The Scarab Heart

I had read The Involuntary Medium first and so I was already hooked on to Lizzy as a character. This second one went up to higher level and makes one want to read more of Lizzy's exploits in the future. Michael has obviously done a ton of research on ancient Egypt. There is so much that is still not certain about that period around Akhenaton's reign but this story seamlessly connects all the dots and makes it very believable. I am fond of all of Michael's works. I would like to encourage those who have read this series, to go over to Michael's other series Send For Octavius Guy. While that is very different from this series, any reader who likes a good story well told, will enjoy a different genre immensely. I read both series and love them both.

Lovely story that took me back to Egypt, albiet in Victorian times. Lizzy, the teenage medium, is very believable. Ancient Egyptian history is well researched and presented in a page-turning manner.
I think Lizzy would have liked my "Curse Breaker of Cairo' were the two able to time-travel

Oh! I just finished reading this book and my heart breaks for the characters! It is an extremely detailed historical mystery that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page! With twists and turned in every chapter, sometimes on every pages, I wanted to read it all in one setting, but alas, life does not permit that very often.

I have had the great honor of communicating with the author throughout the reading process and even took the time to read the author notes at the end that talk about who, what, when, and where in history a lot of the parts of the story are based on.

I read book 1 and then went straight into reading book 2 and I am so glad that I did!

This book has been well edited, well written, and a great pleasure to read. I never thought I would enjoy historical mysteries until I got my hands on this book!

A fantastic story time with realistic characters and an extremely well thought out plot by an outstanding writer! This book is deserving of more than 5 stars, in my humble opinion!

Thanks, Michael for the opportunity to read your work! Please, keep writing! I am ready for book 3!

A.L.Faulkenberry

The Scarab Heart is book 2 in 'The Involuntary Medium' series and for me, in the writing, characters and plot, it manages to surpass the first book. Teenage medium Lizzie Blaylock accompanies her mentor Miss Otis. on a trip down the River Nile to an archaeological dig. The mysterious goings on and the cast of brilliantly drawn characters with interesting agendas is beautifully written and reminiscent of Agatha Christie. But the clever part is the way author Michael Gallagher weaves in the sub-plot - the story of a real ancient Egyptian princess and her powerful relations. He has not skimped on his research and I learned a great deal about Egyptian life and death and Victorian methods of archaeological excavation. The writing flows effortlessly and the climax and conclusion of this terrific story is surprising and memorable. Michael Gallagher is a gifted and skilled writer and I never would have thought that the adventures of a Victorian teenage girl, written by a middle aged Londoner could be so compelling. Sadly, I have no more books by this author left to read but I will be waiting eagerly for his next offering. If you enjoy historical mysteries, Michael Gallagher should definitely be on your list.

I loved this book. I read the first one over the weekend and the Scarab Heart today. It was great. I cried and laughed. Michael is my new favorite in historical mystery.

Fantastically written addition to the Lizzie Baylock series!! As much as I loved The Book of Dead Things ~ I adored The Scarab Heart! These books are marvelous, really and truly something special! Lizzie Baylock is a Victorian teen who can bring dead people back to the living temporarily. This is a talent she discovered in book 1. In this adventure, she travels with her blind and aging mentor, Miss Ottis to an archaeological dig in Egypt. I love accurately based historical fiction so this was a real treat for me. Ancient Egypt is a fascinating subject in itself, but bringing in our young medium, and giving her even another 'special gift' was dazzling. Once again Lizzie finds herself learning of young love as a side note, not the main event. Which is quite refreshing. This story is amazing ~ the fact that this young girl has to navigate the current mystery with an ancient one gives it real depth. Loved, Loved, Loved it!

I would recommend this book to any and all. I love this series of YA historical fiction, that Michael Gallagher has created, and can not wait to read the next one.... whatever will Lizzie get up to now?

Mr Gallagher - What a cracking book! A story full of murder, mystery and mayhem.
A plot of twists and turns; enough red herrings to make Agatha Christie green with envy.
I have learnt more about Egyptian ancient history from your book, than I ever learnt at school.
The machinations and plotting that went on in the Pharoh's court; the structure of that hierarchy of Egyptian lives, and just how fragile their authority could be.
Also how excavations in Victorian times were carried out, regardless of the fact that Europeans were actually "tomb robbers" too!
Within the story is a great moral theme of consequences - every thought, action and deed....
This book is not just for young readers - every adult reading it can learn about themselves and the role they play in their own lives.
Let us not forget out heroine - Lizzie. She is somewhat reluctant, but knows in her heart, that good must overcome evil.
She does not disappoint!

It is simply extraordinary. An unexpected twist but credible instalment in young Lizzie's unusual but interesting journey.
Credit to Mr Gallaghe's research and attention to detail.

The plot unfolds effortlessly and hooks you from the off.

This is a sequel which surprised and delighted.

I am full anticipation for the next Lizzie Blaylock chronicle.

Disclaimer: I received this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Scarab Heart by Michael Gallagher is a Paranormal YA Mystery in a Victorian setting. While this is a second book, you don't need to have read the first book to understand what's going on, although if you read this book first, as I did, I suspect you soon will be acquiring it's predecessor (The Bridge of Dead Things, reviewed at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/301117.) It is obvious that the author did his homework, I'm a bit of a Victorian buff and reenactor, and the details, dialog, and characters are all appropriate to the period.

While this is a young adult novel, and my initial interest was from the perspective of being the designated "pre-reader" for my 8 grandchildren, this book has plenty of depth and complexity to keep the adults interested as well. The action flows smoothly, the plot develops nicely, and all the loose ends are tied up in the end as they should be in a well written whodunnit.

The author does an excellent job of reviewing the book at http://www.librarything.com/profile/sinxnite, I'll not attempt to recreate that review, but if you want more about the actual story it's the place to look.

Firstly I want to say how very impressed I am with the amount of research that has been undertaken. Every effort seems to have been made to contain the actions and beliefs of all the characters in keeping with the period the novel is set in.
Lizzie's adventures on an Egyptian archaeological dig can be read as a mystery, every episode providing clues as the story unfolds. The writing flows naturally and kept my interest throughout. Also embedded in the novel is Merit's story, an ancient Egyptian Princess and her history is very adeptly used to define Lizzie's actions on the Dig.
So well has the individual characters been described that when I got to the end of the novel, I realised how cleverly the author has covered his tracks to give us a surprise ending. And Lizzie is now ready for her next adventure as I gather more is to come.