My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and author Pam Lecky, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for July 25, 2024.

Footprints in the Sand begins where No Stone Unturned ended; and while it probably isn't going to spoil too much of your enjoyment if you didn't read book #1, I would urge you to do so, as there are subtle references throughout book #2 that won't mean anything to you if you haven't read No Stone Unturned.

After solving the mystery of her late husband's death, AND, locating and returning the missing sapphires to a very grateful maharaja, our protagonist, Lucy Lawrence is now a wealthy woman. Still finding her feet after the trauma of losing her husband, Charlie, Lucy has decided to take a sabbatical from London and travel the World. Arriving in France, Lucy realises that the scandalous grapevine has reached Nice before she did. It seems as though the English community in Nice are less than welcoming towards her. Just as Lucy is contemplating leaving France, she meets Armad Moreau. Moreau, a well-known charming and charismatic French archaeologist, regales her with his tales of working digs in ancient Egypt - of unearthing ancient Egyptian artifacts and sarcophagi, and the mummified bodies of those preserved within it.

“As a patron you could be one of the first to enter a tomb last sealed thousands of years ago. The first to see a pharaoh’s treasures. Perhaps hold in your hand a sacred scarab revealed in the wrappings of a mummy.”

So captivated by Moreau's tales, Lucy offers to become the Frenchman's patron for his next project, and soon both are headed off for Egypt to become involved with his next excavation.

Lucy quickly makes friends within the eclectic international community in Cairo and her spirits rise as she begins to explore the city and ancient sites. But underneath the Egyptian skies, all doesn’t exactly go to plan. Lucy finds herself in the middle of an archaeological tug-of-war between Moreau and an English rival over a dig site. Making matters worse, Lucy discovers someone is stealing priceless artefacts from the dig and proffering them for sale on the black market. But her hopes for a successful dig turn to dread when Moreau's body is found dead on his dig site, and Lucy finds herself; once again, knee-deep in sand a mystery.

Bookish Yays
🌟Location, Location, Location - ✅✅✅ - I absolutely adored the choice of location, and I think this opens up a never-ending list of settings for Mrs Lawrence to possibly visit in future stories.
🌟Atmosphere - ✅✅✅ - I could just feel the heat of the sand between my toes and the sweat running down my neck as I was reading. It's obvious the author has a sweet spot for this part of the world, and it shows.
🌟Characters - ✅✅✅ - in book #2 we revisit with some old friends and are introduced to new characters who are an absolute delight to read about.
🌟Writing - ✅✅✅ - You must check out the Glossary at the back of this book! Filled with wonderfully colourful words like:- Ammit (an ancient Egyptian goddess), Bakhshish (money given to beggars), Boulaq (a riverside suburb of Cairo), Fellaheen (a farmer), and many many more!!!
🌟Plot - ✅✅✅ - more than one thread to this instalment kept me interested and the author tied them all up well in the end.

Bookish Hmms
🌟Lucy - ? - Sigh. [copied verbatim from my previous review for book #1] - for an intelligent and capable woman, there were occasions where I found her decision making a little reckless and far too spontaneous. Actually, upon reflection, I have to say some of Lucy's decisions in this instalment are disappointingly stupid and at times a little selfish. It's probably my biggest bugbear with this series which stops me from saying this is a five star read.

Looking forward to book #3, The Art of Deception.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#FootprintsintheSand #NetGalley #PamLecky

“Footprints in the Sand” is the second in the Lucy Lawrence series by Pam Lecky. In this episode, Lucy, using her newfound wealth, has spent several months touring the continent. Upon visiting Nice she agrees to become an archaeological expedition sponsor for a French archaeologist who hopes to make it big during the upcoming season in Egypt. Lucy’s idea of sponsorship includes her active participation, of course. She discovers that she loves the ruggedness of an archaeological dig, but doesn’t have quite the same feeling for the seething competition between the French and British archaeologists she befriends. Soon artifacts go missing and a museum is robbed of priceless treasures. When a body turns up and the local police are getting nowhere, Lucy knows it is up to her to unmask a thief and a killer.

This episode was a bit slower than the first. Much of the first half of the book is devoted to establishing the setting, introducing the characters, and establishing the relationships between them. The disappearance of the artifacts and the robbery don’t take center stage until later. Ultimately, the mystery is multi-layered and filled with long held grudges and greed. Suspects abound.

This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries or mysteries that take place in 19th century Egypt.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Footprints in the Sand is book two in The Lucy Lawrence Mysteries series and if you haven't picked up book one, you definitely should. I think if you wanted to read this one without reading book one, you potentially could. You would miss the set up of how Lucy got to this point but the story is a completely different storyline and different set of characters (mostly) so you wouldn't be missing anything there. That said, I think you should read book one as I'll admit, I did enjoy that one better - mostly because I did miss Phineus in this one.

