The Stolen Queen Review

Hello, all!

If you had an Egyptology phase growing up, or enjoy fashion, then you need to pick up The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis. 

Pub Date: 1-7-25
Adult - Historical Fiction

Charlotte Cross is a young anthropology student who longs to leave the classroom behind and get her hands dirty in the field. When offered a position on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she jumps at the chance despite her family's concerns. The work is backbreaking and dangerous, but Charlotte wouldn't change a thing. She's read about the rich Egyptian history in school, and here she is digging it up with her own hands. However, after a major find has disastrous consequences, Charlotte's life is changed forever.

While most eighteen-year-olds are out with friends, going to college, or dating, Annie Jenkins is stuck working two jobs to keep her and her mother afloat. Annie has spent her life believing nothing would ever work in her favor, so when she stumbles into an opportunity to become the assistant to Diana Vreeland, the famous former Vogue editor, she's thrilled. Soon, Annie finds herself working amongst the treasures of the Met, the same ones she's spent her life admiring, preparing for the famous Met Gala. But when a priceless Egyptian artifact gets stolen the night of the event, Annie and Charlotte find themselves on a race to find it. Charlotte swore she'd never return to Egypt, but when a desperate hunch leads them back there, she finds she must confront the secrets from her past if she hopes to find the missing artifact.

I'm always impressed with how seamlessly Davis mixes fact with fiction. I love how she takes a famous place in New York, real people, and events, and puts her twist on history. She weaves together dual times and perspectives so well. I thought the plot of this latest release was so intriguing. I loved learning more about Egyptian history and the female pharaoh, Hathorkare. Our two MCs were also interesting to follow. I love it when an older character has to team up with someone younger, and I enjoyed watching Charlotte and Annie unravel the mystery together while forming an unlikely friendship. The overall pacing was slow at times, and the ending felt like it wrapped up too conveniently, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Rating: 4/5