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Nephthys

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Sister. Rival. Protector. The spellbinding story of a forgotten daughter and a forgotten goddess.

Quiet and reserved, Clemmie is happy in the background. But although her parents may overlook her talents, her ability to read hieroglyphs makes her invaluable at the Egyptian relic parties which have made her father the toast of Victorian society.

But at one such party, the words Clemmie interprets from an unusual amulet strike fear into her heart. The beautiful and dangerous glyphs she holds in her hands will change her life forever.

Five years later, Clemmie arrives in Egypt on a mission to save what remains of her family. The childhood game she used to play about the immortal sisters, Isis and Nephthys, has taken on a devastating resonance and it is only by following Nephthys' story that she can undo the mistakes of the past. On her journey up the Nile she will meet unexpected allies and enemies and, along with long-buried secrets and betrayals, Clemmie will be forced to step into the light.

© Rachel Louise Driscoll 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Action & Adventure Fantasy Gothic Historical Fiction Horror Women's Adventure Women's Fiction Middle East Heartfelt Africa

Critic reviews

Enchanting prose married beautifully with a darkly compelling plot which flows as smoothly as the Nile, Nephthys is a dazzling debut and an irresistible page-turner. With an unforgettable heroine you cannot help but root for, I was spellbound from the very first page to the very last. (Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of No. 1 bestseller PANDORA)
An intoxicating tale of adventure and obsession, told in prose that shimmers like the Nile. I loved it! (Emilia Hart, author of WEYWARD)
Brilliant and meticulously researched. . . [I]devoured it in two days. A gripping & skilfully written Victorian adventure set in Egypt & based on mythology. I loved it. (Santa Montefiore, No.1 bestselling author)
Gothic shivers beneath a blazing Egyptian sun. This terrific tale of a female Victorian Egyptologist battling a cursed past and uncertain future unfolds and reveals like a precious papyrus manuscript. Loved! (Kate Griffin, author of Fyneshade)
Seamlessly blending extensive historical research and ancient Egyptian mythology with exquisite storytelling, Nephthys is an astonishingly accomplished debut from an exciting new talent. (Jessica Bull, author of MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES)
Exquisite writing...an absolute joy to read... a powerful story of self-discovery, a deft interweaving of Egyptian symbology with the beliefs of the Victorian era. (Fiza Saeed McLynn, author of THE MIDNIGHT CAROUSEL)
A glorious tale of adventure set beneath the blazing sun of Egypt... A thoroughly enjoyable read.’ (Rebecca Netley, author of THE WHISTLING)
Bursting with love of family, unexpected betrayals, a goal-oriented adventure, and a heaping dose of self-reflection. The storytelling will keep you turning pages as the protagonist worms her way right into your heart.
A remarkable debut novel. . . Rachel Louise Driscoll is a writer to look out for.
Driscoll's clever and haunting exploration of nineteenth-century Egyptomania had me turning pages late into the night. . . An eerie tale in the best Victorian gothic tradition, this book is a treat for anyone who has ever been entranced by the mythology of ancient Egypt (and that's everyone, right?). (Anna Rasche, author of THE STONE WITCH OF FLORENCE)
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely flawless. Depth, intensity, beautifully written and so well read and produced for the audiobook. Deeply engrossing.

Outstanding - Stunning Victorian period fiction combined with Egyptology.

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It was such a pleasure to listen to Nephthys.
It took me away to a wonderful world of Egypt with an amazing description and little details.
Highly recommended !!

What a fantastic book!

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