Book Blurb:
Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same. New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant. That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.
My Review: 4 stars
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis was a crazy good historical fiction ride through Egypt and New York City with an underlying mystery to solve. Fiona Davis has set a high standard with her many novels that take on iconic New York landmarks and this one was no different, except that she skillfully managed to include archeological digs in Egypt. I never imagined how these two timelines and storylines would converge, but they did so seamlessly.
I found myself really appreciating the importance of the archeological digs and what they teach us about world history. I’m not sure the curse part seemed realistic, but I know that in ancient times, spirits and curses were alive and well. Additionally, the more current timeline intrigued me as I learned more about the Met Museum and its importance, not just to antiquities, but also fashion and art.
The characters were well drawn, and the pacing was on point. Charlotte and Annie’s trip to Egypt was very much enjoyed as secrets were unleashed and a solid friendship was formed. Fiona’s books are auto buys for me and I was lucky enough to listen to the audio version of this one. The narrators were fantastic.
Quotes I liked:
Clothes protected; clothes were armor. Clothes were a distraction when things got difficult.”
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