Theft of an Idol

Eye of Isis #3

by Dana Stabenow

When Cleopatra's most beloved actress disappears, her new Eye of Isis must solve a case that will lead to the darkest corners of Alexandria.

From the palaces of Alexandria reigns Cleopatra – seventh of her name, avatar of the goddess Isis, ruler of the Kingdom of Egypt – surrounded by riches untold. Through the streets of her great city bustle scholars and sailors, politicians and priests. For those with the means, it is a comfortable life.

But not all are invited to share in the wealth of Egypt’s first city. For the peasants and farmers, their lives lie in the hands of the gods and the harvest. Unless, that is, they can find other methods to feed their families. Other, less savory methods.

When Herminia, one of Alexandria’s most beloved actresses, disappears on the eve of a great performance, Cleopatra sets Tetisheri, her Eye, to investigate. In her search for the truth, Tetisheri will uncover a mystery that will take her to the city’s darkest corners…

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Egypt, Fiction, Audiobook

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2022

About the author

Dana Stabenow was born in Anchorage and raised on 75-foot fish tender in the Gulf of Alaska. She knew there was a warmer, drier job out there somewhere.

Reviews

[Katie Hanna]

I did it again, lads. I read the third book in a series without realizing it was a series.

Perhaps for that reason, I felt like the sexual tension between the leads came out of nowhere, and that one's on me XD But I also felt that the sexytimes were weirdly juxtaposed with some VERY HEAVY content (human trafficking, pedophilia, rescuing child victims, etc.) that didn't seem to be given proper weight. Also, the moral attitudes and general mindset/worldview portrayed in the book seem like a strange mix of Victorian England and the modern day, with only a smattering of actual Ancient Egypt cultural notions thrown in to remind you that oh yeah, we are still in Ancient Egypt.

[Peter Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting out very well indeed, as I had hoped.
Author Stabenow had a short article on her blog on how & where she finds historic sources for this series. If I come across it, I'll add to this review. (I looked & couldn't find it.) She is a careful, meticulous, and, at this point, very smooth & experienced writer. I've read a lot of her stuff.

I don't have a "romance" category and perhaps I should add one. MC Tetisheri's heart-throb Appollodorus is back in town, and sparks fly: "She looked down, pretending to fuss with her dress, and saw that her nipples were hard enough to be seen clearly even through three layers of linen . . ."
Well. The ladies lost a good signalling-device with the invention of the bra! And all men were delighted when going bra-less came back into fashion . . .

The Old Pro knocks it out of the ballpark with this one. A masterwork: an easy, full 5 stars. Not to be missed!
You could start here, but the series is short. Why not start at #1? Your library almost certainly will have a copy, likely of all 3.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another clever mystery set in ancient Egypt. Lots of cultural history that added to the intrigue. The core characters continue to develop and the soft romance forms a strong bond.

I love everything this author writes, and will continue to read whatever she publishes.

[Michele Dancer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entry in this wonderful, immersive series deals with the disappearance of Herminia, a famous and much-loved singer and actress from Alexandria. Cleopatra dispatches her Eye of Isis, Tetisheri, to find her and bring her back. Tetisheri is accompanied on this adventure by the man she loves, Apollodorus and their slow-burn romance takes a new turn on the way.
This wasn't my favorite of the three books in this series, though I was thrilled not to have to wait so long to read it. As usual it was exhaustively researched which gives readers detailed looks at the city of Memphis as well as claustrophobia-inducing trips to the tombs surrounding it. The characters are as charming as ever, and the mystery was solid if ultimately very dark. I also appreciated the progress in the relationship of the two main characters, and I hope Stabenow enjoys writing this series enough to keep doing so.

[jammaster_mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent period mystery series! If you enjoy Elisabeth Peters Amelia Peabody series this has a similar feel. The characters are brought to life in a very personable way. If you have ever wondered about Ptolemaic Egypt and how the regular people lived this series is for you. Yes, Cleopatra VII is in the books but not as the main character. We get a much better picture of the political landscape and everyday life of the residents of Alexandria and beyond.

