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To Chase the Glowing Hours
In November 1922, Lady Eve, the twenty-one-year-old daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon, embarks on an extraordinary journey from her opulent home of Highclere Castle to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Alongside her father and his hired archaeologist, Howard Carter, Eve experiences a breathtaking moment when she glimpses the lavish treasures of King Tutankhamun through a peephole in the inner doorway of an ancient, underground tomb. Amidst the excitement of her adventure, Eve finds herself drawn to the brilliant yet temperamental Carter. But as news of the treasures spreads, the trio faces challenges from peasant laborers, Egyptian nationalists, and combative reporters. When tragedy strikes, Eve becomes embroiled in a dramatic struggle to secure her family' s claim to the newfound riches, all while navigating her conflicting feelings for Carter and a suitor from her own social class. To Chase the Glowing Hours is a poignant coming-of-age tale that follows Eve' s journey from a sheltered girl to a resilient young woman. This richly-woven narrative explores themes of love, greed, loss, privilege, and self-discovery, set against the alluring and glamorous backdrops of Egypt and England in the Roaring Twenties.
246 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 5, 2025
As a passionate reader of historical fiction and someone fascinated by Egyptology, To Chase the Glowing Hours immediately captivated me with its setting and premise. The story opens with great promise – a richly evoked Egyptian atmosphere, an air of mystery, and a compelling heroine, Eve, who challenges the limitations of her time. Her ambition and desire for more than the traditional role assigned to women felt especially inspiring.
However, after the halfway point, the narrative begins to lose momentum. The pacing slows considerably, and the plot doesn’t develop as strongly as I had hoped. While it’s evident that the author has conducted thorough historical research and crafted an immersive backdrop, at times the intricate details seem to overshadow the story itself. I also found myself wishing for more mystique and romantic tension to keep the emotional stakes higher.
That said, this novel has undeniable potential, particularly for readers drawn to themes of archaeology, women’s empowerment, and the allure of the 1920s. I only wish the second half had maintained the energy and intrigue of the beginning. Still, I would recommend it to fans of slower-paced, atmospheric historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, after the halfway point, the narrative begins to lose momentum. The pacing slows considerably, and the plot doesn’t develop as strongly as I had hoped. While it’s evident that the author has conducted thorough historical research and crafted an immersive backdrop, at times the intricate details seem to overshadow the story itself. I also found myself wishing for more mystique and romantic tension to keep the emotional stakes higher.
That said, this novel has undeniable potential, particularly for readers drawn to themes of archaeology, women’s empowerment, and the allure of the 1920s. I only wish the second half had maintained the energy and intrigue of the beginning. Still, I would recommend it to fans of slower-paced, atmospheric historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
Casual Egyptology buffs looking for a page-turning dramatization of the discovery of Tut's tomb will want to give this one a try. If you don't mind the detours into British family drama that have been rightly compared to Downton Abbey, there is still an abundance of archaeological details, political history, and immersive sensory description to make this an engaging read. I will leave historical accuracy nitpicking to the experts in the field, but I felt informed despite the fictionalization, and appreciated the author's notes at the end.
The story centers around Lady Eve(lyn), Lord Carnarvon's daughter, who was present during some of the first explorations of the tomb. This magical experience is certainly the high point of the novel, and Kirkpatrick's passion for the subject is palpable. Building off of this is an ill-advised romance between Lady Eve and Howard Carter, inspired by real-life correspondence of Evelyn's into which some read a romantic relationship.
As a matter of personal preference, I don't find this sort of over-fictionalization of relatively modern historical people to be in the best of taste. It's not my thing, but it was interesting. I appreciated the attempt to parallel the love story with the experience of the tomb discovery--both are brief, otherworldly, and tenuous--however, not being a foolish twenty-one-year-old, it was much harder to buy into the magic of the former than the latter. While I enjoyed Kirkpatrick's magnetic, driven Carter for the first half of the novel, I found Eve self-centered and naive. The two of them are painfully mismatched, the affair obviously doomed from the outset. Of course some of this was dictated by historical fact, but that didn't make it any less uncomfortable to watch unfold. Later, as Eve evolves, Carter devolves; the more we get to know him, the more we're disappointed. Real life at its realest, no doubt--but sadly, kind of a bummer.
After Lord Carnarvon's death, the story moves to Highclere and fully embraces the Downton Abbey vibe, where for me it becomes less of a page-turner and more of a page-flipper. Eve's coming-of-age, though sorely needed, felt like the "settling for less" and "accepting life is miserable" type. For some, that's a definition of maturity, but for me it felt like ending on a downbeat; though the epilogue does alleviate it somewhat.
As for the prose, I wasn't a particular fan of the use of the present tense, though the sensory descriptions were rich and easy to visualize. The dialogue, on the other hand, was awkward and occasionally read like narration.
Overall, if you're here for a love story, this isn't it. In fact, the book would have been better without it. The real love affair of To Chase the Glowing Hours is with Egyptology, and for that I give it credit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The story centers around Lady Eve(lyn), Lord Carnarvon's daughter, who was present during some of the first explorations of the tomb. This magical experience is certainly the high point of the novel, and Kirkpatrick's passion for the subject is palpable. Building off of this is an ill-advised romance between Lady Eve and Howard Carter, inspired by real-life correspondence of Evelyn's into which some read a romantic relationship.
As a matter of personal preference, I don't find this sort of over-fictionalization of relatively modern historical people to be in the best of taste. It's not my thing, but it was interesting. I appreciated the attempt to parallel the love story with the experience of the tomb discovery--both are brief, otherworldly, and tenuous--however, not being a foolish twenty-one-year-old, it was much harder to buy into the magic of the former than the latter. While I enjoyed Kirkpatrick's magnetic, driven Carter for the first half of the novel, I found Eve self-centered and naive. The two of them are painfully mismatched, the affair obviously doomed from the outset. Of course some of this was dictated by historical fact, but that didn't make it any less uncomfortable to watch unfold. Later, as Eve evolves, Carter devolves; the more we get to know him, the more we're disappointed. Real life at its realest, no doubt--but sadly, kind of a bummer.
After Lord Carnarvon's death, the story moves to Highclere and fully embraces the Downton Abbey vibe, where for me it becomes less of a page-turner and more of a page-flipper. Eve's coming-of-age, though sorely needed, felt like the "settling for less" and "accepting life is miserable" type. For some, that's a definition of maturity, but for me it felt like ending on a downbeat; though the epilogue does alleviate it somewhat.
As for the prose, I wasn't a particular fan of the use of the present tense, though the sensory descriptions were rich and easy to visualize. The dialogue, on the other hand, was awkward and occasionally read like narration.
Overall, if you're here for a love story, this isn't it. In fact, the book would have been better without it. The real love affair of To Chase the Glowing Hours is with Egyptology, and for that I give it credit.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
August 6, 2025
I’ve read some really super books this year thus far, but TO CHASE THE GLOWING HOURS was the best I’ve read in in 2025. Sometimes books just have a way of letting the reader know that the author had a real passion for the content, and that was the case here. Phenomenal character arcs, magnificent world building. I could feel the heat of Egypt, visualize the splendor of the world’s greatest archaeological find, and felt the intense emotional roller-coaster that kept Eve from sleeping well at night.
