Hot on the trail of a German spy, Fiona Figg and her associates from the British Intelligence Office travel undercover to Egypt to stop Fredrick Fredricks and his furtive cohorts before they can commit whatever act of sabotage or nefarious undertakings that he is planning. Upon arrival, they learn that another undercover British officer has gone missing. While searching for the missing agent—and tracking suspicious people through the desert—Fiona and her partner, Kitty Lane, come across the dead body of a French archeologist in the tomb that he was excavating. When another British agent dies under suspicious circumstances while in the hospital, Fiona finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Even though she is instructed by headquarters to focus on Fredericks, Fiona takes it upon herself to continue the search for the missing agent as well as solving the murder of the archeologist and the other British agent. Fiona is convinced that Fredericks is somehow involved in all this, but who are his cohorts and what are they planning?
I have read the three novels in the Fiona Figg Mystery series as well as the first novel in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery series. For anyone new to Fiona Figg, I recommend starting from the beginning. Each novel has its own plot and mystery, but there is an overall storyline that runs through all of the novels and COVERT IN CAIRO’s plot will be easier to follow if you read the books in order.
COVERT IN CAIRO is a fun historical mystery that is full of plot twists, red herrings, and intrigue. With only two weeks of training, Fiona Figg isn’t the most competent spy. No one seems to take Fiona seriously—except for Frederick Fredericks—yet she always comes through in the end. No, she hasn’t yet captured Fredericks yet. But she has foiled many of his plots. And her disguises and investigating tactics are always a good laugh. I really enjoy the introduction of Kitty Lane to the series. The young woman has clearly been better trained that Fiona, but the totality of her skills and her official task remain a mystery. As always, Fredericks is a delightful villain who may or may not be the true bad guy of the series. COVERT IN CAIRO takes the reader from the illustrious Shepherd’s Hotel, to the streets of Cairo, and even out to the Giza pyramids and tombs. Famous characters such as Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Evelyn, Howard Carter, Gertrude Bell, and Lawrence of Arabia make appearances throughout the novel and add to the atmosphere of Cairo and to the time period. I’m looking forward to Fiona’s next adventure.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of Covert in Cairo, the second novel to feature British spies Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane, set in 1917.

Following a hint from suspected German spy, Frederick Fredericks, Fiona and Kitty find themselves in Cairo to stop a potential disaster, but with clues thin on the ground they find themselves investigating the murder of a French archaeologist. Suspects are not hard to find among the competing archaeologists, love rivals and spies, in fact Fiona wonders if the mysterious Frederick Fredericks is involved.

I have not read this series before, but I like a new author and a lighthearted historical romp so Covert in Cairo seemed like an ideal fit. I quite liked it, but I don’t think it will become a must read series for me as I didn’t find it that funny.

The novel is told from Fiona Figg’s point of view and I didn’t find her that appealing. She doesn’t appear to have a sense of humour, takes her spying very seriously and is actually pretty rubbish at it. In fact, she’s not the brightest. Kitty Lane, woman of mystery, would be a much more interesting protagonist. As it is the humour is more situational with Fiona getting into all sorts of bother and someone, more often than not Frederick Fredericks, rescuing her.

The plot is fairly standard with Fiona and Kitty getting in to all sorts of scrapes and Kitty revealing new hidden talents at every turn. There is no lack of action, suspects or even bodies so there are no dull moments, with Fiona kept extremely busy investigating and speculating. It is well done, but feels chaotic at times.

Covert in Cairo is a solid read.

situational-humor, verbal-humor, Egypt, archeological-dig, archaeologist, amateur-sleuth, spies, series, pet-dog, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, Suez Canal, murder-investigation, murder, 1917-18, famous-persons, disguises, Cairo, frenemy, codes, smuggling*****

More fun in spydom with Fiona, Kitty, and Clifford. This time they are in Cairo trying to foil enemy spies who intend harm to the Suez Canal. The humor is on a par with a G-rated Mel Brooks! Fiona is a real character who loves to wear costumes such as clothing requiring mustaches and more. She also tries to be the quintessential Brit in Egypt even as she interacts with Gertrude Bell, Lord Carnarvon, Howard Carter, and even Lawrence of Arabia. Kitty has had a much more pedestrian education and knows a lot about locks, codes, and even some early forensics. The plot is solid and always in motion, the red herrings are truly creative, and the plot twists are more than sneaky.
Loved the story and laughed my sox off!
I requested and received an EARC from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

This book was amazing! I was hooked from the beginning to the end. A spy thriller that will have you laughing out loud. I can't wait to read more!!
I just reviewed Covert in Cairo by Kelly Oliver. #CovertinCairo #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Fiona Figg, Kitty Lane, and Clifford Douglas are all spending Christmas 1917 in Cairo. Following an invitation from spy Frederick Fredericks, Fiona and company are sent to stop him and whatever dastardly deed he has planned for the Suez Canal.

Unfortunately, the group is pulled into a murder investigation when a French archaeologist is found dead at his own site. To make matters worse, a British agent has gone missing.

Can Fiona navigate these shifting sands? Or will she sleep with the mummies?

I have read previous Fiona Figg novels by Kelly Oliver.

I still think Fiona allows her initial overall feelings to cloud her better judgment, but it is nice to see that she is growing professionally. There was less need for the costume and more investigation. I still don’t like Archie Somersby, nor Kitty Lane. I think there is too much secrecy with these two characters, secrets that Fiona doesn’t want to see. I implore Kelly Oliver to put me out of my misery and reveal all. Is Archie a double agent? Who is Kitty Lane? And what exactly is Frederick Fredericks intentions with the war and with Fiona?

The mystery got me. I couldn’t figure out the code or the message until Fiona did, which made me happy. I had pretty much all the same questions as Fiona about the canal, and what Fredericks had planned. As always, I love the historical fragments that the author includes like T.E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell. Though I would have liked their interacting more.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

I enjoyed the second instalment of Fiona Rigg and Kitty Lane’s mysteries and adventures. Here is my review of Covert in Cairo by Kelly Oliver.
I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.
Fiona continues to be an intriguing and fascinating mix of modern ideas and old-fashioned 1917 thinking which makes her character so realistic of this time. Fiona finds herself lurching from one crisis to another life-threatening situation to another. Her complicated attraction to her enemy Fredrick and her drawn-out romance with Archie add lots of humour to the story.
Clifford and Kitty are still as funny and reliable as ever and I have to admit Clifford is growing on me ( I hope there may be a romance there between Fiona and him in the future- he is definitely more reliable than the other two).
The murder mystery is complex with plenty of red herrings, suspects and motives but this is woven in, perfectly, with Fiona’s role as an undervalued spy. The author creates the tense yet exotic atmosphere of 1917's Cairo, caught in a war, not of their making. The addition of real-life historical figures like Laurence of Arabia adds more colour to the story.
This was a fun and easy read- I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Content warning
Attempted sexual assault
Perfect for Fans of
Murder at Carnegie Hall by Kelly Oliver ( review here)

The latest entry in the Fiona Figg series sees our heroine continuing to pursue her nemesis in WWI Cairo this time. I would strongly recommend reading the previous books to be able to make sense of this one. As with previous books in the series, there are mysteries, spies, disguises, and escapes. These books are always fun, but they feel a little formulaic at times as Fiona struggle with some of the same moral and romantic issues.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.