This book finds Tetisheri traveling down the Nile on a mission from Cleopatra. The question of missing actresses and ancient antiquities need to be answered. I love that we see Tetisheri's romantic life take a more important role and see the 5 Soldiers in action. Great series and I very much hope for many more to come.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this because I love history and I find the whole Alexandria and cleopatra fascinating. The mystery aspect was fine, it didn’t blow my mind but it was good. The romance actually took me by surprise because I thought it was pretty touching. Glad I decided to pick this up!

[Mary Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better.

Tetisheri is Cleopatra's childhood friend and close confidante now they are grown. She has been tasked by the Queen with a very important role..........that of the Queens Eye............it is her responsibility to investigate any matter the Queen sets her to do so far that includes murder, kidnapping and embezzling. Tetisheri understands why Cleopatra forced this role onto her and even accepts the need for her work but that does not mean she wanted the job quite the reverse in fact. This the third instalment sees a famous actress disappear in the eve of a much anticipated performance. Cleopatra tasks Tetisheri with finding out what has happened. This missing person investigation will take such an evil turn, exposing a corruption so heinous Tetisheri needs help not just from her close friend Apollodorus but also his business partners.................................. This book also exposes how defenceless the poor are in Egyptian society........................

[Audrey Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another immersive entry in this ancient Egyptian mystery series. The setting is still wonderfully vivid and is still one of my favorite things about this series, this book included. You really feel like you're walking down the streets of Cleopatra's Egypt while you're reading. I especially liked that this time we got to journey outside of Alexandria a bit and explore more of ancient Egypt through the page.

This was a slower-paced mystery, but I didn't mind that, since the other aspects of the book are what I keep coming back to the series for. This isn't the kind of mystery you go into expecting mind-blowing twists and tense action. It still had plenty of intrigue and a satisfying conclusion though. And I enjoy following these characters on their adventures; I continue to enjoy seeing the relationship between the two main characters develop.

An easy, cozy read for anyone who likes ancient Egypt and character-focused stories.

[Linda Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the main character in a production of Lysistrata, Herminia is the star pulling in the crowds, including Cleopatra. When she doesn't appear, the Queen instructs Tetisheri to find her. During the course of her investigations she finds that Herminia doesn't have any friends of family, and another body is found at the last place she was seen. The few leads take them to Memphis and the Great Pyramids. They arrive at the beginning of a festival and meet with Euphrasia, the High Priestess of The Temple of Seshat. Will Tertisheri, Apollodorus and The Five find her alive?

[Jamie Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this whole series. I loved the smoothness of the mystery and the fact that the books were so close in the series. You could read one and it would end right as the next takes off. It based in Cleopatra’s Alexandria and that was a lovely break from the modern books that I have been reading.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more I read these books the more I love them. I’ve always been a wannabe Egyptologist and having a mystery series that takes place in one of my favorite parts of history is everything. I need more Eye of Isis books, and/or more series like this one

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story. Interesting time in history.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, so well-researched that the reader feels like it’s contemporary, and fantastic description!

[Nancye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and devour each new book. If you enjoy strong women and historic fiction, you definitely want to pick up this series. I enjoy the adventures of Tetisheri and the cast of characters that surround her while she solves mysteries for Cleopatra.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleopatra, surrounded by plots, once again turns to her childhood friend Tetisheri, her recently appointed Eye of Isis (investigator to the Queen.) Herminia, famed actress and singer, is a no show for a new performance of Lysistrata. Herminia is dedicated to her craft, and it’s unlikely she would willingly miss a such and important performance, especially one attended by the Queen. Cleopatra demands that Tetisheri discover what happened and return Herminia to her.

Tetisheri, her love Apollodorus, and the rest of the Five Soldiers, eventually recover Herminia, but only after discovering tomb robbers, an especially vicious high priest, murders, and child enslavement. The characters are likable (the good ones); the sense of place is pronounced; and the interactions between and among characters move the plot along. The book includes two maps and a list of characters which help readers sort out the action. Recommended for readers who enjoy a good mystery and exotic locations.

