Charlotte goes to Egypt in 1936 as an aspiring Eqyptologist. While there, she discovers a tomb in the Valley of the Kings. It appears that she has found the burial site of a famous by much maligned queen. She also finds the queen's necklace. She falls in love with Henry. They marry after discovering that she is pregnant. Once her baby is born, she remains in Egypt with her husband. But he suddenly wants to get away. Their boat is sunk and Charlotte barely escapes. Her husband and baby are killed. Or so she thinks.

Fast forward to the late 70's. Charlotte is now an Assistant Curator at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. She has tried to return to Egypt but it appears the curse of the queen is preventing it. She has proof that the queen was actually not as bad as was previously believed. But this conflicts with the work of her boss, who appears to be blocking the advancement of her theory.

Charlotte also meets Annie. Annie is hired as an assistant to Diane, the queen of design, who has been hired to plan the Met's Gala. Annie ruins the Gala and is fired by Diane. In the meantime, Charlotte witnesses the theft of a sculpture of the Egyptian queen. Charlotte discovers that her husband and daughter might still be alive. She plans to return to Egypt. But Annie wants to go too, in order to find the missing sculpture and restore her good name.

The novel is very well written. The characters are well-developed and engaging. The flow of the book builds a sense of anticipation. The dialog is witty and clever. I strongly recommend this book for all mystery lovers and especially for those intrigued by the ancient mysteries of Egypt.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Publishing for an early copy of The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

Whether an ongoing fan of the work of author Fiona Davis or a first-time reader, The Stolen Queen involves itself in an extraordinary plot surrounding ancient Egyptian Queen Hathorkare (in reality Hatshepsut) and the misinformation surrounding her reign. Davis has built the story of stolen artifacts and the dilemma of what entity should ultimately oversee antiquities around three women: the young, impressionable Amanda trying to make her own way, Charlotte, an archaeologist of a bygone era who yearns for her past, and the real-life clothing designer Diana Vreeland who consults for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the costuming department. The lives of these three women will converge and will ultimately bring out the best in each other.

The years 1936 and 1978 house the action. It is Charlotte's back story of an archaeological dig in Egypt that drives the plot as well as her return years later to the site of her successful dig. Charlotte seeks answers both personally and professionally to questions that have haunted her for decades.

It was with great delight that the Author's Note included the inspiration she received from Lynne Olson's amazing non-fiction Empress of the Nile: The Daredevil Archaeologist Who Saved Egypt's Ancient Temples from Destruction featuring the life of French archaeologist Christiana Desroches-Noblecourt as I had recently read Olson's detailed and engaging book and pictured Desroches-Noblecourt from the very beginning of The Stolen Queen.

The Stolen Queen is a strong recommendation along with the hope that readers will seek out additional works by Fiona Davis.

Once again, Fiona Davis does not disappoint! I received an advance copy of The Stolen Queen via NetGalley. This novel continues the tradition of highlighting a New York City landmark as an influential character in the story. This novel revolves around the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the infamous Met Gala makes an appearance as well. This story follows Davis’s signature style of oscillating back and forth between two time periods. The story is based around two central characters, Charlotte Cross and Annie Jenkins. The beginning of the novel develops these two different women’s storylines. Charlotte was a woman with a passion for Egyptian history and archaeology who was fighting for her place in a man’s world. Annie, a young woman whose familial challenges forced her to grow up ahead of her time, is trying to find her way. Independently, both women are working to make the best of difficult situations and ultimately find their place in the world. An upheaval at the 1978 Met Gala brings the women together to solve a mystery that is very personal to both of them for different reasons. The story is rich with character development, emotion, intrigue and suspense. I read this book quite quickly as I wanted to see what happened next all while wishing it wouldn’t end. Historical fiction at its finest. I highly recommend this read. Also, if you haven’t checked out other Fiona Davis novels, you’re missing out!

