The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 7, 2025

Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. But after an unbearable tragedy strikes, Charlotte knows her future will never be the same.

New York City, 1978: Eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for iconic former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.” Though Annie soon realizes she’ll have her work cut out for her, scrambling to meet Diana’s capricious demands and exacting standards.

Meanwhile, Charlotte, now leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art, wants little to do with the upcoming gala. She’s consumed with her research on Hathorkare—a rare female pharaoh dismissed by most other Egyptologists as unimportant.

That is, until the night of the gala. When one of the Egyptian art collection’s most valuable artifacts goes missing . . . and there are signs Hathorkare’s legendary curse might be reawakening.

As Annie and Charlotte team up to search for the missing antiquity, a desperate hunch leads the unlikely duo to one place Charlotte swore she’d never return: Egypt. But if they’re to have any hope of finding the artifact, Charlotte will need to confront the demons of her past—which may mean leading them both directly into danger.

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SANDY’S REVIEW:THE STOLEN QUEEN by Fiona Davis is an adult, historical, women’s fiction story line loosely based in on the history surrounding the discovery and life of Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Charlotte and Annie) following two timelines (1936 and 1978) THE STOLEN QUEEN focuses on anthropology student turned assistant museum curator Charlotte Cross. In 1936, at the age of nineteen, while on an archeology dig in Egypt, anthropology student Charlotte Cross fell in love with archeologist Henry Smith; discovered an ancient Egyptian artifact, and in a matter of months her life spiralled out of control. Fast forward to 1978, now sixty-two year old Charlotte, working as the assistant museum curator at the Metropolitan Museum Department of Egyptian Art would have to face down her memories, when the theft of a familiar antiquity brings with it heartbreak from the past.

Meanwhile, nineteen year old Annie Jenkins, whose own life is changing in the face of rejection, has been hired as the personal assistant to Met Gala fashion coordinator Diana Vreeland, a position that puts her up close and personal with the theft of the Egyptian artifact. A journey to Egypt for both Charlotte and Annie comes full circle when Charlotte confronts the past, and Annie recognizes a possible connection to the Metropolitan theft.

THE STOLEN QUEEN is a story of mystery that blends fact with fiction; history with mythology; heartbreak and resolution. Fiona Davis pulls the reader into a mystery of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession. The premise is dramatic and entertaining but the conflict resolution is cursory and hurried. The characters are determined, desperate and charismatic.

BARB’S REVIEW:  The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis is a historical novel that switches between 1930’s in Egypt and the 1970’s in New York City.  The story revolves around two women; Charlotte (in her 60’s) currently leading a quiet life as the associate curator of the Met’s celebrated Department of Egyptian Art; and Annie (18 years old), who gets a job working for Vogue fashion editor, Diana Vreeland.

In Egypt, 1936, Charlotte was an anthropology student, working on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.  She loves her work, falls in love and will discover a burial chamber with a collar necklace. After a devasting tragedy, she eventually returns to New York, grieving her loss. 40 years later, Charlotte is a successful curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and becomes disturbed when a valuable Egyptian artifact is found missing.  

In New York City, 1978, Annie is excited when she gets a job working for Diana. On the night of the gala, chaos unfolds, when someone destroys things, and the Cerulean Queen is now missing.  At first, Annie is questioned, but Charlotte does come to her rescue.  Charlotte decides she needs to return to Egypt and discover who is behind the missing links, as well as trying to find the truths about the tragedy. Unknown to Charlotte, Annie will also go on the same plane heading for Egypt, in order for her to help Charlotte, as well as protect her.  Charlotte and Annie work together to uncover dangerous trials, deceit, finding the stolen artifacts, as well learning more of the secrets in the past.

I really loved the friendship that grew between Charlotte and Annie.  Charlotte began to realize that Annie had an uncanny sense of observing valuable insights. Annie was very sweet and was determined to help Charlotte, especially finding clues to help her.  They both were wonderful, as their stories intertwined. The storyline of Charlotte’s past comes back to haunt her, leading into a heartbreaking story.  It was a wonderful ending, with revelations slowly being revealed.

The Stolen Queen was a terrific story about the two unforgettable women, filled with history, mystery, tragedy, emotional, secrets of the past and an Egyptian curse.  The Stolen Queen was very well written by Fiona Davis.