‘Shadow of the Sphinx’ by Judith Cranswick

Published by Liden Press,
5 June 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-91884501-3 (PB)
Also available in Kindle format.

The story is narrated by Harry, a young man whose early life had been suffocatingly sheltered because he had been brought up in an old-fashioned way by his timid mother and two overbearing and judgmental aunts. This had seriously damaged his self-esteem and confidence, until he was rescued by a third aunt, Aunt Jessica, who is very different from her sisters. Aunt Jessica is a career woman, a highly respected archaeologist who, in recent years, has given historical lectures to elite tour groups. Two years ago, Aunt Jessica invited Harry to join her as her assistant and to use his excellent IT skills to make sure her lecture slides are delivered flawlessly. On his first trips Harry had been anxious and insecure, but even on these tours he was a valuable assistant who, along with succeeding in his technological duties, has helped his aunt to solve several murders. By the time Aunt Jessica invites him to accompany her on a trip to Egypt, he has grown in confidence and worldly knowledge, and is delighted to join her on a trip to visit several historic sites, such as the pyramids and the Sphinx, which also includes a journey on the riverboat, The Spirit of Isis. 

At Heathrow, Harry has an unfortunate encounter with an entitled woman who is quarrelling with an unseen man. She storms away and runs over Harry’s foot with her case on wheels and does not apologise. Naturally, Harry dislikes her at first sight, and she does not improve on further acquaintance as she bullies her assistant and tramples over the feelings of everybody who comes near. The woman’s name is Eloise Masterton and she is the owner of a high-end chain of boutiques. 

As the tour continues, Harry is increasingly impressed by what he discovers about Aunt Jessica’s past. She has worked on some very important archaeological digs with eminent archaeologists and had helped make some significant finds. As with all his travels with his aunt, Harry enjoys the wonderful sights and experiences and local culture, however his pleasure is marred by the constant presence of Eloise, who continues to be loud, demanding and boastful, while she treats those around her with contempt. She is especially condescending to Margot, her dowdy, long-suffering assistant. Despite this, Margot appears to be attached to her employer, although sometimes she is embarrassed by her. However, there are several other people on the tour that have reason to dislike, if not hate, Eloise. Chief among these is Eloise’s ex-husband, Ralf, who obviously still bears a grudge, and Ralf’s new wife, Gemma. Also present are Simon and his wife Isabella. Simon is a very handsome man whom Eloise describes as an ‘old flame’. It seems that this is a flame that Eloise wishes to rekindle, but Simon is far less keen on resuming the relationship. 

When Eloise is murdered, Harry and Aunt Jessica are determined to investigate, as well as attempting to support Margot, who is bereft at the death of her boss. Soon it becomes clear that, as well Ralf and Simon and their wives who have personal grudges against Eloise, there are also business associates who may have reasons to wish her harm. With so many suspects and so many motives, this may prove to be the most difficult case that Harry and Aunt Jessica have ever undertaken. 

Shadow of the Sphinx is the fourth book in the series featuring Harry and his aunt. Alongside the interesting murder mystery, this is a delightful travel guide that brings alive some of the most fascinating places in Egypt and explores the myths and history of the country. Harry and Aunt Jessica are engaging protagonists. Jessica is an intelligent, independent woman who has battled her narrow-minded family’s prejudices to forge her own career, while Harry has overcome his insecurities and vulnerabilities to become a much more confident young man. Shadow of the Sphinx is a delightful and unusual mystery which I recommend.
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Reviewer: Carol Westron

Judith Cranswick was born and brought up in Norwich. Apart from writing, Judith’s great passions are travel and history. Both have influenced her two series of mystery novels. Tour Manager, Fiona Mason takes coach parties throughout Europe, and historian Aunt Jessica is the guest lecturer accompanying tour groups visiting more exotic destinations aided by her nephew Harry. Her published novels also include several award-winning standalone psychological thrillers. She wrote her first novel (now languishing in the back of a drawer somewhere) when her two children were toddlers, but there was little time for writing when she returned to her teaching career. Now retired, she is able to indulge her love of writing and has begun a life of crime! ‘Writers are told to write what they know about, but I can assure you, I've never committed a murder. I'm an ex-convent school headmistress for goodness sake!’ 

http://judithcranswick.co.uk/  

Carol Westron is a Golden Age expert who has written many articles on the subject and given papers at several conferences. She is the author of several series: contemporary detective stories and police procedurals, comedy crime and Victorian Murder Mysteries. Her most recent publications are Paddling in the Dead Sea and Delivering Lazarus, books 2 and 3 of the Galmouth Mysteries, the series which began with
The Fragility of Poppies. 

www.carolwestron.com