Okay, so we’re ALL obsessed with the 1999 action/adventure move The Mummy, right? If you’ve never been able to stop thinking about Rick and Evie, then this is the book list for you! I’ve compiled a list of several books that feel just like watching The Mummy (1999) all over again! If you’re captivated by Brendan Fraser’s charismatic portrayal and Rachel Weisz’s compelling performance, then diving into these novels will feel all too familiar to you!
Each of these books offers action, intrigue, suspense, and of course romance, inspired from famous myths, legends, or time periods. While some of the books are based in Egypt, some aren’t, but still have the same action, excitement, and witty banter that you love from The Mummy! Whether you’re yearning for daring escapades across desert landscapes, encounters with supernatural forces, or journeys into the depths of forgotten civilizations, this list promises to satisfy your thirst for adventure!
Let’s dive into these books that have the same vibes as The Mummy, and go on thrilling journeys through the pages of these exciting novels, where danger and discovery await at every turn!
This post may contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.
When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.
With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.
The Amelia Peabody Book Series by Elizabeth Peters
Amelia Peabody, that indomitable product of the Victorian age, embarks on her debut Egyptian adventure armed with unshakable self-confidence, a journal to record her thoughts, and, of course, a sturdy umbrella. On her way to Cairo, Amelia rescues young Evelyn Barton-Forbes, who has been abandoned by her scoundrel lover. Together the two women sail up the Nile to an archeological site run by the Emerson brothers-the irascible but dashing Radcliffe and the amiable Walter. Soon their little party is increased by one-one mummy that is, and a singularly lively example of the species.
Strange visitations, suspicious accidents, and a botched kidnapping convince Amelia that there is a plot afoot to harm Evelyn. Now Amelia finds herself up against an unknown enemy-and perilous forces that threaten to make her first Egyptian trip also her last . . .
With over 20 books in the Amelia Peadbody series, you’ll be busy for a long time reading these books!
The Mummy, or Ramses the Damned by Anne Rice
Ramses the Great lives!
But having drunk the elixer of live, he is now Ramses the Damned, doomed forever to wander the earth, desperate to quell hungers that can never be satisfied—for food, for wine, for women.
Reawakened in opulent Edwardian London, he becomes Dr. Ramsey, expert in Egyptology. He also becomes the close companion of voluptuous, adventurous Julie Stratford, heiress to a vast shipping fortune and the center of a group of jaded aristocrats with appetites of their own to appease.
But the pleasures Ramses enjoys with Julie cannot soothe him. Searing memories of his last reawakening, at the behest of Cleopatra, his beloved Queen of Egypt, burn in his immortal soul. And though he is immortal, he is still all too human. His intense longings for his great love, undiminished over the centuries, will force him to commit an act that will place everyone around him in the gravest danger. . . .
Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.
Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.
In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.
The Languedoc Trilogy by Kate Mosse
July 2005. In the Pyrenees mountains near Carcassonne, Alice, a volunteer at an archaeological dig, stumbles into a cave and makes a startling discovery-two crumbling skeletons, strange writings on the walls, and the pattern of a labyrinth.
Eight hundred years earlier, on the eve of a brutal crusade that will rip apart southern France, a young woman named Alais is given a ring and a mysterious book for safekeeping by her father. The book, he says, contains the secret of the true Grail, and the ring, inscribed with a labyrinth, will identify a guardian of the Grail. Now, as crusading armies gather outside the city walls of Carcassonne, it will take a tremendous sacrifice to keep the secret of the labyrinth safe.
Guarded Treasure by Mae Lovette
Edith Taylor secures her dream opportunity to explore ancient tombs, only to find herself partnered with Benjamin Brooks, a demoted archaeologist who despises her from the start. Assigned to unlock the Cursed Tomb of Argo, rumored to hold the mummy of a scandalized Pharaoh’s lover, they must navigate their fiery attraction amidst the dangers of the tomb and the curse it holds. As they clash and ignite passion aboard a Nile steamer and in the depths of an exquisite library, their shared objective and undeniable chemistry are put to the ultimate test. Guarded Treasure by debut author Mae Lovette offers a thrilling escape to a glamorous era, where adventure intertwines with romance amidst the lush oasis of ancient Egypt.
The Jack West Jr Series by Matthew Reilly
The Jack West Jr. series by Matthew Reilly follows the adventures of the titular character, a former Australian Special Forces soldier turned globetrotting adventurer and archaeologist. Across the series, Jack West Jr. finds himself entangled in a series of high-stakes missions, battling against powerful enemies and racing against time to uncover ancient secrets that hold the fate of the world in balance.
From battling mythical beasts in ancient temples to thwarting the plans of sinister organizations seeking world domination, each book in the series delivers relentless action, intricate puzzles, and pulse-pounding suspense. Jack West Jr. is not alone in his quests; he is accompanied by a diverse cast of allies, each possessing unique skills and backgrounds, who aid him in his daring exploits.
