“I’ve learned many things from Egyptology, not the least of which is the idea that what we do in this life matters in the next. That we should be preparing ourselves for what comes after. Death isn’t the end of life—it’s really the beginning of our eternity.”

“Ancient history isn’t the only past worth preserving.”

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

What can I say about this book except it was outstanding. This is my second book by Jocelyn Green and I am a big fine of her Christian historical fiction. I have always been interested in archaeology and Egypt so this book was perfect in learning more. Although this book focuses more on the museum aspect with artifacts, an not the archaeological dig part, it was still all fascinating and interesting. And Green is a master at writing descriptive scenes that will transport you to another time and place.

I really loved the characters in this book. Dr. Lauren Westlake was both well written as well as a sympathetic, relatable character. I could feel her struggle as she sought the approval of an earthly father. And Detective Joe Caravello was awesome. He was a man whose moral compass pointed true north as he pursued truth and justice. I liked the interactions between Joe and Lauren. I loved the setting in New York in 1925/1926 and it makes me want to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The mystery aspect was also really good. Murder (more on that later) as well as the forgery of ancient artifacts. Very unique and very well executed. And it isn’t just a mystery that deals with Egyptology. It is also a story about family, pain, loss, and trying to gain love and approval from another. And most importantly, drawing closer to our Heavenly Father.

One thing that I really loved about this book is that Jocelyn Green made me a character that was killed off in this book. For real! I had volunteered myself through Facebook and she agreed to have a Wade Martin character murdered. Quite the experience coming across my name in the book. But don’t worry; even if my name was not in this book, this is still an awesome book. Easy 5 stars.

I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

I have been reluctant to see Green's novels turn from Chicago to New York, a city I hold much less affection for, and was even more dismayed to see another novel featuring Egyptology, a field that interests me not at all.
Yet despite all of that, The Metropolitan Affair contains very realistic characters that held me captive and a plot that kept me turning pages. Jocelyn never writes stories with neat bows; sometimes things don't turn out the way you hoped, even though the ending is satisfying.
I liked policeman Joe, and was uncertain about Lauren, a female PhD in academia, but thankfully feminism wasn't one of the main messages of the book (relieved because of how overdone and tired that line is). Not too much is said about faith throughout the story, but the end held a moment of reckoning between the character and God. I think people who do and who don't want a very religious book could be pretty content here.
I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, because Green is a fantastic storyteller with attention to detail.

I read a copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher so I could write an honest review, but all opinions are my own.

The Metropolitan Affair is a historical mystery featuring a lovely cast of characters, found family, and tons of interesting Egyptian history. Green creates a story that takes readers not just into the Gilded Age in NYC but provides detailed glimpses into the culture of ancient Egypt.

Dr. Lauren Westlake is an accomplished and sympathetic woman; her love of Egyptian history is due to her complicated relationship with her father, but she's found her place as the assistant curator of Egyptology at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and loves her job. When she's asked by NYPD Detective Joe Caravello--a former friend--to consult as he tries to track down a forger, the pair sets out to solve a mystery that involves false identities, false friendships, and false artifacts.

Lauren and Joe make a great team, both as a crime-solving duo and as friends (and more). Both characters are well-written and endearing, and their histories play significant roles in their current relationship. Their friends and family are also given detailed lives and stories, even those who are meant to be unlikeable or ambiguous, and even the "bad guys" are interesting. The mystery itself is intricate and engrossing, and readers will be pleased with the outcome, even though some may wish for a happier ending in some aspects.

All in all, The Metropolitan Affair is a fun historical mystery that will teach readers about Egyptology, Prohibition enforcement, and forgery while giving them a cast of characters that they'll want to root for and read more about. I'm looking forward to Book 2!

This was a interesting story. I like how the museum was the main focus of the story. You learn a lot 9f history that way. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher fo= me to read and review.

THE METROPOLITAN AFFAIR by JOCELYN GREEN is a novel that gripped me from start to finish. Not only is the story exciting and full of intrigue but there is also a strong Christian message running through it.
Dr Lauren Westlake is the assistant curator of the Metropolitan Museum.Her interest in Egyptology could have been started by her desire to please her father, Lawrence Westlake, who seems to have spent most of his life running away to follow his passion for ancient Egyptian artifacts, leavng his wife and daughter behind.
When Lauren’s old friend detective Joe Caravello comes back into her life and asks her to help him unveil forgeries, she is only too pleased to help. It is 1925, a year in which the wealthy collectors were exceptionally keen on acquiring ancient Egyptian artifacts. It was also a time in which prohibition was largely overlooked by the wealthy and some crooked cops…..
I cannot recommend The Metropolitan Affair highly enough to anyone who enjoys good romantic suspense.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Set in the glittery 1920s, a world of mobsters and flappers, where the rich are obsessed with collecting Egyptian antiquities, Lauren is an educated woman in a man's world. She comes from a broken past, but is trying to put the pieces back together. Enter Joe, a policeman on a mission. He and Lauren have a past, but do they have a future? Will either of them even be around for the future? This action-packed mystery will both entertain and educate the reader...right up to the very last page!

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review (electronic copy). Thanks to the publisher and the talented and gifted author. This is a book that is difficult to put down. Curl up in a comfy chair beside a blazing, warm fire...enjoy a cup of steaming herbal tea...be transported to the land and to the lives of the characters in this book. They come alive on the pages. Enjoy.