ootprints in the Sand is a captivating historical mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey to 1880s Egypt. After a scandalous past in London, Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start, only to find herself caught in a web of murder, theft, and deception in the shadow of the pyramids. When her expedition leader, Armand Moreau, is found dead under mysterious circumstances, Lucy’s adventure takes a dark turn, leading her into the heart of a complex conspiracy.

The novel does a wonderful job of blending the allure of ancient Egypt with a tense, fast-paced mystery. The setting is rich and atmospheric, and Lucy's character is both resourceful and determined, making her a compelling protagonist. The intrigue around the thefts, the murder, and the secrets buried in Egypt’s past adds layers of suspense that keep the reader engaged.

Though the story is engaging and well-paced, there are moments when the plot feels predictable, and some secondary characters could be developed further. However, the romance and tension between Lucy and her surroundings add a nice touch to the narrative.

Overall, Footprints in the Sand is an enjoyable, well-crafted historical mystery with a strong sense of adventure and a gripping plot that fans of the genre will certainly appreciate.

Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky
Pam Lecky’s Footprints in the Sand, the second book in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series, is a gripping historical mystery set in 1887 Cairo. With a compelling blend of suspense, adventure, and rich historical detail, the novel immerses readers in an atmospheric tale of murder and intrigue against the backdrop of an archaeological expedition.
The novel follows Lucy Lawrence, a sharp and determined protagonist, as she travels to Egypt in search of a fresh start. However, her plans quickly unravel when her patronage of a French Egyptologist, Armand Moreau, leads her into a deadly mystery. When Moreau is found murdered inside the Great Pyramid with an ancient dagger in his chest, Lucy must untangle a web of betrayal, theft, and corruption to uncover the truth.
Pam Lecky has a knack for creating suspenseful moments and evocative descriptions that transport the reader, striking a balance between historical accuracy and engaging storytelling. Lecky masterfully keeps the plot moving at an engaging pace, weaving twists and turns that keep readers guessing. Footprints in the Sand is a well-crafted historical mystery with strong characters, a richly detailed setting, and an intriguing plot. This book is a satisfying and atmospheric read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free advance copy of the book to preview. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The second book in the series takes a turn from the pacing and setting of the first. I read another book set in the same location which was very surprising because I have not read too many books set in Egypt.

Lucy is now independent and wealthy. She is using that wealth to travel. In her earliest port of call, she meets a man who redirects her interest and funds to a dig site. It seems a little rash on her part but we soon see the attraction.

The people and the mystery itself were more of a draw in this book. I did not find myself liking Lucy much here, I felt like she got a little too much confidence after the first adventure which didn’t fit with the character who was originally described to us.

Guessing the culprit is almost a process of elimination than anything else. There was no way of knowing the actual reason behind the murder that occurs.

Footprints in the Sand, the second book in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries finds Lucy in Cairo with her maid Mary.

Lucy meets an Egyptologist named Armand Moreau and others in the burgeoning archaeological community of 1887 Cairo. She becomes his patron and sponsors his dig.

This is a tale of bitter rivalries, burglaries, black markets. And a body.

Lucy finds herself in the middle of things as she looks to solve this murder while avoiding her own.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Lucy Lawrence is a very intrepid Victorian lady of means. She has travelled to Egypt to learn more about the Egyptian archaeology. As in the girst book she becomes involved in solving a murder. With the aid of her servant Mary she has some terrifying life threatening experiences.
This story was better than the first book with some interesting description of the pyramids and burial sites. The characters were also interesting
I can recommend this crime fiction book.

When Lucy Lawrence takes it upon herself to fund an archaeological dig, she hopes for a fresh start. However, the man to lead her dig is found murdered in the Great Pyramid. As thefts and danger plague the expedition, Lucy must rely on her wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death, facing corrupt officials and rival archaeologists in a race against time. With her life on the line and no one to trust, Lucy must unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim.

It was a delight to return to Lucy Lawrence once again and see what adventures were in store for her. Having recently read a book about women in the Gilded age thriving in the world of archeology, I was excited to see Lucy take it on. It was interesting to see her use her wits to navigate the politics of the profession.

If there was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, it was her overconfidence. She took her previous success and insisted she could succeed where the police could not. Still, it was realistic to see her, not exactly humbled, but need help in the end.

