The Golden Goblet is a mystery novel set during the reign of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. The hero is a 12-year-old orphan named Ranofer who was studying to be a goldsmith before his father died. At the beginning of the novel, he discovers that his abusive half-brother, Gebu, is involved in a criminal scheme to make himself rich. Ranofer and his friends must uncover Gebu’s secret activities and expose the conspiracy without getting caught themselves. The book is filled with the kind of action that would make the Scooby-doo gang proud. There are secret meetings, nefarious plots, clandestine spying, chase scenes, multiple break-ins, and even the occasional ghost scare.

That said, readers who haven’t read much historical fiction may find some of the language a bit challenging. In particular, the dialog sounds very old-fashioned. For example, everyone says “nay” instead of “no,” and the younger characters politely call their friend “Ancient” in deference to his age. Readers should also be aware that one of the minor characters is a little person who is frequently referred to as a dwarf. At one point, he is called ‘the favorite pet’ of the queen, and the text uses the word ‘little’ to describe him more often than necessary. For the most part, though, he is presented as a person of high status, and he helps Ranofer when no one else will. 
Readers will enjoy following the mystery as it unfolds, but the world that the characters inhabit is equally exciting. Eloise Jarvis McGraw does an amazing job reconstructing what everyday life might have been like for young craftsmen in 15th century Egypt. When the historical record falls short, she fills in details from later Egyptian periods to create a rich cultural life for her characters. The Golden Goblet is a fascinating journey into New Kingdom Egypt as well as a thrilling mystery. – Krishni Burns