The Assassins of Isis

I really enjoy all of PC Doherty's works, this one especially because it's set in the 18th Dynasty, which is one of my favorites. The book centers around Queen Hatusu and her detective Lord Amerotke who is supposed to investigate the disappearance of precious artifacts. Murders abound, an attempted assassination takes place, and all the while the readr is learing about Egyptian life and culture. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, ancient Egyptian fiction, mysteries, and good fiction.

For those who like to read Elizabeth Peters, they will also like Doherty's ancient Egyptian mysteries.

A worthy effort and commendable addition to the Egyptian series by an author that always manages to deliver excitement in a realistic setting. I have watched for the next segment in this series and was pleased with the well realized characters and believable events. This book held the suspense until the very end. A great read.

In 1478 BC Egypt's XVIII Dynasty, Pharaoh Queen Hatusu assigns the Hall of Two Truths Chief Judge Lord Amerotke to investigate the stealing of artifacts from the "Houses of a Million Years" in the Valley of the Nobles. The intruders obviously have insider information as they knew precisely where to go and much about the guards. This makes it easy to kill the patrol and plunder the tombs. Lord Amerotke, his wife Norfret, their two sons (Ahmase and Curfayhas), and his servant Shufoy capture most of the thieves, members of the Sebaus sect; but the leader remains hidden amidst the shadows of the affluent just out of sight. Mercenaries try to assassinate Amerotke, but he survives their attempt to kill him. Instead he switches inquires from finding the Sebaus leader to investigating the murder of retired General Suten, killed by horned vipers. Evidence points towards the macho military man having releasedthe snakes to prove his courage, but Amerotke finds flaws with that logic and wonders if the victim's wife Lupherna, his scribe Menna and or his valet Heby killed him. Amerotke has another case to investigate involving four young women who have vanished from the Temple of Isis. He finds the connection tying the three cases together but if he is not extremely careful his efforts will lead to a fourth inquiry, headed by someone else, to solve who killed the Chief Judge. THE ASSASSINS OF ISIS is a fantastic entry in the Ancient Egypt mystery series. The fast-paced story line grips readers from the onset of the Sebaus sect members begin their looting and never slows down until the final twist. The cast is strong especially the hero, but the novel as with the predecessors (see THE MASK OF RA, HORUS KILLING and THE SLAYERS OF SETH), belongs to the background. P.C. Doherty paints a powerful vivid look at Ancient Egypt within a strong police procedural. Harriet Klausner

Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical mystery novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He has also written books about Alexander the Great and is now turning his hand to novels of Ancient Egypt at the time of the most influential period in its long history. The tomb of Rahimere, his house of eternity filled with all the things he may need to cross to the other side has been hidden for many years, somewhere deep in the desert. The location of the tomb has long been kept a closely guarded secret. But now a sect know as the Sebaus, who take their name from the demons have not only found the tomb, but plundered it for the powerful secret it holds . . . These book on Egypt just get better and better and long may Paul Doherty continue to write them. They are both entertaining and also give a wonderful insight into the life of the Ancient Egyptians.