Overall, this was a fun adventure. I look forward to the next book. Readers who enjoy historical mysteries will enjoy this one.

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.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky is book two in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries and picks up just shortly after the end of No Stone Unturned. Ms. Lecky gives her readers a surprise in book two by sending the heroine to Cairo, Egypt where she befriends several different people that call Egypt their home, both local and those that have worked there for years who call themselves Egyptologists. as well as one photographer.

Of course, life would be boring for the main character if there aren't any mysteries for her to solve, so she makes sure to involve herself in a museum robbery where priceless artifacts were taken. Then when the man (Egyptologist) she was funding is murdered, she goes off on her own to follow the person who she believes is the prime suspect to get evidence and take it to the police, only Ms. Lawrence is injured in the process and finds out the one she thought was guilty of murder was actually guilty of something else, and the murderer is in reality someone much closer to home.

Ms. Lecky such descriptive words that the readers feel like they are inside the Pyramids with the main character for the first time, exploring a carpet bazaar. While reading Footprints in the Sand, the readers don't have to have a passport to go to some exotic land, all they need to do is snuggle down and finish the book. Then be sure to read the third book, in the Lucy Lawrence Mysteries, The Art of Deception.

After the danger and deceit in the wake of her husband's violent death, Lucy is now in France, enjoying the sunshine and glamour. Still confused by her feelings for Phineas Stone, she is charmed by a French archaeologist who will soon return to Egypt. He harnesses her impulsive nature, and soon, she is in Egypt, an investor in his archaeological dig. Lucy is not the focus of gossip in Egypt and starts to enjoy it. Her maid, Mary, is less sure, but her loyalty to Lucy endures.
Romance beckons, but Moreau has a rakish reputation, and Lucy bides her time. A robbery and a brutal murder embroil Lucy in another dangerous mystery. I enjoyed the complex characters, the suspense, and the author's interpretation of the Egyptian historical setting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Book 2 of Lucy's story. This time she is in Egypt with Mary. After connecting with a charming Frenchman, she decides to sponsor his archeological dig in the desert.

I felt this one was not as exciting as the first, or the third, but still enjoyable. It was almost like a closed door kind of mystery where the killers and thieves were all main characters and right there the entire time.

I missed her sparing with Stone but glad she had Mary around to help her realize she was being ridiculous at times.

Thank you netgalley and Storm for this arc.

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.

Another great story by Pam Lecky. This time Lucy Lawrence is in Egypt amongst the Pyramids and gets involved with theft and murder. Lots of action and puzzles to solve. Very mixed cast of characters, some very dubious. Great conclusion.

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.

Footprints in the Sand, the second The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries book by Pam Lecky has Lucy traveling to Egypt. She has improved her lot in life with the reward money from the case solved in book one. I honesty thought that she was still extremely naïve and too trusting in this book. Most of all she is missing Phineas Stone but so was I. The two of them has such chemistry and sparks that I missed them together. Lucy often thought of him but that is not the same. The new charming archaeologist was no match to Phineas.

The mystery surrounds missing or stolen artifacts then it leads to murder. Lucy and Mary are in the thick of things, perhaps not trusting the right ones. The guilty are some I had begun to suspect earlier on in the story but still there were surprises. I do so hope that Phineas and Lucy lock horns, then team up together in book three.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. This book picks up where the first left off with Lucy going on a grand tour. She ends up in Egypt when she agrees to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. When an archaeologist is found murdered Lucy is determined to solve the case. This book started off very slowly for me. The first half of the book is mostly descriptions and learning about the characters. The mystery doesn't really get going until the last half , then it picks up speed. All in all an enjoyable read.

For fans of: Tasha Alexander’s Lady Emily mysteries, Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey mysteries
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Mystery
Violence: 🔪(off page)
Spice: 🔥

Synopsis: Egypt, 1887. Lucy has become patron to Moreau—archaeologist and handsome Frenchman—funding his dig with her reward for finding the Maharaja's sapphires. But her adventure takes a dark turn when Moreau is brutally slain. Lucy is as determined to find the killer—and perhaps the burglar behind a string of thefts—as she is to ensure the dig proceeds. Is it the Egyptologist with whom Moreau shared an acrimonious relationship? A former lover? His ambitious young assistant?

