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Shadows on the Nile
The new novel from the author of THE RUSSIAN CONCUBINE and THE WHITE PEARL.
1932, London. 27-year-old Jessica Kenton's stable life is torn apart when her younger brother, Timothy, vanishes. Vowing to find him, she follows Timothy's trail to the lush and exotic lands of Egypt but she doesn't expect the danger she is confronted with. There are powerful people who do not want her brother found but not everything is as it seems...
A dramatic story of courage and betrayal and of a determined young woman's search for her brother and her discovery of an all-consuming love in the shifting deserts of Egypt.
1932, London. 27-year-old Jessica Kenton's stable life is torn apart when her younger brother, Timothy, vanishes. Vowing to find him, she follows Timothy's trail to the lush and exotic lands of Egypt but she doesn't expect the danger she is confronted with. There are powerful people who do not want her brother found but not everything is as it seems...
A dramatic story of courage and betrayal and of a determined young woman's search for her brother and her discovery of an all-consuming love in the shifting deserts of Egypt.
448 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
About the author
Kate Furnivall
22 books905 followersKate Furnivall was raised in Penarth, a small seaside town in Wales. Her mother, whose own childhood was spent in Russia, China and India, discovered at an early age that the world around us is so volatile, that the only things of true value are those inside your head and your heart. These values Kate explores in The Russian Concubine.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
Kate went to London University where she studied English and from there she went into publishing, writing material for a series of books on the canals of Britain. Then into advertising where she met her future husband, Norman. She travelled widely, giving her an insight into how different cultures function which was to prove invaluable when writing The Russian Concubine.
It was when her mother died in 2000 that Kate decided to write a book inspired by her mother's story. The Russian Concubine contains fictional characters and events, but Kate made use of the extraordinary situation that was her mother's childhood experience - that of two White Russian refugees, a mother and daughter, stuck without money or papers in an International Settlement in China.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 6, 2016
Setting: 1900s England & Egypt
3 1/2 Stars
In 1912, Jessie's brother Georgie is stolen in the middle of the night. Much to Jessie's dismay, her parents refuse to discuss it and wont allow her to speak of him. The next morning,a boy named Timothy is asleep in her brothers bed and she is told he is her new sibling. Two decades later, he too has vanished so Jessie sets out on a quest to find him. Her journey takes her to the Egyptian desert, and along the way she collects several companions who all serve to deepen the mystery. What Jessie doesn't realize is that her long lost brother Georgie is at the heart of the riddle. The author immerses the reader in a intricately woven adventure filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. And just when you think you have it figured out the author throws you for a loop, and the character of Georgie brings a fresh and interesting take to the plot. A heart warming story with endearing characters contrasting the harsh reality of old world Egyptian culture. The story at first really grabbed me,but at times it felt like a plot of "The Wizard Of OZ" with Dorothy collecting friends along the way and at this point I was loosing interest. But it picked back up,and I really wanted to find out what happened.
Not one of her best for me as her others were, but still an enjoyable read.
3 1/2 Stars
In 1912, Jessie's brother Georgie is stolen in the middle of the night. Much to Jessie's dismay, her parents refuse to discuss it and wont allow her to speak of him. The next morning,a boy named Timothy is asleep in her brothers bed and she is told he is her new sibling. Two decades later, he too has vanished so Jessie sets out on a quest to find him. Her journey takes her to the Egyptian desert, and along the way she collects several companions who all serve to deepen the mystery. What Jessie doesn't realize is that her long lost brother Georgie is at the heart of the riddle. The author immerses the reader in a intricately woven adventure filled with mystery, intrigue and romance. And just when you think you have it figured out the author throws you for a loop, and the character of Georgie brings a fresh and interesting take to the plot. A heart warming story with endearing characters contrasting the harsh reality of old world Egyptian culture. The story at first really grabbed me,but at times it felt like a plot of "The Wizard Of OZ" with Dorothy collecting friends along the way and at this point I was loosing interest. But it picked back up,and I really wanted to find out what happened.
Not one of her best for me as her others were, but still an enjoyable read.
March 10, 2016
3 and a half stars.
I only realised once I had started reading this book that it was the same author who had written the Russian Concubine. If had known that, I probably would not have picked the book up in the first place.
Anyway, I am glad that I did pick this book up.
The story follows Jessica, as she deals firstly with the disappearance of her brother Georgie when she is younger, and now as an adult, the disappearance of her brother Timothy. Her brother Timothy's disappearance causes her to travel to Egypt to find him, and unravel the mystery of his disappearance.
I must say that I enjoyed the parts of the story written from Georgie's perspective, being unsure of whether or not it is accurate, it was interesting to be given an insight into an autistic mind.
The book was a page turner, but unfortunately filled with too many convenient turns, and a bit of a rushed and unpolished ending, otherwise it would have gotten 4 stars.
I only realised once I had started reading this book that it was the same author who had written the Russian Concubine. If had known that, I probably would not have picked the book up in the first place.
Anyway, I am glad that I did pick this book up.