Lady Evelyn (Eve) Herbert, daughter to Lord Carnarvon has joined her father in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Carnarvon’s hired archaeologist; a man he’s supported financially for years while looking for the Tomb of Tutankhamun, has struck gold—literally. Howard Carter, a chain-smoking man on a mission has located an intact tomb. Kirkpatrick’s descriptive elements in the tomb-entry scene are simply mesmerizing. Eve, her father, and Carter succumb to temptation, entering not only the first antechamber of the burial, but by breaking into the tomb’s holy-of-holies itself. However, past that mountain-high moment, the story plummets into Egypt’s civil strife, the dishonest nature of the press, and Lord Carnarvon’s worsening health. Eve’s own character is challenged in her evolving feelings regarding who “owns” Tut’s treasures, and she matures after having a short fling with the unstable Carter.
There are so many glorious levels of emotion and depth to the characters and overall presentation of this novel. It’s rich—a tapestry of human nature at times, and typifies the struggle for integrity. Congratulations to Kirkpatrick, for she has achieved a masterpiece of literature, highlighting one of archaeology’s most extraordinary achievements.
Five Pharaonic stars!
Lady Evelyn (Eve) Herbert, daughter to Lord Carnarvon has joined her father in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Carnarvon’s hired archaeologist; a man he’s supported financially for years while looking for the Tomb of Tutankhamun, has struck gold—literally. Howard Carter, a chain-smoking man on a mission has located an intact tomb. Kirkpatrick’s descriptive elements in the tomb-entry scene are simply mesmerizing. Eve, her father, and Carter succumb to temptation, entering not only the first antechamber of the burial, but by breaking into the tomb’s holy-of-holies itself. However, past that mountain-high moment, the story plummets into Egypt’s civil strife, the dishonest nature of the press, and Lord Carnarvon’s worsening health. Eve’s own character is challenged in her evolving feelings regarding who “owns” Tut’s treasures, and she matures after having a short fling with the unstable Carter.
There are so many glorious levels of emotion and depth to the characters and overall presentation of this novel. It’s rich—a tapestry of human nature at times, and typifies the struggle for integrity. Congratulations to Kirkpatrick, for she has achieved a masterpiece of literature, highlighting one of archaeology’s most extraordinary achievements.
Five Pharaonic stars!
September 15, 2025
1920s glamour? Check. Ancient Egypt? Check. Hidden perspectives? Check! (And can I just say, what a gorgeous cover!)
This is historical fiction that dives deep into 1920s Egypt during the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, following Lady Evelyn Herbert as she navigates love, loss, and finding her voice in a world that doesn't particularly want to hear it.
What made me happy:
The research feels chef's kiss! Kirkpatrick clearly did her homework, and it shows in every detail, from the political tensions to the archaeological excitement buzzing around King Tut's tomb. I was practically there in the Valley of the Kings, sweating in the heat and feeling that electric anticipation.
But what really got me was finally getting to see this story through a woman's eyes! I had no clue Lady Eve was even involved in the discovery, and it highlights an important question, one that asks: what other incredible women have been written out of these historical moments? Give me more hidden voices like this, please and thank you!
Lady Eve herself is beautifully crafted, complex, struggling against societal expectations while dealing with grief and heartbreak. I found myself rooting for her independence even when it meant making messy, imperfect choices.
And the writing? Elegant without being stuffy, lyrical without drowning you in purple prose. Kirkpatrick knows exactly when to dial up the atmosphere and when to let the emotions breathe.
What made me grumpy:
The journey to the Valley of the Kings. I felt that this was described more than necessary, and I was ready to move along.
While Lady Eve is gorgeously developed, the supporting cast felt a bit thin in places, Having said that, this may have been a purposeful choice by the author in order to focus on Lady Evelyn's story.
I wasn't a huge fan of the romance angle. It felt unrealistic, but I could see how it allowed for exploration of social hierarchies and pushed some of Eve's character development.
But here's my biggest frustration: for a book set in Egypt, the Egyptian perspective feels pretty sidelined. Yes, the nationalism is acknowledged, but it's very much seen through British eyes. I would've loved more authentic local voices.
The verdict:
This one's a solid recommendation from me! Sure, it's got some wobbles, but the gorgeous writing, fascinating historical details, and Lady Eve's compelling journey more than make up for the rough spots. Sometimes you just want to get lost in a beautifully researched world with a heroine worth cheering for, and this delivers exactly that.
This is historical fiction that dives deep into 1920s Egypt during the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb, following Lady Evelyn Herbert as she navigates love, loss, and finding her voice in a world that doesn't particularly want to hear it.
What made me happy:
The research feels chef's kiss! Kirkpatrick clearly did her homework, and it shows in every detail, from the political tensions to the archaeological excitement buzzing around King Tut's tomb. I was practically there in the Valley of the Kings, sweating in the heat and feeling that electric anticipation.
But what really got me was finally getting to see this story through a woman's eyes! I had no clue Lady Eve was even involved in the discovery, and it highlights an important question, one that asks: what other incredible women have been written out of these historical moments? Give me more hidden voices like this, please and thank you!
Lady Eve herself is beautifully crafted, complex, struggling against societal expectations while dealing with grief and heartbreak. I found myself rooting for her independence even when it meant making messy, imperfect choices.
And the writing? Elegant without being stuffy, lyrical without drowning you in purple prose. Kirkpatrick knows exactly when to dial up the atmosphere and when to let the emotions breathe.
What made me grumpy:
The journey to the Valley of the Kings. I felt that this was described more than necessary, and I was ready to move along.
While Lady Eve is gorgeously developed, the supporting cast felt a bit thin in places, Having said that, this may have been a purposeful choice by the author in order to focus on Lady Evelyn's story.
I wasn't a huge fan of the romance angle. It felt unrealistic, but I could see how it allowed for exploration of social hierarchies and pushed some of Eve's character development.
But here's my biggest frustration: for a book set in Egypt, the Egyptian perspective feels pretty sidelined. Yes, the nationalism is acknowledged, but it's very much seen through British eyes. I would've loved more authentic local voices.
The verdict:
This one's a solid recommendation from me! Sure, it's got some wobbles, but the gorgeous writing, fascinating historical details, and Lady Eve's compelling journey more than make up for the rough spots. Sometimes you just want to get lost in a beautifully researched world with a heroine worth cheering for, and this delivers exactly that.
August 26, 2025
I received this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for an eARC of this book!
I really enjoyed this novel. Normally, I don't tend to read a lot of historical fiction but I am extremely interested in archaeology and I was enthralled by the description. I have to say that I was not disappointed. This book captured me from the beginning and kept me interested the whole time.
To start, the style the book was written in was very eloquent. The words flowed well and kept the reader in the time period. At no point did I feel like the style of the book detracted from the historical time period.
Kirkpatrick did a great job crafting this story through the historical context she wrote about. At the end of the book, Kirkpatrick included historical notes and after reading the story, you could obviously tell she maintained a good amount of historical accuracy. To add on, while reading this book, I feel like a learned a good amount about Egypt, the historical context around the discovery of the treasures of King Tutankhamun, and the political climate of the time. Kirkpatrick did a wonderful job captivating me and holding my attention.
Moreover, the characters were all interesting and unique. There were points where I loved the characters, hated the characters, were sitting in suspense for the characters. Overall, no matter how I felt, I was eager to see what would happen and where the plot would go.
In conclusion, despite my reservations about historical fiction, I truly enjoyed this novel and the adventure it took me on. Even if you aren't a huge fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend that you give this book a shot!
I really enjoyed this novel. Normally, I don't tend to read a lot of historical fiction but I am extremely interested in archaeology and I was enthralled by the description. I have to say that I was not disappointed. This book captured me from the beginning and kept me interested the whole time.
