The Spies of Sobeck

Female pharaoh Hatusu has returned victorious over invasion in the Nile delta but the restless province of Nubia threatens to rise in revolt. Worse, an assassin cult has largely cut communications between Nubia and lower Egypt. When Nubian assassins attempt to kill Pharaoh herself, Amerotke, a judge, determines to find who's behind the rebellion and bring him, or her, to justice. Thebes, the capital of Egypt, is filled with people from all over the world--including countless Nubians. The high priest of the Nubian church seems loyal...after all, he stopped the assassination attempt, and the former Nubian scout, Imothep cut his ties with Nubia when he helped the former Pharoah defeat it, but there are others whose loyalty is doubtful. When both Imothep and an assassin are found apparently strangled in closed rooms, Amerotke realizes that the mystery is deeper than he'd at first thought. Author P. C. Doherty creates a believable picture of ancient Egypt, with its wealth, pride, poisons, bloody executions, and constant scheming. Amerotke finds himself dividing his time between detecting and fighting off armies of assassins...including those hired from Thebes's slums as well as Nubian forces loyal to their former royal family. There's a lot to like about this mystery, starting with the Egyptian setting and Doherty's smooth style. I found the solution to the mystery itself to be a bit telegraphed...perhaps Doherty's readers enjoy being ahead of their sleuth rather than behind him. I would also have liked to see a bit more about the characters, their motivations, their emotions. Still, SPIES is an enjoyable read.

In the fifteenth century BC, fundamentalist Nubian followers of Nema the hyena goddess led by High Priest Khufu want their freedom from the Great House of Egypt. They feel the opportunity is perfect as the country is run by a female pharaoh so make plans to liberate their province. The Nema worshippers believe they must cause fear and panic by assassinating prominent people in their homes or key locations. In Thebes and in the nearby Oasis of Asiwah, elite people including imperial messengers are murdered behind locked doors; the city loses faith in Pharaoh Hatusu who has recently replaced her late father. She understands who is behind the murders and why, but not how. The Pharaoh also knows she cannot cede Nubia if she wants to keep the Great House united and soonest expanded. After consulting with her lover the Grand Vizier Senenmut, she turns to the Chief Judge in the Hall of Two Truths Amerotke to find the killers and their leader. However, both objectives prove difficult as the murderous criminal Arite sect are involved and seditious avaricious activity by several prominent citizens makes his investigation more convoluted than he expected. As always this is a great Ancient Egypt police procedural (see The Poisoner of Ptah and Mask of Ra) that contains a powerful vivid look at life in the capital city Thebes and to a lesser degree in Nubia. The story line is fast-paced even with an incredible amount of background that has the audience feel they are working the case along side of Amerotke while visiting the reign of Hatusu. P. C. Doherty provides another Great House of Egypt tale. Harriet Klausner

When people begin to die in locked rooms, Pharaoh Hatusu (Hatshepsut) believes them to be more than accidental. She summons Lord Amerotke, her faithful judge and best sleuth, to discover the cause. As Lord Amerotke investigates, it's evident that something is very wrong in Egypt and Queen Hatusu's reign may be in danger! In spite of personal danger, Amerotke is determined to get to the heart of the matter. This is the 7th book in the Amerotke series, the newest. Paul Doherty is one of the most skillfull writers of Ancient Mysteries.