I thought the cover design was eye-catching and fun, and from the description, this sounded like the type of book that I would enjoy.

This was a very fun and entertaining historical mystery. It felt like an escape while I was reading. Egyptology was also a theme in this story, which was something that I appreciated. If there are more books featuring these characters, I think I would be interested in reading them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

This is a really good historical mystery. I really like Fiona and Kitty. I haven’t read the previous books in the series so I feel like I missed somethings but I was still able to follow the story very well.
The plot is great and I like the mixture of a murder mystery and a spy novel. Also, historical Egypt sounds interesting and quite glamorous.
All in all, this is an easy to read murder mystery and I will definitely go back and read the previous books in the series.

I am addicted to historical mysteries and I love when they occur in Egypt. What's not to like?

Fiona is not your typical British agent.. But she does get the job done! Along the way, humor, intrigue and a plethora of characters will enchant you!

When a archaeologist is found dead and an agent goes missing, the journey to find the killer has so many twist and turns it is hard to keep up! Looking forward to more adventures!

Favorite Quotes:

Clifford fancied himself a cross between Sherlock Holmes and Sir Lancelot.

I’d learned from experience that mustache and trousers opened many doors closed to corsets and skirts— although sometimes skirts had advantages too. If novelist Robert Hichens was to be believed, the real secrets of Egypt lay behind the closed harem doors, accessible only to women and eunuchs.

Clifford could talk a donkey into giving up its tail.

My Review:

This has been a fun yet brain-teasing series to follow as the mysteries and clues are well-plotted, active, and adventurous. The main character is a highly determined and cynical file clerk who is itching to become a full-fledged spy although she is tethered to an unlikely team consisting of a gentlemanly and rather gullible agent who is rather adorable, and a spiky young woman who presents as a giggly school girl with a cute dog but underneath is a steely young woman who can kick butt and “foot fight.” Their current assignment has them on a cruise ship then traipsing through Egypt, riding camels and donkeys, and meeting up with Laurence of Arabia and other notable archaeologists who are plundering the desert. I enjoyed their amusing adventures and was kept guessing as to which of several villains was behind the murders they kept stumbling upon.

Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4*

Take the chance to travel to Egypt in 1917 as you read,
As Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane hope to succeed,
They're there to thwart a dastardly plan
With Clifford with them to do what they can.

This trio are working undercover
A notorious spy they hope to discover.
Can they bring him to justice? They'll certainly try!
As Fiona hopes her role to be recognised as a spy.

With a cast involving real historical characters, too,
There's thrills and mystery woven all the way through.
There's also the possibility of romance
But only if Fiona will give it a chance.

A cosy historical mystery, murder and thriller,
With war, spies and a serial killer.
Set in Cairo during World War One
Reflecting this era that is long gone.

There's also a canine interest in Poppy who
Has an important role and ability too.
So grab this if you're looking for a fun mystery
That involves such a different time in history.

For my complementary copy, I say a huge thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Escaping the glamour of the filing cabinets, Fiona Figg is on her way to Cairo with associates Kitty Lane and Clifford Douglas on behalf of British Intelligence. Their mission is to locate German spy, Fredrick Fredericks, and obtain intel on a rumoured attempt to derail the Suez Canal project.
From the moment I met the trio, I knew a fun journey lay ahead, particularly as Fiona is intent on proving her value as an undercover agent (anything to avoid a return to the filing cabinets!)

It’s apparent early on that these three have an unorthodox style to espionage, openly discussing their mission in front of the stranger in their carriage, who oddly enough has his own opinion to share.

Arriving in Cairo to find another British agent has gone missing, their job has got more complicated. But never fear, for Fiona has her trusted (and not so trusted) disguises with her and will blend in perfectly under the intense Egyptian sun. Clifford, ever the gentleman, is ready to keep the ladies safe, oblivious – as is Fiona – to Kitty’s admirable talents which includes camel riding at speed and foot-fighting(!), plus others skills acquired at her “French finishing school” (or so Fiona is led to believe!)