Readalikes:
Nick Drake – Nefertiti; P.C. Doherty – The Mask of Ra; Lauren Haney – Flesh of the God; Lynda Suzanne Robinson – Murder in the Place of Anubis; Karen Essex – Kleopatra; Brad Geagley – Year of the Hyenas; Kerry Greenwood – Our of the Black Land; T.L. Higley – Shadow of the Colossus; Lee Levin – King Tut’s Private Eye; Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series; Michael Pearce’s Mamur Zapt novels; Wilbur Smith’s Egyptian Series.

Pace: Fast
Character: Strong, Clever Women; Good secondary cast
Storyline: Character-driven; Intricatey-plotted
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Suspenseful; Sometimes a bit dark
Frame: Alexandria, Memphis, Ancient Egypt (3100 B.C.E.-640 C.E.)
Themes: Political Intrigue; Grasping for power

Red flags/Trigger warning: Murder, Betrayal, Abuse of Children

[Dyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this new series from Dana Stabenow. I classify it as historical fiction/ancient Egyptian mystery and police procedural. It is well researched, and I love the vivid detailed descriptions that allows for a sense of the time period, places, people, and their culture. Of course, there is also a seamless weaving together of historical details and some real people with engaging fictional characters and plot. It is now 46 BCE in the Hellenistic period of the vibrant city of Alexandria where Queen Cleopatra VII is co-ruler along with her brother/husband Ptolemy XIV who is the inept half of the duo. Everyone knows where the real power lies. The heroine is Tetisheri who is the Eye of Isis, as well as childhood friend, loyal and trusted confidant, and personal investigator to Queen Cleopatra.

The prologos has three grave robbers named Nakht, Merimose, and Henu breaking into a tomb of a minor Egyptian official and stealing the valuables. One of them does not leave alive.

The house of Nebenteru (Tetisheri's father and business partner) is bubbling over with excitement, because they all will be attending an opening performance of an original and innovative production of the famous play Lysistrata at the Odeum where a well loved actor, living idol, and singer named Herminia will perform. The romance between Tetisheri and Appollodorus has been blossoming lately, and he will also be accompanying them. The Queen will also be attending. Before the performance, it is announced that the understudy will perform instead. The audience is outraged, but Cleopatra saves the day by declaring her support of the theater, its manager, and the production. Who's going to offend the Queen by leaving now? At the same time, the queen whispers to Tetisheri to find the missing Herminia and report back to her as soon as possible. This surprises Tetisheri, because she has been commissioned to solve only the more serious crimes that affect the Queen and her reign. So why has she been asked to solve this disappearance?

As Tetisheri begins her investigation, she discovers that Herminia kept her private life separate from her work. She lived a very simple life, her house was not adorned with finery, she wore simple clothes, and everything looked as if it belonged to the wife of a shopkeeper. What catches Tetisheri's eye is a replica of the Egyptian goddess Seshat sitting in a niche. It's the only thing of quality and rarity in Herminia's house and looks totally out of place. She takes it to Matan, a lapidary and jeweler, to be appraised. He says it is priceless. Where did it come from? The only man to come and see Herminia was named Heron, son of the Nomarch of the White Walls, lecturer at the Mouseion, and fellow of the Great Library. He asked her to marry him, and she turned him down. The last person to see her before she disappeared was her personal cosmetician and seller of fine cosmetics at the Emporeum. Tetisheri finds Karis murdered in her shop. And because a High Priest of Ptah named Natasen was seen at Herminia's failed opening, circumstances and clues has Tetisheri and Appollodorus sailing to Memphis, the city of temples and tombs in the area of the Great Pyramids, to further investigate. Also joining them are the four soldiers - Appollodorus's business partners in the Five Soldiers Gymnasium which is the largest and most profitable one in Alexandria. They will be additional bodyguards on the trip.