The story follows Jessica, as she deals firstly with the disappearance of her brother Georgie when she is younger, and now as an adult, the disappearance of her brother Timothy. Her brother Timothy's disappearance causes her to travel to Egypt to find him, and unravel the mystery of his disappearance.
I must say that I enjoyed the parts of the story written from Georgie's perspective, being unsure of whether or not it is accurate, it was interesting to be given an insight into an autistic mind.
The book was a page turner, but unfortunately filled with too many convenient turns, and a bit of a rushed and unpolished ending, otherwise it would have gotten 4 stars.
April 2, 2016
Με δυο λόγια λόγω έλλειψης χρόνου για αναλυτική κριτική. Η αρχική ιδέα μου φάνηκε αρκετά ενδιαφέρουσα και το μυστήριο πίσω από αυτή κατάφερε να κρατήσει ζοφερό το ενδιαφέρον μου ειδικά στις πρώτες σελίδες σε συνδυασμό με τα ενδιαφέροντα ιστορικά στοιχεία που η συγγραφέας έδειχνε να χει μελετήσει εκτενώς δυστυχώς όμως στην εκτέλεση της ιδέας και της εξέλιξης της μάλλον απογοητεύτηκα και όσο προχωρούσαμε προς το τέλος θεωρώ ότι αποδυναμώθηκε αρκετά η ιστορία στο μέτρο που είχα σκεφτεί και πιστέψει ότι θα κινηθεί.
July 21, 2017
This took a long time to get into. I persevered as I liked the character Jessie and was a little curious where the story could go.
Although it was a bit far fetched and cliched, this was entertaining and a fun book to read.
Although it was a bit far fetched and cliched, this was entertaining and a fun book to read.
January 25, 2015
(Puntuación: 3 estrellas y media)
Elegí esta novela porque me intrigó muchísimo el país y el momento histórico en que situaba gran parte de la acción (Egipto, 1932) y la premisa de que estaba escrita siguiendo los esquemas de las viejas novelas de Sherlock Holmes, y debo decir que he disfrutado con su lectura.
La historia tiene un principio impactante; una familia cambia a un hijo complicado (sufre una especie de autismo) por otro y su otra hija, una niña de siete años, sencillamente tiene que aceptar el cambio. Esta escena sin duda engancha de inmediato y nos lleva a seguir leyendo; queremos saber por qué los padres han hecho algo tan horrible y si algún día la niña (ahora mayor) resolverá el misterio. Pero eso no es todo, porque cuando Jessie es ya una mujer independiente su "nuevo" hermano, al que también ha llegado a querer, desaparece misteriosamente. Esta segunda desaparición es aún más extraña que la primera porque Tim, el segundo hermano, le deja pistas a Jessie relacionadas con las novelas de Holmes para que lo encuentre.
Jessie, cual detective amateur, sigue las pistas que conducen a Egipto donde la acompaña sir Montague Chamford, un hombre más complicado de lo que parece.
La primera parte de la novela transcurre básicamente en Londres, y sí, recuerda a las novelas del detective inglés, y la segunda en Egipto, y a mí me ha recordado a la película de La Momia con acción y toques de romanticismo.
Técnicamente es una novela original pues combina la narración en tercera persona con capítulos en primera escritos desde el punto de vista de George, el hermano autista que desapareció.
Recomendaría su lectura si te gusta el Egipto que se retrata en las novelas de Agatha Christie y el estilo literario de las novelas de detectives, y en especial las de Sherlock Holmes, y sí, la parte romántica también está bien resuelta.
Elegí esta novela porque me intrigó muchísimo el país y el momento histórico en que situaba gran parte de la acción (Egipto, 1932) y la premisa de que estaba escrita siguiendo los esquemas de las viejas novelas de Sherlock Holmes, y debo decir que he disfrutado con su lectura.
La historia tiene un principio impactante; una familia cambia a un hijo complicado (sufre una especie de autismo) por otro y su otra hija, una niña de siete años, sencillamente tiene que aceptar el cambio. Esta escena sin duda engancha de inmediato y nos lleva a seguir leyendo; queremos saber por qué los padres han hecho algo tan horrible y si algún día la niña (ahora mayor) resolverá el misterio. Pero eso no es todo, porque cuando Jessie es ya una mujer independiente su "nuevo" hermano, al que también ha llegado a querer, desaparece misteriosamente. Esta segunda desaparición es aún más extraña que la primera porque Tim, el segundo hermano, le deja pistas a Jessie relacionadas con las novelas de Holmes para que lo encuentre.
Jessie, cual detective amateur, sigue las pistas que conducen a Egipto donde la acompaña sir Montague Chamford, un hombre más complicado de lo que parece.
La primera parte de la novela transcurre básicamente en Londres, y sí, recuerda a las novelas del detective inglés, y la segunda en Egipto, y a mí me ha recordado a la película de La Momia con acción y toques de romanticismo.
Técnicamente es una novela original pues combina la narración en tercera persona con capítulos en primera escritos desde el punto de vista de George, el hermano autista que desapareció.
