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Amerotke #1
The Mask of Ra
The first in a new mystery series set in ancient Egypt, this unique tale of murder and greed pits a group of assassins planning to pollute the unfinished tomb of Pharaoh Tuhmosis II against an evil they cannot even imagine, while the pharaoh's widow Hatusu and the Chief Judge search for a killer. Reprint.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
170 people are currently reading
1994 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books609 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
March 25, 2022
Enjoyed this historical mystery story set in Ancient Egypt.
Written well.
Written well.
September 24, 2019
I read this book to fill the Murder Most Foul square of my 2019 Halloween Bingo Card.
I’ve always been a fan of Ancient Egypt and so I was quite excited to try this ancient historical mystery to see if it would engage me like Pauline Gedge’s fiction does. Her novel Child of the Morning, deals with the same Pharaoh and Queen (Hatshepsut, called Hatusu in this novel).
Perhaps because I had high hopes, I was a bit underwhelmed by this mystery. I loaned this book to a friend for airport reading back in May. She experienced the same feeling and we both found that the writing was good, but overly cluttered with detail. Every table, every piece of clothing, every dish, gets described in loving detail. We get it, Mr. Doherty, you did your research.
The mystery itself was well written. When the murderer was revealed, I was completely surprised. If the next book came easily to hand, I would possibly read it. Unfortunately, my public library does not have the second volume and I am not motivated enough to go scour the used book stores for it, so this will probably end my reading about Amerotke. However, I’m still going to give his Brother Athelstan series a try. Also, I will see if I can shoehorn some Egyptian history into my reading schedule. If I’m to read all the details of life in that period, I’d rather read it as history rather than fiction.
I’ve always been a fan of Ancient Egypt and so I was quite excited to try this ancient historical mystery to see if it would engage me like Pauline Gedge’s fiction does. Her novel Child of the Morning, deals with the same Pharaoh and Queen (Hatshepsut, called Hatusu in this novel).
Perhaps because I had high hopes, I was a bit underwhelmed by this mystery. I loaned this book to a friend for airport reading back in May. She experienced the same feeling and we both found that the writing was good, but overly cluttered with detail. Every table, every piece of clothing, every dish, gets described in loving detail. We get it, Mr. Doherty, you did your research.
The mystery itself was well written. When the murderer was revealed, I was completely surprised. If the next book came easily to hand, I would possibly read it. Unfortunately, my public library does not have the second volume and I am not motivated enough to go scour the used book stores for it, so this will probably end my reading about Amerotke. However, I’m still going to give his Brother Athelstan series a try. Also, I will see if I can shoehorn some Egyptian history into my reading schedule. If I’m to read all the details of life in that period, I’d rather read it as history rather than fiction.
October 18, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 1st volume of the superb Ancient Egypt series, featuring Amerotke of Thebes.
This delightful mystery is set in 1479 BC, and starts with the homecoming of the Pharaoh Tuthmosis II, after the victorious battles against sea raiders on the Nile Delta, in Thebes.
In Thebes there's a group of assassins who doesn't want him back, and taken a witch to pollute the Pharaoh's unfinished tomb.
Reunited with his wife, Hatusu, they stand before the statue of Amun-Ra, and not an hour afterwards Tuthmosis II is found dead.
Queen Hatusu is determined to uncover the truth, and she with the help of Amerotke, a respected judge of Thebes, they start to investigate this death.
What will follow is an intriguing mystery in which the dark secrets of Egypt will be shown to them in their clarity while unraveling the truth, and after a few twists and turns, followed with an exciting plot, they will be able to catch the culprit(s) of this hideous crime in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing begin of this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Ancient Egypt Mysteries Start"!
This delightful mystery is set in 1479 BC, and starts with the homecoming of the Pharaoh Tuthmosis II, after the victorious battles against sea raiders on the Nile Delta, in Thebes.
In Thebes there's a group of assassins who doesn't want him back, and taken a witch to pollute the Pharaoh's unfinished tomb.
Reunited with his wife, Hatusu, they stand before the statue of Amun-Ra, and not an hour afterwards Tuthmosis II is found dead.
Queen Hatusu is determined to uncover the truth, and she with the help of Amerotke, a respected judge of Thebes, they start to investigate this death.
What will follow is an intriguing mystery in which the dark secrets of Egypt will be shown to them in their clarity while unraveling the truth, and after a few twists and turns, followed with an exciting plot, they will be able to catch the culprit(s) of this hideous crime in the end.
Highly recommended, for this is an amazing begin of this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Ancient Egypt Mysteries Start"!
April 17, 2011
Interesting, and I suspect quite authentic; but for me, too much description of costumes, wall decorations and cityscapes. Some decent action but not much in the way of puzzles for the historical mystery fan. An OK read.
June 30, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in April 2000.
Many historical novelists have a period of history for which their writing seems particularly well suited. This is partly because writing a good historical novel involves a good deal of research, so that the background is most convincing when it matches a period of history the author is interested in, understands well, or has already done closely related research for previous novels. When an author moves to a different setting, the novels are often poorly executed. Paul Doherty has concentrated on medieval Europe, a setting which (because he had been a researcher in medieval English history before turning to fiction writing) he already knew well. Occasional works with other backgrounds - seventeenth century France, for example - were not as convincing.
