The Horus Killings

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. When Pharaoh Tuthmosis II fell dead before Amun, the sun god, the land of Egypt was thrown into chaos. It's close neighbours looked hungrily at the land that was like a ship without a sail, moving one way and then another, with no guiding hand to steer a straight course. The land of Egypt is shortly to have its first ever Pharaoh-Queen, but first she and her close advisor must solve a spate of murders that is threatening to jeopardise her claim to the throne . . .

I read many of the reviews...... after I read the book. In fact I agree with many of them, but I still give the book 5 stars ..... because I thought it was a very enjoyable book. I didn't buy it to learn Egyptian History. If I wanted that I'd get a textbook or documentary. I bought it because it seemed like a good mystery with lots of vibrant twists and turns. I don't doubt there could have been more development, but I consider it a 'light' thriller with lots of interesting characters and events. So, if you want light entertainment, then give it a read. If you truly want to read about Ancient Egpyt, then give it a miss.

This book is beautifully written and you will probably travel to the time when egypt was very glorious and beautiful when you read it. The plot however is not very good but still fine. If you like descriptive books than don't get this one as Paul Doherty is not as descriptive as some authors. This book is great although i would actually give 3.5 stars.

Amazing is the word I would use to describe this book. The Horus Killings continues on after Mask of Ra and is a strong sequel that had me all the way through. Well researched, you would never guess that this is a work of fiction. Do not pass this book by!

In 1478 BC, Hatusu solidifies her position as Pharaoh-Queen by defeating her country's enemies and supporters of the Grand Vizier Rahimere. His successor is Senenmut, Hatusu's lover and first minister. Though the people, the army, and the government support her, she wants more, needing the High Priests to sanctify her rule. The priests refuse unless they find proof in their library that a woman once ruled the country in the past.They launch an investigation to see if the scholars can prove that Hatusu's rule as Pharaoh-Queen has a precedent. However, someone murders two of the sleuths. The Chief Judge of Egypt, Amerotke goes to the Temple of Horus to ferret out the identity of a killer. He is almost killed too, which leads him to conclude a record exists but someone wants it to remain hidden.The magic, lures, and glory of Ancient Egypt come vividly alive in the masterly storytelling skills of Paul Doherty. THE HORUS KILLINGS takes readers on an exotic journey into the heart of a Pharaoh's reign. Readers learn the mindset, customs, and daily intrigues of those who hold power. The who-done-it is cleverly designed so that the killer is in plain sight, but still difficult to detect amidst a large number of viable suspects. Though the enlightened Amerotke feels like an anachronism when compared to those surrounding him, he and the other characters appear genuine and provide the audience insight into the era. Ancient historical fiction/mystery readers, especially Egyptologists, will cherish this novel.Harriet Klausner