latch onto Elizabeth for no reason. Carlotta talks with her for two minutes, and suddenly, they’re besties. A teenage John Jacob Astor IV is head-over-heels after seeing her at one party—this plotline is brought up a few times, then never mentioned again. Jeez, what’s so special about Elizabeth that one conversation makes people fall in love with her instantly? Speaking of falling in love instantly, there were two potential romantic pairings, though their relationships went no farther than “man and woman lock eyes and are instantly attracted to one another and spend the rest of the book thinking how pretty the other is.” Insta-love is a terrible trope, and I just...did not care about these relationships.
It’s clear that Carole Lawrence has done a lot of research into 1880s New York, but I think she tried to cram too much information into one book. Every period-typical social issue is mentioned—sexism, racism, police brutality and corruption, poverty, mental illness, etc.—but none of these issues are discussed as thoroughly as they ought to be. I think focusing on one or two in more significant detail would’ve been more impactful than trying to touch on everything.
There is also a scene in which and—while I understand what the author was trying to achieve—I think given that this is such a weighty topic and a traumatizing thing for a person to go through, if she was going to write about it, it should’ve been a more significant part of the novel.
Ultimately, the author bit off more than she could chew, and there were so many plot threads, including details and scenes that did not go anywhere and were irrelevant to the story. There are some things I am scratching my head about, trying to think if they were ever resolved and wondering why they were included in the first place. I will say the killer was not who I was expecting, but the reveal was so rushed and melodramatic that I didn’t really care.
2 stars for me. ⭐️ ⭐️
March 13, 2022
Sneaky good
Amazon first reads title.
This isn't the first historical mystery I have read. Thank goodness could you imagine lol, however it has been a while since I found one this engaging and compelling. Lawrence did a masterful job interweaving her story with a gripping mystery plot with subtle and not so subtle social commentary and subplots. At its essence is the whodunnit, but there are times reading this book I almost forgot the central mystery so wrapped up in the characters and story. Yet never did she seem heavy handed or preachy, just subtle hints that the book had more to tell than a 19th century new York killer. In lesser hands this novel might have been too busy yet Carole Lawrence balances all the pins she's juggling telling a story with aplomb.
Amazon first reads title.
This isn't the first historical mystery I have read. Thank goodness could you imagine lol, however it has been a while since I found one this engaging and compelling. Lawrence did a masterful job interweaving her story with a gripping mystery plot with subtle and not so subtle social commentary and subplots. At its essence is the whodunnit, but there are times reading this book I almost forgot the central mystery so wrapped up in the characters and story. Yet never did she seem heavy handed or preachy, just subtle hints that the book had more to tell than a 19th century new York killer. In lesser hands this novel might have been too busy yet Carole Lawrence balances all the pins she's juggling telling a story with aplomb.
May 3, 2022
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this book!
First a little sinopsis. The story follows a journalist in nineteen century New York. She is desperate to prove how all possibilities should be open to women, so when the possibility to move from the society column to detective journalism presents it self she grabs it. A murderer is on the lose targeting women and making them look as close as he can to Egyptian goddesses. On his twisted mind he is doing them a favour, and when a woman turns out to be the one closer to caught him she becomes the perfect next target.
The characterization of the book is amazing, the main character Elizabeth is a perfect example of a women looking to find a life for herself as she rediscovers reality around her. The main character narration interrupted by short chapters narrated by the mysterious killer are on point. The many topics shown in the book are perfectly intertwine. And all entered among women rights and society’s way of oppressing anything who is not a WASP. The book is easy to read and hooks you from page one. Can’t wait to experience more either of this characters or other words created by this author. An amazing read for anyone, anywhere and at anytime.
First a little sinopsis. The story follows a journalist in nineteen century New York. She is desperate to prove how all possibilities should be open to women, so when the possibility to move from the society column to detective journalism presents it self she grabs it. A murderer is on the lose targeting women and making them look as close as he can to Egyptian goddesses. On his twisted mind he is doing them a favour, and when a woman turns out to be the one closer to caught him she becomes the perfect next target.
