Only the river knows who to trust

Isabel Ibanez's latest novel, What the River Knows is a lesson in distrust. Woven with threads of true global history, enchantments among the Egyptian desert lands, and complex relationships, Ibanez spins a tale that leaves the reader guessing if anyone we love can ever be trusted.

What the River Knows takes place in Cairo, where main character Inez has traveled, on her own, from her home in Buenos Aires. Her parents disappeared among its magical sands and Inez is determined to find out what happened to them.

But, when she sets foot on Cairo's dock, breathing in its sea-laden air, she is met by her uncle's protege, Whit. The cynical, arrogant Brit informs her that her uncle is none too pleased to learn of her arrival and wants her back on a ship to Buenos Aires immediately. Inez, a true spit-fire, refuses to leave until she discovers what truly happened to her parents. And why they preferred this desert landscape, with its many mysteries, over spending time with her at home her entire life.

Throughout the novel, solving the puzzle of their disappearance while simultaneously searching for Cleopatra's tomb provide enthralling twists. At every turn, with every clue, and among every new character introduced, Inez and the reader are left questioning who is left to trust.

Ibanez joins the mysticism of historical archeology and captivating mythology together in such a satisfying manner. While she doesn't skimp on or fudge the details of Britain's capitalist takeover of Egypt or the lack of choice for women of that time, she builds a wonderful narrative that allows for a strong female lead to trudge through mystifying tombs looking for answers and sucks the reader into the beauty and magic of Egypt.

But, don't get fooled. Ibanez's stunning tale leads the reader astray, much like all characters who trick the main character, Inez. From corporate greed, to sassy Brits, to Inez's own family, the dear heroine can't trust anyone while adrift in this desert.

A female-led version of The Mummy, with wit, humor, and entrancing twists, What the River Knows is an excellent read. Ibanez established clearly within her novel that Cairo is a place of excavation not just within the deserted tombs of legends and lore, but within the characters and the readers themselves.