Recomendaría su lectura si te gusta el Egipto que se retrata en las novelas de Agatha Christie y el estilo literario de las novelas de detectives, y en especial las de Sherlock Holmes, y sí, la parte romántica también está bien resuelta.
December 9, 2012
Shadows on the Nile begins in London in 1912, with our young heroine, Jessie and her changeling brother. It’s a cracker of a start to a story that then leaps ahead to 1932, when the principle characters are now adults.
Jessie and Timothy’s wealthy parents are in thrall to Oswald Mosely’s Fascist views, and the theory of eugenics. Meantime, discontented and down at heal Londoners are on the march against the imposition of the Means Test.
Then Timothy disappears, and through an improbable collection of clues, Jessie and her friend Sir Montague Chamford head to Egypt to find him.
The interesting blend of historical background and atmospheric settings carries the story along at a relatively lively pace, interspersed with chapters told in a first-person narrative that follows its own timeline.
All well and good – except that it takes far too long for the story to get where it's going, and when it does get there, things degenerate rapidly into a potboiler.
I would have had more patience with Ms Furnivall’s novel if it had been a couple of hundred pages shorter. I found myself being able to quite comfortably skim paragraphs until something happened that actually advanced the story or told me something useful about the characters.
This is a frequent complaint of mine, and something which I blame modern publishing methods for… everything seems geared to the number of pages and the size of the product (to command a bigger price tag) rather than the quality of the writing and efficient flow of the narrative.
Even stripped of some of its excess wordage, I’m not sure I would be more than mildly interested in Shadows on the Nile. I love the idea of it; but in my opinion it is a book that promises more than it actually delivers.
Jessie and Timothy’s wealthy parents are in thrall to Oswald Mosely’s Fascist views, and the theory of eugenics. Meantime, discontented and down at heal Londoners are on the march against the imposition of the Means Test.
Then Timothy disappears, and through an improbable collection of clues, Jessie and her friend Sir Montague Chamford head to Egypt to find him.
The interesting blend of historical background and atmospheric settings carries the story along at a relatively lively pace, interspersed with chapters told in a first-person narrative that follows its own timeline.
All well and good – except that it takes far too long for the story to get where it's going, and when it does get there, things degenerate rapidly into a potboiler.
I would have had more patience with Ms Furnivall’s novel if it had been a couple of hundred pages shorter. I found myself being able to quite comfortably skim paragraphs until something happened that actually advanced the story or told me something useful about the characters.
This is a frequent complaint of mine, and something which I blame modern publishing methods for… everything seems geared to the number of pages and the size of the product (to command a bigger price tag) rather than the quality of the writing and efficient flow of the narrative.
Even stripped of some of its excess wordage, I’m not sure I would be more than mildly interested in Shadows on the Nile. I love the idea of it; but in my opinion it is a book that promises more than it actually delivers.
May 5, 2017
I have mixed emotions about this one. It wasn't as good as I had hoped. I felt like the disparate elements - the pre-WWII rise of fascism, autism in the early twentieth century, Egyptology & romance - just didn't mesh well together. I liked the individual parts, but don't feel like the combination was effective. I was hoping for something more like Deanna Raybourne's Night of a Thousand Stars.
September 2, 2017
After immensely enjoying Kate Furnivall's The Liberation and checking out her back catalogue, I added Shadows on the Nile to my wishlist, as I have a keen interest in Egyptian history. I recently popped into my local library and the breathtaking cover of Shadows on the Nile was shining in front of my eyes like the golden rays of the sun god Ra. So I put my feet up with a nice glass of wine and prepared to be whisked away to Egypt.
With a dramatic, heart-wrenching first chapter, the story starts in 1912 with 7 year old Jessica being awoken by a noise in the night followed by a frightened squeal from her little brother. Waking up the next day, it's as if events of the previous night never happened and Jessica's life continues as normal. Fast forward to 1932 when Jessica's brother, Tim, goes missing after attending a séance. Jessica follows Tim's trail to the location of the séance and meets Sir Montague Chamford. Monty joins Jessie in her search for Tim and I was quite suspicious of his motivations - what is he hiding or what doesn't he want Jessie to find?
Whereas we would hop on a plane, Jessie and Monty have an 80 hour journey across Europe to Cairo. This is where Kate Furnivall excels in her writing: the sights, sounds, smells, heat and dust of Cairo are described in such exquisite detail that you feel as if you are there. I have been to Cairo before so my imagination does have a head start, but it really is exactly as Kate Furnivall describes it. The golden glint of Tutankhamun's death mask and the majesty of the pyramids are truly brought to life in Shadows of the Nile.
Jessie's family history plays a massive part in the story, but I can't say too much without spoiling it for others. Suffice to say, Jessie's search for Tim leads to a confrontation with the past, a past that may have been buried but history has shown us that so many well buried secrets are unearthed in Egypt.
Another superbly atmospheric story from Kate Furnivall that swept me away to the Nile valley. Through her breathtakingly beautiful prose, Kate Furnivall paints a stunning and vivid picture of this incredible ancient country. This is historical fiction at its finest and I highly recommend Kate Furnivall's books.
