Reviews for Secrets of the Royal Danish Egg

Secrets of the Royal Danish Egg by Barb Goodwin & Doug Penikas follows Rebecca Hunter Lake, an 18-year-old high school graduate who is unwittingly thrust on a thrilling adventure after stealing a priceless Fabergé cigarette case from a museum. The case contains a cryptic message that leads Becca and her companion, Reed Alexander Carter (RC), on a treasure hunt to uncover the location of the Royal Danish Egg, one of the seven missing Fabergé eggs of inestimable value. However, they are not the only ones on the hunt as an influential organization will stop at nothing to find the missing egg, and they know Becca is on the path to uncovering the secrets of its whereabouts.

The novel is a page-turner exploring friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. Becca's character development is spectacular as she navigates through various challenges, from being a novice in treasure hunting to facing her demons. On the other hand, RC is a complex character with a mysterious past whose motivations and actions are shrouded in secrecy. The authors’ use of suspense and tension is expertly accomplished, and they keep readers invested in the characters and the twisty plot. The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the end. Becca's relationships with her mother and RC are particularly noteworthy —nuanced and utterly complex.

The prose is crisp, and the authors sprinkle the writing with fascinating descriptions, sparkling dialogues, and engaging imagery. The tension builds throughout the novel, culminating in a thrilling climax that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Secrets of the Royal Danish Egg is a gripping novel that will keep readers on the edge. With language that soars in power and beauty, Barb Goodwin & Doug Penikas deliver a narrative that is captivating and creates a heroine that readers can’t forget — even after turning the last page. 

—The Book Commentary

A Gripping Adventure

Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2025

In The Royal Danish Egg by Barb Goodwin and Doug Penikas, we  are thrust into a whirlwind of adventure right from the start. Becca Hunter Lake, an ambitious teenager working on her thesis, is  unexpectedly embroiled in a high-stakes game involving priceless  artifacts and a shadowy organization. The novel’s initial premise, which begins in the grandeur of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, cleverly melds art history with thrilling heists, showcasing the authors' talent for blending historical intricacies with contemporary thrill.

Goodwin and Penikas develop Becca's character beautifully, portraying her as curious, determined, and resourceful, a young woman on the cusp of  adulthood who is ready to face any challenge. Her relationship with her father isn’t the best, and she has an endearing love for Mom. The addition of swirling family drama—particularly the complicated relationship with her father—provides emotional depth in the story, making her quest for the Fabergé egg not just historical significance but also personal. The pacing is relentless,t ransitioning between moments of high-tension action and introspective silence. 

This gripping blend of suspense, family dynamics, and the allure of hidden treasures makes The Royal Danish Egg an engaging read that leaves the audience  eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

—Customer Review for Secrets of the Royal Danish Egg