The characterization of the book is amazing, the main character Elizabeth is a perfect example of a women looking to find a life for herself as she rediscovers reality around her. The main character narration interrupted by short chapters narrated by the mysterious killer are on point. The many topics shown in the book are perfectly intertwine. And all entered among women rights and society’s way of oppressing anything who is not a WASP. The book is easy to read and hooks you from page one. Can’t wait to experience more either of this characters or other words created by this author. An amazing read for anyone, anywhere and at anytime.
May 24, 2022
I found this to be a bit on the tame side, not that gripping. I did enjoy the historical aspect and think it could have been used to the book's advantage a little more. Not a bad read, but something was missing.
2 and a half stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC.
2 and a half stars.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC.
April 8, 2022
As is often the case, authors who learn a lot about a place and/or time want to share it all- and, for me, anyway, it bogs the story down. I totally understand the impulse- learning interesting things makes one want to share them, but it too often just serves as distraction. This book really lost focus. At first these little extra tidbits were generally interesting and quaint, but then they overwhelmed. Suddenly the story was background for the setting instead of the reverse.
February 3, 2022
Loved the suspense and twists to this adventure. The characters were well presented and relatable. A 5 star suspense .
March 31, 2023
This was disappointingly bland :(
RTC
RTC
June 18, 2022
The premise for this novel was supposedly an Egyptian mythology themed series of murders but honestly halfway through I forgot this was even a plotline of the book, it was so underdeveloped. It felt like your run of the mill murders with an Egyptian god’s name thrown in here or there.
It was written in dual POV with the FMC and the unnamed antagonist switching off. I found the villain to be written almost like a caricature with cliche motives which we were mostly told rather than shown. I could see where the author tried to lend complexity to the characters’ actions, but it all sort of fell flat and felt juvenile to me. Also, I found the pacing to be off—in fact, I had an inkling I would be dissatisfied with the pacing/wrap up when I had less than 20 pages left and the climax hadn’t yet happened! I can’t say I saw the "big twist" coming but I am sad to say it just didn’t makeup for all the other potholes.
However, I will say that I enjoyed our female lead, who felt realistic and courageous if not a bit formal. The writing was pleasant and did draw the reader in to the time period nicely.
TL;DR—Disappointing and wrapped up quite abruptly. But 1880’s New York was written compellingly and FMC is mostly likeable. 3/5 stars.
It was written in dual POV with the FMC and the unnamed antagonist switching off. I found the villain to be written almost like a caricature with cliche motives which we were mostly told rather than shown. I could see where the author tried to lend complexity to the characters’ actions, but it all sort of fell flat and felt juvenile to me. Also, I found the pacing to be off—in fact, I had an inkling I would be dissatisfied with the pacing/wrap up when I had less than 20 pages left and the climax hadn’t yet happened! I can’t say I saw the "big twist" coming but I am sad to say it just didn’t makeup for all the other potholes.
However, I will say that I enjoyed our female lead, who felt realistic and courageous if not a bit formal. The writing was pleasant and did draw the reader in to the time period nicely.
TL;DR—Disappointing and wrapped up quite abruptly. But 1880’s New York was written compellingly and FMC is mostly likeable. 3/5 stars.
March 16, 2022
This was my Amazon First Reads choice for March 2022.
I made it about 20% of the way through this book before I had to DNF. There simply wasn't anything that kept my interest enough to actually finish, and what little there was within those first pages was eye-roll inducing enough to let me know that this won't be a DNF I'll be going back to for another shot.
Elizabeth, the protagonist, simultaneously is a "modern woman" and yet clings to the propriety of the time; while this contrast could be something interesting for Lawrence to explore, it instead comes off as juvenile and Mary Sue-esque. Rather than making choices for herself, things simply seem to happen to Elizabeth: if she is such an independent woman, why is she not making her own choices? Everything she does rails against what Lawrence plainly tells us about her - and there is a lot of telling rather than showing. As a result, Elizabeth comes off as entitled, whiny, and unlikable in a way that made me uninterested in her story and whatever she had to say.