I borrowed this book from my local library and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
With a dramatic, heart-wrenching first chapter, the story starts in 1912 with 7 year old Jessica being awoken by a noise in the night followed by a frightened squeal from her little brother. Waking up the next day, it's as if events of the previous night never happened and Jessica's life continues as normal. Fast forward to 1932 when Jessica's brother, Tim, goes missing after attending a séance. Jessica follows Tim's trail to the location of the séance and meets Sir Montague Chamford. Monty joins Jessie in her search for Tim and I was quite suspicious of his motivations - what is he hiding or what doesn't he want Jessie to find?
Whereas we would hop on a plane, Jessie and Monty have an 80 hour journey across Europe to Cairo. This is where Kate Furnivall excels in her writing: the sights, sounds, smells, heat and dust of Cairo are described in such exquisite detail that you feel as if you are there. I have been to Cairo before so my imagination does have a head start, but it really is exactly as Kate Furnivall describes it. The golden glint of Tutankhamun's death mask and the majesty of the pyramids are truly brought to life in Shadows of the Nile.
Jessie's family history plays a massive part in the story, but I can't say too much without spoiling it for others. Suffice to say, Jessie's search for Tim leads to a confrontation with the past, a past that may have been buried but history has shown us that so many well buried secrets are unearthed in Egypt.
Another superbly atmospheric story from Kate Furnivall that swept me away to the Nile valley. Through her breathtakingly beautiful prose, Kate Furnivall paints a stunning and vivid picture of this incredible ancient country. This is historical fiction at its finest and I highly recommend Kate Furnivall's books.
I borrowed this book from my local library and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 24, 2014
I'm a huge fan of Kate Furnivall's novels, especially The Russian Concubine, and found this to be a new and entertaining direction for her. Shadows on the Nile is a mix of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, and best of all, it's set in Egypt and is chock full of Sherlock Holmes references!
As always, Furnivall's descriptions are lush and every scene is action packed. I particularly liked Malak, the plucky Egyptian boy-guide, and the relationship between Jessie's brothers, Georgie and Tim, was especially poignant.
A meticulously researched and entertaining read, and one I highly recommend for anyone who loves reading about Egypt!
As always, Furnivall's descriptions are lush and every scene is action packed. I particularly liked Malak, the plucky Egyptian boy-guide, and the relationship between Jessie's brothers, Georgie and Tim, was especially poignant.
A meticulously researched and entertaining read, and one I highly recommend for anyone who loves reading about Egypt!
March 2, 2016
The love story was perfect! It was believable and moved at a great pace. The historical/ geographic context was well incorporated and intriguing. I was skeptical about the chapters from Georgie's perspective, but as the book goes on it became more relevant. I liked it!
June 17, 2016
Kate Furnivall’s 'Shadow on the Nile' is a rip-roaring adventure full of the dry dust of Egypt. From the beginning, we are drawn into Jessie’s world as she searches for her missing brothers – the one who was taken as a child, and the one who is missing in Egypt. Her determination to follow the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ type clues, make her an engaging and resourceful character. Everything you’d want from this sort of novel is here – the quest for antiquities, old tombs, and the danger caused by greed and political instability. There is romance, and kidnapping, and ruthless villains. But this is not just a romp. What elevates it and makes this novel special is the portrayal of Georgie, from whose point of view we begin to understand how mental health was viewed in the 1930’s, and what happened to people who, like Georgie, were seen as dangerously different.
Kate Furnivall does a great job of conjuring Georgie’s world and its limitations, and of making us understand his choices, which from an outside view may make no sense, but from the point of view of someone autistic are perfectly logical. ( I must point out that the term is never used in the book, except in the author’s notes.) Read this if you like exotic settings and unusual viewpoint characters – Georgie is a wholly believable protagonist, and I thought his narration was masterfully done.
Kate Furnivall does a great job of conjuring Georgie’s world and its limitations, and of making us understand his choices, which from an outside view may make no sense, but from the point of view of someone autistic are perfectly logical. ( I must point out that the term is never used in the book, except in the author’s notes.) Read this if you like exotic settings and unusual viewpoint characters – Georgie is a wholly believable protagonist, and I thought his narration was masterfully done.
January 6, 2013
Well what can I say... this is a bit like an Agatha Christie story with so many coincidences it is beyond belief (although I am not sure being believable is a quality the author aspires to). I like the way the author describes her characters and the atmosphere in Egypt in the 1930s. One of the characters, Georgie, is interesting and well observed but a distraction in someways. The heroine, Jessie, encounters an amazing amount of mishaps with some miraculous lucky escapes. This is an enjoyable read that strays into old fashioned romantic territory. Harmless and a bit of fun - probably a good holiday read.
March 17, 2013
This was a book with plenty of potential but there was something missing. I just didn't feel the chemistry between the main characters and the multiple, intersecting storylines felt clumsy and forced. I made it to the end but it felt like an effort.
