Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this title. This is a work of historical fiction that spans from the archeological digs in Egypt pre-WWII to the Metropolitan Museum in the recent past. The main character is works at the Met, and flashes back to her time in Egypt, her brief marriage, stolen artifacts, and fleeing at the onset of WWII. Since then, her life has been somewhat of an empty shell, until an artifact she believes is cursed is set to be displayed at the Met. A parallel story involves a young woman who is trying to get on her feet, but needs to parent her parent. She secures a job at the Met, but unwitting mistakes put her in financial jeopardy. This young woman pairs up with the main character, and they travel to Egypt to unravel both historical and personal mysteries.

1938, a young Charlotte Cross is part of an exciting dig in Egypt; while there, not only does she uncover an undiscovered tomb she also falls in love. After tragedy hits, Charlotte returns and begins to work for the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she spends her career focusing on a misunderstood female pharaoh. 1978, Annie Jenkins is excited to be working with Vogue and the Met Gala. During the Gala one of museum’s most valuable Egyptian statues is stolen and Annie has been framed for the theft. Annie and Charlotte work together to find the statue and clear Annie’s name; but in this quest Charlotte must return to Egypt (a place she never wanted to revisit) and both women learn secrets about their past and each other.

I think this may be my favorite @fionadavis novel. What I love about her books is the NYC history intertwined in all of them - but in this one she adds an additional element and one of my other interests - ancient Egypt. I loved the mysteries driving the plot of the novel as well as the two women’s backstories and relationship with each other. I probably inhaled this entire novel in a day because I was entirely engrossed in the story. If you are a Fiona Davis fan you will not be disappointed, and if you haven’t read her yet - this is definitely a great place to start!

4.25 stars

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC to review

The Stolen Queen starts off by moving between 1936 and 1978. Two different women, brought together at the Met for their love of Egyptian artifacts, especially a small, golden queen statue. The story is easy to follow, and the timeline does join together. Confronting her past (Charlotte) & her immediate future (Annie), both women learn to stand on their own. If you enjoy historical fiction, this one fits the bill. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more by Fiona Davis. Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Davis, and Penguin Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Stolen Queen Fiona Davis is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and intrigue. Set in two distinct timelines—1936 Egypt and 1978 New York City—it intertwines the allure of ancient Egyptian history with the glamour of the Met Gala. Charlotte Cross, a former anthropology student turned associate curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is consumed by her research on a little-known female pharaoh, Hathorkare, whose curse seems to resurface when a valuable artifact goes missing. As Charlotte teams up with the young and ambitious Annie Jenkins, who is caught up in the chaotic world of fashion at the Met Gala, they uncover a tangled web of secrets, theft, and danger that takes them back to the heart of Egypt.

I loved the Magnolia Place. After reading this one I'd say Davis’s storytelling shines in her ability to blend historical facts with compelling fiction. The book’s rich historical backdrop, with its references to real figures and places, will draw in readers fascinated by Egyptology, ancient curses, and art history. The alternating timelines add depth to the narrative, bringing a sense of urgency and emotion to Charlotte’s personal tragedy and Annie’s pursuit of success in the world of high fashion. The combination of an ancient curse, a missing artifact, and a deep dive into Egyptian history makes for an engrossing read. But it’s the emotional resonance of Charlotte’s past and Annie’s growth that gives the story its heart. This is a novel filled with mystery, tragedy, and a rich exploration of history, making it a must-read for fans of both historical fiction and mysteries.

My rating: 4 stars
Special thanks to netgalley and dutton for the ARC.

When I started to read my 2025 ARCs, one of the first ones I chose was 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗘𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗘𝗡. Fiona Davis is one of my favorite writers and her newest book does not disappoint.

Davis's novels tend to revolve around a famous NYC landmark, like the Chelsea Hotel, Radio City Music Hall and Grand Central Station, and this one does as well. One of the timelines is set at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1978 where Charlotte Cross is an associate curator of the Department of Egyptian Art. The other takes place in Egypt during the 1930s and follows Charlotte as a young anthropology student on an archeological dig in the Valley of the Kings. When an artifact from that dig shows up at the Met 40 years later, Charlotte is drawn into a mystery that uncovers tragic secrets from her past.

My kids and I love the Met, especially the Egyptian collection, so I was immediately drawn into the story. When fashion icon Diana Vreeland showed up, I was all in. But it was the reveal of Charlotte's history that really kept me turning the pages.

Thanks to Dutton Books for the copy to review.