I won't comment much on the plot, because to be frank, not a whole lot happened in the fraction of the book I read; Lawrence instead spent a lot of time with clunky descriptions that really didn't do much for me in the way of putting me in the moment. The mystery itself certainly doesn't get started in the section I read, which makes me wonder why the story starts where it does.
I wouldn't recommend this book, which is unfortunate because I'd like to think there was something redeemable about it. But with a boring protagonist and a plot that feels meaningless, why would a reader continue trudging on past a certain point?
I made it about 20% of the way through this book before I had to DNF. There simply wasn't anything that kept my interest enough to actually finish, and what little there was within those first pages was eye-roll inducing enough to let me know that this won't be a DNF I'll be going back to for another shot.
Elizabeth, the protagonist, simultaneously is a "modern woman" and yet clings to the propriety of the time; while this contrast could be something interesting for Lawrence to explore, it instead comes off as juvenile and Mary Sue-esque. Rather than making choices for herself, things simply seem to happen to Elizabeth: if she is such an independent woman, why is she not making her own choices? Everything she does rails against what Lawrence plainly tells us about her - and there is a lot of telling rather than showing. As a result, Elizabeth comes off as entitled, whiny, and unlikable in a way that made me uninterested in her story and whatever she had to say.
I won't comment much on the plot, because to be frank, not a whole lot happened in the fraction of the book I read; Lawrence instead spent a lot of time with clunky descriptions that really didn't do much for me in the way of putting me in the moment. The mystery itself certainly doesn't get started in the section I read, which makes me wonder why the story starts where it does.
I wouldn't recommend this book, which is unfortunate because I'd like to think there was something redeemable about it. But with a boring protagonist and a plot that feels meaningless, why would a reader continue trudging on past a certain point?
March 21, 2022
Well it has a colourful backdrop but..
..where is the story? New York in 1880 is painted quite vividly but the actual murder reads as a tack-on or is just incidental. What is the story about? Is it New York or a weird murderer who's dealt with at the end in about one paragraph?
..where is the story? New York in 1880 is painted quite vividly but the actual murder reads as a tack-on or is just incidental. What is the story about? Is it New York or a weird murderer who's dealt with at the end in about one paragraph?
March 2, 2023
New York City in 1880 was an exciting time with all kinds of things happening, the Brooklyn Bridge was being built, funds were being raised to erect the Statue of Liberty and the raised arm with the torch had been placed in Madison Square Park to encourage the fundraising and then there was Cleopatra's Needle which had been gift to the US from Egypt shortly to be erected in Central Park.
Elizabeth van den Broek seems to be in the center of it all. She is a society editor at the Herald and longs to work at a more serious section of the paper. Soon something will happen that moves her in that direction.
This is a fun mystery and I look forward to more in the series. I was just a bit put off by some of the language like the following:
But she need not have worried. “I do hope this is not an incommodious visit,” she said, straightening her dress.
I decided that I could handle that because altogether it was an entertaining read.
Elizabeth van den Broek seems to be in the center of it all. She is a society editor at the Herald and longs to work at a more serious section of the paper. Soon something will happen that moves her in that direction.
This is a fun mystery and I look forward to more in the series. I was just a bit put off by some of the language like the following:
But she need not have worried. “I do hope this is not an incommodious visit,” she said, straightening her dress.
I decided that I could handle that because altogether it was an entertaining read.
March 26, 2022
In my humble opinion, this was not a very well written book - yet the story was just compelling enough that I couldn’t put it down. Glad I didn’t spend any money on this book.
April 15, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars
The story follows Elizabeth Van Den Broek, a young and ambitious aspiring journalist who discovers a horrific crime and oddly arranged dead body in New York’s Central Park one morning. Elizabeth is tasked with following serval clues and mythological ideas to help uncover who the killer is and why they are wreaking havoc on New York City.
This was a captivating and interesting read. It was the first e-book story I have ever read and what a great novel to start my journey. The author has done a fantastic job at transporting me to NYC in the 1880s. I really enjoyed the time and research Carole Lawrence put into both explaining and integrating Egyptian mythology into this story, I cannot wait to learn more about this classical period.
Our main character Elizabeth was incredible, she was breath of fresh air. A go-getter, confident, yet complex character navigating the problems and issues that women faced in the 19th century. She was the perfect protagonist, especially because she had her foot in all aspects of society.