Thus, my expectations for a Doherty novel set in the far more alien background of ancient Egypt were not high. However, The Mask of Ra turned out to be well worth reading, and I found this different background almost as convincing as that of Doherty's Hugh Corbett and Brother Athelstan series. Mind you, my knowledge of Egyptian culture is a little sketchy. I occasionally had the feeling that I was being lectured to a little to much, because Doherty expects his readers to find ancient Egypt very different from anything in their experience.
The major problem with this novel is that its main characters, Amerotke and his servant Shufoy, are too similar to Hugh Corbett and his servant in both their personalities and relationship to one another. This shows a lack of imagination on Doherty's part, which really should have been avoided, particularly considering that many of the readers of this novel will have read some of the other series.
Many historical novelists have a period of history for which their writing seems particularly well suited. This is partly because writing a good historical novel involves a good deal of research, so that the background is most convincing when it matches a period of history the author is interested in, understands well, or has already done closely related research for previous novels. When an author moves to a different setting, the novels are often poorly executed. Paul Doherty has concentrated on medieval Europe, a setting which (because he had been a researcher in medieval English history before turning to fiction writing) he already knew well. Occasional works with other backgrounds - seventeenth century France, for example - were not as convincing.
Thus, my expectations for a Doherty novel set in the far more alien background of ancient Egypt were not high. However, The Mask of Ra turned out to be well worth reading, and I found this different background almost as convincing as that of Doherty's Hugh Corbett and Brother Athelstan series. Mind you, my knowledge of Egyptian culture is a little sketchy. I occasionally had the feeling that I was being lectured to a little to much, because Doherty expects his readers to find ancient Egypt very different from anything in their experience.
The major problem with this novel is that its main characters, Amerotke and his servant Shufoy, are too similar to Hugh Corbett and his servant in both their personalities and relationship to one another. This shows a lack of imagination on Doherty's part, which really should have been avoided, particularly considering that many of the readers of this novel will have read some of the other series.
March 21, 2020
Antico Egitto.
Harding è stato in grado di ricostruire e descrivere con una certa fedeltà tutti gli aspetti di questa misteriosa e affascinate civiltà. L’Egitto è un Paese esotico ed enigmatico... che fa da cornice e sfondo al giallo che viene raccontato.
Chi ha ucciso il Faraone?
La vicenda si svolge intorno al 1479 a.C., quando il Paese viene sconvolto dall’uccisione del Faraone Tutmosi II al suo rientro da una campagna militare, portando con sé un segreto sconvolgente. La lotta per la successione al trono è violenta e subdola, e causa altre morti tra i suoi (fidati) consiglieri. La giovane vedova Hatusu ha pochi amici al suo fianco e combatte strenuamente per occupare il posto che pensa le spetti di diritto in attesa che il figlio (figliastro, in realtà) raggiunga l’età giusta per governare.
Nel frattempo il giudice Amerotke indaga per venire a capo dei delitti che scuotono il Consiglio e il Regno, minacciato ai confini da terribili orde di nemici.
E... Alla fine, solo la verità rimane!
3,5... la bella ricostruzione ha il suo valore... la soluzione del giallo, invece, è abbastanza prevedibile.
Tutto sommato una buona e interessante lettura.
#iorestoacasaeleggo
🌍 LdM - Mini sfida/Africa/Task 2 Egitto 🇪🇬
🌍 Africa: Egitto 🇪🇬
Harding è stato in grado di ricostruire e descrivere con una certa fedeltà tutti gli aspetti di questa misteriosa e affascinate civiltà. L’Egitto è un Paese esotico ed enigmatico... che fa da cornice e sfondo al giallo che viene raccontato.
Chi ha ucciso il Faraone?
La vicenda si svolge intorno al 1479 a.C., quando il Paese viene sconvolto dall’uccisione del Faraone Tutmosi II al suo rientro da una campagna militare, portando con sé un segreto sconvolgente. La lotta per la successione al trono è violenta e subdola, e causa altre morti tra i suoi (fidati) consiglieri. La giovane vedova Hatusu ha pochi amici al suo fianco e combatte strenuamente per occupare il posto che pensa le spetti di diritto in attesa che il figlio (figliastro, in realtà) raggiunga l’età giusta per governare.
Nel frattempo il giudice Amerotke indaga per venire a capo dei delitti che scuotono il Consiglio e il Regno, minacciato ai confini da terribili orde di nemici.
E... Alla fine, solo la verità rimane!
3,5... la bella ricostruzione ha il suo valore... la soluzione del giallo, invece, è abbastanza prevedibile.
Tutto sommato una buona e interessante lettura.
#iorestoacasaeleggo
🌍 LdM - Mini sfida/Africa/Task 2 Egitto 🇪🇬
🌍 Africa: Egitto 🇪🇬
June 9, 2020
Un giallo che confesso di aver fatto un po' fatica a leggere, malgrado la bellissima ambientazione nell'Antico Egitto, piena di riferimenti storici, la prima figura di Faraone donna, la divina Hatshepsut - in questo libro chiamata brevemente Hatusu - la crisi della religione politeista (ma non aggiungo altro per non incorrere in spoiler).
Mi sono resa conto di essermi spesso distratta, eppure ciò non ha comportato un problema quando ritornavo sui binari: continuavo a seguire le indagini per l'omicidio del faraone Tutmosi II comprendendo tutto. Il che voleva dire che o Doherty si perdeva in capitoli inutili, oppure che avevo capito su per giù le dinamiche della morte e aspettavo solo che il giudice Amerotke le confermasse. Non so se continuerò la serie; se dovessi farlo cercherò di essere più presente per capire se è il caso di andare avanti.
Mi sono resa conto di essermi spesso distratta, eppure ciò non ha comportato un problema quando ritornavo sui binari: continuavo a seguire le indagini per l'omicidio del faraone Tutmosi II comprendendo tutto. Il che voleva dire che o Doherty si perdeva in capitoli inutili, oppure che avevo capito su per giù le dinamiche della morte e aspettavo solo che il giudice Amerotke le confermasse. Non so se continuerò la serie; se dovessi farlo cercherò di essere più presente per capire se è il caso di andare avanti.
December 1, 2025
For an explanation of why I read this book, click here.
This was... okay, I guess? It's different, because it's set in ancient Egypt in an actual historical period, not alt-history or historical fantasy. But the mystery is only so-so, and I didn't like Doherty's style of writing, which is to paint a detailed picture of a new location setting that goes on for paragraph after very very long paragraph and then set his characters in that setting like wind-up toys. This is one of his earlier books, and I liked it enough that I might eventually try one of his other series, one written later.
This was... okay, I guess? It's different, because it's set in ancient Egypt in an actual historical period, not alt-history or historical fantasy. But the mystery is only so-so, and I didn't like Doherty's style of writing, which is to paint a detailed picture of a new location setting that goes on for paragraph after very very long paragraph and then set his characters in that setting like wind-up toys. This is one of his earlier books, and I liked it enough that I might eventually try one of his other series, one written later.
August 10, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
October 22, 2012
I give this barely 3 stars. The most enjoyable thing about the book is the setting in ancient Egypt. I haven't read anything like this before and the new-to-me culture was fun. As I read the book, I started getting worried that we wouldn't have any scenes with pyramids but we do get around to them, and that was a fun section.
They have much looser rules on what constitutes evidence of a crime, but that's to be expected for thousands of years ago.
There was too much of telling me stuff and not enough of showing me. For example, at one point there are different regiments (might not be the right word) of the army together in one place and we're told about the banter between them. I would have liked to have had some actual banter. What do you think ancient Egyptian army banter would sound like? We'll never know!
Sometimes the events were just completely unbelievable, such as when the detective character gets a message to go out into the boonies at night to some evil temple and he goes and gets ambushed and afterwards goes on about how it never crossed his mind it might be a trap. All these people being murdered and he's digging into it and it never occurs to him that he might be in danger?!?!
The other main character, the queen Hatusu kept acting out of character, from how she was established early on, without giving us a reason for it.
The suspects were never fleshed out enough to make them interesting or make the mystery interesting. I wasn't trying to figure out whodunnit like I usually do in mysteries because there wasn't anything there to work with it. When the culprit is finally named at the end it seemed completely irrelevant. I didn't care.
I don't expect that I will read any more of the books in this series. And since both Doherty books I've read have been just marginal, I'll probably give up on the author completely.
They have much looser rules on what constitutes evidence of a crime, but that's to be expected for thousands of years ago.
There was too much of telling me stuff and not enough of showing me. For example, at one point there are different regiments (might not be the right word) of the army together in one place and we're told about the banter between them. I would have liked to have had some actual banter. What do you think ancient Egyptian army banter would sound like? We'll never know!
Sometimes the events were just completely unbelievable, such as when the detective character gets a message to go out into the boonies at night to some evil temple and he goes and gets ambushed and afterwards goes on about how it never crossed his mind it might be a trap. All these people being murdered and he's digging into it and it never occurs to him that he might be in danger?!?!
The other main character, the queen Hatusu kept acting out of character, from how she was established early on, without giving us a reason for it.
The suspects were never fleshed out enough to make them interesting or make the mystery interesting. I wasn't trying to figure out whodunnit like I usually do in mysteries because there wasn't anything there to work with it. When the culprit is finally named at the end it seemed completely irrelevant. I didn't care.
I don't expect that I will read any more of the books in this series. And since both Doherty books I've read have been just marginal, I'll probably give up on the author completely.
February 8, 2012
A very good novel. The beginning was heavily filled with over-descriptions in the middle of thoughts. So much so that at times my eyes would blur and I couldn't wait to get to the next point of the story, and forgetting that I was still waiting for the current point the author was trying to make. But as the action progressed, the descriptions were less, and more helpful to understand what the author wanted us to see. It was almost like he needed to make the book longer and did so by adding as much description, line after line, as possible.
But the plot was good and the facts were finally easily laid out that it made sense who was the responsible villain and why.
Definetly worth reading and I am already anxious to read the next book in his series.
But the plot was good and the facts were finally easily laid out that it made sense who was the responsible villain and why.
Definetly worth reading and I am already anxious to read the next book in his series.
February 4, 2015
I loved this book. The mystery is fair, and the best guess estimates of daily Egyptian life is interesting enough of its own accord even if the mystery had not been good. I recommend all of the Amerotke series.
October 20, 2021
Paul Doherty tarafından kaleme alınan ve Remzi Kitabevi tarafından basılan Ra'nın Maskesi, polisiye hikayesi ile keyifli bir okuma alternatifi sunuyor. Nil kıyısında bir uygarlık, bir Firavun, bir ölüm. Ölümün peşinde bir yargıç. Adalet mahkemesi kuruluyor.
Mısır okumaları yapmayı sevenlerin seveceği türden bir kitap bu. Özellikle her bir detayıyla: mekanlar, kişiler, toplumsal ilişkiler, düzen, kıyafetler ve daha niceleri. Mısır gözünüzün önünde ayağa kalkacak. Hikayesi de bir o kadar sürükleyici, tarihi karakterlerin vücut bulması da.
Kitapla ilgili beni tek hayalkırıklığına uğratan nokta şu oldu: kitabın sayfaları boyunca peşine düşülen gizemin açıklamasının çok yüzeysel olması, üstün körü geçilmesi. İster istemez daha elle tutulur bir şeyler bekledim; çünkü yazar ciddi bir tarihsel araştırma yaparak bu kitabı kaleme almış. Ama, o kısma dair, sanırım, yazar da tam olarak düşünsel sürecini oturtamamış... Spekülatif bile olsa kurgu içerisine çok rahatlıkla yedirilebilecek ve asıl kilidi oluşturan konunun, bu denli hafif geçilmesi beni üzdü. Ama genel itibariyle kitaba bakınca keyifle okuduğum, kent tarihine ve yaşantısına dair bir sürü detayla buluştuğum, öğrendiğim bir kitap oldu - her ne kadar kurgu bir eser olsa da.
Merak edenler sahaf raflarından gözünü ayırmasın.
Mısır okumaları yapmayı sevenlerin seveceği türden bir kitap bu. Özellikle her bir detayıyla: mekanlar, kişiler, toplumsal ilişkiler, düzen, kıyafetler ve daha niceleri. Mısır gözünüzün önünde ayağa kalkacak. Hikayesi de bir o kadar sürükleyici, tarihi karakterlerin vücut bulması da.
Kitapla ilgili beni tek hayalkırıklığına uğratan nokta şu oldu: kitabın sayfaları boyunca peşine düşülen gizemin açıklamasının çok yüzeysel olması, üstün körü geçilmesi. İster istemez daha elle tutulur bir şeyler bekledim; çünkü yazar ciddi bir tarihsel araştırma yaparak bu kitabı kaleme almış. Ama, o kısma dair, sanırım, yazar da tam olarak düşünsel sürecini oturtamamış... Spekülatif bile olsa kurgu içerisine çok rahatlıkla yedirilebilecek ve asıl kilidi oluşturan konunun, bu denli hafif geçilmesi beni üzdü. Ama genel itibariyle kitaba bakınca keyifle okuduğum, kent tarihine ve yaşantısına dair bir sürü detayla buluştuğum, öğrendiğim bir kitap oldu - her ne kadar kurgu bir eser olsa da.
Merak edenler sahaf raflarından gözünü ayırmasın.
January 21, 2018
I don't read mysteries much, but I do love when a book can provide me with interesting information about history. It's not the first book I read from the author, so I knew what I was getting myself into, and I loved it, can't wait to read more.
April 19, 2022
Not Agatha Christie but still a very good read.
I love all things Egyptian so this was quite enticing. A good story, well written, with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting to the very end. I look forward to starting the next book in this series.
I love all things Egyptian so this was quite enticing. A good story, well written, with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting to the very end. I look forward to starting the next book in this series.
January 12, 2026
Primeiro volume dos mistérios de Amerotke, policial passado no Egipto antigo. O herói é juiz e o seu primeiro caso é a morte do faraó Tutmosis II.
Sólido mas até ver, pouco brilhante. E teve um final abrupto que não me impressionou. Veremos como a série prossegue.
Sólido mas até ver, pouco brilhante. E teve um final abrupto que não me impressionou. Veremos como a série prossegue.
April 27, 2019
Great mystery!
A great a mystery with lots of historical detail that kept me guessing right until the end. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
A great a mystery with lots of historical detail that kept me guessing right until the end. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.
April 2, 2022
Takový slabší a egyptský soudce Ti. Do dalších dílů se už pouštět nebudu, moc mi nesedl použitý styl psaní.
May 23, 2020
Ó, igen. Annak idején ezt a sorozatot is szerettem, de már nem is emlékszem, mik voltak benne. Ideális volt arra, hogy ismét előkeressem.
Egyértelmű, hogy a kedvenc szereplőm maga Amerotke, aki megingathatatlan, őszinte és az igazságot keresi. (Szeretném, ha én is ilyen lennék :D).
A történet maga is elég izgalmas, és ami még engem nagyon megfogott, hogy szinte elrepít abba a világba. Azt mondjuk nem én tudom megítélni, mennyire reális ami itt leírva van, de engem meg vett kilóra, az biztos.
A fáraónő személye is izgalmas, azt hiszem fogja ő még rendesen csípni egyesek szemét, meglátjuk hogyan tud ellenállni majd nekik.(Oké, igen, azóta már rákerestem a neten, mi történt vele, de ettől még kíváncsi vagyok a további kötetekre.)
Egyértelmű, hogy a kedvenc szereplőm maga Amerotke, aki megingathatatlan, őszinte és az igazságot keresi. (Szeretném, ha én is ilyen lennék :D).
A történet maga is elég izgalmas, és ami még engem nagyon megfogott, hogy szinte elrepít abba a világba. Azt mondjuk nem én tudom megítélni, mennyire reális ami itt leírva van, de engem meg vett kilóra, az biztos.
A fáraónő személye is izgalmas, azt hiszem fogja ő még rendesen csípni egyesek szemét, meglátjuk hogyan tud ellenállni majd nekik.(Oké, igen, azóta már rákerestem a neten, mi történt vele, de ettől még kíváncsi vagyok a további kötetekre.)