In Memphis Tetisheri is reunited with the High Priestess of the temple of Seshat whose name is Euphrasia. She knew Cleopatra and Tetisheri when they were little girls. She also tells Tetisheri that the High Priest Natasen has become troublesome. He has been denigrating the temple of Seshat any time and anywhere he can, because he wants to bring her temple under his authority. It turns out he is also the cousin of the Nomarch of the White Walls. I won't reveal anymore but some highlights involve the vicious Natasen who bought his position - where did he get the money to do so (?), more murders, child enslavement, human trafficking, and our group from Alexandria descending into a scary tomb to find some answers. Do they ever find Herminia? All the facets and subplots tie together at the ending reveal.

There are two maps at the front of the book, a very helpful Cast of Characters and Notes and Acknowledgments at the back of the book. A satisfying read and highly recommended if you enjoy ancient Egyptian fictional stories.

[Groucho42 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd already reviewed the last two Shugak books and figured there was burnout, both the author's and mine, when I saw this in the New Books shelf in my library. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, but now I'll go back and read the other two.

Tetisheri is a childhood friend of the famous Cleopatra and now investigates for her. Cleo has given birth to Caesar's son. Even knowing where that story is headed it was an enjoyable read. An actress is kidnapped, part of the double meaning of the title, and Sheri investigates. This is a far more free flowing and enjoyable read than the other series was. I was confused about Egyptians traveling between Virginia and Tennessee so often. Oh, wait, there were older Alexandria and Memphis? Sorry, couldn't help it.

One thing I really like is that the author didn't use italics for all the Egyptian words, as too many annoying authors and publishers do. Gosh, I was still able to tell they were foreign. Shocking...

The book was headed to five stars until the little PC nonsense at the end. Still, very enjoyable.

[Olivermagnus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Eye of Isis trilogy that follows Cleopatra's personal detective, Tetisheri of the House Nebenteru. She and Cleopatra are childhood friends and the Queen has asked her to serve as her personal detective, known as the Eye of Isis. Tetisheri has solved two other serious crimes and now Cleopatra wants her to find a missing actress.

Herminia, a famous and much-loved singer and actress from Alexandria, is missing. She asks Tetisheri and love interest, Apollodorus, to go to Memphis and search for Herminia. Along the way they discover grave robbers and human traffickers.

It was great to see Apollodorus once again relying on his four partners of the Five Soldiers, Alexandria's largest and most prosperous gymnasium. They lent a lot of humor and teasing to Tetisheri and Apollodorus burgeoning love affair.

The characters are interesting and the history lesson, mixed with plot, is always fascinating. I love anything set in the time of Cleopatra. Theft of an Idol was the third book of a trilogy but I would love to see more of these characters.

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library because I had a stack of SF&F, and wanted to get a mystery to create some change in between novels. It’s been several decades since I studied Greek and Egyptian history and gods, so I was somewhat confused about which god in charge of what was being discussed. The character list at the front was useful.
Hermania, a famous actress, suddenly disappeared the night of her opening performance of a new show. Cleopatra, as Queen, asks her friend, Tetishera, to locate her. Tetishera has helped solve some mysteries in earlier novels, and has several useful military contacts.
This was an okay read. There is noteworthy violence and abuse. I have requested the first book of the series ( this is the third), but I won’t be rushing to pick up other series by this author.

[Kaye Stambaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Ancient Egyptian lore, the eye of Isis was a blue stone that seemed to burn from within. In this well researched series the “Eye” is an appointed position who collects information and solves issues for Queen Cleopatra. Set in ancient Alexandria the writing is so descriptive, I feel like I’m strolling the streets of Alexandria, visiting the great library and experiencing life in the city as it was.

I read that this book may be the last in the series, but I hope there will be more. Stabenow does a fabulous job of creating good mysteries and dropping her readers into the setting giving interesting insight into life in ancient Egypt. It’s a really good series.

[Ape · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels like Stabenow is really getting into her stride with this light crime/historical series with this, the third book. It sees a bit of adventure and fighting with them sailing down to Memphis to investigate the case of a missing actress/singer. I can't say I know a lot about the society of ancient Egypt but it sometimes felt like modern day sensibilities and standards were being put on the characters. No matter. Its an entertaining crime/adventure story. I can't say it's grabbed me the same way the Kate Shugak series has and I doubt I would feel the same need to read anymore. The way it finishes, it could neatly end as a trilogy.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facinating look at life in ancient Egypt through the lives of Cleopatra's personal investigator and her five closest bodyguards. In this third outing Tetisheri and Appollodorus travel up the Nile in search of a famous actress gone missing, only to discover a deeper mystery with stolen burial artifacts and enslavement of children to one Egyptian idol.
Along the way Tetisheri and Appollodorus finally consummate their deep love for one another on the queen's boat in Memphis as they search for the kidnapper of the actress. The ending was a pleasant surprise as they return the actress to her mother upriver.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just a theft, a kidnapping of a prominent singer and actress Herminia, right before a performance for Cleopatra.

Cleo sends her "Eye" to investigate, which leads to some alone time with Apollodorus in Memphis and beyond. I loved the maps and the storyline is interesting. The names are a challenge, but if you read this rather short novel in one sitting, it is easy to follow the threads.

Tetisheri is an extremely likeable character and this is an interesting time and place in history.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

I borrowed a copy from the public library.

[annapi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the most famous actress in Egypt disappears on the opening night of her play, Cleopatra charges Tetisheri with the task of finding her. As her investigation proceeds she comes across what looks like a case of tomb-robbing, and also looks into the problem of the theft of the oldest and most valuable books from the Library of Alexandria.

I am really enjoying this series. Stabenow's mysteries are well-crafted, and the historical and political background of Alexandria is fascinating. Currently this is the last of the series, but I hope she will write more.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tetisheri, the Eye of Isis, is asked by Cleopatra to locate a vanished classical actress, Herminia, apparently kidnapped before a premiere of her new theatrical production. As Tetisheri & her fiance Apollodorus investigate, they discover political plots, grave robbers, temple corruption, & a group of abused children that need rescuing. A vivid depiction of Ancient Egypt at the time of Cleopatra & Julius Caesar.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really enjoyable read, I might even have given five stars, but there were a couple of occasions when I thought the author took a few liberties e.g.
Tetisheri decides to find the tomb that the priest of Ptah must have been robbing, but she does this by just walking off into the desert in the middle of the night and by sheer luck stumbles over the tomb and a dead robber. How likely is this?

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based in Cleopatra’s Egypt, a novel context for a mystery, and with a historically unexpected female-led cast, this book was intriguing from the first few chapters. The story deepens as it progresses with an ending I was pleasantly suprised to be shocked by. The historical context was a bit cursory and the 3 page character refences in the beginning was used frequently but overall an enjoyable read.

[Mysteryfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the Kate Shugak series. This is something completely different but just as good. It's set in ancient Egypt. The personal investigator for Cleopatra looks into the disappearance of an actress. There are tomb robbers and ambitious high priests. There's a little more romance than she usually writes. I love her comments in the afterword when she talks about meeting Barbara Mertz/Elizabeth Peters.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not every day in which one can travel through time to Ancient Egypt. However, reading a Dana Stabenow Eye of Isis murder mystery will do just that. Well- developed characters and dialog, along with a good eye for setting and details deliver an enjoyable read. Murder mystery investigations involving Cleopatra and her “Eye”, Tetisheri, make for interesting plot twists and intrigue. Start with the first in the series, Death of an Eye.

[penelopewanders]

This bookcrossing ring arrived in the run up to some major festivities here, so it was on my TBR pile for a while. Now I'm about to head off for a week, so I will only be able to sort out posting on my return.
I enjoyed this adventure, and the strengthening of the relationship between the hero and heroine was a treat. This was something of a different setting, and the various religions and the balance of faith, money, and power was intriguing.
Another fun read.