The Scorpion Thief

Shadows of the Silver Screen, Book 1

by Janyre Tromp

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Book 1 of Shadows of the Silver Screen

Pub Date Apr 14 2026 | Archive Date Dec 05 2025

Grafted Page Press

Historical Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | Sci Fi & Fantasy

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Description

“Sweeping and hypnotic… Perfect for fans of The Maltese Falcon, Sarah Penner, and Kate Morton.”
—Julie Cantrell, NYT bestselling author of Into the Free

A deadly Cold War political game.
A cursed Egyptian artifact.
Two sisters: one the treasure’s guardian, the other its thief.

Egyptologist Noura Marquette has spent her life piecing together remnants of the past, but nothing prepares her for the day her sister resurfaces in Cairo. Estranged for years, Estelle unleashes a web of whispered threats and dangerous connections that capture Noura in a treacherous snare of betrayal, art theft, and espionage.

In Washington, Nixon’s administration maneuvers to use King Tutankhamun’s treasures as a glittering tool of propaganda.

From the souks of Cairo to the hurricane-lashed streets of New Orleans, something older than history watches, stalking Noura as loyalties fracture and the lines between history and myth blur. Some curses never sleep, and some debts can never be paid.

Tropes/Information:

Closed-door
Low fantasy
Enemies to lovers
Sisters
Art heist
Deeply researched history
Egyptian Myth/Magical Realism

Advance Praise

“Sweeping and hypnotic, The Scorpion Thief is a deeply researched historical novel exploring the thin veil between love and hate, myth and memory, and the terrible price of unearthing what was meant to stay hidden. Perfect for fans of The Maltese Falcon, Sarah Penner, and Kate Morton.”
—Julie Cantrell, NYT bestselling author of Into the Free

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781969773044
PRICE	$5.99 (USD)
PAGES	326

Available on NetGalley

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Additional Information

Average rating from 15 members

Featured Reviews

Lyre K, Reviewer

Thank you to Janyre Tromp, Grafted Page Press, and NetGalley for this ARC!

⭐️-Worldbuilding
I really enjoyed this trip through time and the attention to detail when it comes to time period, spirituality of regions and cultures, cultures themselves and current worldly politics! The themes mentioned regarding government and immigration that translated from both the seventies and current politics was jarring and sobering but so important. I enjoyed the references to Egyptian Mythology and although there was a bit at the end, I did wish there were more references to the gods in practicality.

⭐️-Plot
The plot was really interesting, though I will say I think it could’ve been a bit condensed by a few chapters. I did however love the plot regarding family and found family.

⭐️-Writing
The writing was well paced and well written, especially given the content!

⭐️-Character Development
I really liked the main protagonists but I do think there wasn’t really much of a point for the

Thank you again for this ARC, it was a pleasure!