The Bones of Santorini by Joni Swift, set in 1863, sees Edward Tyrington's father waste the family's fortune and then die suddenly. The poverty following his death forced Edward to leave his home in London and take a position as the chief archaeologist with the Suez Canal Company in Egypt during the construction of the historic canal. When a man is killed at his archaeological excavation, suspicion falls on him. This leads to a tumultuous alliance with a bold woman, Catherine Briggs. With corrupt police and international forces in play, time is running out to catch the murderer, who is committing one crime after another. If they fail to solve the mystery behind these murders, Edward will become the killer's next victim or the man convicted.

The Bones of Santorini by Joni Swift is incredibly well-written, with a strong cast of characters and a suspenseful plotline. The story is set in Egypt and Santorini, providing an exciting background to the narration. It transports readers to the very heart of Egypt, showcasing the bustling crowds, ongoing construction of the canal, and other aspects of this culture; an insight into the social structure of Egyptian society at the time. Swift has crafted each character with care. The protagonist, Edward Tyrington, has all the elements of a classic hero. He is clever, quick thinking, and brave, with a strong personality. Catherine is a reckless, resilient woman who is willing to do anything to help Edward solve the mysteries. Her character comes off as a feminist in the best way possible. The Bones of Santorini contains vivid action scenes to hold readers’ interest, dramatic plot twists heightening the suspense, and cleverly curated dialogue with a simple and concise narrative. The prose allows readers maximum scope for their imaginations. The cover of this novel is attractive and fits well with the plot. I enjoyed this action-packed story and would highly recommend it to those inclined to thrillers with slow-burning suspense.

The Bones of Santorini: An Edward Tyrington Mystery by Joni Swift takes the reader to Egypt during a time of political and cultural turmoil where a thrilling hunt for a killer is soon underway. Sir Edward Tyrington is an archaeologist from a wealthy background and with dubious acquaintances. Catherine Briggs is the sharp-witted and beautiful daughter of a successful businessman. Together, they must solve a deeply convoluted mystery involving two murders, both of which implicate Edward. He must learn who his friends are and who among them may be his enemies. In the hunt to find out who Dupont is, and what connections the mysterious man had with Edward’s family and friends, the reader will meet the loyal butler Davis and the power-hungry policeman Girard.

Each scene, each location, and each building is described in lavish detail in The Bones of Santorini by Joni Swift. The author does an admirable job of capturing the cultural tone of the day, the class divides, and the division of the sexes. She honors the limiting reality women faced during that era while also giving Catherine Briggs some leeway to show her independence. The plot is convoluted and will delight the reader with the many twists and turns as both Edward and Catherine race against the clock to prove that he is innocent of the many accusations aimed at him. I loved the fresh and often witty dialogue and playful energy between Edward and Catherine and the surprises that arose. The plot was layered and intricate, making this an enjoyable read.