The Stolen Queen is *chefs kiss*. What more could you want?! Fiona Davis, the golden age, ancient Egypt- I mean, COME ONNNN, didn’t every girl growing up in the 90’s have a strange and very specific obsession with ancient Egypt and mummies?!

Unfortunately this was not for me. The plot is intriguing enough but it's the way that this book is written....the tone is so detached and mechanical. I was going to compare it to the matter of fact tone more often found in nonfiction, but that would be too blanket of a statement and a disservice to the just as engaging and narrative tone that nonfiction can take on.

It's written in a way that doesn't put the reader in the head of the main character, in feeling or in thought. Even though the words state explicitly what the characters feel, it still feels like the book is written in third person objective. It's telling, not showing; you can't just say "she felt sad" or "she felt happy" and expect an emotional response or connection from the reader. It's the same instance when Davis is describing plot; if two characters are disagreeing on something, the passage will just say, "they argued", then omit the argument/dialogue, and instead skip forward to the scene afterward, when it's resolved...is it just me?! I really wanted to like this...but I couldn't get past the writing style.

I have seen other reviews highlight the allure of Egyptology, and the delft way in how Davis portrayed the two main female characters from different generations, and as a result have different views on life/womanhood/career, and how their stories cross paths, so if you're into either of those two things, you'll probably like this one more than I did.

I've been off on an adventure and exploring Egypt and learning about their Pharaohs! Charlotte Cross is now the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art in New York City in 1978. The story is told over different time periods and in different points of view. We start Charlotte's story in 1936, where she is a part of a study abroad investigating Egyptian history, in particular, the Pharaohs. However, there is a tragedy in her young life, where she has to begin afresh back home in New York. Annie Jenkins is a new employee working on preparing for the MET Gala. Soon, Charlotte and Annie join forces and begin to hunt down for a stolen artifact, which leads on a journey of discovery especially for Charlotte.

Charlotte Cross, a student, is trying to prove her worth on an archeological dig in Egypt's Valley of the Kings in 1936. After making a significant historic find, she suffers an unbearable personal tragedy and returns home to begin work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Decades pass as Charlotte refuses to face her tragic past or to share her secrets with those closest to her. When a priceless artifact is stolen during the Met Gala, Charlotte's past and present collide forcing her to seek out the truth behind her tragedy. From the shifting sands of Egypt that hide the treasures of their past to the meticulous planning that takes place before one of the Met's celebrated galas, Fiona Davis masterfully weaves history, fashion and a complex mystery into a captivating, can't put down novel. I was completely engaged in this story, wanting to jump in my car and head to NYC and wander around the storied halls of the Met. I highly recommend readers to start 2025 off right with this spectacular book!

This is an interesting historical fiction story - stolen artifacts, the MET and the MET Gala, and intersecting characters. You'll learn about artifacts and archaeology. The writing wasn't completely my favorite style (felt a bit bummed-down), but it was still an exciting story.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Davis is an author who I have enjoyed every novel published under her pen!

The Stolen Queen transport readers to 1936 Egypt, its crypts and artifacts to the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Art in the late 70's. These two timelines are connected by a unique necklace that makes a reappearance many years later in an exhibit. But, how did it make off a sinking ship?

Travel back and forth as this mystery unravels for its main character who witnessed its demise in her twenties to its resurfacing in her sixties. Davis masterfully brings the historical details of the period incorporating real life tales from the Valley of the Kings archeological dig.

This story is incredibly engrossing!

Who doesn't like a book that takes you to Egypt during the end of the golden years of archaeology?

Charlotte Cross is a young, smart and eager student who has been able to spend time on a dig in Egypt in the 1930s. She makes a find of her own, amidst much discrimination, and finds the tomb of Hathokare, an Egyptian queen, including a beautiful collar. She falls in love, gets married and then tragedy strikes and she loses everything.

Fast forward forty years and Charlotte is a curator in the Egyptian Art Department at the Met Museum. There she comes across the collar again, which she thought was lost, and takes off on an adventure with a young woman, Annie, who was wrongly framed for the theft of another priceless Egyptian artifact.

This was a good story with all the elements of love lost, passion, Egypt, treasures and family. Charlotte and Annie find themselves and create their own family along the way.

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.