MacLellan’s fun debut drops Jeanette, an American tourist in Egypt, into ancient Thebes. After she wakes Abayomi, a mummy who’s lost his key to the afterlife, her journey of discovery is filled with danger and thrills. A great sense of character evolution drives the plot, as Jeanette learns that her safe, mundane, passive modern life can’t compare to the active role she takes in freeing Sanura, a child of Bast, from slavery, or working to stop tomb robbing. Her friendships with Abayomi, Sanura, and others form organically, leading to an unlikely but well-handled romantic subplot. Supernatural elements help develop the world around Jeanette, but don’t overpower it. The descriptions feel like what a modern person in Jeanette’s situation would notice, rather than generic scene-setting. A strong conclusion sets this light fantasy a notch above its peers. (Oct.)
Publishers Weekly 
Cover art by Tom Vandenberg
Can I just tell you how delighted I am by this review! When my editor told me it was out and sent me the link, I hovered over it for a bit, steeling myself. This is my first novel, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. And WOW. I still get a smile every time I read it over. Every step of this process makes it feel more and more real. The cover art floored me. Now this review. It’s happening!
Three Great Lies is launching at Cedar Hill’s Crossing Powells (Beaverton, OR) August 6th, 7:00 pm