To start, the style the book was written in was very eloquent. The words flowed well and kept the reader in the time period. At no point did I feel like the style of the book detracted from the historical time period.
Kirkpatrick did a great job crafting this story through the historical context she wrote about. At the end of the book, Kirkpatrick included historical notes and after reading the story, you could obviously tell she maintained a good amount of historical accuracy. To add on, while reading this book, I feel like a learned a good amount about Egypt, the historical context around the discovery of the treasures of King Tutankhamun, and the political climate of the time. Kirkpatrick did a wonderful job captivating me and holding my attention.
Moreover, the characters were all interesting and unique. There were points where I loved the characters, hated the characters, were sitting in suspense for the characters. Overall, no matter how I felt, I was eager to see what would happen and where the plot would go.
In conclusion, despite my reservations about historical fiction, I truly enjoyed this novel and the adventure it took me on. Even if you aren't a huge fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend that you give this book a shot!
September 1, 2025
{3.5 stars}
Thanks to Regal House Publishing for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
The story tells of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb from the point of view of the rich British funder, Lord Carnarvon’s, daughter. I think if this book were written a decade or more ago, the British main characters would have been easier to empathize with. Now, in this world where we understand the impacts of colonialism and the weight of taking artifacts from their native country, this felt like a harder read. Throughout Eva’s trying to defend the work that her father and Howard Carter are doing, and some aspects right, that they are somewhat preserving rather than looting. Although, that is somewhat in question as well. I think this was meant to be a sort of romantic, glamorous version of historical fiction. But most of the characters irked me, and as someone who knows a little bit about archaeology and Egypt I don’t feel like I learned much new. I do think it would be a good starter novel for someone who wasn’t familiar with the story.
Thanks to Regal House Publishing for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
The story tells of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb from the point of view of the rich British funder, Lord Carnarvon’s, daughter. I think if this book were written a decade or more ago, the British main characters would have been easier to empathize with. Now, in this world where we understand the impacts of colonialism and the weight of taking artifacts from their native country, this felt like a harder read. Throughout Eva’s trying to defend the work that her father and Howard Carter are doing, and some aspects right, that they are somewhat preserving rather than looting. Although, that is somewhat in question as well. I think this was meant to be a sort of romantic, glamorous version of historical fiction. But most of the characters irked me, and as someone who knows a little bit about archaeology and Egypt I don’t feel like I learned much new. I do think it would be a good starter novel for someone who wasn’t familiar with the story.
August 30, 2025
I’ve always been interested in Egyptology. The first part of the book was interesting. I felt like I was with Eve when they walk into King Tut’s tomb. The middle part of the book was more about Eve and her love affair with Carter. She seemed rather immature and he was way too old for her. It was an unlikely relationship. The last part of the book was alittle more interesting. I couldn’t help but hear the words of Indiana Jones “ it belongs in a museum “ throughout this book.
September 1, 2025
I really wanted to love this book. I was so sold with the premise: ancient Egypt, archeology, a life-changing discovery of treasure and of self. These are the things promised from the summary. And although all these things can be found in the book, I personally think I did not experience them through reading but more so I am told that they were there.
The Carnarvorns father-daughter tandem was called to Egypt by their sponsored archeologist Carter to explore the uncharted tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tomb heralds historical “world-changing” discoveries and “unimaginable” treasures the trio covets. I was enjoying the anticipation until around 40+ pages in when I realized that this is how the storytelling goes. When they finally opened the chamber they were trying to uncover, the moment read a little flat and honestly did not feel magnificent at all.
I think Kirkpatrick knows how to set her scenes. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the settings: the hotel, the chambers, the vast desert of ancient Egypt, moody old England. I did love those. On the other hand her characters felt a little lackluster. And I think it’s because we were never given a chance to feel what they were feeling physically (again, more so we are being told of what they were feeling). I wanted to root for our female main character Eve, as this was her supposed coming-of-age story, but I fail to empathize her feelings. Even at halfway through, when an unfortunate incident forces Eve to grow up and deal with heavy decisions, I still struggled to sympathize and rally for her.
I wish there were more palpable descriptions of their emotions to help me empathize more. The premise of this book was so enticing and promising if only the characters delivered.
The Carnarvorns father-daughter tandem was called to Egypt by their sponsored archeologist Carter to explore the uncharted tomb of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun. The tomb heralds historical “world-changing” discoveries and “unimaginable” treasures the trio covets. I was enjoying the anticipation until around 40+ pages in when I realized that this is how the storytelling goes. When they finally opened the chamber they were trying to uncover, the moment read a little flat and honestly did not feel magnificent at all.
I think Kirkpatrick knows how to set her scenes. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the settings: the hotel, the chambers, the vast desert of ancient Egypt, moody old England. I did love those. On the other hand her characters felt a little lackluster. And I think it’s because we were never given a chance to feel what they were feeling physically (again, more so we are being told of what they were feeling). I wanted to root for our female main character Eve, as this was her supposed coming-of-age story, but I fail to empathize her feelings. Even at halfway through, when an unfortunate incident forces Eve to grow up and deal with heavy decisions, I still struggled to sympathize and rally for her.
I wish there were more palpable descriptions of their emotions to help me empathize more. The premise of this book was so enticing and promising if only the characters delivered.
August 19, 2025
this was… not very good. when i started this book i assumed it was going to be historical fantasy. then i realized it was historical romance but there wa very little romance or history. it also irked me to an extreme degree that it was written entirely in present tense. just overall, did not enjoy.
September 6, 2025
Good book with historical facts and letters, buildup is slow but it gets better around the middle.
Love triangle inside was interesting and Egyptian pov is also highlighted with respect to colonialism.
Refreshing character growth of MC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Regal House Publishing for the ARC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQHxSijP...
Love triangle inside was interesting and Egyptian pov is also highlighted with respect to colonialism.
Refreshing character growth of MC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Regal House Publishing for the ARC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOQHxSijP...
July 16, 2025
DNF at 40% I can't connect with the story. I'm sure some will love it but the characters feel superficial and one dimensional to me. Also, I find Carter and Carnavon unlikeable and Lady Eve delusional in her relationship with Carter.
August 19, 2025
To Chase the Glowing Hours takes place primarily in Egypt in 1922/1923, as Howard Carter discovers the nearly untouched tomb of Tutankhamun. Told through the point of view of Eve Herbert, daughter of Carter's patron Lord Carnarvon, the book describes Carter's discovery of the tomb and the subsequent publicity, and the resulting challenge of cataloguing and protecting this enormous find in the midst of an upheaval within the Egyptian government. A tender romance blooms between Howard Carter and young Eve, mirroring the wonder and uncertainty of this unprecedented archeological find.
I can't help but compare this book to Marie Benedict's forthcoming Daughter of Egypt, which covers the same time period and likewise uses Eve Herbert as a point-of-view character. I reviewed Daughter of Egypt recently - in fact, I stumbled across To Chase the Glowing Hours as I was fact-checking some details from Daughter of Egypt. Plot-wise, one of the main differences between the two books is that while Daughter of Egypt splits the story between the 1920s and ancient Egypt, while To Chase the Glowing Hours focuses only on the 1920s. Further, Marie Benedict's book spreads Eve's story out over a number of years, and To Chase the Glowing Hours takes place over the course of about one year in Eve's life.
