GUEST REVIEW: Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict

ABOUT THE BOOK

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Benedict comes an extraordinary story of the woman who helped uncover Tutankhamun's tomb and the mystery behind Egypt’s first woman Pharaoh.

1920’s London was enthralled by the discovery of the treasure-filled tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Filled with priceless statues, jewels, and the gold-encased mummy of the boy Pharaoh himself, the burial site unleashed a fascination with the ancient world and revolutionized the world of archeology.

The discovery was made by Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle and his associate, famed archeologist Howard Carter. What no one knows is that without the pioneering spirit of Lady Evelyn Herbert, Carnarvon’s daughter, the tomb might never have been found. As a young woman, Evelyn was fascinated by the story of Hatshepsut, a woman who had to assume the guise of a man in order to rule Egypt. Although she brought peace and prosperity to Egypt, her male successors ruthlessly and thoroughly erased her name from history.

Lady Evelyn’s ambition to find the tomb of Egypt’s first woman ruler exposes her to life-threatening danger and pits her against archeologists who refuse to believe the tomb can be found―and certainly not by a woman. Refusing to give up, Evelyn is on the verge of success when she is suddenly forced to make an agonizing choice between loyalty to her beloved father and Carter and realizing the dream of a lifetime.

OPENING LINES

“If I allow it to work its magic, the Highclere Castle ball casts a glorious spell on me, banishing the pall of the Great War that lingers in this otherwise jubilant space, and that is precisely what has happened to the other revelers.” 

Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict, Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press, Publication, March 24, 2026

GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose

New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict sets her latest novel, Daughter of Egypt, in the glittering yet turbulent world of 1920s British high society, weaving together the Roaring Twenties discovery of King Tut’s tomb with a parallel story from ancient Egypt, where a woman dares to ascend the pharaonic throne.

Benedict's meticulous research is on lavish display, choosing some of the most fascinating historical female figures, but where she excels is in the emotional impact of her characters’ lives.  I knew this was fictionalized history, but it reads like it could have happened that way.

In the glamorous world of aristocratic post-WWI England, Lady Evelyn Herbert debuts in society in the wake of the war’s end.  Eve’s heart is not in her debutante status or following the conventional life for a lady of her status; rather, she is captivated by Egyptology and an Egyptologist, Howard Carter, who receives patronage from her father, Lord Carnarvon. Unlike her father and Carter, Eve’s interest lies in one aspect of Egyptian history: the shadowy possibility of a woman pharaoh, Hatshepsut. Eve joins the expedition in Egypt, hoping she can find her dream before her mother’s ‘reality’ of a proper society match or the Egyptian fight for independence sends her back home.

In ancient Egypt, Hatshepsut posed not as the power behind the throne, but as the power of the throne.  She has enemies and must pit her cleverness, determination, and resources to do what has never been done: become a female ruler, determined to hold the throne for her beloved daughter, son, and grandson.  Her brilliant, astute lover, the great architect, Senenmut, stands beside her.  Can she pull off this feat before her enemies circumvent her?

Riveting dual timelines and courageous women make Daughter of Egypt engaging from the start. Recommended for readers who want women’s historical fiction with heart and authenticity. Marie Benedict’s novels, particularly this latest, are a must.

NY Times Bestselling author Marie Benedict

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms. She found her calling in unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex, and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of the present day, where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions and the insights they bring to modern-day issues.

She is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie’s Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian, and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies.

With Courtney Sheinmel, she released the first book in a middle-grade historical adventure series, entitled The Secrets of the Lovelace Academy. Her books have been translated into thirty languages and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and Library Reads List.

ABOUT SOPHIA ROSE, Guest Reviewer

Sophia is a quiet, curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums and monuments, restaurants, and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and a loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate. As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer.

Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener, which allows her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction, particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby. Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER