The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

 

Back Cover: Bestselling author Jocelyn Green sweeps you away in a dazzling novel of secrets, betrayal, and romance within one of New York City's most esteemed museums.

For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she'd accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father's offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York's wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud.

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York's high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger's identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

 

Review: When I think of Jocelyn Green, a few thoughts come to mind: quality writing, rich historical detail, and captivating characters. I've read several of Jocelyn's works over the last couple of years, and I have sincerely enjoyed every one. However, I think 'Metropolitan Affair' is my favourite story of hers. 

I really loved the (insane) level of detail surrounding ancient Egypt and the artifacts. I can not wrap my mind around the hours that she must have spent in a library learning everything she'd need to know to write this story. The novel was so rich in detail, but not in a way that made it drag or feel heavy. I felt transported into the Metropolitan and into the story unraveling there. 

Lastly, I can't leave a review without mentioning Detective Joe and Dr Lauren. I really enjoy stories that take friends and draw them into the realm of romantic love. Joe and Lauren's story is so wonderfully sweet and wholesome. They made me so happy.

 

Thank-you to the staff at Graf Martin for continually supplying me with wonderful reads, and to Baker Publishing House for always producing such great books.