As the series progresses, Jack West Jr. uncovers a grand conspiracy that spans millennia, revealing hidden truths about the origins of humanity and the existence of powerful artifacts with the potential to reshape the world. With relentless adversaries hot on his trail and the fate of civilization hanging in the balance, Jack West Jr. must use all of his wits, courage, and resourcefulness to outmaneuver his enemies and save humanity from destruction.
The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.
Until Huck returns from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.
Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.
Heart of Fire by Linda Howard
A fabulous lost Amazon city once inhabited by women warriors and containing a rare red diamond: it sounded like myth, but archaeologist Jillian Sherwood believed it was real, and she was willing to put up with anything to find it—even Ben Lewis.
Ruffian, knock-about, and number one river guide in Brazil, Ben was all man—over six feet of rock-hard muscles that rippled under his khakis, with lazy blue eyes that taunted her from his tanned face. Jillian watched him come to a fast boil when she refused to reveal their exact destination upriver in the uncharted rain forests—and resolved to stand her ground. Neither of them could foresee what the days ahead promised: An odyssey into the fiery heart of passion and betrayal, and a danger that would force them to cast their fates together, immersed in the eternal, unsolved mysteries of love…
Veronica Speedwell Mysteries by Deanna Raybourn
The Veronica Speedwell Mystery series by Deanna Raybourn follows the adventures of the titular character, Veronica Speedwell, a fiercely independent and intellectually gifted Victorian-era lepidopterist with an insatiable curiosity for solving mysteries. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century England, each installment sees Veronica embroiled in a new and intriguing case, often involving murder, espionage, and secrets from her own enigmatic past.
Teaming up with the enigmatic and charming natural historian, Stoker, Veronica traverses the social circles of London’s elite and delves into the underbelly of society to uncover the truth behind each baffling crime. Their partnership is marked by witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a deepening bond as they navigate perilous situations and confront dangerous adversaries.
As the series unfolds, Veronica’s personal history and family secrets come to light, adding layers of complexity to her character and the mysteries she encounters. With each investigation, Veronica proves herself to be a formidable sleuth, employing her sharp intellect, resourcefulness, and unapologetic feminism to challenge societal norms and fight for justice in a world where women’s voices are often silenced.
Filled with intrigue, humor, and a touch of romance, the Veronica Speedwell Mystery series offers readers a captivating journey through Victorian England, where danger lurks behind every corner and solving crimes is just another day’s work for our intrepid heroine.
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase
Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase follows the daring exploits of Rupert Carsington, an English nobleman renowned for his devil-may-care attitude and insatiable thirst for adventure. Tasked with escorting the brilliant and unconventional Daphne Pembroke through the perilous deserts of Egypt, Rupert finds himself entangled in a thrilling journey filled with danger, intrigue, and unexpected romance. As they navigate treacherous terrain and evade deadly foes, Rupert and Daphne must confront their own vulnerabilities and undeniable attraction. With wit, charm, and heart-pounding excitement, Mr. Impossible delivers a captivating tale of love and adventure set against the exotic backdrop of 19th-century Egypt.
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Archaeologist Dr. Socorro “Corrie” Mejía has a bone to pick. Literally.
It’s been Corrie’s life goal to lead an expedition deep into the Mexican jungle in search of the long-lost remains of her ancestor, Chimalli, an ancient warrior of the Aztec empire. But when she is invited to join an all-expenses-paid dig to do just that, Corrie is sure it’s too good to be true…and she’s right.
As the world-renowned expert on Chimalli, by rights Corrie should be leading the expedition, not sharing the glory with her disgustingly handsome nemesis. But Dr. Ford Matthews has been finding new ways to best her since they were in grad school. Ford certainly isn’t thrilled either—with his life in shambles, the last thing he needs is a reminder of their rocky past.
But as the dig begins, it becomes clear they’ll need to work together when they realize a thief is lurking around their campsite, forcing the pair to keep their discoveries—and lingering attraction—under wraps. With money-hungry artifact smugglers, the Mexican authorities, and the lies between them closing in, there’s only one way this all ends—explosively.
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger
The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger is a delightful blend of steampunk, fantasy, and Victorian romance, set in an alternate version of 19th-century England where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings coexist with humans. The series follows the adventures of Alexia Tarabotti, a soulless preternatural who possesses the rare ability to nullify supernatural powers with a touch. As she navigates London’s high society and uncovers various mysteries, Alexia finds herself entangled in a complex web of intrigue involving political machinations, secret societies, and ancient conspiracies. Alongside her charming werewolf husband, Lord Conall Maccon, and a colorful cast of characters, Alexia must confront threats both supernatural and mundane while unraveling the secrets of her own mysterious heritage. Filled with humor, romance, and witty dialogue, the Parasol Protectorate series is a whimsical and entertaining journey through a fantastical Victorian world.
Want to read more? Check out these related blog posts: