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Lord Meren #1
Murder in the Place of Anubis
Who has dared to desecrate the sacred place of embalming with a murdered corpse? Pharaoh Tutankhamun orders Lord Meren, his chief investigator, to find out quickly, before power-mad priests use the incident to undermine his royal authority.
Everyone is a suspect, for the body belongs to the notorious scribe Hormin, hated by all who knew him. However, Lord Meren is no mere courtier but the Eyes and Ears of the living god. In the terrifying Place of Anubis, where unquiet spirits dwell, in the sunstruck city of Thebes, where Hormin's sons and his beautiful concubine plot, and in the royal court, where intrigues abound, Lord Meren hunts his quarry, peeling back the secrets of nobles and slaves in his quest for the truth. But more important by far is Meren's responsibility to protect the young Pharaoh from his enemies -- who are no farther away than the length of a dagger . . . .
"This exceptional debut melds ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices with court intrigue to produce a riveting mystery." -- Publishers Weekly
Everyone is a suspect, for the body belongs to the notorious scribe Hormin, hated by all who knew him. However, Lord Meren is no mere courtier but the Eyes and Ears of the living god. In the terrifying Place of Anubis, where unquiet spirits dwell, in the sunstruck city of Thebes, where Hormin's sons and his beautiful concubine plot, and in the royal court, where intrigues abound, Lord Meren hunts his quarry, peeling back the secrets of nobles and slaves in his quest for the truth. But more important by far is Meren's responsibility to protect the young Pharaoh from his enemies -- who are no farther away than the length of a dagger . . . .
"This exceptional debut melds ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and practices with court intrigue to produce a riveting mystery." -- Publishers Weekly
218 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
103 people are currently reading
2334 people want to read
About the author
Lynda S. Robinson
13 books67 followersLynda Suzanne Robinson (b. July 6, 1951 in Amarillo, Texas) is an American writer, author of romance (under the name Suzanne Robinson) and mystery novels (under the name Lynda S. Robinson). She is best known for her series of historical whodunnits set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Tutankhamun and featuring Lord Meren, "the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh." She lives in Texas with her husband and has a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
August 11, 2021
این کتاب رو با یه دوست عزیزی شروع به همخوانی کردیم ولی متاسفانه به نصف نرسیده ول کردم. من فکر میکردم شبیه کد داوینچی باشه نه یه شرلوک هلمز زمان مصر باستان! بیشتر شبیه کارتون پلیسی های برنامه کودک بود!!
July 12, 2020
2020 Summer Clearance Sale
2.75 stars
The first in the series and I have the next three volumes, picked up at the second hand book store quite a while ago. I'm relieved that I don't mind Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of the Pharaoh. And of course, he doesn't serve just any old Pharaoh, he reports to Tutankhamen himself.
Which makes it somewhat ironic when the mystery ends up involving a tomb robbery, discovered by Meren's adopted son who has his own “Howard Carter moment.” There are a very few details that I wondered about historically, but they didn't annoy me during the reading. The author chose a way of writing dialog which managed to both convey the time period, not seeming too modern, but didn't feel as stilted as some historical fantasies.
The mystery is decent and Robinson plays fair with the reader, giving enough information to allow intelligent speculation about the murderer's identity without giving it away too early. She also provides continuing subplots that encourage the reading of the next book. Very wise.
I like Meren as a character, even if he does act like a gumshoe from a detective novel, dressed up in Egyptian garb. I'll happily read the remaining books in my possession.
2.75 stars
The first in the series and I have the next three volumes, picked up at the second hand book store quite a while ago. I'm relieved that I don't mind Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of the Pharaoh. And of course, he doesn't serve just any old Pharaoh, he reports to Tutankhamen himself.
Which makes it somewhat ironic when the mystery ends up involving a tomb robbery, discovered by Meren's adopted son who has his own “Howard Carter moment.” There are a very few details that I wondered about historically, but they didn't annoy me during the reading. The author chose a way of writing dialog which managed to both convey the time period, not seeming too modern, but didn't feel as stilted as some historical fantasies.
The mystery is decent and Robinson plays fair with the reader, giving enough information to allow intelligent speculation about the murderer's identity without giving it away too early. She also provides continuing subplots that encourage the reading of the next book. Very wise.