December 5, 2008
P. C. Doherty is a prolific author of historical murder mysteries and this is the first in a series set in Ancient Egypt. I love these types of story and I was looking forward to getting my teeth into this one.
The first half is pretty slow. The locations are nice, and the novel feels a little like a travelogue with plenty of descriptions of exotic locales. The second half picks up a lot. There's a great battle scene and solid research providing a good foundation for the plot.
This isn't a great book by any means, but it's entertaining and solid. Fans of this genre ought to have a ball.
The first half is pretty slow. The locations are nice, and the novel feels a little like a travelogue with plenty of descriptions of exotic locales. The second half picks up a lot. There's a great battle scene and solid research providing a good foundation for the plot.
This isn't a great book by any means, but it's entertaining and solid. Fans of this genre ought to have a ball.
January 8, 2017
So excited to start this series ! I'm hoping the other books arrive quickly enough for me to not stop reading .
The novel is set in ancient Egypt which I love and isn't favourite setting- this is hands down one of the best novels set in this era I've read .
Worth reading , characters are wonderful !
The novel is set in ancient Egypt which I love and isn't favourite setting- this is hands down one of the best novels set in this era I've read .
Worth reading , characters are wonderful !
December 18, 2015
A good first book to a series. Not a stand out of either the Egyptian or mystery genres but I like the setting and the characters are fun.
August 26, 2020
SOBRE LA NOVELA EN GENERAL
Esta novela es una lectura ágil y entretenida, sin demasiadas pretensiones pero con la que el lector disfrutará. Si sois apasionados de las novelas detectivescas y además os gusta el antiguo Egipto, disfrutaréis como chiquillos con esta. Además, forma parte de una serie de novelas en las que el juez supremo Amerotke desempeña el rol de detective junto a su pintoresco sirviente Shufoy. De hecho, esta pareja entrañable funciona muy bien porque mientras Amerotke aporta el espíritu íntegro, ecuánime, serio y justo de la diosa Maat, el enano Shufoy le da un toque de picaresca, humor e ingenio.
En esta novela la trama gira en torno a la misteriosa muerte de Tutmosis I, y otra serie de muertes que se suceden de forma sospechosa y que Amerotke deberá resolver. Ladrones de tumbas, profanaciones y maldiciones, el ejército de los mitanni que tratan de invadir Egipto y una supuesta disensión en el consejo real entre Hatshepsut y la otra facción que pretende la regencia del reino. ¿Quién está detrás de todo? ¿Por qué ha ocurrido esta catástrofe? No puedo negar que si te gustan las novelas de detectives lo más seguro es que esta te enganche.
CRÍTICA
Dentro de los aspectos negativos que he encontrado, en ocasiones parece que la narración está un poco fragmentada, como si los hechos no guardasen una correlación o o como si hubiera sucesos que se precipitan demasiado de sopetón, e incluso en algún caso algún personaje actúa de forma providencial como si de un "deux ex machina" se tratase. Al principio quizás le falte fuelle a la novela, pero afortunadamente la novela va cogiendo ritmo. Para algunos puede estar escrita en un tono muy "hollywoodiense" y efectista pues no faltan los crímenes, las intrigas, los romances y líos de faldas, los combates y las batallas cruentas al más puro estilo de película. Los personajes tampoco se desarrollan en exceso, pero es cierto que se disfruta con la trama y la acción, y uno acaba encariñándose con Amerotke, el enano Shufoy y con la reina Hatshepsut. Sobre todo, el rol de la reina, esa fuerza que exhibe y que le hace sobreponerse a cualquier contratiempo.
VALORACIÓN Y LECTURAS RELACIONADAS
Por todo ello, por la recreación de Egipto, por lo rápido que se lee...le doy 4 estrellas.
Puede que lea otros títulos de la serie de este Amerotke detective como "Los asesinatos de Horus" o los "Crímenes de Anubis" porque el autor tiene una manera liviana de escribir que puede ser interesante intercalar con otras lecturas más lentas.
Por último aunque no es una obra de arte sí que me ha gustado bastante, pero no sé si volvería a releerla. Si os gusta este periodo de la dinastía XVIII y más concretamente de la reina faraón Hatshepsut hay otras novelas que han recibido muy buena crítica como s0n "La dama del Nilo" de Pauline Gedge o "Las lágrimas de Isis" de Antonio Cabanas.
Esta novela es una lectura ágil y entretenida, sin demasiadas pretensiones pero con la que el lector disfrutará. Si sois apasionados de las novelas detectivescas y además os gusta el antiguo Egipto, disfrutaréis como chiquillos con esta. Además, forma parte de una serie de novelas en las que el juez supremo Amerotke desempeña el rol de detective junto a su pintoresco sirviente Shufoy. De hecho, esta pareja entrañable funciona muy bien porque mientras Amerotke aporta el espíritu íntegro, ecuánime, serio y justo de la diosa Maat, el enano Shufoy le da un toque de picaresca, humor e ingenio.
En esta novela la trama gira en torno a la misteriosa muerte de Tutmosis I, y otra serie de muertes que se suceden de forma sospechosa y que Amerotke deberá resolver. Ladrones de tumbas, profanaciones y maldiciones, el ejército de los mitanni que tratan de invadir Egipto y una supuesta disensión en el consejo real entre Hatshepsut y la otra facción que pretende la regencia del reino. ¿Quién está detrás de todo? ¿Por qué ha ocurrido esta catástrofe? No puedo negar que si te gustan las novelas de detectives lo más seguro es que esta te enganche.