Always love a historical novel and truly appreciated the dual timeline and setting! I was eager to be back in Egypt when we jumped to NY, but loved every bit of it. Also appreciated the obvious research that went into this one, making it historically and culturally relevant!

Loved this book and the dual timeline. What an epic and tragic tale. Switching timelines between chapters really makes you want to keep reading to find out about secrets and discoveries. It was a very satisfying ending. Recommending to my book club! It would make a great tv series!

The Stolen Queen is another fascinating historical fiction novel by Fiona Davis. While parts of this novel are set in New York City, Davis branches out with this one, and much of the story takes place in Egypt. The research included in this is evident yet presented in a way that is interesting and not textbook. The story was fast-paced, entertaining, and informative. I can always count on a Fiona Davis novel to keep me reading late into the night!
Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

The glossing over of female contributions in history is nothing new. And I appreciated that it was brought up in this story. I also liked the discussion surrounding where parts of a country's culture through their artifacts truly belong.
I found the parts of the story that were set in Egypt most intriguing. The middle in New York, while needed to help set up the remainder of the book was not as enjoyable for me. I wanted to spend more time in Egypt. It felt more like an adventure there. But this was an excellent story overall, with a clever unexpected ending.

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Fiona Davis writes fascinating historical fiction, and The Stolen Queen is fascinating. The novel moves from the 1930’s through the 1970s and from NYC to Egypt. The setting and plot appeal to those readers who love the antiquities of Egypt. Charlotte is a young archeologist who digs in Egypt, finding one-of-a-kind objects. Her story in Egypt is truly romantic and unforgettable. It reminded me of the Indiana Jones movies with their exotic characters and places. When we see Charlotte in her later life, she is a curator at the Metropolitan Museum, stunned when a piece she recognizes shows up. The mystery begins and we follow her and Annie, a young girl with the same ambition that drove the young Charlotte, on their quest to solve the mystery.
The story with its Egyptian details will keep you reading.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book!

Set primarily at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1978 (with some chapters set in Egypt in the 1930s), this book has all of the features of a stand-out historical fiction novel: the intrigue of stolen Egyptian artifacts, the glamor of the Met Gala, the secrets that went down with a ship years ago, and more. While the intrigue and mystery builds in the second half as the main characters try to track down a stolen artifact, unfortunately the execution did not live up to the great premise.

I’ve read one of Fiona Davis’s previous novels before and really enjoyed the New York City history of it so I expected to enjoy this book as well. But the character development was lacking, and the dialogue felt stilted at times. Even though this could’ve been a dramatic art theft book, the stakes felt too low, and I wasn’t invested enough in the characters when the reveals materialized in the second half. The conversations about art repatriation also felt a bit surface level, as did the overall depictions of Egypt.

Ultimately, this book didn’t live up to its strong premise for me, but I know that readers will enjoy its ties to the Met, Egyptian antiquities, and New York.

I have read every one of Fiona Davis' books and have enjoyed them immensely. I loved the history of New York in them and as someone who grew up on the east coast, I can relate to a lot of it. But this book didn't quite excite me as much as the others. It seemed to get bogged down in a lot of history of Egyptian artifacts which I realize is the main focal point of the book but it tended to get to be a little too much at times. That being said I read it in two days so I did still enjoy it.

I always love how Fiona Davis writes ambitious female characters, and the characters in this book were no different. I especially enjoyed reading about Charlotte’s time in Egypt. I found that when the two characters and timelines merged, I began to lose interest. I also felt that the ending was a bit silly and unrealistic. That being said, the writing style was enjoyable and easy to get through, and I will always read whatever Davis writes.

Fiona Davis’ upcoming novel The Stolen Queen tells the story of two women who find comfort in the walls of the Met during 1978. One is Charlotte, once an aspiring archeology student who had the opportunity of a lifetime in Egypt excavating the Valley of the Gods in 1936. The other is Annie who at the young age of 19 finds herself mothering her mother while working two jobs after the unexpected death of her father and her mother’s career as a model ending. Their paths merge the night of the Met Gala when a famous Egyptian antiquity is stolen from the museum. The statue, as well as Charlotte’s research into Hathorkare, whose suspected tomb was uncovered by Charlotte when she’d been in Egypt years ago, take the women on a journey of art theft and facing demons of the past in order to move forward in the future.