I like Meren as a character, even if he does act like a gumshoe from a detective novel, dressed up in Egyptian garb. I'll happily read the remaining books in my possession.
May 3, 2019
It is a well written, interesting mystery that sweeps the reader into the daily lives of the ancient Egyptian upper class. Entwined throughout the mystery is the side story of Meren and Tutankhamen-and Meren’s attempts to keep the King alive while he is surrounded by traitors everywhere.
February 8, 2015
The story moves along at a quick clip and doesn't demand much from you. Meren and his adopted son, Kysen, work together to investigate different angles of a murder committed in a sacred place; Meren's close relationship with Tutankhamun puts Meren in danger and Kysen is nervous about returning (incognito) to his childhood home and abusive father.
Characters aren't terribly complex, and the writing is very direct. If someone is fat or has a big nose, everything they do will be done in a fat or big-nosed way. One sympathetic/compelling female character would have been nice.
I'm no expert on ancient Egypt, although I've always been interested in it, but to me the research seemed very thorough and thoughtful. Robinson portrays the characters' beliefs in spirits, curses, and gods without skepticism or hesitation, and there are lots of little details about clothing and food and wigs and burial customs and class distinctions.
Characters aren't terribly complex, and the writing is very direct. If someone is fat or has a big nose, everything they do will be done in a fat or big-nosed way. One sympathetic/compelling female character would have been nice.
I'm no expert on ancient Egypt, although I've always been interested in it, but to me the research seemed very thorough and thoughtful. Robinson portrays the characters' beliefs in spirits, curses, and gods without skepticism or hesitation, and there are lots of little details about clothing and food and wigs and burial customs and class distinctions.
August 6, 2020
I picked up Murder in the Place of Anubis kind of randomly and it turned out to be an unexpectedly entertaining read. I’m not going to say that I haven’t read better books in the same setting or that it was a super amazing story but I read it fairly quickly and I had a hard time putting the book down so those are all good things in my opinion.
A murder mystery set in ancient Egypt doesn’t seem to be the easiest thing to write about but somehow the author made it work fairly well. I liked reading about the main character Lord Meren, who is the Eyes and Ears of pharaoh Tutankhamun and who got assigned with the task of figuring out who murdered a scribe in the Place of Anubis (which is where they do the embalming of mummies and stuff). I also liked reading about his adopted son Kysen because he had an interesting backstory. I would’ve liked knowing more about him, in fact.
I definitely liked was that this all takes place during the time of the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun, although he’s never been a favorite of mine. There’s a lot of unrest in his court with priests and other people close to him waiting for an opportunity to overthrow the king so we’ve not only got the murder mystery to read about but also a lot of court intrigue although that aspect was definitely of less importantce to the story.
If there’s one thing I wish there was more of it would’ve been female characters. There really were only three mentioned and these women were all kind of put in a bad light. One was the wife of the murdered scribe who was shown as nothing more than a jealous spouse, another was the concubine of the murdered scribe who’s only purpose to the story seems to be how many men she banged to get more jewelry and the other one was a wife of Tutankhamun who tried to poison him. I just wish there could’ve been at least one female character portrayed more positively. So yeah that was kind of disappointing, especially since the book was written by a woman.
Overall, Murder in the Place of Anubis by Lynda Robinson was a decent read. The setting was great, I liked the writing a lot because it was descriptive and made me feel as if I was in ancient Egypt. Some of the characters were a bit lacking but in the end I did enjoy reading this murder mystery of the ancient world.
A murder mystery set in ancient Egypt doesn’t seem to be the easiest thing to write about but somehow the author made it work fairly well. I liked reading about the main character Lord Meren, who is the Eyes and Ears of pharaoh Tutankhamun and who got assigned with the task of figuring out who murdered a scribe in the Place of Anubis (which is where they do the embalming of mummies and stuff). I also liked reading about his adopted son Kysen because he had an interesting backstory. I would’ve liked knowing more about him, in fact.
I definitely liked was that this all takes place during the time of the famous pharaoh Tutankhamun, although he’s never been a favorite of mine. There’s a lot of unrest in his court with priests and other people close to him waiting for an opportunity to overthrow the king so we’ve not only got the murder mystery to read about but also a lot of court intrigue although that aspect was definitely of less importantce to the story.
If there’s one thing I wish there was more of it would’ve been female characters. There really were only three mentioned and these women were all kind of put in a bad light. One was the wife of the murdered scribe who was shown as nothing more than a jealous spouse, another was the concubine of the murdered scribe who’s only purpose to the story seems to be how many men she banged to get more jewelry and the other one was a wife of Tutankhamun who tried to poison him. I just wish there could’ve been at least one female character portrayed more positively. So yeah that was kind of disappointing, especially since the book was written by a woman.
Overall, Murder in the Place of Anubis by Lynda Robinson was a decent read. The setting was great, I liked the writing a lot because it was descriptive and made me feel as if I was in ancient Egypt. Some of the characters were a bit lacking but in the end I did enjoy reading this murder mystery of the ancient world.
June 1, 2011
I loved this series - I really enjoy ancient egypt (as well as greece and Albion)and this is one of the best written.
Unfortunately it is extremely hard to get a copy, but after 14 years, I finally have the whole set.
My only complaint is that there aren't enough of them!
Unfortunately it is extremely hard to get a copy, but after 14 years, I finally have the whole set.
My only complaint is that there aren't enough of them!
June 3, 2017
I read this as recommended for people who enjoyed Paul Doherty . I'm glad I did !!
This was an excellent ancient Egypt mystery
I couldn't put it down
I loved the fast paced mystery and descriptions!
This was an excellent ancient Egypt mystery
I couldn't put it down
I loved the fast paced mystery and descriptions!
April 24, 2022
اتفاقاً حکمت این مجموعه، خلق کارآگاهی برای تمام قرون است. این اثر نیز در راستای خلق کارآگاهی مصری در زمان فرعون است. خیلی ایدهی خوبیست، اما فضاسازیاش تصنعی و داستانپردازیاش بهشدت شلخته است. حیف که ایدهای بهاین خوبی تلف شد.
July 24, 2009
The book moves at a good clip. The time setting is interesting, just as the boy king Tutankhamun is in his teens. You don't find that many mystery books in this time period.
October 2, 2010
Entertaining mystery; I liked the history better than the mystery, but the characters are human and likable and I will read the next books in the series.
November 16, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery was good and the characters interesting. I plan to read other books in this series.
August 30, 2022
What can I say? The Lord Meren series by Lynda S. Robinson is the quintessential Egyptian murder mystery series, only to be equalled by Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody! Having read Dana Stabenow’s first two Cleopatra era Eye of Isis mysteries, and now having gone back and read Robinson’s Murder in the Place of Anubis, I can once more say with confidence I much prefer the Lord Meren books. The scope of the background research and the depth of the characters is over the top good. I felt completely immersed in the culture of the era of the 14th century B.C. in the time of the boy-king Tutankhamen.
With Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of the Living God, we jump feet first into a series that if you haven’t read them before, you would think this was the fourth or fifth book. Lord Meren has been his king’s servant for a few years so we don’t have an “origin story” of how he came to be Tutankhamen’s loyal servant. He is simply is. Yes, as the story progresses, we get brief snatches of backstory that fills out Meren’s tortured life as well of the ongoing political intrigues plaguing Tut’s court, from murders to the threat of the encroaching Hittite empire, fanatical priests and courtiers still loyal to the heretic Akhenaten, to the king’s own conniving wife Ankhesenamun, the daughter of the dead heretic.
When a heinous murder takes place in the Place of Anubis, the sacred corridors where the dead are prepared for burial, Tutankhamen tasks Meren to discover the culprit before word spreads through the kingdom, setting fears into the hearts of the living, for who would desecrate the holy place?
Portraying the lives of nobles, royals, and commoners with vivid reality, the story races through Thebes from the royal court and ancient tombs and in-between, Lord Meren must navigate a treacherous path between too many likely suspects to find the real murderer, instead of those who would gladly have done the deed. Along the way of discovering the murderer of a hated chief scribe, the arrogant and hateful Hormin, Meren must set his adopted son on the trail as well as only he can question the suspects in the village of the tomb painters where his son originated, but in so doing has he set his beloved son Kysen in the path of danger and death?