CRÍTICA
Dentro de los aspectos negativos que he encontrado, en ocasiones parece que la narración está un poco fragmentada, como si los hechos no guardasen una correlación o o como si hubiera sucesos que se precipitan demasiado de sopetón, e incluso en algún caso algún personaje actúa de forma providencial como si de un "deux ex machina" se tratase. Al principio quizás le falte fuelle a la novela, pero afortunadamente la novela va cogiendo ritmo. Para algunos puede estar escrita en un tono muy "hollywoodiense" y efectista pues no faltan los crímenes, las intrigas, los romances y líos de faldas, los combates y las batallas cruentas al más puro estilo de película. Los personajes tampoco se desarrollan en exceso, pero es cierto que se disfruta con la trama y la acción, y uno acaba encariñándose con Amerotke, el enano Shufoy y con la reina Hatshepsut. Sobre todo, el rol de la reina, esa fuerza que exhibe y que le hace sobreponerse a cualquier contratiempo.
VALORACIÓN Y LECTURAS RELACIONADAS
Por todo ello, por la recreación de Egipto, por lo rápido que se lee...le doy 4 estrellas.
Puede que lea otros títulos de la serie de este Amerotke detective como "Los asesinatos de Horus" o los "Crímenes de Anubis" porque el autor tiene una manera liviana de escribir que puede ser interesante intercalar con otras lecturas más lentas.
Por último aunque no es una obra de arte sí que me ha gustado bastante, pero no sé si volvería a releerla. Si os gusta este periodo de la dinastía XVIII y más concretamente de la reina faraón Hatshepsut hay otras novelas que han recibido muy buena crítica como s0n "La dama del Nilo" de Pauline Gedge o "Las lágrimas de Isis" de Antonio Cabanas.
January 1, 2018
Haciendo una valoración global del libro diré que es una historia que me ha gustado. La novela me ha parecido que tiene dos ritmos bien diferenciados. El ritmo de la segunda mitad del libro es mucho más trepidante que la primera mitad. En la primera mitad se suceden los hechos que condicionan todo lo que ocurre en la segunda mitad y es normal que para presentar todo y no liar al lector lo haga de una manera más sosegada.
Los personajes están bien construidos y en todos se pueden ver fortalezas y debilidades, virtudes y defectos. Eso es algo que siempre viene bien para acercarse más a los personajes y verlos como reales. Esto pasa con todos, desde Hatshepsut hasta el enano Shufoy.
La trama está bien llevada. Además, la época de la muerte de Tutmosis II y la ascensión al trono de Hatshepsut, da mucho juego para inventar historias y situaciones con temas potentes. Se vuelve a utilizar la posibilidad de que la reina-faraón y Senenmut fueron amantes para ayudar al desarrollo de los personajes. En la nota del autor del final del libro, Paul Doherty asegura que fueron amantes, aunque yo aún no he leído o escuchado nada categórico al respecto.
Una cosa que no me ha gustado es que el autor utiliza una abreviatura del nombre de Hatshepsut, Hatasu, durante todo el libro. Yo hubiese preferido que utilizara su nombre real. También he visto un fallo en el nombre Nesut-Bity de Hatshepsut: en el libro se escribe Makaat-Ra cuando en realidad es Maatkara.
Entiendo el juego que da para inventar historias el hecho de utilizar lo que algunos investigadores teorizan sobre lo que según ellos se esconde debajo de las pirámides, pero a mi es algo que no me termina de encajar bien. Quizá es porque me gusta ser lo más fiel posible a la realidad a la hora de ambientar las historias, por mucha ficción que se cuente en ellas.
También ha habido algunos fallos en la traducción, más que nada fallos ortográficos o gramaticales, que si bien no te sacan de la historia si hacen que no disfrutes igualmente de la lectura.
Como conclusión diré que es un libro que me ha gustado y que me ha hecho pasar unos ratos muy entretenidos. Ha tenido giros interesantes hasta el mismo final de la obra, dejándome un poco sorprendido al saber quién es el autor de los diferentes actos criminales que se suceden.
Los personajes están bien construidos y en todos se pueden ver fortalezas y debilidades, virtudes y defectos. Eso es algo que siempre viene bien para acercarse más a los personajes y verlos como reales. Esto pasa con todos, desde Hatshepsut hasta el enano Shufoy.
La trama está bien llevada. Además, la época de la muerte de Tutmosis II y la ascensión al trono de Hatshepsut, da mucho juego para inventar historias y situaciones con temas potentes. Se vuelve a utilizar la posibilidad de que la reina-faraón y Senenmut fueron amantes para ayudar al desarrollo de los personajes. En la nota del autor del final del libro, Paul Doherty asegura que fueron amantes, aunque yo aún no he leído o escuchado nada categórico al respecto.
Una cosa que no me ha gustado es que el autor utiliza una abreviatura del nombre de Hatshepsut, Hatasu, durante todo el libro. Yo hubiese preferido que utilizara su nombre real. También he visto un fallo en el nombre Nesut-Bity de Hatshepsut: en el libro se escribe Makaat-Ra cuando en realidad es Maatkara.
