I grew up reading Agatha Christie. Her mysteries are classic and even amidst the dead bodies, oddly nostalgic and comforting for me. I have always wanted to write a mystery with lots of plot twists but do it in a way that feels true to me and my interests. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an Egyptologist, and so when I grew up and writing became my career, I knew I’d one day write a story set in Egypt. The Secrets of the Nile duology has all of my favorite things: a main character who isn’t a warrior but a dreamer, wanting to belong somewhere and yearning to make sense of the world around her. She’s bright and curious and impulsive, a teenager of her time and perhaps with an eye to the future, too. The love interest is morally gray and constantly questioning people and their motives and intentions. He’s cynical and sensitive and probably a little sad all the time. Together, I think they learn to heal and grow up, making mistakes along the way because no one gets it right the first time, or even the second.
― Isabel Ibañez, Interview, She Reads
What booksellers are saying about Where the Library Hides
- This was a wonderful conclusion to What the River Knows! It’s a mix of Indiana Jones and Atlantis. This story involves rivals turned lovers and also features a touch of grumpy x persistently-will-give-up-no-matter-what dynamic! It also makes you yearn to see the sights and monuments described! The epilogue was also a nice touch!
― Sarah Dimaria, Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, Louisiana | BUY
- A fantastic read! This is full of adventure, history, mystery, and romance. There are so many great twists and turns, heartbreaks and swoony scenes! Though it helps if you read book 1 first, I think it works on its own, too. Jump in here and then circle back to the first in the Secrets of the Nile series. You won’t regret it!
― Jamie Southern, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina | BUY
- Get ready to head back to Egypt as you get swept into the final book in this series. Ibañez does it again with beautiful imagery and wonderful banter between the two main characters. As Inez tries to unlock the secrets behind her mothers betrayal she has to overcome the fact that her new husband Whit also used her for her money. Despite the fact he stole from her Whit desperately wants to stay with Inez and help her, so he makes her a deal that if they work together he will let her have a quiet devoice, even if that is not what he wants. Enjoy being swept away into this world that Ibañez has built as this beautiful adventure and love story unfold.
― Kelli Dynia, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida | BUY
- Loved these books!!! Ready to hear more about the other characters and their adventures!
― Sandra Huff, Virginia Highland Books in Atlanta, Georgia | BUY
- This story is overflowing with an abundance of betrayal that can only be described as luscious! I found myself gasping at reveals, only for the next twist to shock me further. My heart was pulled in all directions, and ultimately ended with me in love Egypt as much as the characters.
― Halli Heinmets, Underbrush Books in Rogers, Arkansas | BUY
About Isabel Ibañez
Isabel Ibañez is the author of the Secrets of the Nile duology (Wednesday Books), and Woven in Moonlight (Page Street), a finalist for the William C. Morris Award, and listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time. She is the proud daughter of Bolivian immigrants and has a profound appreciation for history and traveling. She currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, twin sons, their adorable dog, and a serious collection of books. Say hi on social media at @IsabelWriter09.