Once again, Fiona Davis delivers the ideal blend of fact and fiction. History and mystery are mixed together in “The Stolen Queen” in the best possible way. She has quickly become one of my favorite historical fiction authors because she makes historical fiction very accessible and appealing. I love how she spins a special magic over the places of New York City. Her research on Egyptology and the Met Gala is impeccable. The book immediately captivated my attention and I found the intertwined stories of Annie and Charlotte, along with the behind-the-scenes look at museum operations and the role of a curator, to be quite engaging. I did enjoy how Charlotte and Annie both grew and developed as characters, working together to find the stolen artwork, while also helping Charlotte overcome her past trauma. The unexpected twist in the mystery plotline caught me off guard, and the conclusion neatly tied up all loose ends. Davis does an incredible job using characters to present both sides of the ethical debate about repatriation without settling on the right answer, if there even is one. One of the highlights for me was the author's historical note at the end, where she provides insight into the origins of her ideas, the real-life inspirations behind the characters, and the creative liberties she took. Also for those who wish to do more reading, she provided and extensive list. Thanks to Fiona Davis, Penguin Group Dutton and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my thoughts. I look forward to reading Fiona’s next novel.

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis centers around a stolen Egyptian artifact on the night of the famous Met Gala. Catherine Cross was an archaeologist in Egypt in the 1930s who had a terrifying experience and vowed to never return. Fast forward to the 1979s and Catherine is working on the King Tut exhibition occurring at the Met as well as her own research into one of the ancient rulers. When a priceless artifact is stolen during the Gala, Catherine and a new Met employee Annie work to uncover the mystery which leads to some personal discoveries for both as well.

Fiona Davis is one of my favorite historical fiction novelists so I was very excited to get this ARC. While it is not my favorite of hers (that honor goes to her book The Spectacular), I very much enjoyed it and will continue to read anything she writes!

This title simply did not work for me, primarily due to the writing style. To give an example, passages like "Even in an agitated state, Joyce was a beautiful woman. At thirty-nine, she was often mistaken for being in her late twenties, and it was no surprise that her baby-smooth skin and upturned nose, had at one time been celebrated by top fashion photographers," make for low-content, pedestrian reading.

• First, this is far too much telling and nowhere near enough showing. It gives me no idea at all what the woman looks like—just how unnamed people have found her physically pleasing. How is the reader is supposed to be able to visualize her based on this kind of visual-detail-free description?

• There's a breathlessness to it. It reminds me of the contortions writers of series novels often go through, trying to wedge in backstory into the flow of the current tale. This seldom works, and here—where there is no back story to provide—it's awkward.

In people magazine I would expect and accept this kind of thing, but not in a novel.

I enjoy reading Fiona Davis’ books set around historic landmarks in New York City. This one doesn’t disappoint set in The Met. The Stolen Queen is told in dual timelines. I felt it was slow in some parts and the ending being rushed. All in all a good book to read. Thank you to. NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the E-ARC.

4 stars to another well written book by Fiona Davis. The Stolen Queen is a dual POV, dual time-line, historical fiction/mystery. Very engaging story of archeological discoveries in Egypt and the people who are tasked with uncovering and preserving the history of those discoveries. The writing is brilliant and the character’s voices felt very authentic. Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the early release.

Fiona Davis masterfully combines history, mystery, and emotional depth in The Stolen Queen, a story that travels seamlessly between 1930s Egypt and 1970s New York City. At its heart are two unforgettable women: Charlotte, a former archaeologist whose promising career was shattered by a devastating loss, and Annie, a determined young assistant navigating the vibrant yet chaotic world of the Met Gala.

Charlotte’s quiet life as a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is upended when a valuable artifact tied to Egypt’s enigmatic female pharaoh, Hathorkare, vanishes during the “party of the year.” The theft forces her to confront the ghosts of her past, as her journey with Annie leads them back to the Valley of the Kings and the secrets she thought she had left behind.

Davis excels at blending fact with fiction, crafting a tale rich in atmosphere and historical intrigue. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the vivid details of ancient Egypt and the opulent energy of 1970s New York to shine. While some plot twists were predictable, others delivered satisfying surprises that kept me invested until the very end.

Charlotte and Annie’s dynamic is a highlight, showcasing the strength of intergenerational friendships and the courage required to face one’s personal history. Fans of slower-burn mysteries with a strong historical foundation will appreciate the care with which Davis weaves together these two timelines.

While the resolution ties up a bit too neatly, the overall experience is immersive and rewarding. The Stolen Queen is a compelling exploration of the intersections between ambition, loss, and the allure of the past. I highly recommend it to readers fascinated by ancient Egypt, museum culture, and stories that bridge eras with grace and heart.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for sharing this gripping historical fiction's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest feedback.

I have read and loved all of Fiona Davis' books, and The Stolen Queen is another winner! The book is set in NYC in the 1970s and centers around an Egyptologist who works at the Met, and a younger woman who works as Diana Vreeland's assistant. The two cross paths at the museum on the night of the Met gala, and they team up to solve multiple mysteries, including the theft of an Egyptian artifact. The book also provides Charlotte's backstory in Egypt in the 1930s, which was extremely compelling. I learned so much about ancient Egypt and the work of archaeologists in the Valley of the Kings. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical suspense, and books with dual timelines. Thanks to Netgalley, Dutton, and the author for the librarian preview copy.

