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Anna is fleeing England and a suitor, Gould, who she believes may have been involved in an attack on her father a decade ago in Cairo. When she finally has a chance to speak alone with Gould's manservant, Komumbu, she learns that he is being forced to work for Gould while his tribe must search for a treasure Gould lost in Cairo when her father was attacked and presumed dead. In addition, Komumbu claims that although her father lost an arm and a leg and can only speak one phrase, he is indeed alive and living with his tribe.
While aboard the ship to Cairo, Anna reunites with Richard, who was also in Cairo and helped her escape Gould's attack. Richard is very ill, and Anna quickly operates on him in her cabin to save his life. She must do this in secret because women aren't allowed to be surgeons in Europe in the nineteenth century. When Richard recovers, he is determined to help Anna track down her father and prove Gould's guilt.
Doe's debut novel is a quick read. It is an Egyptian adventure with lost treasure, a treacherous villain, a love story, and a plucky heroine. It has many elements from classic Indiana Jones movies. Her writing is grammatically clean and direct, and she maintains a quick pace without diversions from the outset. Her protagonist's knowledge of medicine and desire to be a surgeon add an extra layer to her character. Those looking for a light, feel-good adventure story with a female heroine will discover this one fits the bill.