The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

 The Stolen Queen

Book Summary

From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.

 

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. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.

New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for 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 is now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art. She’s consumed by her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

The night of the gala: One of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing, and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening. Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, and a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

My Thoughts

In The Stolen Queen, Fiona Davis masterfully combines history, mystery, and romance into one compelling tale.  Charlotte and Annie are the two main characters who are at different points in their lives.  The story allows reader’s to traverse between the 1930s and the 1970s with the point of view alternating between Annie and Charlotte.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of the artifacts as well as the art in the museum and the costumes (and fashions).  The author brought the scenes to life for me (I could envision them in my head).  There were a couple of interesting side characters in the story.  One of my favorites was Annie’s landlady, Mrs. Hollingsworth.  

Diana Vreeland

There were intriguing surprises along the way while other plot points were expected. The pacing was good throughout the story, and I like how it ramps up near the end as discoveries are made.  The ending ties everything up neatly with a bow (a little too neatly).  There was one part of the ending that I wish had been done differently, but that is my personal preference.  I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the work archaeologists do at a dig sites and in museums.  I would love to attend the exhibition that Diana Vreeland created. She had creative ideas.  The author brought The Met and The Met Gala to life with her vivid word imagery (the beautiful fashions worn by the attendees).  The Stolen Queen is a fascinating tale with an archaeological dig, fascinating fashions, a unique collar, a sinking ship, Hathorkare’s curse, an enigmatic donor, and uncovering the facts.

Diana Vreeland at Met Gala

The Stolen Queen is available from Amazon as well as other major booksellers. I have been in a slump with regard to books lately, but The Stolen Queen pulled me out of it.  You can find Fiona Davis's other novels here. I encourage you to check out The Lions of Fifth Avenue.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, January 14 with A Stolen Kiss by Mindy Steele.  It is the seventh book in The Heart of the Amish series. I am taking tomorrow off to escort my mother to an apppointment (hopefully, she does not cancel).  I am looking forward to eating out afterward.  I hope that you have a cheery day.  Take care, stay warm, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.