Thoughts: Lecky captures the essence of time and place, making one feel the warmth of the Egyptian sun, the chafe of sand on skin, cringe from the odor of tombs long closed. The book took some time to get to the core mystery. But the first third laid important groundwork and the story kept me engaged. I did anticipate the main resolution—an outcome I attribute to studying how to write mysteries rather than any flaw in the plotting—but I found the interwoven mysteries pleasingly complex. I highly enjoyed the novel, would definitely recommend it and immediately started reading book #3. I did miss Phin—Lucy’s love interest from the 1st book—but his absence was necessary to the plot and hints reassured me that we have not seen the last of him. I look forward to seeing how Lucy's independence develops, her confidence in investigating grow, and her relationship with Phin resume.

Lucy goes solo on thsi murder mystery, this time in Egypt. After the murder of her husband, Lucy inherits some money and decides to travel. She sponsors an Egyptian dig. Between stolen antiquities, a dead archeology leader, a rivalry between the English and French teams, there's plenty of mystery and intrigue for Lucy to poke her nose into and solve. We do not get to see Phin in this book so that was my one gripe.

Another exciting fast paced read done brilliantly.

#netgalley #footprintsinthesand #pamlecky #historicalmystery

Lucy Lawrence and her faithful companion Mary are on somewhat of a grand tour!
On the French Riviera she met the handsome amc worldly Egyptologist Monsieur Armand Moreau! He has persuaded her to be one of the financial backers for his next dig in Egypt!
For some reason Lucy becomes fascinated by Egypt and the archeological community! This may just be her undoing!
There is much competition among the patrons and archeologists!
Egypt and its desserts has a strange beauty that can turn deadly with the heat and dessert!
Lucy on this trip has bitten off far more than ever imagined! There is robbery, murder, explosions and of course Lucy with her curiosity confront a deranged murderer in a tomb!
This story has so many twists and turns and some decisions Lucy makes is when she hears unwelcome news about Phin from England! The news is pure gossip and she almost makes a terrible mistake! Moreau is not the person Lucy thinks he is! This one keeps you in the edge of your seat near the end as Lucy is totally unaware of who her true enemies are! Bravo

Thank you NetGalley and publisher. This is the second book in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries. Lucy is confused with how things ended with Phineas Stone and has decided to use her new money and explore the continent for the summer with her trusty maid Mary. While in the French Rivera she meets M. Moreau, a French Egyptologist, who tells her about Egypt and his dig. Since Phineas had given her the little painting in the last book, she has wanted to see the actual area. Lucy decides to join Moreau in Cairo as his patron and fund his dig. Venturing out to the dig site she discovers the beauty of the desert and understands why Moreau loves the desert. She also discovers that not all is as it seems with her new friends. Lucy has a new mystery to involving murder and theft.

Excerpt:

Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky is a captivating historical mystery set in 1887 Egypt, where young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start by funding an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Armand Moreau. When Moreau is found murdered in the Great Pyramid, Lucy must navigate a web of thefts, corruption, and hidden agendas to uncover the truth. Lecky’s vivid descriptions and brisk pacing make this a thoroughly engaging read, with Lucy’s intelligence and determination shining as she faces perilous challenges.

Full Review:

Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky is an enthralling historical mystery set against the captivating backdrop of 1887 Egypt. The novel follows young widow Lucy Lawrence, who hopes to leave her troubled past behind by funding an archaeological dig led by the charming Armand Moreau. However, her dreams of a fresh start are shattered when Moreau is found murdered in the Great Pyramid, with a ceremonial dagger buried in his heart.

Lecky expertly weaves a tale of suspense and intrigue as Lucy, thrust into the role of detective, navigates through a maze of thefts, corruption, and hidden agendas. The richly detailed setting, from Cairo’s bustling streets to the mysterious desert tombs, immerses readers in the exotic and perilous world of late 19th-century Egypt.

Lucy is a compelling protagonist, using her intelligence and determination to uncover the truth behind Moreau's murder. The tension is palpable as she faces rival archaeologists, corrupt officials, and a relentless foe. The novel's pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep readers engaged until the very end.

While the absence of Phineas Stone leaves Lucy to fend for herself, it also allows her character to shine as she relies on her own wits and resourcefulness. Footprints in the Sand is a well-crafted mystery that fans of historical fiction and adventure will thoroughly enjoy.