The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: On Central Park (Book #1)
• Length: 384 pages (Paperback)
• Publication Date: March 14, 2023

Tropes

• Friends to lovers

My Rating

Book Description

“For years her explorer father promised Dr. Lauren Westlake she’d accompany him on one of his Egyptian expeditions. But as the empty promises mounted, Lauren determined to earn her own way. Now the assistant curator of Egyptology for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lauren receives two unexpected invitations.

The first is her repentant father’s offer to finally bring her to Egypt as his colleague on a new expedition. The second is a chance to enter the world of New York’s wealthiest patrons who have been victims of art fraud. 

With Egyptomania sweeping the city after the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Detective Joe Caravello is on the hunt for a notorious forger preying on the open wallets of New York’s high society. Dr. Westlake is just the expert he needs to help him track the criminal. Together they search for the truth, and the closer Lauren and Joe get to discovering the forger’s identity, the more entangled they become in a web of deception and crime.

In this rich 1920s tale, bestselling author Jocelyn Green invites you into one of New York City’s most esteemed museums, where a young woman discovers secrets, betrayal, and romance.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Pretty much all my knowledge of Egyptian history comes from high school history classes 😅 So it was interesting to get a more in-depth look into ancient Egypt, as well as learn about “Egyptomania.” However the information didn’t feel forced, thanks to the forgery storyline.

Lauren and Joe are one of my favorite couples! I loved how much they respected and supported each other. 

They also balanced each other out, which came in handy during their investigation. (Lauren is diplomatic and tactful, while Joe is more blunt and direct. Joe is distrustful. Lauren sees the best in others, but can be a little naive.)

Joe and Lauren’s backstories explained a lot of their present personalities and outlooks. The fears that kept them from pursuing a romantic relationship were completely understandable.

And as bittersweet as it was, I appreciated how Jocelyn Green handled Lauren’s relationship with her father.

The next book in this fascinating series will feature Lauren’s cousin and roommate Elsa, an ornithologist.

Favorite Moments

🐪 Lauren tying Joe’s bow tie
🐪 the gala
🐪 “as guardian of your well-being”
🐪 ice skating
🐪 “Capisce? Capisco” 
🐪 “a tour of our Metropolitan affair”

Favorite Quotes

“Besides, kneading dough proved better than a punching bag for working out stress — and it smelled a whole lot better, too.“

Jocelyn Green

“Surrounded by turned backs, Joe was an outstretched hand, an invitation to companionship.“

Jocelyn Green

“‘You were in the wrong place at the wrong time, I guess.’

He looked down at her, growing serious again. ‘I was exactly where I wanted to be. Still am.’

The music slowed to a halt, and so did their feet. When they stepped away from each other, Lauren held on to his hand a few beats longer. She didn’t want to let him go.“

Jocelyn Green

“‘True love takes no for an answer. True love respects the other person’s decisions, even when it hurts.’“

Jocelyn Green

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