To Chase the Glowing Hours was excellently researched, and the author even shares her sources at the end of the book. It's evident that Katherine Kirkpatrick has a strong grasp not only on historical detail, but lavish descriptions as well. There's a strong sense of place throughout the book, and in particular the descriptions of Tutankhamun's tomb were vivid. Although the scenes of Eve venturing into the tomb for the first time relies heavily on descriptions of all she's seeing, I didn't find these scenes to be boring or drawn-out. There was the perfect amount of detail, and the descriptions were beautiful and varied enough that it never felt dull or repetitive. These scenes may have been my favorite in the entire book - they were such a joy to read.
There are only a few major characters in the book, but they all felt real and well-rounded, with distinct personalities that shone through in the writing. Katherine Kirkpatrick excelled at writing Eve as a naïve, love-struck girl slowly coming to terms with the realities of her world. The author touched on other subjects in the book - such as Egyptian independence from Europe and the rightful ownership of Egyptian artifacts - and while these were deftly handled, I never felt that the introduction of these topics distracted from the central story. Eve's reactions to these events felt natural and true to her character, and the author didn't shoehorn any of these issues into the story to try to make a point. At its heart, the book is a coming-of-age story as Eve navigates the rush of first love, an unexpected death, and harsh realities about her position in the world and her family's situation. The author never loses sight of this, and as a result the book is an evocative glimpse into the inner life of Eve Herbert.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and excellent description, and doesn't mind a somewhat slow-moving plot. I would also urge anyone considering reading Marie Benedict's upcoming Daughters of Egypt to give this book a try as well, as I found To Chase the Glowing Hours to be much better written and researched.
Thanks to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can't help but compare this book to Marie Benedict's forthcoming Daughter of Egypt, which covers the same time period and likewise uses Eve Herbert as a point-of-view character. I reviewed Daughter of Egypt recently - in fact, I stumbled across To Chase the Glowing Hours as I was fact-checking some details from Daughter of Egypt. Plot-wise, one of the main differences between the two books is that while Daughter of Egypt splits the story between the 1920s and ancient Egypt, while To Chase the Glowing Hours focuses only on the 1920s. Further, Marie Benedict's book spreads Eve's story out over a number of years, and To Chase the Glowing Hours takes place over the course of about one year in Eve's life.
To Chase the Glowing Hours was excellently researched, and the author even shares her sources at the end of the book. It's evident that Katherine Kirkpatrick has a strong grasp not only on historical detail, but lavish descriptions as well. There's a strong sense of place throughout the book, and in particular the descriptions of Tutankhamun's tomb were vivid. Although the scenes of Eve venturing into the tomb for the first time relies heavily on descriptions of all she's seeing, I didn't find these scenes to be boring or drawn-out. There was the perfect amount of detail, and the descriptions were beautiful and varied enough that it never felt dull or repetitive. These scenes may have been my favorite in the entire book - they were such a joy to read.
There are only a few major characters in the book, but they all felt real and well-rounded, with distinct personalities that shone through in the writing. Katherine Kirkpatrick excelled at writing Eve as a naïve, love-struck girl slowly coming to terms with the realities of her world. The author touched on other subjects in the book - such as Egyptian independence from Europe and the rightful ownership of Egyptian artifacts - and while these were deftly handled, I never felt that the introduction of these topics distracted from the central story. Eve's reactions to these events felt natural and true to her character, and the author didn't shoehorn any of these issues into the story to try to make a point. At its heart, the book is a coming-of-age story as Eve navigates the rush of first love, an unexpected death, and harsh realities about her position in the world and her family's situation. The author never loses sight of this, and as a result the book is an evocative glimpse into the inner life of Eve Herbert.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and excellent description, and doesn't mind a somewhat slow-moving plot. I would also urge anyone considering reading Marie Benedict's upcoming Daughters of Egypt to give this book a try as well, as I found To Chase the Glowing Hours to be much better written and researched.
Thanks to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2025
I struggled to read this at first because while I very much enjoy good historical fiction, the characters (which are, I realized more than halfway though the book, are based on real people) are not very likable.
Lord Carnarvon held privileged, entitled views that were reflective of his time. I could sense that he viewed the Egyptians as people who are less than them, eg. saying if not for Britain, their country would be in chaos. He and Carter also kept getting angry over thieves but aren't they the same? Stealing from a culture that is not theirs.
I understand that during this time they most likely did not know better, but the way they were so entitled all throughout the story, taking artifacts for their personal collection in the guise of study or appreciation (but perhaps more out of entitlement and greed), left a lasting negative impression on me.
Eve had her own challenges too. She was a bit more likable, only because it was fun seeing how she's adventurous and daring for a woman of her time. To her credit, she did question and wonder about some of the unsavory practices that her father and Carter did, but she also had her own lapses. I saw her mostly as naive, not really bothering to learn the country that she professes she loves, beyond the shiny old things they're excavating for "archaeology".
The romance plotline landed as forced to me. I didn't really care about Carter and Eve, there was no chemistry. It felt like they liked each other just because of sheer proximity and a shared experience. But do they even know each other, outside of the project? I found it silly that Eve was so head over heels over Carter, but I guess her judgment was clouded by the shared magic of discovery and adventure. Brograve was a fresh breath of air amongst the aristocrats, the only noble who seemed to have his feet on the ground.
Overall, while I enjoyed going on this adventure through immersive writing and seeing Egypt from a lens I am not fully familiar with, I leave with an odd feeling about this book. I enjoyed learning a bit about Egypt, and you can tell the author truly did her research and wanted to honor its history as much as she can.
But as a person of color, who lives in a country that was colonized by a total of three countries from over four hundred years, I can't help but also read this book from the lens of the oppressed. I leave not with the impression of the artifacts and the very small slice of Egyptian history and culture, but with that scene in the last 80% of the book: Eve, sitting on a bench appreciating Egypt's beauty and character, her moment getting interrupted by beggars, followed by her internal thought about what she dislikes the most about Egypt, its ugliness and its poverty. She wanted the gold, but not the grit that comes with unearthing the gold.
Two stars, but giving one extra for the thorough research the author has done for this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for sharing the digital ARC.
Lord Carnarvon held privileged, entitled views that were reflective of his time. I could sense that he viewed the Egyptians as people who are less than them, eg. saying if not for Britain, their country would be in chaos. He and Carter also kept getting angry over thieves but aren't they the same? Stealing from a culture that is not theirs.
I understand that during this time they most likely did not know better, but the way they were so entitled all throughout the story, taking artifacts for their personal collection in the guise of study or appreciation (but perhaps more out of entitlement and greed), left a lasting negative impression on me.
Eve had her own challenges too. She was a bit more likable, only because it was fun seeing how she's adventurous and daring for a woman of her time. To her credit, she did question and wonder about some of the unsavory practices that her father and Carter did, but she also had her own lapses. I saw her mostly as naive, not really bothering to learn the country that she professes she loves, beyond the shiny old things they're excavating for "archaeology".
The romance plotline landed as forced to me. I didn't really care about Carter and Eve, there was no chemistry. It felt like they liked each other just because of sheer proximity and a shared experience. But do they even know each other, outside of the project? I found it silly that Eve was so head over heels over Carter, but I guess her judgment was clouded by the shared magic of discovery and adventure. Brograve was a fresh breath of air amongst the aristocrats, the only noble who seemed to have his feet on the ground.
Overall, while I enjoyed going on this adventure through immersive writing and seeing Egypt from a lens I am not fully familiar with, I leave with an odd feeling about this book. I enjoyed learning a bit about Egypt, and you can tell the author truly did her research and wanted to honor its history as much as she can.