The novel gave me Mindhunter vibes. While I had absolutely no clue who the killer could be, I saw similarities to notorious serial killers, particularly Ed Kemper and the Zodiac Killer. I’m not sure whether or not this was intentional but I enjoyed it a lot.
There were a couple of aspects that I didn’t enjoy. I personally, wished for some more clues as to who the killer could have been. I also think the cover could be more eye-catchy and compelling. This title, synopsis, and the story, in general, are so captivating, that I think it would be more successful with a different cover.
I want to thank both Carole Lawrence and NetGalley for my free online copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The story follows Elizabeth Van Den Broek, a young and ambitious aspiring journalist who discovers a horrific crime and oddly arranged dead body in New York’s Central Park one morning. Elizabeth is tasked with following serval clues and mythological ideas to help uncover who the killer is and why they are wreaking havoc on New York City.
This was a captivating and interesting read. It was the first e-book story I have ever read and what a great novel to start my journey. The author has done a fantastic job at transporting me to NYC in the 1880s. I really enjoyed the time and research Carole Lawrence put into both explaining and integrating Egyptian mythology into this story, I cannot wait to learn more about this classical period.
Our main character Elizabeth was incredible, she was breath of fresh air. A go-getter, confident, yet complex character navigating the problems and issues that women faced in the 19th century. She was the perfect protagonist, especially because she had her foot in all aspects of society.
The novel gave me Mindhunter vibes. While I had absolutely no clue who the killer could be, I saw similarities to notorious serial killers, particularly Ed Kemper and the Zodiac Killer. I’m not sure whether or not this was intentional but I enjoyed it a lot.
There were a couple of aspects that I didn’t enjoy. I personally, wished for some more clues as to who the killer could have been. I also think the cover could be more eye-catchy and compelling. This title, synopsis, and the story, in general, are so captivating, that I think it would be more successful with a different cover.
I want to thank both Carole Lawrence and NetGalley for my free online copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
May 8, 2022
I received a copy of Cleopatra's Dagger by Carole Lawrence from a publicist back in January. Many apologies for the delay. I got behind with my reviews this year. With this review, I expect to be caught up.
Protagonist Elizabeth van den Broek became a crime reporter when she discovered a body wrapped as a mummy on a walk, and insisted on covering the story. She convinced the detective in charge of the case that if the photo of the body was put on the front page of The New York Herald , they would find someone to identify the corpse more quickly.
When a second body was found in the East River, Elizabeth was summoned to the scene via telegram. Detective Inspector Thomas Byrnes described her jewelry and how she was dressed. One of the policemen who responded recognized this second victim as a prostitute named Mary Mullins.
Eventually the mystery was resolved. We learned whodunit and why, but I found it anti-climactic.
If the author writes sequels in which Elizabeth continues to report on crimes, I would like to read them.
For my complete review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2022...
Protagonist Elizabeth van den Broek became a crime reporter when she discovered a body wrapped as a mummy on a walk, and insisted on covering the story. She convinced the detective in charge of the case that if the photo of the body was put on the front page of The New York Herald , they would find someone to identify the corpse more quickly.
When a second body was found in the East River, Elizabeth was summoned to the scene via telegram. Detective Inspector Thomas Byrnes described her jewelry and how she was dressed. One of the policemen who responded recognized this second victim as a prostitute named Mary Mullins.
Eventually the mystery was resolved. We learned whodunit and why, but I found it anti-climactic.
If the author writes sequels in which Elizabeth continues to report on crimes, I would like to read them.
For my complete review see https://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2022...
January 26, 2024
New York in 1880, a feisty feminist protagonist, and an intriguing psychological murder mystery made this a book that I couldn’t wait to come home and read. I loved the author’s descriptive style and the development of many of the characters. However, I felt a few characters needed a little more storyline. I also had a few unanswered questions that I wish had been given closure. Overall a highly enjoyable read!
November 4, 2022
Didn't guess the killer at all! 3.75 stars
March 7, 2023
Wonderful details of historical NYC envelope this fun mystery!
