I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable mystery. Up to the very end I hadn't guessed who the bud guy was. Turns out there are several in different plots. Red herrings aplenty & a great ending.

#netgalley #TheMetropolitanAffair #JocelynGreen #BethanyHousePublishers #mystery

The premise is really great but I wasn't able to get pulled into the story as much as I'd hoped. Still seems like a fun read.

I really wanted to like this book more. I loved reading about how the discovery of Tut's tomb led to a fascination with ancient Egypt. But I really didn't connect with either of the two main characters; they didn't come to life for me, and the villains definitely felt cardboard, not real. I felt like too often I was being told what they were feeling, not experiencing it. I was also annoyed by how it felt like a Christian message was tacked on at the end, rather than faith being dealt with all along. Despite all of this, the plot did carry me along. A good story for a sick day in bed.

The Metropolitan Affair, by Jocelyn Green, is an excellent example of a well researched, and well written book. As a student of ancient Egyptian history, I was thrilled with the accuracy of this book without it getting too academic. There is a well planned out storyline with a mystery and thriller elements while also maintaining the faith message. The characters are likeable and relatable and I found myself rooting for them and becoming emotionally invested. I loved it and I highly recommend this book!

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green is a great start to the On Central Park series. I thought it was a great piece of clean historical fiction.

There was a lot going on in this story. I would have enjoyed it more if there had been less to read. What I mean is, if the storyline and characters had been slimmed down it would have made for a faster, more entertaining read. I did like the main characters and the storyline itself was interesting with great historical details. I enjoyed the writing style and thought the different locations were described well and definitely helped the story be more believable. I do enjoy the author's writing style and look forward to reading the next in this series, "On Central Park."

I’ve been a fan of Jocelyn Green’s books for quite a few years now, and I was thrilled to see that she started a new series recently! I eagerly dove into this book, and even though it took me a bit longer to get through it than I expected, I still enjoyed the read immensely.

Lauren is a relatable, lovable character. I connected with her almost right away, and could identify with her love of ancient history—although I’ve never, and likely will never, go as deep into the subject as she did! Joe, too, was intriguing and the kind of detective you’d want—so long as you weren’t a perpetrator!

One of the most intriguing parts of this book, for me, was the culture of the 1920s. I’ve read about it in history books, but realized as I was reading this story that I’ve hardly read anything set in that time in America. The problems with speakeasies, high society, the current knowledge of ancient history (and that Ancient Egyptian history was all the rage for a while)…all of these, while not “new” to me, came alive in the pages of this book. It was fun to read about Howard Carter’s discoveries from a contemporary standpoint, rather than as something that happened in the past.

The mystery side of the story? That was well done and kept me guessing the whole way through. The romance was sweet, and some of the characters were absolutely lovely, too—the kinds of people I would love to meet.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I can’t wait for the sequel to be published, whenever that will be!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW - The Metropolitan Affair - Jocelyn Green - 5/5 Stars

THE STORY
There are some stories that from the very first chapter, regardless of who the author is, that you just KNOW are going to be good. The Metropolitan Affair was one of those! Like all Jocelyn Green's books, not only do you get a completely engrossing story but you get a thorough history lesson as well. I always learn so much through her novels, always absolutely fascinating. Not only did I learn a lot about 1920s New York, but I learnt so much about Egyptology too. The mystery was well written and even I was a bit surprised at the end (I can usually figure it out). The story had so much depth to it with impactful truths woven throughout.

THE ROMANCE
I loved both Joe and Lauren! They were perfectly imperfect and I enjoyed the growth both their characters had. Second Chance and Opposite Social Backgrounds combined to make a lovely romance!

THE TRUTHS
Partway through the story, Lauren tells Joe that, despite her wealthier upbringing, that he is 'richer' than her due to the good relationship he has with his family. No amount of material success can replace the love and comfort that comes from family. Whether your family is blood related or more of a 'found' family, treasure the relationships that God has blessed you with. Your family are the ones who know you the best, flaws and all, and love you unconditionally. They are the ones that celebrate the good times and weather the bad times with you. Your family is just a very small reflection of your Father in heaven and the great steadfast love He has for you!

Very good start to a new series by Jocelyn Green! Once again, she takes actual events/locations and creates a well written story with memorable characters. The Metropolitan Affair explores what it truly means to be “authentic” in faith, love, and life through the relationships of Dr Lauren Westlake and Detective Joe Caravello. I very much look forward to more books in this series!

