Description
From Publishers Weekly A rash of murders taxes the sharp mind of Amerotke, the chief judge of Egypt at the start of the turbulent reign of Hatusu, some 3,500 years ago, when the ancient Egyptian empire was at its peak. The killings, beginning at the Hall of the Underworld, a desert maze with an evil reputation, seem intended to disrupt Hatusu's reign as possibly the first woman to become Pharaoh Queen of Egypt. Because Hatusu is both young and beautiful, many in the royal circle are jealous of her rise to power. Amerotke, aided by his loyal and lecherous servant Shufoy, must stay alive and find a killer whose favored means are poisoned wines, burning oils and crocodile-infested waters. Doherty does a fine job of splicing together rich period detail and vivid storytelling, while a subtle sense of menace permeates the text. Despite a slightly unwieldy cast suffering from too many treacherous court toadies and kohl-eyed courtesans, this second installment (after Mask of Ra) in Doherty's ancient Egypt mystery series represents a rare example of historical crime fiction that isn't overloaded with history and doesn't give suspense short shrift. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Doherty continues his newest historical series (Mask of Ra) with another visit to the complicated justice and constant court turmoil of ancient Egypt. Hatusu, the widow of Tuthmose II, attempts to become pharaoh as well as queen, but murder and intrigue surround her. Solid and dependable work. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Doherty's second ancient Egyptian mystery, following Mask of Ra (1999), brings the court of Hatusu (short form of Hatshepsut), the pharaoh queen, to life. In 1479 B.C.E., after a great military victory and a purge of opposition in the court, Hatusu assumed the throne. She needed the support of the priests to ensure success. When several priests at the Temple of Horus are murdered, her chief judge, Amertoke, must find and punish the guilty parties. The author's meticulous historical research creates a colorful background for political intrigue and murder. Ancient Egypt fans who enjoy Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody series or Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt novels will want to catch up with this series on the double. Barbara Bibel From Kirkus Reviews The second installment in the series medieval veteran Doherty began with The Mask of Ra (1999) brings back Amerotke, now Chief Judge of Egypt, to investigate a series of murdersbeginning with the poisoning of the Temple of Horus' chief librarianthat rock the house of Menes, the pharaoh who's united Egypt, it seems, only to watch it slip away one citizen at a time. -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. From the Publisher "Doherty captures Egypt's ancient pageantry, splendor, and corruption with . . . authenticity. Certain to capture historical fans." Library Journal P.C. Doherty is the author of several acclaimed mystery series including The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan, the Hugh Corbett medieval mysteries, and the Canterbury Tales of mystery and murder. He lives in England. Read more
Features & Highlights
- Doherty's second ancient Egyptian mystery, following
- Mask of Ra
- (1999), brings the court of Hatusu (short form of Hatshepsut), the pharaoh queen, to life. In 1479 B.C.E., after a great military victory and a purge of opposition in the court, Hatusu assumed the throne. She needed the support of the priests to ensure success. When several priests at the Temple of Horus are murdered, her chief judge, Amertoke, must find and punish the guilty parties.
