The Stolen Queen marks Fiona Davis’s triumphant return to historical fiction, weaving together dual timelines, mystery, and family drama against the backdrop of both ancient and modern Egypt. While Davis is known for her fascinating deep dives into New York City landmarks like The Dakota (The Address) and the New York Public Library (The Lions of Fifth Avenue), this time she ventures beyond Manhattan’s borders to explore the Valley of the Kings, bringing her trademark blend of historical detail and compelling storytelling to the world of Egyptology.
Plot and Structure
The narrative alternates between 1936-37 Egypt, where we follow young anthropology student Charlotte Cross on an archaeological dig that will change her life forever, and 1978 New York City, where both the older Charlotte and teenager Annie Jenkins find their paths unexpectedly intertwined during the preparations for the Met Gala.
When a priceless artifact goes missing during the gala and Charlotte’s research on a female pharaoh is threatened, she must confront the ghosts of her past in Egypt—a past that includes not only lost love but also a lost child. The parallel stories eventually converge in a satisfying way that brings both closure and new beginnings for multiple characters.
Character Development
Davis excels at creating complex female characters, and The Stolen Queen is no exception. Charlotte Cross emerges as a particularly well-drawn protagonist, shown both in her youthful idealism and later incarnation as a more guarded but still passionate curator. Her transformation from an eager student to a woman shaped by profound loss feels authentic and earned.
Annie Jenkins serves as an excellent foil to Charlotte—young, sometimes impulsive, but with keen instincts and a determination that proves invaluable. Their unlikely partnership forms the heart of the novel, with both characters helping each other grow and heal in unexpected ways.
Historical Detail and Research
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in Davis’s meticulous research into both time periods:
- The 1930s sections vividly capture the excitement and dangers of archaeological expeditions
- The 1978 portions accurately reflect both the glamour and grit of late 70s New York
- Details about museum curation and Egyptian artifacts feel thoroughly researched
- The portrayal of Diana Vreeland and the Met Gala preparation rings true to historical accounts
Strengths
- Rich atmospheric detail in both time periods
- Complex mother-daughter relationships explored with nuance
- Well-researched Egyptian history woven naturally into the narrative
- Engaging mystery elements that keep pages turning
- Thoughtful exploration of art repatriation and cultural heritage
Areas for Improvement
- The pacing occasionally slows in the middle sections
- Some plot developments rely heavily on coincidence
- A few secondary characters could use more development
- The curse elements sometimes feel underdeveloped
Writing Style
Davis employs her characteristic clean, accessible prose while maintaining suspense throughout both timelines. Her descriptions of Egypt – both ancient and modern – are particularly evocative, bringing to life everything from the dusty tomb excavations to the bustling streets of Cairo.
Thematic Elements
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The tension between preservation and repatriation of cultural artifacts
- Mother-daughter relationships across generations
- The impact of secrets and lies on families
- Female power and its historical erasure
- The price of ambition and the cost of playing it safe
Comparison to Other Works
While The Stolen Queen shares DNA with Davis’s previous novels in its dual-timeline structure and focus on historical New York institutions, it represents a successful expansion of her range. The book might appeal to readers of Elizabeth Peters’s Amelia Peabody series or Lauren Willig’s The English Wife, though Davis maintains her own distinct voice.
Target Audience
This novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Historical fiction with dual timelines
- Museum-centered mysteries
- Mother-daughter stories
- Archaeological adventures
- Fashion history
Impact and Relevance
The novel’s exploration of artifact repatriation and cultural heritage ownership feels particularly timely given ongoing international debates about museum collections. Davis handles these complex issues with nuance, avoiding easy answers while still delivering an engaging story.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor pacing issues and plot conveniences, the novel succeeds as both a compelling mystery and a moving exploration of loss, redemption, and the bonds between mothers and daughters. Davis has crafted another winning combination of historical detail and emotional resonance.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction who appreciate:
- Well-researched historical settings
- Strong female characters
- Museum mysteries
- Family drama
- Dual timeline narratives
The novel works both as a standalone and as part of Davis’s body of work exploring the hidden histories of New York’s iconic institutions. While it ventures beyond her usual geographic territory, it maintains the high standards readers have come to expect from her writing.
The Stolen Queen represents another solid addition to Davis’s impressive catalog, demonstrating her ability to expand her range while maintaining the qualities that have made her previous books so successful. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this novel offers a satisfying blend of history, mystery, and heart.