But as a person of color, who lives in a country that was colonized by a total of three countries from over four hundred years, I can't help but also read this book from the lens of the oppressed. I leave not with the impression of the artifacts and the very small slice of Egyptian history and culture, but with that scene in the last 80% of the book: Eve, sitting on a bench appreciating Egypt's beauty and character, her moment getting interrupted by beggars, followed by her internal thought about what she dislikes the most about Egypt, its ugliness and its poverty. She wanted the gold, but not the grit that comes with unearthing the gold.
Two stars, but giving one extra for the thorough research the author has done for this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Regal House Publishing for sharing the digital ARC.
September 12, 2025
Katherine Kirkpatrick has written a brilliant, sweeping novel depicting the early life of Lady Eve Carnarvon, whose father, the Earl of Carnarvon, financed the search for King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Eve’s father hired the British archeologist Howard Carter to find the famous site, presumed to be in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, and as Eve spends time with the rough-around-the edges Carter, she falls in love despite differences in age and social status. She and Lord Carnarvon are at Carter’s side when the tomb is discovered in 1922 and are the first people in centuries to witness the majestic riches of the boy king’s several burial chambers. In all, 5,000 artifacts are gradually found and counted, decorated with gold and jewels that would stun the world when they were finally put on display, first in 1961 at the Penn Museum and later from 1976-1979 when the “Treasures of Tutankhamun” exhibit toured six American cities.
Ms. Kirkpatrick’s novel doesn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter’s colonial approach to the tomb and its riches, and Eve becomes the moral compass of the book, advising her father and would-be-lover not to take items from the site. She serves as a liaison between Egyptian government officials and her family to recoup some of the expenses of the excavation and tries to help Carter, an irascible man disliked by the authorities. The book moves back and forth between Eve’s passion for the archeologist and her family’s complex role in finding the tomb, and this frisson imbues the novel with gravitas and tension.
The author’s prose is highly detailed and her descriptions of the burial site and various Egyptian locations are breath-taking in their depth and color. Since the Carnarvon family home is Highclere Castle, renamed Downton Abbey in the PBS TV show and films, it’s a special treat to view the mansion and its grounds in key scenes.
I knew very little about the search for “King Tut’s tomb” as I began “To Chase the Glowing Hours,” but I was driven to read this novel in every free moment from the day it arrived. Brava to Katherine Kirkpatrick for this stunning work of fiction that made me feel, in a visceral way, that I was a witness to history.
Ms. Kirkpatrick’s novel doesn’t shy away from the controversies surrounding Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter’s colonial approach to the tomb and its riches, and Eve becomes the moral compass of the book, advising her father and would-be-lover not to take items from the site. She serves as a liaison between Egyptian government officials and her family to recoup some of the expenses of the excavation and tries to help Carter, an irascible man disliked by the authorities. The book moves back and forth between Eve’s passion for the archeologist and her family’s complex role in finding the tomb, and this frisson imbues the novel with gravitas and tension.
The author’s prose is highly detailed and her descriptions of the burial site and various Egyptian locations are breath-taking in their depth and color. Since the Carnarvon family home is Highclere Castle, renamed Downton Abbey in the PBS TV show and films, it’s a special treat to view the mansion and its grounds in key scenes.
I knew very little about the search for “King Tut’s tomb” as I began “To Chase the Glowing Hours,” but I was driven to read this novel in every free moment from the day it arrived. Brava to Katherine Kirkpatrick for this stunning work of fiction that made me feel, in a visceral way, that I was a witness to history.
August 29, 2025
I love ancient Egypt and have always been fascinated with the tomb of Tutankhamun and I was very much looking forward to this book. I went into it with very little idea of what to expect. I imagined it was historical fantasy perhaps, along the same lines as The Mummy: Or Rameses the Damned by Anne Rice but it was much more of a historical fiction with a dash of romance.
The writing was at times incredibly beautiful and captivating, especially when the author was describing the tomb or the treasure, or Egypt as a whole. But there were also pages and pages of short non-descriptive writing that sometimes made the book feel like it was being written by 2 different people. "Eve does this, Carter says this, Carnarvon goes here" for pages on end as almost a way to speed through the parts of the story that didn't interest the author. But wow, when the author was engaged, in the tomb for example, was the writing just splendid.
The romances did fall a little short for me and felt more forced than natural but I do appreciate that it was inspired by historical theories. I just wish that a little extra time had been given to show the reader the love they felt for each other. There were times, with Eve especially, that the affection felt a little creepy and uncomfortable and I did not find myself rooting for them. Maybe that was the intention, but I think it was an unfortunate side effect of not investing enough time into building up their relationship.
My favorite part of this book is how rooted in history it is and that, even though it was embellished to make a good narrative, that so much of what happens is this book is based on the history of the discovery. The truly best parts actually happened and reading about them in this narrative was was more than enjoyable. I love ancient Egypt and this book made me giddy. There are definitely some weak points but overall I was very happy with this book and it was a fun little read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher, and the Author for allowing me to read and give my honest review of the eARC version of this book!
The writing was at times incredibly beautiful and captivating, especially when the author was describing the tomb or the treasure, or Egypt as a whole. But there were also pages and pages of short non-descriptive writing that sometimes made the book feel like it was being written by 2 different people. "Eve does this, Carter says this, Carnarvon goes here" for pages on end as almost a way to speed through the parts of the story that didn't interest the author. But wow, when the author was engaged, in the tomb for example, was the writing just splendid.
The romances did fall a little short for me and felt more forced than natural but I do appreciate that it was inspired by historical theories. I just wish that a little extra time had been given to show the reader the love they felt for each other. There were times, with Eve especially, that the affection felt a little creepy and uncomfortable and I did not find myself rooting for them. Maybe that was the intention, but I think it was an unfortunate side effect of not investing enough time into building up their relationship.
My favorite part of this book is how rooted in history it is and that, even though it was embellished to make a good narrative, that so much of what happens is this book is based on the history of the discovery. The truly best parts actually happened and reading about them in this narrative was was more than enjoyable. I love ancient Egypt and this book made me giddy. There are definitely some weak points but overall I was very happy with this book and it was a fun little read.
Thank you to Netgalley, the Publisher, and the Author for allowing me to read and give my honest review of the eARC version of this book!
August 10, 2025
Like the author I saw the treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb as a child, and was enchanted, felt a real sense of connection with the young Pharaoh. Much later I visited the tomb in Egypt. There is something both magical, compelling but also disturbing about Tutankhamun, and Egypt as a whole, that remains with me. It’s beautiful, ancient, yet for Egyptians a potentially hard place to live. What stuck with me from all this was the ancient culture, the incredible abilities and insights they had, the extraordinary preservation of artefacts and art, the beauty and feel of it all. Ancient Egyptian culture remains a fascination for me, this is what inspired me as a child, and has continued throughout my life. So this book attracted me. I’m not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t quite what I got.
The descriptions of the tomb and artefacts bore the wonder and amazement I too had felt. It’s hard to imagine how it must have felt to discover it for the first time, and this is captured rather well. But there wasn’t enough about Egypt itself, and the emotions you would expect in the romance and other events that didn’t quite translate for me. I hadn’t realised the main focus of the novel would be about the Carnarvon’s so felt rather disappointed by this. But was glad it returned to it towards the end of the book. The politics between Britain and Egypt, it’s desire to keep its own treasures, and the British then tendency to consider it had the right to help itself to whatever it wanted was interesting and echoed what I already knew.