With further dead bodies at archeological sites, numerous yet undetected run-ins with her nemesis, Fredricks, the story races along at a great pace. The author has equipped Fiona with such a strong and easily identifiable voice that resonates throughout with plenty of dry wit, self-reflection and a determination to find her foe even if it means – and it does – discomfort and danger. Unfortunately, Fiona isn’t always so adept at picking up on the clues and hints until it’s almost too late, but she’s not a quitter.

Covert in Cairo is light-hearted in tone but with a tantalizing backdrop at a time in history when women are coming into their own. The plot is chock-a-block with conundrums, red herrings and misdirection which keep the trio on their toes. It’s fun, maybe a little drawn out and repetitive at times as Fiona has to rethink her decisions, but it is delightfully engaging and evocative and will have you wondering if they can actually complete their mission. I’d happily read more of her adventures, assuming there will be more ;)

Not all authors can pull off exciting and alluring descriptions. Readers will be in stitches as they are whipped one way then another along with Fiona Figg as the descriptive writing wheels and woos its way about. I love it! Kelly Oliver, the authoress, has such a knack and way with words and she has created good clean fun, in my opinion, and if you like mystery and murder this is a book for you. This has a Sherlock Holmes flavor but I like Fiona's character much better.

The novel is very loosely based on historical events in and around Egypt and you'll meet Lawrence of Arabia along with German spies, archeologists and some nefarious fellows. Besides Miss Fiona Figg, you'll get reacquainted with Kitty Lane and her pooch Poppy, chaperoned by Captian Clifford Douglass under Captian Hall's directives. They're on Fredrick Fredricks' trail, that sly, sauve man, and the reader will also catch up with the elusive Archie, at least Fiona hopes so.

Will Fiona be able to follow those clues and stop the illegal sale of artefacts, not to mention catching the bad guys? Dig into the book and find out. There were so many clues to follow and so many setbacks to frustrate. Join Fiona and Kitty on the chase.

This is Book #2 in the, A Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery Series. I think the author has fabulously pieced together a great and amusing tale, likely entertaining herself in the process. It's a great quick read if you have the spare time.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

April 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

"There was no way I could make it back to the tomb on my own, especially if it meant riding another dung-encrusted ass." Fiona Figg was hilarious and I think she and Kitty Lane may be my new favorite dynamic duo.

Covert in Cairo is a cozy mystery set in WWI era Cairo, Egypt. I don't care how intriguing a mystery is, I won't fully enjoy a book if the main characters aren't interesting and/or like-able. Well Fiona and Kitty are both of those so I really enjoyed this book. This is book #2 in the series and although it worked find as a standalone, I definitely want to go back and read book #1 as I think it was referenced quite a few times.

The mystery plot was intriguing and action-packed. I loved the descriptions of the different sites in Egypt, the clothes they wore, and the food they were served. It felt like I had a nice little getaway with the characters. I can't wait for book #3 so I'll read Chaos at Carnegie Hall in the meantime.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Barbara’s rating: 3.5 of 5

I have not read the first book in the series, so I don’t know how the elusive master spy, Frederick Fredericks became aware of and fixated upon Fiona Figg who is the head file clerk for the codebreakers at British Intelligence headquarters in London. However, he is definitely fixated and ‘invites’ her to various places to ‘find’ him, and British Intelligence recruits her into their ‘spy’ ranks – temporarily – to finally capture the elusive German spy. However, being a female, they cannot allow her to travel alone, so they provide her with a chaperone of sorts – Captain Clifford Douglas. To add insult to injury, they also saddle her with the Head of British Intelligence’s ward, eighteen-year-old Kitty Lane. Kitty, however, isn’t at all what she appears to be and small bits and pieces of her skills and talents come out during the story. I’m sure we’ll learn lots more about those skills she learned in her ‘boarding school’ in France as the series moves forward.