4⭐️ really enjoyed this dual timeline novel set in 1936 and 1978 in Egypt and NYC. Told from POVs of Charlotte, an Egyptologist working at the Met, and Annie, an ambitious young employee trying to make her way. Charlotte has a secret and tragic past that has haunted her from Cairo to New York.

With the theft of valuable research and a priceless artifact, Charlotte finds herself back in Egypt to face her past. Annie stows away to help and becomes an integral key to solving the mysteries.

Fascinating look into the trade/theft of artifacts and the unscrupulous underground that perpetuates the trade.

Thanks NetGalley and Dutton Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for providing an arc of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Fiona Davis is a masterful storyteller! Her books are extremely well researched and offer a balance of both fact and fiction to draw in the reader!
Charlotte's story is told in two timelines. In Egypt 1936 Charlotte works as a college student on an archeological dig where relationships are forged and discoveries made.
Forward to 1978 in NY where Charlotte is a curator at the MET in Egyptian art. On the night of the Met Gala Annie a young assistant for the gala becomes entwined in a robbery of a rare Egyptian artifact. Charlotte and Annie join forces and fly to Egypt to solve the mystery and hopefully recover the artifact.
Carve out some time for this riveting and exciting mystery! Davis always hits the high notes in her mysteries involving historical NY landmarks. A must read! Enjoy the ride!

I have been a long time fan of Fiona Davis. She takes an iconic building/landmark in New York City, writes a story about it (past and present) and that building actually becomes a character in the tale. So, naturally, I was excited to see that there was a new book coming out.

This time the landmark is the Met, the Metropolitan Museum. Sadly, this was not the story for me. I loved the main character, Charlotte. I loved the idea of the dual timeline especially when Charlotte is the lead character in each timeline. One timeline in the 1930s, the other in 1978.

But, the story fell short for me when it involved Egyptian archeological digs and artifacts and tales (including mystery and drama) behind them. My eyes glazed over with the long and unpronounceable names. I may sound shallow but the storyline just did not interest me. Honestly, I did try. I enjoyed the later timeline more when it focused on the events at the Met itself.

It has been a disappointment for me but I can already see lots of positive reviews showing up. I'm glad because I know how much work goes into the research of a historical novel. I often say that not every book is for every reader. This one was not the right fit for me….probably because I had my hopes up so much. But, I remain a fan of Ms Davis and I look forward to her next endeavor.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Copy.

Absolutely devoured and loved The Stolen Queen! One of my favorite reads of the year! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the ARC opportunity!

Another 5 star rating for Fiona Davis. The Stolen Queen had me looking at flights to Cairo, Egypt. Fiona Davis will have you on the edge of your seat in this Historical Fiction set in both NYC and Egypt. Charlotte Harris, the main character has studied Egyptian Artifacts and works at the MET in NYC. The story takes us from Egypt to NYC and back again over a period of 40 years. Charlotte along with another character Annie solve a mystery that takes you on a wild ride. Another great one by Fiona Davis.

I am a forever fan of Fiona Davis and enjoy that her books are set in NYC and always have an air of mystery about them. In The Stolen Queen we meet Charlotte, a fresh-faced aspiring archeologist in Egypt in the late 1930s and then as an almost 60 year old woman now working as an assistant curator at the Met museum. The other perspective is Annie, a young assistant working at the Met and gets tangled up in the theft of a rare artifact. Set against the backdrop of The Met Gala, the reader is taken along as we are taken into the world of stolen art, an Egyptian curse, and a tragedy from long ago.

Davis once again proves her mastery of historical mystery/fiction, seamlessly weaving fact and fiction into a compelling narrative. The pacing was spot on with short chapters and I even learned some about the ruins of ancient Egypt! The author’s note distinguishes between fact and fiction which is why I always read the authors notes! I appreciated the dual timelines and perspectives as it was very easy to follow along. I will continue to be a fan of Davis and always look forward to her cozy mysteries.

Fiona Davis does it again! She is a master at weaving together 2 separate time periods into a compelling historical story with strong female characters. This novel has several evocative settings (the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Egypt in the 1930s), and some mystery and tragedy thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed this read.

I don't know why I sat on this one for so long.

Charlotte was in Egypt on a dig in the 1030s and came across the Broad Collar from a tomb believed to be from a queen. She later discovered her husband and associate had tried to steal the collar, which ended up at the bottom of the Nile. A year later, she was working at the Met and found out the collar was on loan from someone who wished to remain anonymous. Annie unexpectedly gets a job as the assistant to the Cosutme Diesgner for the Met Gala. On the night of the Met Gala, she unexpectedly releases moths instead of butterflies in the museum causing mayhem. During this time a small statue of the Ceurlen Queen is stolen and Annie and CHarlotte chase after the thief. They end up in Eygpt following Charlottes needing to know more about the Broad Collar and the secrets left behind.