Overall it’s well written, with the odd minor inaccuracy that an American writing about the English may be unaware of. It was an interesting read, but fell a little flat for me.
The descriptions of the tomb and artefacts bore the wonder and amazement I too had felt. It’s hard to imagine how it must have felt to discover it for the first time, and this is captured rather well. But there wasn’t enough about Egypt itself, and the emotions you would expect in the romance and other events that didn’t quite translate for me. I hadn’t realised the main focus of the novel would be about the Carnarvon’s so felt rather disappointed by this. But was glad it returned to it towards the end of the book. The politics between Britain and Egypt, it’s desire to keep its own treasures, and the British then tendency to consider it had the right to help itself to whatever it wanted was interesting and echoed what I already knew.
Overall it’s well written, with the odd minor inaccuracy that an American writing about the English may be unaware of. It was an interesting read, but fell a little flat for me.
October 20, 2025
1922 England. The Lady Eve was not a run of the mill aristocrat. She was bold and wanted to follow her father the Earl of Carnavon on his adventures through Egypt. She accompanied her father and Howard Carter, a reputed archaeologist acting as a curator and hostess for her father and also watching out for her father’s health and safety. Working in such close proximity to Carter, she fell in love with him, and though he reciprocated her feelings, he knew this relationship would never be accepted by society, a fact that Lady Eve blithely ignored.
Discovering Tutankhamen’s tomb, handling the delicate balance between the Egyptian government, who themselves were in the midst of a rebellion was not easy and the story also highlights an area that is sometimes ignored. The robbery of artifacts and jewels belonging to one country by another. The English in this case, financed the expedition for vast sums of money and expected an equal share of the finds (which the government ignored when it came to actual division) of the spoils.
The story of this family and the part they played in the excavations of the period are meticulously detailed. We are also dealing with a young woman who exceeded the boundaries set for ladies at the time, acting with an independence far exceeding expectations. She did not have much support from her mother who was involved with an affair of her own. Her relationship with her father was intense and very close.
The story deals with a young woman’s coming of age and how naive the young Eve actually was. Historical fiction fans will like the story of the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb set against Egypts rebellion and search for independence against British rule.
Discovering Tutankhamen’s tomb, handling the delicate balance between the Egyptian government, who themselves were in the midst of a rebellion was not easy and the story also highlights an area that is sometimes ignored. The robbery of artifacts and jewels belonging to one country by another. The English in this case, financed the expedition for vast sums of money and expected an equal share of the finds (which the government ignored when it came to actual division) of the spoils.
The story of this family and the part they played in the excavations of the period are meticulously detailed. We are also dealing with a young woman who exceeded the boundaries set for ladies at the time, acting with an independence far exceeding expectations. She did not have much support from her mother who was involved with an affair of her own. Her relationship with her father was intense and very close.
The story deals with a young woman’s coming of age and how naive the young Eve actually was. Historical fiction fans will like the story of the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb set against Egypts rebellion and search for independence against British rule.
September 25, 2025
4 stars
For lovers of Egyptology and fans of the societal commentary of Downton Abbey, this is a fictionalized account of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. Howard Carter, the archaeologist, has invited his project's patrons, the Lord Carnarvon and his 21-year old daughter Lady Evelyn, to join him in Egypt for the initial opening of the previously unknown royal tomb, recently uncovered by Carter during his excavations. Rising political tensions and local dissent in the area, as well as inscrutable layers of bureaucracy to work through make the significant archaeological discovery agonizingly slow to process. Add in a bit of sexual tension, a little "upstairs, downstairs" aristocratic nonsense, and some beautifully lush physical descriptions throughout, and you've got a sweeping historical narrative set during the backdrop of early 1920's Egypt and England.
This is ultimately a work of historical fiction, but with the added layers of enough fact for it to be thoroughly compelling. I am a bit of an obsessive amateur on the subject of King Tutankhamun (I even created a clay replica of his sarcophagus when I was six) so I appreciated the author's addition of historical notes at the end of the book. A burgeoning, but ultimately ill-fated romance between Lady Eve and Carter is heavily hinted at through some of their actual correspondence from the period, according to some historians, and this is the intriguing relationship that was explored in the book. Personally, I would have liked a bit more of the story to cover the removal, preservation and processing of the tomb's artifacts, but I do realise that I'm quite likely in the minority of people who are dying to know about the conservation and preservation aspects of archaeological sites. But overall, I really enjoyed the journey.
Thanks to NetGalley, author Katherine Kirkpatrick, and Regal House Publishing for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
For lovers of Egyptology and fans of the societal commentary of Downton Abbey, this is a fictionalized account of the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. Howard Carter, the archaeologist, has invited his project's patrons, the Lord Carnarvon and his 21-year old daughter Lady Evelyn, to join him in Egypt for the initial opening of the previously unknown royal tomb, recently uncovered by Carter during his excavations. Rising political tensions and local dissent in the area, as well as inscrutable layers of bureaucracy to work through make the significant archaeological discovery agonizingly slow to process. Add in a bit of sexual tension, a little "upstairs, downstairs" aristocratic nonsense, and some beautifully lush physical descriptions throughout, and you've got a sweeping historical narrative set during the backdrop of early 1920's Egypt and England.
This is ultimately a work of historical fiction, but with the added layers of enough fact for it to be thoroughly compelling. I am a bit of an obsessive amateur on the subject of King Tutankhamun (I even created a clay replica of his sarcophagus when I was six) so I appreciated the author's addition of historical notes at the end of the book. A burgeoning, but ultimately ill-fated romance between Lady Eve and Carter is heavily hinted at through some of their actual correspondence from the period, according to some historians, and this is the intriguing relationship that was explored in the book. Personally, I would have liked a bit more of the story to cover the removal, preservation and processing of the tomb's artifacts, but I do realise that I'm quite likely in the minority of people who are dying to know about the conservation and preservation aspects of archaeological sites. But overall, I really enjoyed the journey.
Thanks to NetGalley, author Katherine Kirkpatrick, and Regal House Publishing for granting me access to a free digital ARC of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and are provided here voluntarily.
August 13, 2025
★★★½ (3.5 stars)
To Chase the Glowing Hours by Katherine Kirkpatrick brings 1920s Egypt vividly to life through the eyes of Lady Eve, a sheltered aristocrat whose peaceful world at Highclere Castle is altered when she journeys with her father to Egypt, the Valley of the Kings. Witnessing Tutankhamun's treasures alongside archaeologist Howard Carter is breathtaking, but complications soon follow due to political issues.
I’m not sure if my disappointment stems from expecting more of a The Mummy or Indiana Jones vibes, not just in romance, but in adventure as well. The research and historical detail are impressive, highlighting the political turmoil and media reports. The first half offers plenty of intrigue, but by the second half, that spark just seems to fizzle. I was almost expecting a curse or supernatural element to be tied into the story and intitially the book almost sets the tone for it but leaves it just is.
Eve’s journey from innocence to resilience is set against lush historical detail, yet her character development felt abrupt, almost as if I blinked and missed the growth. I wanted deeper emotional stakes, but sadly the romance felt circumstantial and forced, and secondary arcs didnt seem to be explored as much.
By the end, it read more as a historical biography of Lady Eve rather than a novel, This may appeal to readers who want a rich historical setting, but for me, the story lacked the sustained intrigue I was hoping for.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
To Chase the Glowing Hours by Katherine Kirkpatrick brings 1920s Egypt vividly to life through the eyes of Lady Eve, a sheltered aristocrat whose peaceful world at Highclere Castle is altered when she journeys with her father to Egypt, the Valley of the Kings. Witnessing Tutankhamun's treasures alongside archaeologist Howard Carter is breathtaking, but complications soon follow due to political issues.
