Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict

What could be better than sitting down with a new Marie Benedict novel? I have read nearly all of her books and admire her wide ranging subjects and the ways in which she brings the past to life. That is certainly true in this new novel.

This is a dual timeline story, something that is popular in historical fiction. What makes this one unique is that it is about Hatshepsut in ancient Egypt. Some readers may indeed know her name but they will get to go so much deeper as they read this novel. Truly the parts of the book about her and life in her time were very interesting.

I also enjoyed spending time with Evelyn (Eve) Herbert in the story that took place in the 1900s. It was fun to experience Highclere Castle (of later Downton Abby) fame and to spend time with Eve’s family and, of course, Howard Carter (he of the momentous discoveries). Of course, being on a dig was fascinating too.

Readers will see that Hatshepsut and Eve were both women of their time and women who wanted more than traditional roles. Readers will not forget either of them.

This is a novel that will be welcomed by fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction and the author. I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 24 March 2026

Post first published on 18 January 2026

Description:

from the publisher

Known for her “delightful blend of historical fiction and suspense” (People), New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict, returns with a sweeping tale of a young woman who unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharaoh—rewriting both of their legacies forever.

In the 1920s, archeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle made headlines around the world with the discovery of the treasure-filled tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. But behind it all stood Lady Evelyn Herbert—daughter of Lord Carnarvon—whose daring spirit and relentless curiosity made the momentous find possible.

Nearly 3,000 years earlier, another woman defied the expectations of her time: Hatshepsut, Egypt’s lost pharaoh. Her reign was bold, visionary—and nearly erased from history.

When Evelyn becomes obsessed with finding Hatshepsut’s secret tomb, she risks everything to uncover the truth about her reign and keep valued artifacts in Egypt, their rightful home. But as danger closes in and political tensions rise, she must make an impossible choice: protect her father’s legacy—or forge her own.

Propelled by high adventure and deadly intrigue, Daughter of Egypt is the story of two ambitious women who lived centuries apart. Both were forced to hide who they were during their lifetimes, yet ultimately changed history forever.

From the Publisher:

“Immersive … Benedict evokes the excitement of archaeology in colonial Egypt with an abundance of lush details. There’s plenty to enjoy in this story of two women defying expectations.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Benedict’s flair for bringing the past to life draws in readers, providing not only lessons in history but an engrossing and entertaining tale. The complex issues of exploration and the collection of antiquities add resonance to the story.” ―Library Journal

Note:

There are a number of reviews of other Benedict books on my site. They have all offered good reads. Are you a fan?

Also, some may want to look for Gill Paul’s novel, The Collector’s Daughter, which also features Evelyn Herbert. See review on my blog.