Thank you PRH Audio for the ALC and KCCPR, #partner, for the advanced copy of The Stolen Queen in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Dutton / PRH Audio
Published: January 7, 2025
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. 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.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.
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.
As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to 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:
As soon as I see a new book from Fiona Davis coming out, it immediately becomes an anticipated read! I devoured this latest one and it just might be my new favorite!
I loved how the author was able to weave together a compelling story of mystery, history and emotional drama–it completely captivated me and I was fully invested in both Charlotte and Annie’s stories. I went down so many rabbit holes while reading this one…and don’t get me wrong – it’s quite evident the research that the author does for the book, I just wanted more! I’ve always had a slight fascination with Egyptian archeology and culture and this book filled that void – I don’t think I’ve read any other books that really delve into it as much as this one does. And all the talk of the Met Gala and Diana Vreeland! I couldn’t get enough of it!
This book is exactly why I love reading historical fiction, and Fiona Davis in particular. She takes iconic NYC landmarks and sheds light on interesting historical facts. And she usually includes a mystery or two, which also greatly appeals to me! I cannot recommend her or her books enough, especially this latest one!
Audio thoughts:
I paired the print copy with the audiobook, which was narrated by Linda Jones. She did a great job bringing the story to life.
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