Where The Library Hides picks up from the cliffhanger ending in What The River Knows and is the conclusion to the ‘Secrets of the Nile’ duology.

This historical fantasy is set in Egypt during 1885, and follows Inez who is dealing with the loss of her cousin and her mother’s betrayal. Unfortunately, her uncle, Tio Ricardo, oversees her inheritance and finances which limits Inez’s freedom. He issues her an ultimatum to leave Egypt, even though Inez wants to find her mother so that justice can be served.

Torn between finding her mother and following her uncle’s demands, another option opens to Inez, the acceptance of Whitford Hayes’s proposal. It could mean freedom for Inez. But despite Whitford’s feelings for Inez, he has his own secrets that could ruin her.

Inez is betrayed often. She’s impulsive and doesn’t really plan anything, so a lot can go wrong. This enables good characterisation, creating drama and giving Inez relatable flaws but makes Inez appear incredibly naïve at times.

The romantic rivalry between Inez and Whitford keeps the tension high. There is a surprising turn of events that brings another character into a poor light, doing something unforgivable to Inez.

I enjoyed how Ibanez wove history and a quest for a magical object into the plot.

One for historical, romantic adventure fans, who also like the setting the Egypt.

Reviewed by Ruth Freitas