Novels Set in Egypt
One thing I love to see is a microtrend in publishing. Usually, it involves a cluster of books coming out quickly about a specific topic. The latest microtrend I’ve seen in publishing is a bevy of novels set in Egypt.
I’m DELIGHTED by the rise in this trend, having been interested in Egypt since reading The Egypt Game in my youth. I’ve even written about Egypt books for the website before, albeit tackling children’s books about Egypt.
There is something magical about ancient Egypt with its pharaohs, mythologies, and unique setting. Even contemporary novels are often anchored by the archeological finds of the ancient world. With a setting so captivating, it’s no wonder this part of the world has become a hot spot of inspiration for writers.
The Best Novels About Egypt
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Historical Fiction Novel Set in Egypt
Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie – Jump to Section
The Best Contemporary Novel Set in Egypt
The Lost Sisterhood by Anne Fortier – Jump to Section
The Best Fantasy Novel Set in Egypt
The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty – Jump to section
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Historical Fiction Set in Egypt
Death on the Nile
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1937
Genre: Classic Mystery
More info: Hercule Poirot #18
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Agatha Christie is the queen of mysteries and this story is no exception. Set aboard a river yacht during a trip down the Nile, a murder unfolds and Hercules Poirot must solve it!
Why Kirsten loves it
I did NOT see the ending coming, that’s for sure. This boat book was recently adapted for Amazon and it was delightful to see it brought to life.
Find this book in: Agatha Christie Books in Order / Boat Books / Novels Set in Egypt
The Stolen Queen
Author: Fiona Davis
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book simultaneously tells the story of the Egyptian Gallery of the Met, the Met Gala (helmed by Diane Vreeland), and the discoveries of archaeological digs in Egypt.
In 1936, Charlotte Cross was an anthropology student working in the Valley of Kings when something happened that changed the course of her life. In 1978, Annie Jenkins is working for former Vogue editor, Diane Vreeland to organize the Met Gala.
When an ancient Egyptian necklace goes missing on the night of the Gala, Annie must work with Charlotte, now the associate curator in the Met’s Department of Egyptian Art, to recover the lost necklace.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved both female leads – particularly Annie, who found the gumption to change her life circumstances. Davis‘s writing sucked me right in and I was fretting with nerves the night of the gala.
I loved each setting of The Stolen Queen, but Egypt really captured my heart. Another hit by one of my favorite authors.
Find this book in: Fashion Books / Novels Set in Egypt
The Collector’s Daughter
Author: Gill Paul
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve never read a historical fiction set in Egypt during the time of the discovery of a Pharaoh’s tomb. This particular story was about Lady Evelyn, a female amateur archeologist whose father helped bankroll the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s.
Why Kirsten likes it
While that portion of the story was fascinating, the part set in 1970s, when Evelyn is suffering memory loss and dealing with her life after a stroke, was dull. I found myself skimming those sections of the story wishing to go back to the past. Not my favorite Gill Paul, but I look forward to her next books.
Find this book in: Novels Set in Egypt
Contemporary Novels Set in Egypt
Plot
Anne Fortier did it again with this feminist retelling of the Amazon legend. This dual timeline story has a modern-day Amazon expert on a hunt to find the treasure left behind by the Amazons she’s sure existed. It flashes back to the time of the Trojan war as readers learn about the origins of the Amazons and what caused the female warriors to become involved with the Trojans.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Anne Fortier’s retellings and this one still has me thinking about the ending. I love the dual time line narrative because to allows for suspenseful cliffhangers that add to the story’s thrilling vibes.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology Retellings / Books about Sisters / Long Books / Novels Set in Egypt
Husbands and Lovers
Author: Beatriz Williams
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Mallory is searching for a donor kidney for her son after he eats a poisonous death cap mushroom and goes into kidney failure. Now, she is forced to confront secrets from her mother’s past and her own. Her mother’s adoption and her romance with her childhood best friend who is a famous singer-songwriter.
This is a nonlinear narrative that also goes back to 1951 Cair. It is the story of a Hungarian refugee who is married to a British Diplomat but has an affair with the manager of the Cairo Hotel. This pick from the spring 2024 book releases is a story that is so much more than the sum of its parts.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Assault
Why Jackie loves it
I was not sure what to expect from this book but there was so much to dissect when I was done reading. At its heart, this is a story of women and what we do to survive and thrive.
Find this book in: June 2024 Book Releases / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Poolside Reads / Second Chance Romance Books / Novels Set in Egypt
Fantasy Books Set in Egypt
The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Year: 1988
Genre: Fantasy
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Coelho’s classic book is a one-sitting fantasy read that is an utter delight. Santiago embarks on an adventure to look for treasures in the desert of Egypt after meeting a mystical being. Along the way, he makes friends, learns lessons, and finds love.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This fable holds a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that opens the reader’s mind up to the true joys of life.
Find this book in: Best Classic Books / Novels Set in Egypt
The City of Brass
Author: S. A. Chakraborty
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: The Daevabad Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fantasy takes place in 18th-century Cairo. When Nahri accidentally summons Dara, a Djinn warrior, she is swept to Daevabad, the City of Brass. Soon Nahri must learn who to trust in a city when magic cannot shield her from the danger that threatens from all around her.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book a few years ago when we first started the blog. This book was one of the books that got me back into reading fantasy, one of my favorite genres to read.
Find this book in: Mythology Books / Books about Con Artists / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Novels Set in Egypt
More Egypt Novels
Helpful Tip
- Not sure where to start when picking a book from this list? Try reading one of the dual timelines stories that will give you a taste of modern and ancient Egypt.
- Buddy read about Egypt by getting you little one a story set there too!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best classic book set in Egypt?
Nothing can beat Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. It’s the perfect classic mystery book set on a boat in the Nile.
What is the best contempory book set in Egypt?
I love Anne Fortier’s The Lost Sisterhood. It’s about both an archelogist and the Amazon warriors from the time of the fall of Troy.
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Epilogue
Am I the only one fascinated by novels about Egypt? Let me know if you have a recommendation for this list and if you have a favorite story set in Egypt.
Book Lists by Genre
Are you looking for more books in your favorite genre? This hub will let you choose which genre to dive into!