Colorful characters abound; exotic settings titillate the senses, and intrigues in this wonderfully written first book in the Lord Meren series. And when the murderer is at last discovered, it reveals a crime as old as time. And the intrigues have only begun.
And, as a bonus, though he appears only briefly at times, you’ll love the boy king Tutankhamen!
Murder in the Place of Anubis is an immersive winner! Easily five stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
With Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of the Living God, we jump feet first into a series that if you haven’t read them before, you would think this was the fourth or fifth book. Lord Meren has been his king’s servant for a few years so we don’t have an “origin story” of how he came to be Tutankhamen’s loyal servant. He is simply is. Yes, as the story progresses, we get brief snatches of backstory that fills out Meren’s tortured life as well of the ongoing political intrigues plaguing Tut’s court, from murders to the threat of the encroaching Hittite empire, fanatical priests and courtiers still loyal to the heretic Akhenaten, to the king’s own conniving wife Ankhesenamun, the daughter of the dead heretic.
When a heinous murder takes place in the Place of Anubis, the sacred corridors where the dead are prepared for burial, Tutankhamen tasks Meren to discover the culprit before word spreads through the kingdom, setting fears into the hearts of the living, for who would desecrate the holy place?
Portraying the lives of nobles, royals, and commoners with vivid reality, the story races through Thebes from the royal court and ancient tombs and in-between, Lord Meren must navigate a treacherous path between too many likely suspects to find the real murderer, instead of those who would gladly have done the deed. Along the way of discovering the murderer of a hated chief scribe, the arrogant and hateful Hormin, Meren must set his adopted son on the trail as well as only he can question the suspects in the village of the tomb painters where his son originated, but in so doing has he set his beloved son Kysen in the path of danger and death?
Colorful characters abound; exotic settings titillate the senses, and intrigues in this wonderfully written first book in the Lord Meren series. And when the murderer is at last discovered, it reveals a crime as old as time. And the intrigues have only begun.
And, as a bonus, though he appears only briefly at times, you’ll love the boy king Tutankhamen!
Murder in the Place of Anubis is an immersive winner! Easily five stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
February 23, 2022
2022 bk 51. Originally read in 1994 when it was first published. I loved the series at the time and read the first 3 books before other things caught my interest. Set in the time of Tutankhamen's reign, Lord Meren is the young Pharoah's Eyes and Ears. Tasked with finding who would have dumped a murdered corpse in the preparation chambers, Lord Meron finds himself confronting both his own and his adopted son's past and learning far more than ever desired about the household of the murdered man. Lynda S. Robinson did an excellent job of applying her research to the creation of Lord Meron in the royal court. I've ordered the next two to read again - and the following three to finally finish out the series.
December 31, 2022
O primeiro de uma série sobre Lorde Meren, Olhos e Ouvidos do Faraó, Tutankhamon, investigador criminal assistido pelo seu filho, Kysen.
Muito apelativo a quem goste do Egipto e romances policiais.
Muito apelativo a quem goste do Egipto e romances policiais.
June 14, 2018
Mystery was 3-3.5 stars but the setting and characters were terrific. Set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Tutankhamun, I have no idea how historically accurate this was but it felt pretty believable. The "detective" characters, the "Eyes and Ears of the Pharaoh", have a lot of baggage and so are in themselves interesting. Plus, everyone knows what happens eventually to Tutankhamun so I'm kinda on tenterhooks to read the rest of this. These last three all bump it up to 5 stars in my book.
March 11, 2016
Reseña en mi blog
En esta historia, conocemos a Meren, un investigador que resuelve crímenes junto a su hijo Kysen.
Un asesinato ocurre en la Casa de Anubis, sitio donde las almas deambulan a la espera de ser devueltas a sus cuerpos: Un escriba odiado por muchos, incluso su propia familia.
Este crimen debe ser resuelto lo antes posible, o los dioses podrán desatar su ira, ya que se ha profanado un lugar sagrado.
Un caso en el cuál Kysen tendrá que volver al pueblo donde nació y enfrentar un pasado tormentoso y desagradable para poder descubrir quién mató al escriba.