Lucy is back and having gotten the reward money from finding the sapphires in the last book, she is now a wealthy woman. Having decided to spend some time on the Continent, she's still feeling a bit restless and while in France she meets a French Egyptologyst by the name of Armand Moreau and agrees to become his patron and heads to Cairo. What she didn't expect was that the archaeological community to be so competitive and dangerous. Upon their arrival to Cairo, Lucy is quickly drawn into the city and the atmosphere as well as the goings on around her. When a burglary occurs at the Egyptian Museum, Lucy is determined to help solve the case, unfortunately the local police inspector doesn't really want her help but when an archaeologist is found murdered in Giza, Lucy is in the middle of the whole thing.

There is definitely a lot going on in this book. Now that Lucy is on her own, she is exploring who she is. She likes being independent and she wants to be daring but it is also clear she misses Phineus. Not knowing where they stand (and hearing rumors via her friend Sarah) hasn't helped her figure out whether they are "something" so she decides she will take a chance with M. Moreau and she inadvertently finds herself in the midst of a bit of trouble...which does seem to happen often.

There is a whole host of new characters in this book, some good and some not so good. I don't want to say too much here as I don't want to give anything away but I will say that while I didn't figure everything out, there were some bits I did. That said, it didn't take away from the story for me. The mystery of it all still kept me turning the pages and wondering what Lucy was going to do next. That said, I did miss Phineus in this one. I'll admit...I like my romances and without him here there was a gap. Of course, there was the mention of him throughout and Lucy wondering what was going on with him but I enjoy their actual interactions and I truly did miss them.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. We got to learn more about Lucy and see her grow more into who she is independently and I appreciated that. I'll definitely be picking up the next book in the series to see where Lecky takes her next.

I loved this book just as much as book 1, even without Phineas Stone being a part of it. It was so great to see Lucy coming into her own more and becoming more confident in her own abilities and decisions. I was somewhat disappointed for her to find that she almost got taken in again by a charming man who would turn out to be pretty awful in his treatment of others - the more we learn about this guy the worse you found out he was (and it gets to a point where I didn't think that was possible). There were a few different mysteries going on here both of which Lucy finds herself in the middle of. I find that Lucy is kind of like Nancy Drew - yes, she does her own investigations, but mostly just happens to be in the right place at the right time when it comes to solving the mysteries. Don't misunderstand, I'm completely fine with that. I did find myself sometimes frustrated with Lucy regarding how she treated Mary throughout the novel. Yes, Mary's her maid, but Lucy often dragged Mary into situations with little consideration of how Mary felt - she often did what she wanted when she wanted. The murder mystery part of the story came to a surprising conclusion that I definitely did not see coming and I found the motive both expected and unexpected all at the same time. I would have preferred Lucy had the opportunity to confront the jewel thief, but knowing they were eventually caught was good enough for me. I liked that the "mystery" involving Phineas's whereabouts was cleared up prior to the end of the novel so that we could rest easy knowing what he had really been up to. Already working on book 3, but taking my time as I don't know when book 4 will be released!

The next adventure for dear Lucy! After receiving the rewards for helping to recover the stolen gems in 'No Stone Unturned', Lucy is an independently wealthy woman and decides to travel. She makes her way to France. While there, she attends a talk given by a french archaeologist who is looking for someone to fund his dig in Egypt during the next dig season. Intrigued by the talk, enchanted by the archaeologist, and tired of the expat gossipmongers in France, she decides to become his patron and travel to Egypt with him. There, trouble follows Lucy in the form of jewel and artifact thefts and a murder. Lucy is determined to uncover the culprits despite the Egyptian police inspector's warning and displeasure with her meddling. A great story with a few good twists where all is not as it seems at first glance. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Pam Lecky for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another cracker from Pam Lecky. This series is fast becoming one of my favourites. This book is the third in the series and can be read as a standalone, although there is more pleasure from at least reading the first in this series to understand the characters a little more - not least the very lovely romance between Lucy and Phin.
The mystery is once more linked to the people that are in their entourage and Lucy is in the right place at the right time, or sometimes the wrong place. This is once more a personal murder and one that draws Lucy in and means that she has to look to help out and put clues together. The plot is gently told with no gore or fear, just a genuine interest in now Lucy and Co pull their thinking together in order to solve what is going on.

This time Lucy is in Egypt, as a way of escaping the gossip surrounding her, even in France. Although the plot was interesting and the murder story was intriguing, it seemed to be padded out with detail and at times my attention wandered. Some of things Lucy does is just plain irritating and silly, it’s lucky that the secondary characters are so entertaining, especially Mary. I will read the third book because Phinneas will be in it and I want to see how that situation ends up. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC to read and freely review.