July 15, 2018
This was a challenging read overall--plenty of intrigue and mystery which, of course, was the author's intent but those things got somewhat tiresome. The plot seems overly contrived.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 19, 2023DNF on page 128 of 434.
I got about a third of the way into this book and had absolutely no idea where it was going. The book is titled Shadows on the Nile but at the 30% mark they still had not made it to Egypt yet. There are also too many plot lines and they don’t fit together well in my opinion. Is this a story about Arthur Conan Doyle? Autism? Is it a historical romance? An adventure story? I think it’s supposed to be all of the above but the different elements just aren’t coming together well enough. I don’t really care about any of the characters. The FMC is flat and kind of dull. I was fairly meh about her, but the MMC who (I assume) will be the love interest I couldn’t stand. I have too much that I want to read to devote any more time to this. I’m sad because I was really looking forward to this one.
I got about a third of the way into this book and had absolutely no idea where it was going. The book is titled Shadows on the Nile but at the 30% mark they still had not made it to Egypt yet. There are also too many plot lines and they don’t fit together well in my opinion. Is this a story about Arthur Conan Doyle? Autism? Is it a historical romance? An adventure story? I think it’s supposed to be all of the above but the different elements just aren’t coming together well enough. I don’t really care about any of the characters. The FMC is flat and kind of dull. I was fairly meh about her, but the MMC who (I assume) will be the love interest I couldn’t stand. I have too much that I want to read to devote any more time to this. I’m sad because I was really looking forward to this one.
September 5, 2017
Mystery, romance, intrigue, corruption and exotic settings all combine into one terrific read. In 1912 London, Jessie Kenton hears her younger brother crying in the middle of the night. The next day, Georgie is gone and her parents refuse to let her ask questions or speak of him. They soon adopt a new child, Timothy, whom Jessie grows to love as if he were her own brother. Fast forward to 1932. When Timothy vanishes without a trace, Jessie is haunted by the same nightmarish scene. Frantic to locate him, she joins forces with an impoverished aristocrat and together they follow clues which lead them to Egypt and the illegal antiquities trade.
September 27, 2013
Shadows on the Nile is a mystery set in 1932 London and Egypt. Jessica Kenton’s stable life is threatened when her younger brother, Timothy vanishes. Jessica is charged with finding her brother, never dreaming that it will take her to exotic Egypt. Along the way, Jessica gains the “help” of impoverished aristocrat, Monty, who has his own motives for getting involved. On the trail for her brother, Jessica finds herself with more trouble than she bargained for and her family’s closely held secret will be revealed.
This was my first Furnivall novel and I loved it! The novel was very atmospheric and I loved the transition from London to Egypt and the contrast that these two made. The mystery was revealed slowly and at times I was frustrated at the pacing, but it never made me want to put the book down. Within Jessica’s narrative we also have interludes by what starts out as a mysterious voice, which we later learn is Jessica’s “true” brother. While I liked the writing style in her brother’s voice I did think it hampered the pacing a little bit. The storyline with Jessica’s “real” brother also seemed like a little bit of an awkward addition to the mystery and I have mixed feelings about its inclusion.
I also liked the romance aspect to the book, it was never the centre of the story, but added another layer to the central mystery plot. Monty was a rather ambiguous character, making it difficult to understand his motives for helping Jessica. What’s never in question is Monty’s feelings towards Jessica, but reader’s are kept in suspense as to whether or not Monty is the “good guy.” I liked the addition of this relationship and I think it will appeal to readers who want a more character-driven novel.
The time period in which Shadows on the Nile was set is what really made this book for me. I find Egypt in the 1930s to be extremely interesting period since it’s characterized as a time of exploration and cultural pillage. I liked that Furnivall addressed the moral ambiguity of British citizens removing Egyptian artifacts without permission. It’s an interesting period and to be honest, completely reminds me of the movie, The Mummy – minus the whole supernatural dead rising from the grave to wreck havoc on the city. Since I loved that movie, I felt predisposed to enjoy Shadows on the Nile. While Shadows did not have any supernatural elements to it, the atmospheric historical setting really appealed to me.
Overall, I loved the mystery, the historical setting and the dash of romance that rounded out this novel, which is saying something since I’m very picky about my historical fiction.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss. Review with read alikes available here.
This was my first Furnivall novel and I loved it! The novel was very atmospheric and I loved the transition from London to Egypt and the contrast that these two made. The mystery was revealed slowly and at times I was frustrated at the pacing, but it never made me want to put the book down. Within Jessica’s narrative we also have interludes by what starts out as a mysterious voice, which we later learn is Jessica’s “true” brother. While I liked the writing style in her brother’s voice I did think it hampered the pacing a little bit. The storyline with Jessica’s “real” brother also seemed like a little bit of an awkward addition to the mystery and I have mixed feelings about its inclusion.
I also liked the romance aspect to the book, it was never the centre of the story, but added another layer to the central mystery plot. Monty was a rather ambiguous character, making it difficult to understand his motives for helping Jessica. What’s never in question is Monty’s feelings towards Jessica, but reader’s are kept in suspense as to whether or not Monty is the “good guy.” I liked the addition of this relationship and I think it will appeal to readers who want a more character-driven novel.
