Read as an ARC- this was going to be 4 stars for me, even as everything was getting wrapped up in the last 50 pages or so, but then I read the last chapter, and the epilogue. WTF, I’m so intrigued I need to know what happens. 

This novel is full of mystery and deceit. I don’t love this time period (late 1800s) especially for women, and their literally nonexistent role in society. But I thought the author did well to make the FMC a norm breaker, who pushed against the male characters around her. 

I loved the banter between Whit and Inez, their first meeting on the dock literally had me laughing out loud. Their romance is a slow burn- enemies, then friends, then more. 

The novel was well paced and my attention was held the entire time- the reason for my early judgement that it was 4 stars was becasue I could have used a bit more Egyptian history- which is more of a personal preference. There is plenty of adventure and treasure hunting which was fun, but for me, I like the history of it all too. 

The magic realism aspect was an awesome touch. And I appreciated that there were discussions about how tourism and archeology in Egypt, especially removing artifacts from the country, affected the locals. It was refreshing that the journey the characters were on was them trying to do the right thing. 

Really great book, I haven’t heard if there will be more in the world from this author but I sure hope so….0