Un caso donde se dará a luz un descubrimiento en donde la vida del faraón se verá expuesta a un peligro próximo que pondrá en riesgo su vida y la de su reino.
En esta historia, conocemos a Meren, un investigador que resuelve crímenes junto a su hijo Kysen.
Un asesinato ocurre en la Casa de Anubis, sitio donde las almas deambulan a la espera de ser devueltas a sus cuerpos: Un escriba odiado por muchos, incluso su propia familia.
Este crimen debe ser resuelto lo antes posible, o los dioses podrán desatar su ira, ya que se ha profanado un lugar sagrado.
Un caso en el cuál Kysen tendrá que volver al pueblo donde nació y enfrentar un pasado tormentoso y desagradable para poder descubrir quién mató al escriba.
Un caso donde se dará a luz un descubrimiento en donde la vida del faraón se verá expuesta a un peligro próximo que pondrá en riesgo su vida y la de su reino.
February 15, 2008
Murder in the Place of Anubis is the first book in a series of mysteries that take place during the reign of Tutankhamen. The detective-protagonist is named Lord Meren and he reports directly to the pharaoh.
Meren is called to investigate a murder when a corpse is found in the Place of Anubis (where bodies are mummified).
The novel is part period piece and part standard, no frills, murder investigation. Like Lt. Columbo, Lord Meren knows early on who has done it and the likely motive behind the murder but he still needs enough evidence to prove his case.
While I did enjoy the scenes of interaction between Lord Meren and Tutankhamen, I found the rest of the book too bland to interest me in reading any more books in the series.
Meren is called to investigate a murder when a corpse is found in the Place of Anubis (where bodies are mummified).
The novel is part period piece and part standard, no frills, murder investigation. Like Lt. Columbo, Lord Meren knows early on who has done it and the likely motive behind the murder but he still needs enough evidence to prove his case.
While I did enjoy the scenes of interaction between Lord Meren and Tutankhamen, I found the rest of the book too bland to interest me in reading any more books in the series.
April 29, 2008
Unfortunately it has been a long time ago since I read thise books. They are unforgetteble. I remember liking some more than ohters, but can not remember then apart now. So my rating might not be as accurate as I'd like. Anyway, I remember first being struct by the intensity of the plots and later by the beauty and detail in each book. She sets such a convinsing every day life as well as party into agent Egypt that you really feel like you are there. Thise are some of my favorite books.
June 3, 2021
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical mysteries. Ancient Egypt is the background for a murder investigation. Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of the Pharaoh, Tutankhamun is beautifully established. Robinson is able to introduce the lead characters without distracting from the plot. This mix of mystery and history is thoroughly enjoyable. I just wish there were more than six books in this series.
November 9, 2009
I picked this up at a used book store for a quarter. I was robbed! The reviews on the back of the book said it was charming, clever, the first of a promising series. All I can say is this book was really, really bad.
August 2, 2009
An enjoyable, cozy murder mystery set in Ancient Egypt.
Set in a time before forensics and DNA, this is a fun murder mystery to read.
Set in a time before forensics and DNA, this is a fun murder mystery to read.
July 4, 2011
three words. Oh My Gosh. This is one of the best book IN THE WORLD! i have read it at least ten times! now i just need to find the next one!
August 9, 2011
Lacks the spark of some historical mysteries, but the background of Ancient Egypt adds some extra interest.
December 24, 2012
Detective story in ancient Eygpt. Didnt care for.
December 18, 2015
I do love Ancient Egyptian mystery stories. I like that this one includes some interesting political knowledge and details on the burial practices.
June 5, 2014
I've always enjoyed this book and have read it a couple times. Finally got around to adding it to this list
December 8, 2018
Un subgénero bastante popular dentro de la literatura policial es aquel que traslada el caso criminal a distintas épocas históricas.
Este tipo de literatura tiene el atractivo de permitir al lector, además de deleitarse con el misterio a resolver, conocer un poco más sobre determinadas épocas y sociedades del pasado.
En general, se trata de tramas que siguen el modelo tradicional: uno o varios asesinatos, un grupo reducido de sospechosos, la investigación, y, finalmente, la resolución del caso. Aquí no hay sorpresas, y el lector de misterios no se ve defraudado.