I’m not sure if my disappointment stems from expecting more of a The Mummy or Indiana Jones vibes, not just in romance, but in adventure as well. The research and historical detail are impressive, highlighting the political turmoil and media reports. The first half offers plenty of intrigue, but by the second half, that spark just seems to fizzle. I was almost expecting a curse or supernatural element to be tied into the story and intitially the book almost sets the tone for it but leaves it just is.
Eve’s journey from innocence to resilience is set against lush historical detail, yet her character development felt abrupt, almost as if I blinked and missed the growth. I wanted deeper emotional stakes, but sadly the romance felt circumstantial and forced, and secondary arcs didnt seem to be explored as much.
By the end, it read more as a historical biography of Lady Eve rather than a novel, This may appeal to readers who want a rich historical setting, but for me, the story lacked the sustained intrigue I was hoping for.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
August 16, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
If you liked Downton Abbey, you'll definitely like this. Lady Eve is just a young woman when she and her father, the Earl of Carnarvon, travel to Egypt in the fall of 1922, but what she experiences during this trip will stick with her for the rest of her life. Her father's archaeologist, Howard Carter, has discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and with it, a whole host of treasure. Eve, her father, and Carter all believe these treasures belong to them, but Egypt is changing, and there's a chance they'll go back to England with nothing.
The details in this were wonderful. I could picture everything-the tomb, the treasures, the sweltering heat of Egypt. For someone who doesn't know a ton about Egypt, I found it easy to sink into this book and could tell that a lot of time and effort went into researching everything.
I'll be honest: Eve did occasionally annoy me. Maybe it was her naiveté. Maybe it was her insistence that Carter practically walked on water (even when it's pretty clear she shouldn't feel that way). I'm not sure. I do think it made sense, given her upbringing and the time period, it just rubbed me the wrong way every so often. (For people familiar with Downton, she reminded me of Edith at times.)
Overall, this was a good read. Not overly exciting or filled with action, but very similar to the pacing of a Downton episode, with a little bit of drama and social tension.
If you liked Downton Abbey, you'll definitely like this. Lady Eve is just a young woman when she and her father, the Earl of Carnarvon, travel to Egypt in the fall of 1922, but what she experiences during this trip will stick with her for the rest of her life. Her father's archaeologist, Howard Carter, has discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun, and with it, a whole host of treasure. Eve, her father, and Carter all believe these treasures belong to them, but Egypt is changing, and there's a chance they'll go back to England with nothing.
The details in this were wonderful. I could picture everything-the tomb, the treasures, the sweltering heat of Egypt. For someone who doesn't know a ton about Egypt, I found it easy to sink into this book and could tell that a lot of time and effort went into researching everything.
I'll be honest: Eve did occasionally annoy me. Maybe it was her naiveté. Maybe it was her insistence that Carter practically walked on water (even when it's pretty clear she shouldn't feel that way). I'm not sure. I do think it made sense, given her upbringing and the time period, it just rubbed me the wrong way every so often. (For people familiar with Downton, she reminded me of Edith at times.)
Overall, this was a good read. Not overly exciting or filled with action, but very similar to the pacing of a Downton episode, with a little bit of drama and social tension.
August 13, 2025
To Chase the Glowing Hours is an enthralling journey through one of the most exciting chapters in history—the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb—told through the keen and heartfelt perspective of Lady Evelyn Herbert. Katherine Kirkpatrick masterfully blends meticulous historical research with an engaging, emotional narrative that transports the reader from the elegance of Highclere Castle to the heat, dust, and wonder of 1920s Egypt.
The novel is a feast of sensory detail—vivid landscapes, dazzling artifacts, and the palpable thrill of discovery. The characters, from the determined and charismatic Howard Carter to the spirited Lady Evelyn, are drawn with depth and authenticity, making their triumphs and challenges feel personal. The story balances romance, political tension, and adventure seamlessly, offering not just a window into the past but also a compelling portrait of ambition, loyalty, and love.
This is historical fiction at its finest: rich, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, intrigued by the Jazz Age, or simply in search of an engrossing and beautifully told story, this book will sweep you away and leave you lingering in its golden glow long after the final page.
It was beautifully written. I highly recommend this
The novel is a feast of sensory detail—vivid landscapes, dazzling artifacts, and the palpable thrill of discovery. The characters, from the determined and charismatic Howard Carter to the spirited Lady Evelyn, are drawn with depth and authenticity, making their triumphs and challenges feel personal. The story balances romance, political tension, and adventure seamlessly, offering not just a window into the past but also a compelling portrait of ambition, loyalty, and love.
This is historical fiction at its finest: rich, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, intrigued by the Jazz Age, or simply in search of an engrossing and beautifully told story, this book will sweep you away and leave you lingering in its golden glow long after the final page.
It was beautifully written. I highly recommend this
September 12, 2025
Sit back in a comfortable chair with this book and travel to Egypt a hundred years ago where you will find yourself walking down uneven steps in the desert to look through a keyhole in an ancient door and see for the first time in centuries the gold artifacts of the long-lost tomb of King Tut. You will see them through the lovely eyes of the heroine/protagonist, the 22-year-old Lady Eve, daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon, who had funded the dig which allowed the archeologist Howard Carter to discover the tomb. On the ship to Egypt, the Earl has brought with him the impressionable Eve who adore Egyptology as much as she wants to escape her mother’s plans to shovel her into a loveless marriage with some wealthy man. But Egypt is not easy with its nationalists and combative reporters as well as countries bitterly contending who owns the 3300-year-old treasures in the just -discovered tomb. She is also falling in love with the brooding, difficult archeologist and must manage the sudden dire sickness of her beloved father. TO CHASE THE GLOWING HOURS is the fascinating story of an idealistic girl, an ancient tomb, and an impossible love. And as gift to readers, the Earl’s English mansion Highclere where scenes in the novel are set will be recognized as the beloved Downton Abbey. Order a copy of this enchantment of a novel today!
August 7, 2025
A richly immersive historical novel that vividly brings to life the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, To Chase the Glowing Hours is a must-read for fans of Egyptology, historical drama, and early 20th-century British society. Kirkpatrick’s love for the subject shines through her lush sensory descriptions and meticulous research, particularly in the early chapters set in the heat and dust of Egypt.
Centered on Lady Evelyn Herbert, daughter of Lord Carnarvon, the book explores both the wonder of archaeological discovery and the limitations of class, gender, and empire. The fictional romance between Evelyn and Howard Carter, while based on real life speculation, felt less convincing and sometimes detracted from the novel’s stronger historical threads. The second half shifts gears toward more of a Downton Abbey-style family drama, which, while well-written, may not grip all readers equally.
Still, Kirkpatrick’s handling of cultural context, emotional complexity, and the tension of ownership over ancient artifacts adds important depth. Despite some pacing issues and character frustrations, this was a compelling, evocative read with a powerful emotional and historical core.
Centered on Lady Evelyn Herbert, daughter of Lord Carnarvon, the book explores both the wonder of archaeological discovery and the limitations of class, gender, and empire. The fictional romance between Evelyn and Howard Carter, while based on real life speculation, felt less convincing and sometimes detracted from the novel’s stronger historical threads. The second half shifts gears toward more of a Downton Abbey-style family drama, which, while well-written, may not grip all readers equally.