Entiendo el juego que da para inventar historias el hecho de utilizar lo que algunos investigadores teorizan sobre lo que según ellos se esconde debajo de las pirámides, pero a mi es algo que no me termina de encajar bien. Quizá es porque me gusta ser lo más fiel posible a la realidad a la hora de ambientar las historias, por mucha ficción que se cuente en ellas.
También ha habido algunos fallos en la traducción, más que nada fallos ortográficos o gramaticales, que si bien no te sacan de la historia si hacen que no disfrutes igualmente de la lectura.
Como conclusión diré que es un libro que me ha gustado y que me ha hecho pasar unos ratos muy entretenidos. Ha tenido giros interesantes hasta el mismo final de la obra, dejándome un poco sorprendido al saber quién es el autor de los diferentes actos criminales que se suceden.
September 21, 2018
Paul Doherty is an extraordinarily prolific author, with over a hundred books to his name (along with his half dozen odd other noms de plume). He writes historical novels; mostly, I think, detective stories and mostly medieval, but also some Roman and some, like The Mask of Ra, ancient Egyptian. This being my first read from him I was a little sceptical about anything coming from such a large stable especially as he was not for most of these a full time author, having been a headmaster and having received an OBE for his services to education and yet I was pleasantly surprised. Some people just seem to cram an awful lot into their lives. And he is still writing now in his seventies!
Amerotke is a high-priest of Ma’at, the goddess of truth, and is the senior judge in Thebes at the time of Hatshepsut, herein referred to by the shortened form of Hatusu, whose husband and brother, Thutmose II, has died in mysterious circumstances and Amerotke is tasked with uncovering what looks to have been a murder.
Think Brother Cadfael in ancient Egypt. This is not great literature but is a good solid whodunit that paints an exceptionally vivid picture of life both elevated and sordid in Thebes some three and a half thousand years ago. Possibly too vivid; on occasions Doherty’s tendency to wax lyrical on the architecture, decoration and people can leave the action a little shadowed but at the same time those description of the environment of ancient Egypt is undoubtedly one of the attractions of the work. Possibly he has the balance just a little out for me. But it’s certainly not a big criticism. Otherwise, whilst not ivory tower great literature Mask of Ra is great, easy and interesting historical reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably sample some more from this series of 7 books (especially as the next three are available as a very reasonably priced omnibus – how sensible is that? Making the omnibus start one book in, allowing the reader to sample the first before committing to the next three books at once).
Amerotke is a high-priest of Ma’at, the goddess of truth, and is the senior judge in Thebes at the time of Hatshepsut, herein referred to by the shortened form of Hatusu, whose husband and brother, Thutmose II, has died in mysterious circumstances and Amerotke is tasked with uncovering what looks to have been a murder.
Think Brother Cadfael in ancient Egypt. This is not great literature but is a good solid whodunit that paints an exceptionally vivid picture of life both elevated and sordid in Thebes some three and a half thousand years ago. Possibly too vivid; on occasions Doherty’s tendency to wax lyrical on the architecture, decoration and people can leave the action a little shadowed but at the same time those description of the environment of ancient Egypt is undoubtedly one of the attractions of the work. Possibly he has the balance just a little out for me. But it’s certainly not a big criticism. Otherwise, whilst not ivory tower great literature Mask of Ra is great, easy and interesting historical reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will probably sample some more from this series of 7 books (especially as the next three are available as a very reasonably priced omnibus – how sensible is that? Making the omnibus start one book in, allowing the reader to sample the first before committing to the next three books at once).
February 23, 2025
The Mask of Ra is the first book in a series set in ancient Egypt and features Amerotke, high-priest of Ma’at, the goddess of truth, and the senior judge in Thebes.
The novel begins with the mysterious death of Thutmose II. Upon his return to Thebes he immediately collapses and dies from an apparent vper bite. His wife and half sister, Hatasu (also known as Hatshepsut), is certain he has been murdered. Amerotke presides at the trial of the accused but is suspicious of the evidence presented to him.
The Pharaoh’s murder quickly spirals into a full blown court conspiracy, and includes viper bites, mysterious curses, assassins in the night, and even a hyena attack.
The author has taken actual historical events and created a fascinating story around them. Ancient Egypt springs to life as we follow Amerotke’s investigations into Pharaoh’s death and his elevation into Hatusu’s inner circle. I thought it was a solid whodunit that paints an exceptionally vivid picture of life ancient Thebes. I was completely immersed in the atmosphere.
Some readers might not enjoy the way Doherty’s spends a lot of time writing about the architecture, religion, dress, and people. Once the story moved to battle, there were even more vivid descriptions of the battles and consequences of war. I thought the description of the environment of ancient Egypt was one of the attractions of the story.
"The Mask of Ra" was an entertaining, engaging, and well-written mystery. I really liked Amerotke, the main character, and have already purchased the next two books of the series.
The novel begins with the mysterious death of Thutmose II. Upon his return to Thebes he immediately collapses and dies from an apparent vper bite. His wife and half sister, Hatasu (also known as Hatshepsut), is certain he has been murdered. Amerotke presides at the trial of the accused but is suspicious of the evidence presented to him.
The Pharaoh’s murder quickly spirals into a full blown court conspiracy, and includes viper bites, mysterious curses, assassins in the night, and even a hyena attack.