En la novela que hoy nos ocupa, nos trasladamos al Antiguo Egipto, bajo el reinado de Tutankamón, - Faraón famoso si los hay -, entre pirámides, tumbas y momias - quizás aquello de lo que, aún quienes no saben nada de historia o de arqueología, oyeron hablar - , lo que le otorga al relato, ante el público en general, un interés especial.
El problema que a veces ocurre, es que, paradójicamente, para entender el marco referencial o algunas situaciones, es importante conocer algo de historia.
El relato comienza cuando se descubre el cadáver de un escriba , y Meren, especie de jefe de seguridad y hombre de confianza del Faraón, debe llevar adelante la investigación, en medio de intrigas palaciegas y conflictos religiosos. En este caso, es importante saber que Tutankamón reinó después de Akenatón, quién, durante su reinado impulsó una reforma religiosa, persiguiendo al tradicional politeísmo egipcio e imponiendo el culto a una única divinidad: el disco solar (Atón). Si bien esto está, a su modo, explicado en la novela, quien desconoce la historia egipcia puede confundirse con las alusiones a situaciones y nombres propios del periodo.
Pero, además, para quien escribe esta reseña, profesor de historia con formación universitaria, encontrar este tipo de obras le presenta un desafío adicional: comprobar la verosimilitud histórica del relato y que no se cometan errores en la reconstrucción de la época ( gajes del oficio, que le dicen!!) Y aquí es donde podemos mencionar otra crítica a esta novela:
Si bien hay una correcta descripción de las costumbres, de las técnicas de momificación, y de la ambientación política y religiosa, he encontrado frases y situaciones propias de la actualidad como por ejemplo la alusión a que "la policía desbarató una red de prostitución infantil" o al uso de dinero ( inexistente en aquella época). Quizás esto se debió a fallas en la traducción, o al descuido, pero, para mis ojos de historiador, estas situaciones, ajenas al reinado de la XVIII Dinastía, desvalorizan un poco esta novela, que, sin embargo, y salvando los reparos ya mencionados, encontré entretenida.
https://sobrevolandolecturas.blogspot...
Este tipo de literatura tiene el atractivo de permitir al lector, además de deleitarse con el misterio a resolver, conocer un poco más sobre determinadas épocas y sociedades del pasado.
En general, se trata de tramas que siguen el modelo tradicional: uno o varios asesinatos, un grupo reducido de sospechosos, la investigación, y, finalmente, la resolución del caso. Aquí no hay sorpresas, y el lector de misterios no se ve defraudado.
En la novela que hoy nos ocupa, nos trasladamos al Antiguo Egipto, bajo el reinado de Tutankamón, - Faraón famoso si los hay -, entre pirámides, tumbas y momias - quizás aquello de lo que, aún quienes no saben nada de historia o de arqueología, oyeron hablar - , lo que le otorga al relato, ante el público en general, un interés especial.
El problema que a veces ocurre, es que, paradójicamente, para entender el marco referencial o algunas situaciones, es importante conocer algo de historia.
El relato comienza cuando se descubre el cadáver de un escriba , y Meren, especie de jefe de seguridad y hombre de confianza del Faraón, debe llevar adelante la investigación, en medio de intrigas palaciegas y conflictos religiosos. En este caso, es importante saber que Tutankamón reinó después de Akenatón, quién, durante su reinado impulsó una reforma religiosa, persiguiendo al tradicional politeísmo egipcio e imponiendo el culto a una única divinidad: el disco solar (Atón). Si bien esto está, a su modo, explicado en la novela, quien desconoce la historia egipcia puede confundirse con las alusiones a situaciones y nombres propios del periodo.
Pero, además, para quien escribe esta reseña, profesor de historia con formación universitaria, encontrar este tipo de obras le presenta un desafío adicional: comprobar la verosimilitud histórica del relato y que no se cometan errores en la reconstrucción de la época ( gajes del oficio, que le dicen!!) Y aquí es donde podemos mencionar otra crítica a esta novela:
Si bien hay una correcta descripción de las costumbres, de las técnicas de momificación, y de la ambientación política y religiosa, he encontrado frases y situaciones propias de la actualidad como por ejemplo la alusión a que "la policía desbarató una red de prostitución infantil" o al uso de dinero ( inexistente en aquella época). Quizás esto se debió a fallas en la traducción, o al descuido, pero, para mis ojos de historiador, estas situaciones, ajenas al reinado de la XVIII Dinastía, desvalorizan un poco esta novela, que, sin embargo, y salvando los reparos ya mencionados, encontré entretenida.
https://sobrevolandolecturas.blogspot...