In this book, Frederick Fredericks lured Fiona and her team to Cairo with hints that the Suez Canal will be blown up. Cairo is a hotbed of all kinds of intrigue – spies from every nation as well as those individuals involved in the illegal trading and selling of Egypt’s antiquities. Whatever happened, there were plenty of suspects around to put the blame on – especially Frederick Fredericks. As bodies begin to fall and Fiona and her team are attacked at various times, the clues just aren’t adding up. Are they looking for a plot by German spies to blow up the Suez or is it the antiquities thieves? Both? Whatever it is, they need to find out quickly before they are killed or Fiona is jailed for murder.

I saw some of the humorous moments in the book where Fiona had to ride a spitting camel, or a recalcitrant donkey, as well as foiling the fox hunt with an old fox stole. So, yes, there are humorous moments, but I didn’t find it laugh-out-loud funny. Perhaps that is just my sense of humor kicking in (or not), so take it for what it is worth. However, what caused my rating was the fact that I just didn’t like Fiona. She always came off sounding very superior and I really disliked the way she always referred to Kitty as ‘the girl’. Then, there was the utter disrespect she showed to Clifford Douglas.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, which is why I rounded the star rating up rather than down. I really liked Kitty and would love to know more about her and her ‘skills’. She could turn out to be the most delightful character of the series – along with her delightful and smart dog, Poppy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Covert in Cairo is an enjoyable trip to Cairo in December 1917. Fiona Figg is on a mission to prevent the Suez Canal from being attacked, as she finds a Cairo overrun with British troops, very much a Britain away from home, complete with good tea and marmalade.

As in the previous book, Fiona Figg longs to make a name for herself and finally win free from the confines of being a file clerk at the War Office, but not everything goes her way. Kitty Lane is on hand to add her skills to the investigation, and Clifford, their chaperone, but really, a man with an eye for the ladies and very much embodying all that was wrong in the thinking of an early twentieth-century man, including thinking women were fragile, can add his skills as well, most notably being able to talk to anyone.

What ensues is a tale of murder, antiquities, camels and donkeys, night-time shenanigans, and an all-around good mystery.

An enjoyable jaunt to the Cairo of the past, including several well-known historical personalities, and ensuring that Fiona must continue her pursuit of an errant spy and, as such, win-free from returning to dreary London for the time being.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve not read the first book in this series, but you get enough background on the characters to not need to. I enjoyed the story, set in Egypt during war time. There was lots of famous names in the story too, the archaeologist Howard Carter and his sponsor Lord Carnarvon, Lawrence of Arabia, and others that popped up from time to time.

Fiona and Kitty are on the trail of Fredrick Fredricks and follow him to Egypt, trying to foil his plot and the further troubles they discover along the way. I did find this book a bit repetitive in places, thinking I’d not turned the page on my kindle as it felt like I was reading the same lines again. But it was enjoyable and kept me entertained all the way through.

Overall, an entertaining story with some good humour throughout.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 (3.5/5 rounded up for Goodreads and Amazon)