Still, Kirkpatrick’s handling of cultural context, emotional complexity, and the tension of ownership over ancient artifacts adds important depth. Despite some pacing issues and character frustrations, this was a compelling, evocative read with a powerful emotional and historical core.
December 26, 2025
Thank you to Regal House Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC! All opinions are my own.
I was initially drawn to this book because it had been a long time since I’d encountered an Egypt+archaeology themed story. That genre was everywhere when I was younger, and reading the synopsis immediately sparked a sense of nostalgia.
Katherine Kirkpatrick excels at establishing atmosphere. Her depiction of 1920s London and Egypt is vivid and cinematic. I could easily picture the setting as I read. The cast of characters will also feel familiar to readers of this genre: the spirited daughter of an archaeologist pushing against norms of the era, her eccentric father, and a love interest you’re never quite sure you should trust.
While those archetypes can be fun, they ultimately felt limiting here. The characters rarely moved beyond their expected roles, which made them feel more like genre placeholders than fully realized people.
This was also one of the first books that made me truly understand the common critique of “telling rather than showing.” For a lot of the story, I felt like the story was being recounted to me rather than unfolding around me, which kept me at a distance as a reader. While that narrative choice can work in certain contexts, it didn’t quite land for me in this case.
I would recommend To Chase the Glowing Hours to readers who are new to this type of story, as the familiar archetypes and beats may feel fresh and engaging.
I was initially drawn to this book because it had been a long time since I’d encountered an Egypt+archaeology themed story. That genre was everywhere when I was younger, and reading the synopsis immediately sparked a sense of nostalgia.
Katherine Kirkpatrick excels at establishing atmosphere. Her depiction of 1920s London and Egypt is vivid and cinematic. I could easily picture the setting as I read. The cast of characters will also feel familiar to readers of this genre: the spirited daughter of an archaeologist pushing against norms of the era, her eccentric father, and a love interest you’re never quite sure you should trust.
While those archetypes can be fun, they ultimately felt limiting here. The characters rarely moved beyond their expected roles, which made them feel more like genre placeholders than fully realized people.
This was also one of the first books that made me truly understand the common critique of “telling rather than showing.” For a lot of the story, I felt like the story was being recounted to me rather than unfolding around me, which kept me at a distance as a reader. While that narrative choice can work in certain contexts, it didn’t quite land for me in this case.
I would recommend To Chase the Glowing Hours to readers who are new to this type of story, as the familiar archetypes and beats may feel fresh and engaging.
July 14, 2025
I love all things Egyptology and I love British fiction. I hoped that that this book would be a lovely blending of them both. The book did start out very very high with vivid descriptions of the finding of the tomb. I could just picture the various chambers. Also the environment of Egypt itself.
I found the plot sort of deviated about midway when we added in the affair between Eve and Carter. It just didn't work for me. She always came of as a spoiled girl of the "you just don't understand! love always wins!" and Carter at a couple decades older just continues to spiral downward.
Eve just never came out of her decent for me. And it just really stalled out the second half of the story. If you want the story for the Egyptology--you will find it well done. But for the romance? nope.
It was just okay for me. 3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of the book. All opinions are 100% my own.
I found the plot sort of deviated about midway when we added in the affair between Eve and Carter. It just didn't work for me. She always came of as a spoiled girl of the "you just don't understand! love always wins!" and Carter at a couple decades older just continues to spiral downward.
Eve just never came out of her decent for me. And it just really stalled out the second half of the story. If you want the story for the Egyptology--you will find it well done. But for the romance? nope.
It was just okay for me. 3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of the book. All opinions are 100% my own.
July 16, 2025
The Chase of Glowing Hours is a beautifully written novel that captured my heart from the first page. I was especially drawn to the author’s vivid and respectful portrayal of Egyptian culture. From the authentic names to the traditional clothing, Arabic greetings, and even the mention of beloved foods like molokhia—with its ingredients!—I felt completely seen and represented.
As an Egyptian myself, I deeply appreciated this cultural richness, but I also felt a wave of anger reading about how so many of our priceless artifacts have ended up in museums in France, London, and the Met. The entitlement and delusion that foreign powers still believe they deserve a share—half!—of our tomb treasures truly boils my blood. This story reminded me not only of our heritage, but also of the injustice in how it’s been treated.
A powerful, immersive read that blends history, emotion, and identity—highly recommended
July 31, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up.
This book began on a high note: elements of history and Ancient Egypt, wonderfully vivid descriptions that made you feel like you were really there, and a bit of romance. I was hooked for more than half the book, and couldn't put it down.
And then it really changed pace, and I found it hard to remain invested in the story about 3/4 of the way through until the end. The book changed its course of narrative a bit, focusing less on the discovery of King Tut's tomb and Egypt, and more on the complicated dynamics of an elite family. It felt as though I was reading another book entirely. I'll be honest, I was disappointed by the way the book concluded, but I still really enjoyed the style of writing and the imagery -- especially in the first half.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book began on a high note: elements of history and Ancient Egypt, wonderfully vivid descriptions that made you feel like you were really there, and a bit of romance. I was hooked for more than half the book, and couldn't put it down.
And then it really changed pace, and I found it hard to remain invested in the story about 3/4 of the way through until the end. The book changed its course of narrative a bit, focusing less on the discovery of King Tut's tomb and Egypt, and more on the complicated dynamics of an elite family. It felt as though I was reading another book entirely. I'll be honest, I was disappointed by the way the book concluded, but I still really enjoyed the style of writing and the imagery -- especially in the first half.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
This historical novel about the finding of King Tut’s tomb was a much more compelling read than I anticipated. I was immersed in the life and actions of the young Lady Eve and all the men around her in that male dominated time period of 1922. There is a love story between her and the prickly self taught archaeologist, Howard Carter, who found the tomb, financed by Lord Carnarvon, Eve’s father. The wonder of finding the 3000 year old largely untouched tomb, keeping it from grave robbers once found, and trying to recoup the extraordinary finically burden of the search while navigating the Egyptian Government and social minefields of the discovery with the added pitfalls of dealing with the press, had me on bated breath as Lay Eve dealt with the ongoing day today difficulties. I highly recommend this book.
November 10, 2025
I went into the book not realizing it was historical fiction and not having much interest in Egyptology, so my expectations were low. I was pleasantly surprised. At the end of the book yhr author explains what was true vs what they had to make up to fill the gaps and turn it into a story. I didn't realize these were the real people that actually discovered King Tutankhamun's tomb in the 1920s. The story was fairly interesting and only some of the terms went over my head. I didn't have as much interest in the things they found and some were hard to imagine without pictures or background knowledge. Overall the author did a great job bringing the story to life and coming up with one plausible scenario that might explain what they've found in real correspondence found from the characters.
July 2, 2025
If you are looking for a roaring 1920's story that explores the archeology studies of Egypt then this is the book for you. There is also some family drama within the story and if that is something you want in your story as well then read ahead. I enjoyed reading this because not only was their enough knowledge to make it feel like I learned something and enough going on to keep me entertained.
We are introduced to Lady Eve who is on this archeology adventure but most of her time is spent with flirting with another gentry memeber rather than focusing on the task ahead. Everyone else seems to be taking an interest in the history of the tombs.
We are introduced to Lady Eve who is on this archeology adventure but most of her time is spent with flirting with another gentry memeber rather than focusing on the task ahead. Everyone else seems to be taking an interest in the history of the tombs.
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