The Stolen Queen
by Fiona Davis
Pub Date: Jan 7, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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.
I fell in love with this book, and you would do yourself a favor and get it as soon as it comes out in January!
This novel centers on Met Gala, stolen art, a tragedy four decades earlier, travel, and an Egyptian curse. Repatriation law is one of my favorite legal topics and the first Monday of May is one of my favorite days of the year. As much as I loved the plot with its twists and resolutions, however, I may have actually loved the characters and their development more.

The book of my Egypt-loving childhood dreams. Even though it was a dual timeline narrative, which is not my favorite, I really enjoyed this one.

In 1936, Charlotte went to work on an archaeological dig in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. An important discovery
was made, followed by tragic circumstances that had her leaving Egypt.
In 1978, Charlotte is an assistant curator in the Metropolitan Museum Department of Egyptian Art. Eighteen
year old Annie is hired to work for Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland for the upcoming Met Gala. One of the
pieces being used for the gala is a necklace that Charlotte recognizes from her time in Egypt on loan from am
anonymous source. She seeks to discover the identity of the person, hoping it will answer questions about the
1ragedy on her past. When an Egyptian artifact is stolen during the gala, Annie is considered a suspect.
Both will travel to Egypt, seeking to discover who is behind the theft and answers to the reappearance
of the necklace.
Fascinating well researched read that keeps one turning the pages to discover the answers.
#TheStolenQueen #Dutton #PenguinGroup #NetGalley

Long time "on my to-read list"-er, first time actual reader of Fiona Davis, and wow! I loved this! The plot of this was great and interesting, and the Egyptian history and Met history was really cool, I don't know a lot about that stuff. I didn't figure out the twists or the whodunit immediately like I tend to do, and I loved that the main character is a smart and strong older woman! Dating a younger man, too! I was rooting for Charlotte to find her long lost family the whole time but figured she wouldn't - i was pleasantly surprised she did, kind of in a way I didn't expect. I was sad but happy for Annie and surprised myself by being happy she didn't get a reconciliation with her mother in the end - sometimes in real life that stuff happens. I didn't figure out the daughter angle until right at the end. Overall excellent read and I'll be reading more by Davis soon!

This was my 3rd Fiona Davis book, and she absolutely kills the Historical Fiction genre! I'm always a little unsure when books swap back and forth between characters and timelines, but this book nailed it. I was never confused with which timeline or character I was on and it always kept me engaged. I really felt that I was able to fall in love with each character and everything about them. I would absolutely recommend anything by Fiona Davis to my friends to read.

The Stolen Queen follows Charlotte Cross, a young anthropology student, through four decades in this dual timeline story.

The story transports readers to 1930’s Egypt where Charlotte makes an important archeological discovery. She falls in love with Henry, has a daughter. One night Henry comes home and insists they pack up their belongings immediately and board a ship to New York. Tragedy strikes and Charlotte is convinced a curse has been unleashed.

Fast forward to New York, 1970’s where Charlotte is working as a curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is where she meets Annie, a young assistant to the fashion director. On the night of the Met’s big gala, an Egyptian artifact is stolen. Charlotte and Annie, for different reasons, team up to solve the crime.

This suspenseful story captivates readers from the beginning and leaves you wanting more. Character development was excellent. I also really loved the Authors Note at the end which provided resources and explained the historical elements of the story. I am truly looking forward to reading more from this author.

I would like to thank Dutton Publishing, Fiona Davis, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In THE STOLEN QUEEN, Fiona Davis deviates slightly from her usual “two women in the same building during different time periods” formula, and that’s a good thing. Here, the focus is squarely on Charlotte, an Egyptologist and curator at the Metropolitan Museum of art, and the time shift deals with Charlotte’s time in Egypt in 1937 versus her work with the museum in 1978. The other heroine is a teenager, Annie, who works at the museum as Diana Vreeland’s assistant. The story involves stolen Egyptian artifacts and Charlotte’s attempt to both recover the artifacts, make a name for herself in the field, and to discover the truth about one tragic night in Egypt in 1937. Through a series of highly unrealistic circumstances, Annie becomes her companion on this journey. While the idea of a nineteen year old accidentally discovering an unknown tomb and making a major historical discovery while also being a super sleuth is a bit much, this is still my favorite Fiona Davis book thus far. I really was rooting for Charlotte and Annie, both very likable characters. The story moves very quickly and is an easy and fun read with a satisfying ending.

I am a huge fan of Fiona Davis so I had high expectations for The Stolen Queen. However, the book was just okay. At first I was confused by the dual time frames and the multiple characters. It took me awhile to figure out what was going on. I’m also not a fan of Egyptian art or history, so this was a struggle for me too. I think most people will enjoy this book, but it wasn’t my favorite. It was just okay. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this book!