The time period in which Shadows on the Nile was set is what really made this book for me. I find Egypt in the 1930s to be extremely interesting period since it’s characterized as a time of exploration and cultural pillage. I liked that Furnivall addressed the moral ambiguity of British citizens removing Egyptian artifacts without permission. It’s an interesting period and to be honest, completely reminds me of the movie, The Mummy – minus the whole supernatural dead rising from the grave to wreck havoc on the city. Since I loved that movie, I felt predisposed to enjoy Shadows on the Nile. While Shadows did not have any supernatural elements to it, the atmospheric historical setting really appealed to me.
Overall, I loved the mystery, the historical setting and the dash of romance that rounded out this novel, which is saying something since I’m very picky about my historical fiction.
*Review copy provided by Edelweiss. Review with read alikes available here.
June 21, 2013
I had never read a book by Kate Furnivall before, and after finishing this, it definitely won’t be my last…I’m already very excited about reading more of her novels.
I loved this book, I’d even say that it is one of my favourite books of this year, and such a find! I can’t believe that I have not discovered this wonderful author before now, and after this I will be investigating her other books. With shadows On The Nile, I was hooked from the first page, it is one of those books where I was drawn in very quickly and sucked into the story, and once I’d started I didn’t want to stop reading. In fact, I actually read the entire novel in one sitting because I was so engrossed in the plot line and what was happening!
The characters were very-well written. I warmed to the main character, Jessica straight away, she was easy to like and I particularly admired her strength, courage and determination as she set out on her search to find out the truth about her brother.
The setting of Egypt was the perfect choice I feel. I loved the description of the setting, I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and it felt as though I was there with Jessica following her on her journey. I could see the sights in my mind, feel the atmosphere and smell the scents of Egypt around me. I think Egypt also helped to give a sense of mystery and the unknown to the story, it definitely heightened my interest in the novel and made me keen to read on to see what would be uncovered there.
I don’t want to say anything about the plot line because I thoroughly enjoyed going into the story not knowing too much and letting it all unravel at the right moments, but what I will say is that this is a gripping book! I was constantly guessing and re-guessing about what I thought had happened, and I must say I didn’t guess it. I was completely absorbed by this beautiful novel from start to finish and I am already looking forward to reading it over again.
Shadows On The Nile is full of mystery, intrigue, history, suspense and romance too. It is a novel that will take you in from the first few words and I’m sure many readers out there will enjoy losing themselves in this stunning novel. I would HIGHLY recommend this.
I loved this book, I’d even say that it is one of my favourite books of this year, and such a find! I can’t believe that I have not discovered this wonderful author before now, and after this I will be investigating her other books. With shadows On The Nile, I was hooked from the first page, it is one of those books where I was drawn in very quickly and sucked into the story, and once I’d started I didn’t want to stop reading. In fact, I actually read the entire novel in one sitting because I was so engrossed in the plot line and what was happening!
The characters were very-well written. I warmed to the main character, Jessica straight away, she was easy to like and I particularly admired her strength, courage and determination as she set out on her search to find out the truth about her brother.
The setting of Egypt was the perfect choice I feel. I loved the description of the setting, I could picture every scene clearly in my mind and it felt as though I was there with Jessica following her on her journey. I could see the sights in my mind, feel the atmosphere and smell the scents of Egypt around me. I think Egypt also helped to give a sense of mystery and the unknown to the story, it definitely heightened my interest in the novel and made me keen to read on to see what would be uncovered there.
I don’t want to say anything about the plot line because I thoroughly enjoyed going into the story not knowing too much and letting it all unravel at the right moments, but what I will say is that this is a gripping book! I was constantly guessing and re-guessing about what I thought had happened, and I must say I didn’t guess it. I was completely absorbed by this beautiful novel from start to finish and I am already looking forward to reading it over again.
Shadows On The Nile is full of mystery, intrigue, history, suspense and romance too. It is a novel that will take you in from the first few words and I’m sure many readers out there will enjoy losing themselves in this stunning novel. I would HIGHLY recommend this.
December 3, 2013
Well, I'll admit this novel was not at all what I expected. Having previously read all of Kate Furnivall's novels and loved them I had high expectations of her latest. It began rather perplexingly for me, as I couldn't really grasp what the genre of the novel was meant to be. Set in the 1930s, yes, but not necessarily historical fiction per say, as the story itself was not based upon historical events. Then I got the impression that it was a coming-of-age story, especially when the relationship between the siblings Jessie, Timothy and Georgie started being explored in greater detail. Finally, about one third of the way through the novel, it hit me. This is an historical mystery. Complete with Sherlock Holmes references and clues heavily based in Egyptology, this in fact is an excellent historical mystery. It just took me some time to appreciate it!
The female protagonist of this novel, Jessie, travels to Egypt to find her archaeologist brother whom she fears is in trouble. Tagging along by her side is a near-stranger to her, Sir Monty, a man in whose house her brother was last seen. The reader is given a strong notion that Sir Monty isn't telling Jessie the entire truth, and yet for some reason I still liked him. I think the author truly wanted the reader to realize that Monty was not a bad guy and was a good man for Jessie.