A fun cosy mystery where Fiona is a bit of a bumbling spy who get's there in the end in her own humours way. The mystery is solid as is the vivid descriptions of Cairo make it easy to visualise the scene's. It kept me entertained from the start with suspense, action and danger. I found this much improved over the first book which I wasn't sure of. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We are in Cairo, 1917. Fiona Figg, 25, Kitty Lane, 18, and Captain Clifford Douglas, Trio Infernale of the British Secret Service, are on a secret mission to Cairo. Following a lead, they are on the trail of German agent Fredrick Fredricks and mingling with British ex-pat high society. But as soon as they arrive, events start to happen: a young French archaeologist is found dead in an old tomb, another British agent is missing, and there seems to be a thriving trade in ancient Egyptian works of art, which German agents use to finance themselves. Kitty and Fiona have their hands full - and by the way, the outcome of the war is in their hands....
Over the next 300 pages, the events almost overturn, and we run with the protagonists through Cairo at christmas time.
Well, what can I say, I was brilliantly entertained 😊. Told from Fiona's first-person perspective, we race through Egypt during the First World War. This is cozy crime at its best, a lot of dry humor, subtle satire, I found it super funny and entertaining. The author mixes fact and fiction, real people such as Laurence of Arabia, Gertrude Bell and archaeologist Howard Carter appear here and happily interact with the fictional characters, I found it very funny. I don't know if the three mentioned above would also find it that funny, Carter in particular doesn't look very good here, but on the other hand, satirically speaking: it fits 😉.
Despite all the humor and all the satire, one has to admit without envy that the author has researched and presented the historical setting well. I've read various non-fiction books and biographies about Gertrude Bell and the Carterian digs, and the setting of the novel here was right for me. So despite all the fantasy of the case: that's roughly how I imagine the era in Egypt back then.
Yes, of course this isn't a spy thriller in the traditional sense, you have to be aware of that. Fiona's investigative technique isn't really the most sophisticated, hahahaha, she likes to just knock on someone‘s door, introduce herself as British Intelligence and get started, that's pure diplomacy of course 😉, but again: it worked here.
The book was very easy to read, even as a non-native speaker I flew through the pages.
This is the fifths part of a series, but you can safely start with it. Everything you need to know about the background is told along the way. And it will probably continue with a sixths part soon: the hunt for Fredrick Fredricks must go on. I'd love to be there again!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC!

Yet another fantastic, entertaining, and engrossing historical mystery by Kelly Oliver. Having read the first book in this series, I was eagerly waiting to see what's next for Fiona. She had no idea that Eliza Baker, her boss's niece was a spy in disguise. She wasn't the boss' niece either - Her real name's Kitty Lane. Kitty, along with her dog Poppy, will be accompanying Fiona on her future spy missions.

The story is peppered with humor - making the mystery more enjoyable and engrossing. The mystery behind the agent's death gets murkier. Fiona was somehow responsible for his death - no, she didn't harm him in any way. There's a rumor of stolen antiquities, blowing up the Suez Canal, German spies and double agents. As the story proceeds, tension and suspense builds up - attacks, mishaps, kidnappings, and much more.

In my opinion, the second half of the book was more interesting than the first. Things take a turn for worse, there comes a time when Fiona has to save her friends. Another angle that I really loved was the inclusion of coded messages - I cannot talk about it but I can give you a hint: theatre.

Overall, this was an engrossing and entertaining mystery. Full of twists and turns and peppered with humor. The author has mentioned that this series is inspired by history but is not an accurate historical account. I felt I was transported back to those times when people were recovering from the effects of war, archeologists digging up the pyramids, German spies and double agents everywhere.

4.5/5

I was excited to see what book 2 would bring and this didn't disappoint.
A superb setting with Cairo, and great to see some familiar historical favourites in the Egypt mix.

Entertaining, intriguing and absorbing. An enjoyable mystery.

Covert in Cairo by Kelly Oliver is a cozy mystery. It's the second book from the " A Fiona Figg & Kitty Lane Mystery" series.

I have to say that I love the cover of the book, it fits perfectly with the story.

The plot is very entertaining, filled with action, mystery, and suspense. The vividly detailed descriptions helped me a lot in creating the scenes in my mind. I felt like I was in Cairo along with the characters. Another thing that I appreciate a lot is the British dialect that is used, it's not something I see often in books. Even though the story is mostly focused on uncovering the mystery there's a hint of romance as well. The characters are incredible and so much fun. Fiona is my favorite of course, she is so brave and isn't afraid to talk back. She acts like a mother to both Kitty and her colleague. Her interactions with Fredrick are my favorite part of the book.

I can't wait to see in what kind of trouble they'll get themselves into in the next installment. I will rate it with 4 stars.

Fiona Figg is in Cairo in 1917 with her friends/associates from the British Intelligence Office. They are there to hunt down a German spy named Frederick Fredericks.

Fiona is a former file clerk in the office but has been recruited to be a spy as Fredericks has invited her to join him in Cairo. He is suspected of wanting to blow up the Suez Canal, so off to Cairo Fiona goes with her associates Kitty Lane and Clifford Douglas who are there to try and keep her out of trouble. Fiona has really taken to this spy business. She has disguises, gadgets and even a specially designed skirt with pockets to hide her spy gadgets.

