Wings of Death by Ellen Read is a captivating mystery novel that transports readers across the enchanting backdrops of London, Paris, Cairo, and Melbourne, Australia. The novel provides tantalizing glimpses of these vibrant locations. However, the true essence of the narrative lies in the remarkable perspective of Cassandra Bain, an artistic fashion designer. Intense and imbued with a touch of paranoia, Cassandra finds herself entangled in a web of infidelity and betrayal as her unfaithfulness to her husband is revealed, and her loyal assistant abandons her for another designer, masquerading as a confidante.

Yet Cassandra’s suspicions reach beyond these personal betrayals. She questions the sincerity of her lover’s affection due to his meager offerings. Similarly, Leigh seems to reciprocate this doubt, as Cassandra’s desires revolve solely around material possessions that sparkle. Astonishingly, Leigh’s gift, a scarab beetle bearing the ominous name Wings of Death, hails from the tomb of the magician Imhotep. Tutankhamun’s tomb bears a dire warning etched into its walls, declaring that those who disturb the pharaoh’s peace will be felled by the wings of death. As a perplexing ailment afflicts everyone who comes into contact with the scarab, including Cassandra, her newly appointed secretary, and even the gardener, who only brushes against it fleetingly, Leigh becomes its ultimate victim.

Driven by a relentless curiosity, Cassandra leads this motley group to Cairo in search of answers surrounding the enigmatic scarab. It is there that she discovers Leigh denying any involvement with a disquieting stranger, who inexplicably shadows their every move across multiple countries. As the mystery deepens, questions arise. What is the nature of the insidious illness plaguing them? Could it be the dreaded curse of the pharaohs? Will they find the strength to combat the affliction, or will they succumb, one by one, to its sinister grasp? Or perhaps, concealed within these dark events lurks a more benign yet equally petrifying menace—a real-world murderer?

Ellen Read masterfully weaves together a tale that combines intrigue, ancient mythology, and the raw human emotions of love and betrayal. The narrative’s strength lies in its ability to draw readers into Cassandra’s world, where every interaction and revelation unfolds with palpable tension. With an evocative and meticulously crafted setting, the novel effortlessly transports us from one captivating location to another while keeping the focus firmly on the psychological nuances of its characters. As the plot unfurls, the sinister undercurrents steadily intensify, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, yearning to uncover the truth concealed within the cryptic scarab and the harrowing journey it sets in motion.

In Wings of Death, Ellen Read seamlessly merges elements of mystery, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural to deliver a profoundly engrossing narrative that will captivate discerning readers seeking a thought-provoking and enthralling reading experience.

Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0C5WCFJRZ