Davis takes two women of different generations and beautifully ties their stories together. Annie reminds Charlotte of a child lost all those years ago in Egypt. Annie finds in Charlotte a mother figure who doesn’t discredit her and appreciates what she contributes to their relationship. While Egyptian history isn’t a major interest to me, I found the writing painting a picture of the past that I could get lost in. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on January 7, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #TheStolenQueen #FionaDavis #penguingroupdutton

Fiona Davis writes some of my favorite historical fiction books. I love the contemporary storylines and the NYC setting (for one storyline) and all of the references. Full review to come soon. Perfect for anyone who loves art history, scandal, mummies, stolen artifacts and more!

This was thoroughly engrossing! I loved Charlotte and her progression from the 1930s to 1970s in the Egyptians antiquities world-- something I knew nothing about. I found every story line really interesting. Charlotte, a curator at the Met and Egyptologist, went to Egypt once as a young adult. What happened there made her never want to go back. As a 60-year old curator, she is still heavily involved in Egyptian artifacts and art but has never been back to Egypt. Something comes up and she is forced to confront her past. I'm being purposefully vague because I loved not knowing what was going to happen next. Highly recommend this one.

Name of Book: The Stolen Queen
Author: Fiona Davis
Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery
Publisher: Penguin Group Dutton
Pub Date was January 7, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages 393

Story alternates between Egypt in 1936 and New York City 1978
And told from the POV of Charlotte Cross and Annie Jenkins
Story is set in New York City as well as Cairo, Egypt. We readers are transported from New York City’s most glamorous party to the streets of Cairo and back.

Egypt, 1936: Charlotte Cross has been interested in all things Egyptian since she was four years-old now at age eighteen and a second year student in anthropology at NYU she is offered a spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s ‘Valley of the Kings’.
While there she has a wonderful excavation experience. However something happen and Charlotte knows she never will return to Egypt.

New York City, 1978: Now Charlotte is the associate curator at the Metropolitan Department of Egyptian Art.
Annie Jenkins is eighteen years and lives with her mother. Her father died when she was five years old however she remembers that he loved museums and had taken her to the Met.
So Annie is excited when has an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who is organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum.

Annie meets Charlotte while working on the MET Gala.
During the Gala a priceless statue is stolen. Charlotte needs to go to Egypt to try to recover it and Annie is willing to help.
Question: Can Charlotte return to Egypt as the rumors of the ancient curse resurface?
The curse of ‘The Cerulean Queen’ (Hathorkare was married to the pharaoh Saukemet I, when he died she took over however his infant son of one of his concubines was chosen to be next and once he came of age stepped up to rule – Charlotte believes there was much more to Hathorkare rule than historians record however there appears to be death surrounding any investigation-thus a curse,)
Story kept me interested. The second half is slower but things are slowly falling into place regarding the museums pieces as well as Charlotte’s life when she lived there – falling in love with Henry Smith.

This is my eighth Fiona Davis novel. I have totally enjoyed the other seven. Ms. Davis’ genre is Historical Fiction. She writes stories involve an iconic landmark in New York City. She does her homework-aka research as she not only reveals the building's history but also the people connected to it.
The end of the book once again has the wonderful information about ancient Egyptian history as to what is history and a few things Ms. Davis took liberties. Also for those who wish to do more reading, she provided and extensive list.

Ms. Davis never disappoints - we readers can count on her to provide us with an enjoyable excellent read.

Want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton/Dutton for this great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 7, 2025.

THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for the ARC ebook to read.

