While this one didn't have quite the deep dive into history that many others of the series have had, the characters of Eliza and Theo were more than enough to keep me engaged. We even got to know Eliza's sister Jane a bit better as well as meet Theo's aristocratic family, albeit under somber circumstances. We're definitely reminded of the weight of expected behavior for both male and females as we also meet Theo's sister and her potential beau. As always I found the characters fascinating, marveling at how well the author shared their innermost thoughts with alternating points of view between them. As usual, I found myself more attuned to Theo than the frequently rigid Eliza, all the while hoping they're manage to find a comfortable middle ground for their wannabe romance. I even found my disapproving take of Theo's parents thawing more than a bit.
As for the murder, as is expected in any story featuring Agatha Christie, in this case a honeymooning Agatha and Max, it's a complex one with many facets. Who killed the rich, overbearing Richard Hardwicke? There are several suspects, many family members, and, speaking of Christie, it happens in a locked room of sorts. Seems they're cruising along the Nile. I have to admit to expecting more pyramids and ancient curses or something given the locale, but while the author does a lovely job weaving the atmosphere of both the area and time, most of the story takes place on the boat, not ashore. We get a fun description of how Theo manages a trip between England and Egypt in the then quick time of about three days, too, a reminder that this isn't modern times. If you're curious, a little puzzle. It's set around the time Christie's "The Seven Dials" has become a major best seller.
I don't want to give away the plot, it's too much fun to sort it out without preconceptions, but will note that Eliza and Theo aren't exactly there by choice. In fact, neither is particularly comfortable even being there. They even do a pretty good job of staying incognito until....well, until the murder when Eliza just automatically reverts to her former Scotland Yard mode. From there on out, it's fun to watch the duo work both together and apart to sort out whodunit in a relatively short time. Of course, their thoughts do drift toward each other at times, with Eliza's tendency to avoid involvement contrasting with Theo's far more personal realizations of how much he wants her in his life. To be honest, I was probably as into that side of the story as the murder, go figure.
Bottom line, without saying more, I'll simply say I thoroughly enjoyed this episode and am definitely looking forward to more. I enjoyed the little bits of wisdom scattered throughout, whether focused on topics like duty, indifference, regret, or Theo's always present weight of expectations. Heck, we even learn a bit about poisons, from the character of Agatha Christie, no less. It you enjoy an mystery with lots of potential complications and well fleshed out characters with interesting back stories, hopes, fears, and dreams, you'll enjoy this one. True, not as fast moving as modern day cozies but the slower pace lets us get to know them all the better, not to mention savor the atmosphere and setting. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the intro to Eliza and Theo's world as well as the early peek at their Egyptian adventure. People are complicated and it makes this series all the more satisfying. Loved the ending!
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