In the process of following Fredericks, they end up discovering the dead body of French archaeologist in a tomb. They also fall in to trying to find a missing British agent which may or may not have something to do with the theft of antiquities they have learned about. Also, Fiona finds herself a suspect in the death of another British agent.

If Fiona doesn't want to have to stay in Cairo as the guest of an Egyptian prison system and stop the plans for the Suez Canal, find the murderer and antiquities thieves, she will need the help of her friends Clifford and Kitty and a cute dog with skills named Poppy.

This is a fun read and contains loosely referenced historical events and persons. This is exactly what you want a cozy mystery to be. I did not read the first book but that did not detract my enjoyment of this installment.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this story.

'Covert in Cairo' by Kelly Oliver.
I mainly picked this book because of the cover and I'm glad I did because it combines 2 of my favourite things, ancient Egypt and murder mystery.
I believe the Fiona Figg mysteries are a series but I don't believe you have to read any of the others to follow this book. The protagonist is amazing, she comes across a bit like Indiana Jones and I love her sidekick Kitty (and Poppy the dog). There's plenty of murders throughout the book and its filled with action and adventure. The book even stars Howard Carter, the famous archaeologist :) I will definitely be reading more of these books.
I would recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of cosy crime and adventure.
Thankyou to Netgallery, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review.

I love a good cosy crime and this was a fabulous example. Gorgeous, credible sleuthy heroine I rooted for throughout the novel. A cast of crazy characters. Lots of red herrings and pacy action. It's a great ride.

As both a former history major and teacher, the historical aspects of this book are what drew me. I mean, who wouldn't enjoy meeting the likes of Lawrence of Arabia and, pre-King Tut discovery, Howard Carter? Egypt, tombs, dust and heat, and seemingly spies everywhere. As a result, I enjoyed the loosely history based story even if I came away thinking I'd have enjoyed it more were I familiar with previous Fiona books. That may be on me. Let's just say, I'm the kind of reader who when told as part of the backstory that the mysterious Kitty locked Fiona in a toilet last mission, goes, "Wait! What? Why? How?" rather than just register the event and move on. To each reader their own style, however.

The cast of characters is fairly long, many with foreign or unusual names and I felt like I needed a score card to keep up at times, not to mention keep it straight as to who was on which side. Even though Fiona is firmly on the side of the book's good guys, the British, I've got to admit that I didn't find her particularly likable. Although she comes across as fairly straight-forward, that translates to having no real sense of humor and taking herself way to seriously. Previously a file clerk, she's taken to spying with gusto, collecting various spy gadgets (not to mention having a skirt with ample pockets for concealment special made) and almost giddy at the chance to take on a disguise, of which she has several.

In the process of taking herself too seriously, she seems to look upon Kitty's more carefree public persona with disdain, seeming to feel she doesn't take the job seriously enough. Never mind that Kitty seems to have skills and talents we haven't even seen yet. Yet, in her prim, self-importance, Fiona does show initiative and caring, with ideas about female roles far ahead of the 1917 world she lives in. Just as the story-line seemed to be just beyond my grasp at times, Fiona spends much of the book not quite grasping the situation, so I could sympathize with her. After all, spies don't always have all the facts, right?

In any case, I won't detail the plot, it's full of twists and turns, suspects, and red herrings galore. If you're a history buff, particularly if you're fascinated by Egyptian history and/or archeology, you'll find this an intriguing read. The author did an excellent job setting the atmosphere with its Egypt's unique architecture and mystique, not to mention creating interesting, if puzzling, characters. I may have been bemused at times but I'm inclined to think I'll be checking out Fiona and Kitty's future missions.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Fiona and Kitty, not to mention Kitty's feisty little dog Poppy. Love the history aspect of this series and am looking forward to learning more about all involved. As it was, I learned something, too, as I looked up Gertrude Bell while reading. I'd have admired her, I think. Learning something new is always a big plus.