The most interesting aspect of the book for me wasn't the descriptions of the Egyptian desert or artifacts, nor the in-depth references to Sherlock Holmes and his cases, but rather the character of Jessie's brother, Georgie. Without using the word autism, for it wasn't around at that time, the author has made it obvious to a modern-day reader that autism is what Georgie has. The chapters based upon his character were written in first-person perspective and were so brilliantly written I have found myself looking at autism in a whole new light. Seeing things through Georgie's perspective was eye-opening for me. I wonder how exactly Ms Furnivall studied autism before she wrote about Georgie.
All in all, this is a very unique novel that has left me with much food for thought. Not what I expected at all, but a worthwhile read all the same.
The female protagonist of this novel, Jessie, travels to Egypt to find her archaeologist brother whom she fears is in trouble. Tagging along by her side is a near-stranger to her, Sir Monty, a man in whose house her brother was last seen. The reader is given a strong notion that Sir Monty isn't telling Jessie the entire truth, and yet for some reason I still liked him. I think the author truly wanted the reader to realize that Monty was not a bad guy and was a good man for Jessie.
The most interesting aspect of the book for me wasn't the descriptions of the Egyptian desert or artifacts, nor the in-depth references to Sherlock Holmes and his cases, but rather the character of Jessie's brother, Georgie. Without using the word autism, for it wasn't around at that time, the author has made it obvious to a modern-day reader that autism is what Georgie has. The chapters based upon his character were written in first-person perspective and were so brilliantly written I have found myself looking at autism in a whole new light. Seeing things through Georgie's perspective was eye-opening for me. I wonder how exactly Ms Furnivall studied autism before she wrote about Georgie.
All in all, this is a very unique novel that has left me with much food for thought. Not what I expected at all, but a worthwhile read all the same.
March 12, 2014
★★ 1/2 stars
Eh, I was not a huge fan of this book. I read Kate Furnivall's novel The Red Scarf and loved it! Over five years later, it remains one of my favorite books. I guess I was just expecting something similar. Or maybe the book just wasn't for me. I'm usually not into mysteries and adventure stories unless they have a lot substance to them. I also noticed that lately I've listened to a few English mysteries, and just can't seem to get into them. Maybe it's the narrators?
Twenty years after, her younger brother, Georgie has been taken and replaced with an adopted brother, Timothy, Jessie sets out to find Timothy who has mysteriously disappeared. She travels to Egypt with her new romantic interest to search for him. Interwoven with Jessie's adventure, is the story of Timothy's visits to Georgie.
This audio book arrived at the library I work at and I was excited to see both that it was by Kate Furnivall and because I currently reading another historical fiction novel, Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (much better, thank goodness!). After reading the summary, I was hoping there would be more historical information about Egypt - there was some, but not much. Some parts were good, but there just wasn't enough there to keep me interested. One of the major problems I had was with Jessie's character. She just didn't fit a young women from the 1930s and I kept having to remind myself that the book was set in that time period instead of today. I was also disturbed by Georgie's situation - even though it was explained, I felt that the characters didn't deal with what happened to the family when the children were young.
I currently have another of Furnivall's novels, The White Pearl, sitting on my bookshelf at home. We'll see if this one is any better!
See my full review here: http://onceuponatime-bookblog.blogspo...
Eh, I was not a huge fan of this book. I read Kate Furnivall's novel The Red Scarf and loved it! Over five years later, it remains one of my favorite books. I guess I was just expecting something similar. Or maybe the book just wasn't for me. I'm usually not into mysteries and adventure stories unless they have a lot substance to them. I also noticed that lately I've listened to a few English mysteries, and just can't seem to get into them. Maybe it's the narrators?
Twenty years after, her younger brother, Georgie has been taken and replaced with an adopted brother, Timothy, Jessie sets out to find Timothy who has mysteriously disappeared. She travels to Egypt with her new romantic interest to search for him. Interwoven with Jessie's adventure, is the story of Timothy's visits to Georgie.
This audio book arrived at the library I work at and I was excited to see both that it was by Kate Furnivall and because I currently reading another historical fiction novel, Nefertiti by Michelle Moran (much better, thank goodness!). After reading the summary, I was hoping there would be more historical information about Egypt - there was some, but not much. Some parts were good, but there just wasn't enough there to keep me interested. One of the major problems I had was with Jessie's character. She just didn't fit a young women from the 1930s and I kept having to remind myself that the book was set in that time period instead of today. I was also disturbed by Georgie's situation - even though it was explained, I felt that the characters didn't deal with what happened to the family when the children were young.
I currently have another of Furnivall's novels, The White Pearl, sitting on my bookshelf at home. We'll see if this one is any better!
See my full review here: http://onceuponatime-bookblog.blogspo...