Outstanding! It should be a movie. The settings and plots would make it a future blockbuster. So well written. The Christian theme just sneaks up on you and grabs hold tight. A heartfelt and true message clearly communicated. I will be recommending this book to friends and family.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from net galley, but the views and opinions are all my own
This was a great read- I knew a little about Egyptology going into it and learned a ton more. It was a good match of characters and setting and time period for me. Glamorous and swanky 1920’s in the MET, Egyptologist and Detective solving forgeries
I read this as a kindle but also bought the audible version when it came out as well. I really liked both versions, and I’m excited to see that it’s part of a new series. I’d also not read any other by this author and I’ve got several coming in on hold. I highly recommend this book

I read a lot of historical fiction, but especially liked this as the subject matter was so different. Set in 1920s, and combining Egyptian collections, museums, crime and romance, this book covered it all. Being first in the series I will be watching for the next one. If you like history with a mystery included, you will want to read this! Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Slow but sweet:
This was a fairly enjoyable sweet Christian romantic suspense however I felt that it could have been amped up in all of these areas. I was just hoping for more but it was still a well written, easy read.
Personally I would have liked to have seen more of a romance between Lauren and Joe and although I was glad that they ended up together, it would have been nice to witness their love rather than just relying on their knowing each other since childhood.
Furthermore I found it to be slow paced and rather drawn out. I enjoyed the latter part of the book the best as things finally sped up and I was curious to see how it would all come together. It wasn't all that suspenseful as I'd quickly guessed who the guilty party was. I did appreciated the extensive research that the author had obviously done into Egyptian art.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Metropolitan Affair is a historical novel set in New York City during the 1920's. Dr. Lauren Westlake is an Egyptologist who ends up working with detective Joe Caravello on a forgery case involving art fraud. The Egyptology details (and the 1920's historical details) were utterly fascinating! I also liked the character of Lauren Westlake, a woman with an interesting career in a decade where this was a rarity.

I recommend The Metropolitan Affair for fans of historical fiction, and especially for anyone interested in historic NYC, Egyptology, or the 1920's.

As I finished this novel, not an hour ago, I sat with tears rolling down my face. (Oh boy, here they come again!) I'm not sure how this will go as a review, so let me just say that the plot was one of my favorites, and the characters were stunning. I am so ready for book two and three. But really, what brings me to tears is how much Lauren made me feel seen. Like Lauren, I spent a lot of my growing up years trying to please people and gain approval, even fulfill wishes they never even placed on me. Like Lauren, I'd rather stick my foot in a great big anthill and get eaten up than have any sort of confrontation. Like Lauren, when I finally get fed up enough to have that confrontation, it gets heated. Like Lauren, I'm finally starting to accept the painful scars of my past and echo Goldie's sentiment, "Redeem this." And you know what? He surely has, He surely is, and He surely will.

Jocelyn Green tackles many different eras in her historical fiction, and in this vibrant books, she opens up the Prohibition to us. But instead of a typical gangster scenario, we are met with something else: the forgeries of Egyptian artifacts. I did not realize that the Egyptology rage inspired by the discovery of King Tut's tomb occurred during this time.

This is a romance, too, but it's clean and even-keeled. Not overdone, with well-drawn characters. But I confess my favorite part was the detail--the detail of the Egyptology stuff. I'm just a nerd, I guess.

The best part of reading a book by Jocelyn Green you know that the research was done and it shows through in this newest of her releases.
What an interesting time for those who were able to take part. As they rich raced to acquire as much artifacts from Egypt as they could, they were taken advantage of by many. An good mystery of who really was bringing in the forgeries and spice it with a bit of star-crossed lovers and you have a very good read.

This book has a mix of mystery and suspense written into the plot. As Dr. Westlake and Detective Joe try to find the person responsible behind a forgery ring, their love grows for each other.
The main character, Lauren is trying to rebuild a relationship with her father. After years of waiting for him to return from Egypt, he is finally “prioritizing” her. I must admit, this book has some major triggers for anyone who has an abandonment wound. Even up until the very end, Lauren is still being hurt and wounded by a father who leaves. Fair warning for any reader!

I would recommend this book for teenage readers, as it is clean and appropriate. I was given a free copy in exchange for my review.

Set in prohibition era New York City, this book follows Egyptologist Lauren and NYPD detective Joe on an investigation into forged Egyptian artifacts.
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I don’t read a lot of mysteries, but this one was so much fun, and kept me guessing nearly to the end. While I didn’t feel overly invested in the romance (of course Lauren and Joe’s relationship doesn’t remain platonic) I absolutely loved that Lauren is a well educated working woman in the 1920s (she’s employed by the Met!) and I really appreciated the redemptive arc for both main characters.

I genuinely loved The Metropolitan Affair! It is unlike anything I’ve read from Bethany House in the past, and I was extremely engaged by the history, art, and mystery. There is also a sweet friends to lovers romance thread in the story.

Lauren and her father Lawrence are both Egyptologists, but Lauren has not yet had the opportunity to journey to Egypt on an expedition. Their relationship has been strained by years of broken promises and absences due to Lawrence’s work, but her father invites Lauren to join him on an upcoming expedition as long as she can prove herself to the board. Lauren receives a second but equally enticing offer to help her old friend and now police detective Joe track down a forger by inspecting art owned by New York’s high society.

The Metropolitan Affair follows both Lauren and Joe’s perspectives, and I found the plot extremely engaging. The criminal investigation illuminated how much research Jocelyn Green did into the art world and the “King Tut craze” of the 1920s. The story hits the ground running and had me hooked.

As Lauren and Joe work to find the forger’s identity, they find themselves unraveling a web of crime, deceit, and secrets. Side plots involving Lauren’s and Joe’s families also move the story forward and held my rapt interest.

I listened to this one on audio, and I highly recommend it! The narrator brought the story to life and was a delight to listen to.

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for a #gifted copy of The Metropolitan Affair! All thoughts are my own.