3.5 stars
From New York City to Cairo and back, anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on a dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, in 1936 and jumps at the opportunity. A heartbreaking tragedy strikes and Charlotte knows her life will never be the same.

This story is set in 1978 NewYork City, with flashbacks to 1936 Egypt. In 1978, Charlotte is associate curator at the Met’s Department of Egyptian Art. The upcoming “party of the year” is coming to the met. The night of the gala an unexpected event happens when an artifact goes missing. Together, Charlotte and Annie, the assistant to organizer of the Met Gala, team up to search for this missing antiquity. Charlotte will have to confront demons of her past as they travel to Egypt, where Charlotte swore she would never return.

I’ve read other books by, Fiona Davis, and this too is set in New York. I do like reading about anthropology and archaeological digs and found that portion of book to really grab my attention. All in all this is a good read and I do recommend it, however, I have enjoyed some of her other books more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton books for the advanced reader copy of The Stolen Queen in exchange for an honest review.
I always get excited to read Fiona Davis, for her love of New York City’s rich history and iconic landmarks. The Stolen Queen combines that NYC love with another historical gem that I have a soft spot for - Ancient Egypt. I do think this might be my favorite Fiona Davis novel yet!
Set in 1978, with flashbacks to 1936, the novel follows 60 year old Charlotte Cross, museum curator at the Met , and 19 year old Annie Jenkins, newly hired at the Met Museum as an assistant to a famed fashion designer. The night of the annual Met Gala, a prized artifact from the Egyptian exhibit is stolen, and Charlotte and Annie set out across the globe to in search of the Cerulean Queen.
I highly recommend The Stolen Queen for fans of NYC historical fiction, Egyptian history, or, like me - both!

This probably dates me, but I remember being fascinated by King Tut and Egypt because it was all over the news and magazines. This book was unputdownable for me!

When an ancient Egyptian necklace shows up at the Met, Charlotte Cross can't understand how it still exists. She assumed it was lost, along with her husband and daughter, many years ago when their boat sank into the Nile.

During the Met Gala another Egpytian artifact goes missing, and recently hired, Annie Jenkins, is blamed for aiding in the theft. Annie must clear her name, so she runs off to Egypt with Charlotte to find the missing artifact.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for providing me an eARC of this book!

I don't know where to begin with this review, other than to say that I thoroughly loved this narrative. Sometimes it can be difficult to make two voices distinct, but Davis manages to make the two leading ladies sound like their own people.

I didn't know much about Egyptology and Egyptian history beyond the basics, but it felt like Davis also had a firm handle on how to inform readers like me without overwhelming us with too much information about what is really a device to bring closure to Charlotte. Everything about this novel melded together to become a well cooked souffle of great writing, great voice, and great character. I just wish that we had more time with the characters, even though the conclusion was quite satisfying as is!

The Stolen Queen
Charlotte Cross was a college student in 1936 when she took a 4 month trip to an archeological dig in Egypt. Tragic events forced her to return to New York a few years later.
Then the story continued in 1978 when Charlotte was an assistant curator of Early Egyptian artifacts at the Metropolitan Museum of art in NYC. She had been researching a woman named Hathorkare, the wife of the pharaoh Saukemet I. Hathorkare had not born the pharaoh a child so the next pharaoh was to be the son of one of Saukemet’s concubines. Hathorkare named herself his regent. Eventually she became powerful and ruled for 20 years until her death.
The Met was preparing for both the giant King Tut exhibition and the annual Gala to benefit the Fashion collection.
It was at the Gala that an important Egyptian artifact was stolen. When Charlotte started to investigate the theft, she discovered that the solution to 40 year old mystery could be found in Egypt. So she traveled back to that country to investigate.
This is a historical fiction book but the female pharaoh was not an actual person. The author based Hathorkare on Hatchupset, actual the widow of an important pharoah who ruled Egypt.
I have visited the area in Egypt where the book is set. The author did an excellent job of researching facts about ancient Egypt as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
I received this ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.