The Secret of the Crocodiles

By Karen Wallace
Rating: 3 3/4 stars

This is the first book in the Lady Violet Winters mystery series. Violet is thrilled to be traveling with her parents and tutor to Egypt for Christmas. She is extra excited to be with Garth, her father's American ward just her age, for they have become fast friends. Set around the turn of the 20th century, Violet chafes against some of the social rules of the British and is agape at the vivid Egyptian landscape that they begin to explore. But quickly, she and Garth are drawn into intrigue when they figure out that the Count who travelled over to Egypt with them may be part of a group of tomb robbers. When their new friend Nicholas disappears, Violet and Garth begin to put some of the pieces together to figure out the mystery and keep it quiet--Violet is sure her parents wouldn't believe anything the kids have to say. Can two 13 year olds rescue Nicholas and stop the Count from leaving the country with priceless antiquities? An enjoyable read, particularly good in description of the setting. Fans may wish to read the second book in the series, The Man With Tiger Eyes.