What the River Knows, the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology, is a must read for fans of mystery, romance and historical fiction. Inez Olivera has spent her life with parents who spend long stretches of time in Egypt while she comes of age in the glittering society of 19th century Buenos Aires. At the age of eighteen, she learns that her parents have died, and against the wishes of her guardians, she travels to Egypt in investigate their deaths. Her uncle, who has been working on a mysterious project with her parents, is less than happy to see her, and when he fails to effectively send his niece back home, he assigns his dashing employee, Mr. Whitford Hayes, to keep an eye on her and make sure she stays out of trouble. Inez, who has absorbed a touch of old magic from a ring her father sent her, secretly follows her uncle as he sails down the Nile searching for Cleopatra’s tomb.
This book was such fun! There is intense romantic tension between Inez and Whit, and although the book is told mostly from Inez’ point of view, the chapters are punctuated with Whit’s voice and perspective on the unfolding adventures. Inez and Whit’s relationship is full of intelligent banter, and in spite of their obvious frustrations with one another, their mutual attraction sizzles. Billed as a mix between The Mummy and Death on the Nile, this book contains the perfect blend of murder mystery and romance with the right touch of magic and mythology.
I love Agatha Christie’s novels and enjoy books about Egypt, so I was excited to read What the River Knows. Ibanez’ novel did not disappoint as it swept me away to another time and place. I gasped out loud several times as the plot twisted and turned, upending my expectations. I can’t wait to read the second installment in this duology! If mystery, romance, and magic interest you, give this book a read; you won’t regret it! You can find it here.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
Kelly Jarvis works as the Assistant Editor for The Fairy Tale Magazine where she writes stories, poems, essays, book reviews, and interviews. Her poetry has also been featured or is forthcoming in Blue Heron Review, Mermaids Monthly, Eternal Haunted Summer, Forget Me Not Press, The Magic of Us, A Moon of One’s Own, Baseball Bard, and Corvid Queen. Her short fiction has appeared in The Chamber Magazine and the World Weaver Press Anthology Mothers of Enchantment: New Tales of Fairy Godmothers. You can connect with her on Facebook (Kelly Jarvis, Author) or Instagram (@kellyjarviswriter) or find her at https://kellyjarviswriter.com/
Comments