February 7, 2021
A friend had recommended this series a while back, and I just got around to reading the six books in the series. This review is more of a reaction to the series as a whole. If you're looking up the first book, you deserve some feedback before you get started.
If you like stories set in ancient Egypt, this one's for you. Not too academic though. If you like mysteries, you should find this amusing. Maybe not brilliant, but fun.
The first couple of books are self-contained. After a while, the author decides she's writing a long story broken up into volumes though. So if you decide to read these, you might want to be sure you can get ahold of them all before going too far. Otherwise you won't know how it ends.
Another thing I noticed is that after the first couple of books, someone must've told the author that she wasn't really describing the characters. Because all of a sudden she starts giving you the low-down on everyone's appearance, hygiene, habits and outfit. It's a little much, and kinda awkward.
But don't let any of this put you off from reading these. If you want some light reading, these are quite enjoyable. And I'm not even a mystery fan!
If you like stories set in ancient Egypt, this one's for you. Not too academic though. If you like mysteries, you should find this amusing. Maybe not brilliant, but fun.
The first couple of books are self-contained. After a while, the author decides she's writing a long story broken up into volumes though. So if you decide to read these, you might want to be sure you can get ahold of them all before going too far. Otherwise you won't know how it ends.
Another thing I noticed is that after the first couple of books, someone must've told the author that she wasn't really describing the characters. Because all of a sudden she starts giving you the low-down on everyone's appearance, hygiene, habits and outfit. It's a little much, and kinda awkward.
But don't let any of this put you off from reading these. If you want some light reading, these are quite enjoyable. And I'm not even a mystery fan!
January 3, 2026
Pretty standard murder-mystery. Starts out great with a detailed, authentic-feeling description of time and place and finding Hormin's murdered body. Picks up humorously as we learn everyone around him hated the guy. Doesn't quite match the first half though it does a good job at keeping you guessing. Some red herring ploys feel like setups for plots and mysteries in future books. Surprised to read that Robinson has a Ph.D. in anthropology specializing in archaeology. Too many anachronisms, things feel dumbed down or Americanized or forced or too modern, which made me think she hadn't done her homework, or maybe to make the novel more accessible. Those instances felt out of place, took me out of the history. For example, characters refer to modern-day countries by their current names instead of their period-accurate historical names. Lord Meren's position didn't actually exist, his mannerisms and methods feel maybe a little too 1950s hard boiled detective. Nubians, viziers and court spies were a part of the palace intrigue though. A good concept, needing a more skilled author to really pay off.
January 10, 2019
Over the past several years I have read two mystery series where the stories were
set in the time of ancient Egypt. I periodically check on these books to see if the authors have written
any sequels. Unfortunately they haven't, so I found this series by Lynda S Robinson. Murder in the Place of Anubis is book one about Lord Meren, confidant of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. By the court and others he is considered King Tut's eyes and ears. By reporting the murder to his master Meren finds
himself assigned to finding the killer. He enlists his adopted son Kysen to help in the investigation.
Of course there ends up being 3 murders and the suspects are all as awful as the first victim.
I found this mystery an interesting, and intriguing view into the lives of these people. I will be reading book two soon.
set in the time of ancient Egypt. I periodically check on these books to see if the authors have written
any sequels. Unfortunately they haven't, so I found this series by Lynda S Robinson. Murder in the Place of Anubis is book one about Lord Meren, confidant of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. By the court and others he is considered King Tut's eyes and ears. By reporting the murder to his master Meren finds
himself assigned to finding the killer. He enlists his adopted son Kysen to help in the investigation.
Of course there ends up being 3 murders and the suspects are all as awful as the first victim.
I found this mystery an interesting, and intriguing view into the lives of these people. I will be reading book two soon.
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