There’s something comforting and fresh about a Fiona Davis novel, though this one (taking place in Egypt for half the book) is definitely my new favorite. Davis is an evocative storyteller who melded a family story with exotic, lush storytelling. The book has me wanting to spend a day at The Met and to brush up on my Egyptian history

I really don't know how Fiona Davis does it! Every book she has written has been nothing short of amazing, and this one is does not disappoint. In each book, a New York City building is as much a character in the story as the people. The New York Metropolitan Museum stars in this book. Charlotte, an assistant curator at the museum, finds a relic from her past that she thought was buried at the bottom of the Nile with her husband and daughter, pop up for loan at the museum. After the Cerulean Queen was stolen during a Met Gala, Charlotte and Annie, a young lady trying to figure our her life, embark on a pilgrimage to Egypt to find the thief, her husband, and daughter.

I would like to thank Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book. When I say I devoured this book, I took it with me everywhere, including the bowling alley where I read it over lunch. I didn't want to stop reading it so I am so glad Kindles are portable. Growing up I wanted to be an archaeologist I feel like most kids fit into certain categories when they are little. Jobs like archaeologist, marine biologist, you know the exciting jobs where you get to make discoveries and take care of pieces of the world. I have always loved Eygpt and I think that is partially why this book had such a chokehold on me.

Charlotte's story was so intriguing. There was so much mystery building up to when we get to find out what exactly happened to her in 1936. Even with her past I feel that Charlotte is a tenacious and graceful character. She is so smart and you can tell it grates on the people around her who know far less than she does, but get much more accolades.

I loved Annie's character. Her story reminded me a lot of myself because of the responsibilities she had to take on to survive. I was so happy for her character to have motherly figures in her life who wanted to see her win and progress in life. For girls like us, those women are the reason we can break free from our toxic shackles.

I can't gush enough about the museum portions of this book and the pull to them. I loved that this book allowed us to look into the Met's background workings. I realize it is fiction but just all the little pieces that made it real like the Blue Hippo Figurine. I have a little copy that my husband bought me when we went to the British Museum years ago. You can tell that the author put a lot of research into this book and I live for books like this.

I loved the ending of this story, it was beautiful and bittersweet. It took me a few days to collect myself after finishing this book because it took a piece of my heart. Such a fantastic story and I am glad I had the chance to read it.

Fiona Davis has done it again. 5 stars. Loved the mystery, she brings Egypt to life. I loved Annie's character. I didn,t think I would be interested in part of the story being set in Egypt, but I was through the magic of her descriptions and storylins.

FABULOUS! Loved the rich descriptions of the Egyptian landscape juxtaposed with the Met Gala. History of pharos AND fashion! The author's notes at the end were incredibly enriching to this reading experience.

I have been reading and enjoying Fiona Davis novels for the past 2 years. I think she is a marvelous writer. Nothing has changed my opinion after reading the Stolen Queen, just enhanced it. I am not really interested in Egypt or its past, but knowing that Davis wrote it, I knew it would be good. After reading it, I am enamored with Egypt and the stories it offers.

Charlotte Cross is an Egyptologist at the Met in New York City. Her past led her there after experiencing misfortune on a dig in Egypt and losing not only the love of her life, but her only daughter. Annie Jenkins has been taking care of her mother for years and just wants a chance to experience life. After running an errand, she finds herself a new job working for Diana Vreeland, assisting with the Met Gala.

Charlotte and Annie’s path cross in an unfortunate loss of artwork on that special night, which leads them as a team to Egypt. This is where the story really begins.

I loved this book. Davis never disappoints me. I have read everything she wrote, but one, which I will get my hands on now. Each of her books give historical background, while still drawing you in to remarkable characters that pull at your heart. I wish she would write faster so I can read more of her work!

Great read! Fast paced, kept my interest throughout. I never thought I would enjoy historical fiction as much as I do reading Fiona Davis books!

Fiona Davis is always a must read for me. I love her blend of history and storytelling surrounding NYC landmarks! The Stolen Queen doesn’t disappoint with its duel timelines and interwoven stories. I believe fans or history, fashion or the art world will absolutely love this.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot is both suspenseful and emotionally engaging. With its blend of historical detail and compelling storytelling, "The Stolen Queen" is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and royal drama.

The story of Charlotte Cross, a curator at the Met in New York City, told in 1978 and 1938. Along side this we meet Annie - a young girl with no home life but A deep desire to make something of herself. Moving between New York and Egypt this is a tale of lost objects, lost loves and ultimately growth.

If you love historical fiction, this author is a go to, must read for sure. I honestly don't even read the summaries of her new releases before pre ordering. Fiona Davis new release? Ordered. And I'm never disapointed. The research that goes into these stories is just amazing, and you must follow her social media leading up to it to catch background information that just adds to the fullness of the book. Based in New York like previous books, this also ties in another country and Egypt's Valley of the Kings. She has tied together several generations of experiences magically. Add in strong female characters and it's a win win. Can not recommend this author enough.

I loved this book. I always enjoy how Fiona Davis incorporates major NYC cultural spots into her work. I learn a lot.

The archeological portion was a nice twist and also very enlightening. She is a meticulous researcher and it is evident in her writing.

I loved the paternity twist and found the novel flowed well and was easy to read.