The Spell of Isis

The Spell Of Isis is the second book in the Dark Deeds series, which follows the adventures of the self-confident and scheming Heswold Tricklebank.

Heswold Tricklebank saw no reason why he should pay for an Oxford education; instead, he just borrowed a cap and gown and attended the lectures. But the new bursar has discovered his ruse and Heswold is on the run. After one escape, he encounters Mr Figge, secretary to Lord Windrush of Cogges Hall. His Lordship's daughter, Lady Evangeline, has been lying in a coma for several months and no one has been able to revive her. Lord Windrush's last hope lies with the Crystal of Isis; but first its healing powers must be restored by returning it to its secret niche in the Great Pyramid of Giza. Heswold takes on the job to shake off his pursuers, but the night he embarks on his quest, a horrible murder is committed at Cogges Hall. Heswold is immediately implicated and accused of stealing the Crystal of Isis. Assisted by Flynn, a feisty gipsy girl seeking adventure and the enigmatic Pitkin, Heswold is determined to complete the task. However, there are a lot of people out to stop him.

Somewhere between Sherlock Holmes and Indiana Jones with a bit of P. G. Wodehouse thrown in for good measure.