March 26, 2022
1880’s New York Redux
Being a big fan of tales about New City in the 1800’s this book hit the spot.
It was an excellent picture into the society of times, the concerns of the social inequalities that still exist today wrapped into a decent mystery.
Being a big fan of tales about New City in the 1800’s this book hit the spot.
It was an excellent picture into the society of times, the concerns of the social inequalities that still exist today wrapped into a decent mystery.
April 4, 2022
A historical journey back in time and a period that I adore reading about. Taking place in the 1880's during a time when New York City was still taking in new populations, struggling immensely with poverty and classism, we get a peek into the life of Elizabeth van den Broek. She comes from a well-to-do family with money and means. But her aspirations look beyond that of her position in society and attending social parties. She would rather spend her time writing, reporting the news and ultimately investigating a very disturbing serial killer.
Portrayed as the first female reporter for The Herald, she is making waves in the community of men she is surrounded by at the paper. Not only is she a woman, she seems to be unapproachable. But Elizabeth is a very unique individual that sees people by their character rather than their class. Sometimes, putting herself into very dangerous settings because she tends to see the human side of people and can lose sight of how much she stands out in certain settings.
While this story revolves around the investigation of a serial killer utilizing ancient Egyptian themes, I found myself drawn to the people in this story. Every single one of them. Carole Lawrence does an amazing job of describing each and every character in a way that made me just as inquisitive about them as Elizabeth herself was. It was very easy to put myself into Elizabeth's mindset and view the characters and activity as she did.
Lawrence also does a phenomenal job of exploring the darker themes to Elizabeth. Her infatuation with these murders and following it all the way through. Not only is she reporting on the events, but she is ultimately placing herself right into the action in a way that she seems to find thrilling. There is something in the middle of the book that happens to her, which seems to remain unresolved, but colors a lot of the way Elizabeth changes in her own understanding of herself and which I believe colors her longer term development and interest in more horrific content. This psychological exploration was fascinating and has me really hoping for another book with Elizabeth to see how she progresses.
I'll also mention that the horror and thriller aspects of this story are not without pause. I found myself anxious throughout the entire thing as I awaited the inevitable events.
This was a lovely read from start to finish and I'm looking into getting more books from this new-to-me author. I'd also like to mention that the book opens with a quote from Walt Whitman's Crossing The Brooklyn Ferry which was a very important piece for me when I began my venture into literature.
*An early copy of this book was provided to me by a publicity company. All thoughts are my own.
Portrayed as the first female reporter for The Herald, she is making waves in the community of men she is surrounded by at the paper. Not only is she a woman, she seems to be unapproachable. But Elizabeth is a very unique individual that sees people by their character rather than their class. Sometimes, putting herself into very dangerous settings because she tends to see the human side of people and can lose sight of how much she stands out in certain settings.
While this story revolves around the investigation of a serial killer utilizing ancient Egyptian themes, I found myself drawn to the people in this story. Every single one of them. Carole Lawrence does an amazing job of describing each and every character in a way that made me just as inquisitive about them as Elizabeth herself was. It was very easy to put myself into Elizabeth's mindset and view the characters and activity as she did.
Lawrence also does a phenomenal job of exploring the darker themes to Elizabeth. Her infatuation with these murders and following it all the way through. Not only is she reporting on the events, but she is ultimately placing herself right into the action in a way that she seems to find thrilling. There is something in the middle of the book that happens to her, which seems to remain unresolved, but colors a lot of the way Elizabeth changes in her own understanding of herself and which I believe colors her longer term development and interest in more horrific content. This psychological exploration was fascinating and has me really hoping for another book with Elizabeth to see how she progresses.
I'll also mention that the horror and thriller aspects of this story are not without pause. I found myself anxious throughout the entire thing as I awaited the inevitable events.
This was a lovely read from start to finish and I'm looking into getting more books from this new-to-me author. I'd also like to mention that the book opens with a quote from Walt Whitman's Crossing The Brooklyn Ferry which was a very important piece for me when I began my venture into literature.
*An early copy of this book was provided to me by a publicity company. All thoughts are my own.
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