August 26, 2014
5 stars. Review: I liked this book! A lot! The 5 stars I gave to it, it was worth it. I wish I could give more stars to it. Hahaha!! Now one of my favorite books. There are many reasons to explain why I loved this book. First it said so many things about Egypt and now I’m like *I want to go there*, second it had many references from stories of Sherlock Holmes and some details from the life of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (which I didn’t knew many things about this writer and his life, I have just only read his books) so I was very pleased. I don’t think that there is any negative thing to say about this book. But only how amazing it is. I liked Jessie’s character. She is strong and has a mind of a detective. Why she wasn’t at first a detective??
Minor question: I read at the end of the book why the writer chose to have references from Sherlock Holm’s stories. Why does everyone love Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holms?? There are many others that are as good as him. For example Robert Downey Jr.
Minor question: I read at the end of the book why the writer chose to have references from Sherlock Holm’s stories. Why does everyone love Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holms?? There are many others that are as good as him. For example Robert Downey Jr.
September 10, 2017
A meeting of brilliant minds. Author, Kate Furnivall, is at her very best in this brilliantly plotted story. The plot is structured like a V, as it gradually comes to the tip of the point as the mystery murder story comes to an end in Egypt.
Her, protagonists are all damaged personalities as they engage the depression, fascists and uncaring parents in England during the early 20th century.
It is told from two points of view. Brother Tim and Georgie as they angle toward sister Jessie and Sir Monte.
When Tim, goes missing later in the 1930, she traces him to Egypt using clever clues he leaves from Arthur Conan Doyle's Novels about brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes.
Clues are cleverly dispersed as you read along that change the outlook of the storyline. You are given the chance to solve the mystery Along with Jesse and Monte.
This is historical fiction that gives added benefits of a mystery as colorful as the Egyptian kings tombs and a blooming love story that is a lovely as the Desert in the evening.
Her, protagonists are all damaged personalities as they engage the depression, fascists and uncaring parents in England during the early 20th century.
It is told from two points of view. Brother Tim and Georgie as they angle toward sister Jessie and Sir Monte.
When Tim, goes missing later in the 1930, she traces him to Egypt using clever clues he leaves from Arthur Conan Doyle's Novels about brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes.
Clues are cleverly dispersed as you read along that change the outlook of the storyline. You are given the chance to solve the mystery Along with Jesse and Monte.
This is historical fiction that gives added benefits of a mystery as colorful as the Egyptian kings tombs and a blooming love story that is a lovely as the Desert in the evening.
September 10, 2016
This is a good read! The conclusion is straight melodrama but everything leading up to it makes for a great story. I like when a book gives you insight into different characters so the changing perspective between the heroine, hero and one of the heroine's brothers made it a richer reading experience for me though I imagine it may annoy others. I liked the heroine; girl has some issues but I think with reason. I recommend this also for those who enjoyed Elizabeth Peters books; this book has the same sort of love affair with ancient Egyptian history (though missing the kickass Amelia Peabody).
August 20, 2019
Meh. Not her best book, by far. Just a slow, kind-of-boring read for me, compared to her other books. She really should have stayed with one story line--Jessie & Monty, or Tim & Georgie. Personally, I preferred the latter--the story of the brothers. In all honesty, this is, at best, a good book for the bathroom. No offense to Furnivall, but her other books are just SO much better. She's just all over the place with this book. Way too many characters & plot lines--for me, any way--that simply do not belong together. And it's not that she's a bad writer. It's just that this book . . . Meh.
October 22, 2014
Unfortunately I could not get into this book. Jess is a really whiny trouble maker (though the author attempts to make this Jess' independent streak). Jess just turned out to be a weak, do whatever I want at everyone else's expense kind of character.
So upsetting because literally all of Kate Furnival's books are wonderfully written. I think she had a publishing obligation and just pushed out a book.
So upsetting because literally all of Kate Furnival's books are wonderfully written. I think she had a publishing obligation and just pushed out a book.
February 8, 2018
I'll tell you a secret: I was going to give up on this book at 34% because I picked it up to read about Egypt and no one had made it to Egypt yet, but when I flipped to the ending I found a gunfight and thought it might be worth reading for. Spoiler alert: It was not worth reading.
This book is just so impossibly dull. There is no suspense, no real intrigue. The characters are all dumb as dishwater. So disappointing.
This book is just so impossibly dull. There is no suspense, no real intrigue. The characters are all dumb as dishwater. So disappointing.
October 11, 2020
Don’t read this. It is utterly ridiculous. You may think you are about to read a book about a missing Egyptologist, but you also get tangents such as Sherlock Holmes detective work, eugenics, adoption, the Muslim Brotherhood, the fall of English aristocracy, looting of artefacts, as well as the most ridiculous main character ever. Do not waste your time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2014
Please...do not waste your time. I liked the Russian Concubine series, so I was looking forward to another Kate Furnivall book. Unfortunately, this didn't deliver. The characters were flat, the storyline weak and I really had to force myself to finish it.
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 3, 2016I never started to care
November 11, 2015
Furnival's books are my guilty pleasure. This ons is a page turner that you can read in a couple of days. Though there are some cheesy moments, I really enjoyed it!
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