Title: Footprints in the Sand
Author: Pam Lecky
Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Historical fiction, mystery

Release Date: July 25th 2024

"Footprints in the Sand" by Pam Lecky is an exhilarating adventure set against the mesmerising backdrop of Cairo in 1887.

It's a tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and a dash of romance that will captivate fans of historical fiction and detective stories alike.

Lucy Lawrence, in her quest for self-discovery, embarks on a journey to the land of the pharaohs, throwing caution to the wind. Accompanying the charming French Egyptologist Armand Moreau, she finds herself amidst the archaeological community in Cairo—a hotbed of professional rivalries and hidden agendas.

As Lucy delves deeper into this world, she uncovers the thriving black market for antiquities, posing a grave threat to Egypt's rich heritage. When the Egyptian Museum is burgled, Lucy's curiosity and determination to solve the case put her at odds with the local police inspector and alarm her loyal maid, Mary. The stakes are raised when an archaeologist is found murdered inside the Great Pyramid, plunging Lucy into a whirlwind of danger and deceit. Now, she must navigate this treacherous terrain to avoid becoming the next victim.

What I Loved:

1. Exotic Setting: Lecky’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the bustling streets of Cairo and the enigmatic world of Egyptian archaeology. The setting adds a unique and captivating layer to the story adding that extra mystery setting.
2. Engaging Mystery: The plot is intricately woven with professional rivalries, black market dealings, and murder, creating a compelling mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
3. Strong Female Protagonist: Lucy Lawrence is a delightful character—brave, curious, and intelligent. Her growth and determination to uncover the truth make her a compelling protagonist you can’t help but root for.
4. Characters: From the charming Armand Moreau to the enigmatic locals and fellow archaeologists, the cast of characters is richly developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story.
5. Historical Accuracy: Lecky’s attention to historical detail enhances the authenticity of the narrative, making the reader feel truly immersed in the late 19th-century Egyptian archaeological scene.


"Footprints in the Sand" is a delightful romp through historical Cairo, filled with suspense, intrigue, and a plucky heroine determined to uncover the truth. Pam Lecky masterfully combines rich historical detail with a gripping mystery, making this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and detective novels.


Thank you to The Publisher Storm Publishing ,The Author Pam Lecky & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley Storm Publishing and Pam Lecky for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Footprints in the Sand coming out July 25, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’m obsessed with Ancient Egypt, especially when it’s set in the Victorian era. I’ve been reading a lot of this genre lately. Traveling must’ve been really difficult but exciting to see different parts of the world. I thought there was some growth with Lucy. She definitely went on an adventure. I love that she’s learning how to solve mysteries after everything that happened with her husband. I already have the next book in the series to read! I’m definitely excited to continue the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian Era murder mysteries!

Footprints in the Sand by Pam Lecky

Egypt, 1887. After scandals in London, young widow Lucy Lawrence seeks a fresh start in Cairo, agreeing to fund an archaeological dig led by the charismatic Frenchman Armand Moreau. Enticed by Egypt's ancient mysteries, Lucy dreams of making a spectacular discovery. But her hopes turn to dread when Moreau is found brutally murdered in the Great Pyramid. The only clue is the ceremonial dagger buried in his heart – a relic of Moreau's own past.

As mysterious thefts plague the expedition, Lucy becomes ensnared in a plot reaching from lost desert tombs to Cairo's stylish avenues. With Phineas Stone far away in London, Lucy must rely on her own wits to uncover the truth behind Moreau's death. Pitted against corrupt officials, rival archaeologists, and a foe determined to silence her, can Lucy unmask the killer... or will she become the next unlucky victim herself?

2nd book in the series , and it's a great read. Great characters , would make a good t.v. Series and set in a great place.

What a follow up to the first Lucy Lawrence mystery this is! We have a complete change of setting and a new cast of characters for Lucy and her maid, Mary, to meet and work with.

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.

Local officials tolerate Lucy, probably because of her wealth, but the local inspector isn't interested in working with her. She makes a lot of progress without much help, but ultimately gets herself into a dangerous situation.

I loved the change of location! Granted, I was surprised that we didn't see Phineas Stone in this story, but having Lucy come into her own was satisfying - she's not the sad widow anymore! She still thinks of Phineas, but isn't afraid of adventure.

Another exciting historical mystery in the Lucy Lawrence series. Following the success of her last investigation Lucy is now a lady of independent means and has travelled to Europe to escape the scandal mongers. Unfortunately the news has travelled to France and she finds herself yet again the victim of much speculation. Meeting an archaeologist who is soon to set out for Egypt seems like a timely lifeline and Lucy agrees to sponsor his dig. Setting out for another great adventure Lucy has no idea of the danger she will face! A clever plot line and interesting characters make this a must read.