The author has taken actual historical events and created a fascinating story around them. Ancient Egypt springs to life as we follow Amerotke’s investigations into Pharaoh’s death and his elevation into Hatusu’s inner circle. I thought it was a solid whodunit that paints an exceptionally vivid picture of life ancient Thebes. I was completely immersed in the atmosphere.
Some readers might not enjoy the way Doherty’s spends a lot of time writing about the architecture, religion, dress, and people. Once the story moved to battle, there were even more vivid descriptions of the battles and consequences of war. I thought the description of the environment of ancient Egypt was one of the attractions of the story.
"The Mask of Ra" was an entertaining, engaging, and well-written mystery. I really liked Amerotke, the main character, and have already purchased the next two books of the series.
December 13, 2020
“The Mask of Ra” is the first installment in the “Amerotke” series by Paul Doherty. The book begins with the return to Thebes of Pharaoh Tuthmosis II after his campaign against sea raiders in the Nile Delta and his subsequent death after his victory ceremony in front of Amun-Ra’s statue, it is clear Tuthmosis has been murdered, as rumors of omens and betrayal engulf the city. Hatshepsut (also known by her short name Hatusu) recruits Amerotke’s help to find the murderer, clean her own name and put the city at ease.
“Amerotke” is a historical mystery series, set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1481 BCE – 1492 BCE) from the very beginning of her own regency, and encompasses the events surrounded the death of his royal brother and husband Tuthmosis II in 1479 BCE (The Mask of Ra) until late 1477 BCE (The Spies of Sobek).
The series focuses on Amerotke, high judge in Thebes and priest of Maat, ancient Egyptian goddess of law, morality and justice. Through each new book, Doherty visits Old Egypt history and blends fact with fiction to create a well-crafted, entertaining and fully satisfactory murder mystery, in which the investigation, serves as a canvas to depict a very vivid, accurate, credible and fully enjoyable image of the day-to-day life in ancient Thebes, and offers a very good overview of the Egypt’s Eighteen Dynasty, law system and beliefs. Amerotke is a very interesting character, relatable, and despite his “almighty” status as chief judge, honest and sincere with a complex personality and very human flaws. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for a good constructed murder mystery and/or a detailed portrayal of Ancient Egypt society.
“Amerotke” is a historical mystery series, set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1481 BCE – 1492 BCE) from the very beginning of her own regency, and encompasses the events surrounded the death of his royal brother and husband Tuthmosis II in 1479 BCE (The Mask of Ra) until late 1477 BCE (The Spies of Sobek).
The series focuses on Amerotke, high judge in Thebes and priest of Maat, ancient Egyptian goddess of law, morality and justice. Through each new book, Doherty visits Old Egypt history and blends fact with fiction to create a well-crafted, entertaining and fully satisfactory murder mystery, in which the investigation, serves as a canvas to depict a very vivid, accurate, credible and fully enjoyable image of the day-to-day life in ancient Thebes, and offers a very good overview of the Egypt’s Eighteen Dynasty, law system and beliefs. Amerotke is a very interesting character, relatable, and despite his “almighty” status as chief judge, honest and sincere with a complex personality and very human flaws. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for a good constructed murder mystery and/or a detailed portrayal of Ancient Egypt society.
May 21, 2018
I have read several books in this series, but never the first (getting them from the library). This book introduces all the main characters, and starts with queen Hatusu as a very young, nervous wife of the Pharaoh Tuthmosis II.
Amerotke, chief justice of Egypt, is the detective in this mystery series, and he is introduced as a somewhat intimidating, impressive and stern figure but eventually we get to see past his professional face and he is more likable. Hatusu changes from being a somewhat frightened teen to a stern and even frightening ruler.
The story covers a period of some disruption and instability in Egypt when the Pharaoh dies, leaving only an infant son as successor. There is a struggle for who will be regent and hence effectively the power in Thebes, and a series of mysterious deaths take place which complicate matters.
Who is killing these people and why, and what caused the Pharaoh to collapse in public eye after returning from a successful military campaign is the main mystery. Meanwhile the political battles between Hatusu and her rival in the Pharaoh's council and troubles with Mitanni raiders attacking Egyptian lands keep the story rolling along fairly well.
However, Doherty is so fascinated with historical details and bits of description that it bogs down somewhat with extremely detailed descriptions of costumes, architecture, markets, food, and so on that it becomes more of a travelogue or an encyclopedia entry at times. Later books in the series do not suffer from this, and I think Doherty realized it was hurting the narrative.
Amerotke, chief justice of Egypt, is the detective in this mystery series, and he is introduced as a somewhat intimidating, impressive and stern figure but eventually we get to see past his professional face and he is more likable. Hatusu changes from being a somewhat frightened teen to a stern and even frightening ruler.
The story covers a period of some disruption and instability in Egypt when the Pharaoh dies, leaving only an infant son as successor. There is a struggle for who will be regent and hence effectively the power in Thebes, and a series of mysterious deaths take place which complicate matters.
Who is killing these people and why, and what caused the Pharaoh to collapse in public eye after returning from a successful military campaign is the main mystery. Meanwhile the political battles between Hatusu and her rival in the Pharaoh's council and troubles with Mitanni raiders attacking Egyptian lands keep the story rolling along fairly well.
However, Doherty is so fascinated with historical details and bits of description that it bogs down somewhat with extremely detailed descriptions of costumes, architecture, markets, food, and so on that it becomes more of a travelogue or an encyclopedia entry at times. Later books in the series do not suffer from this, and I think Doherty realized it was hurting the narrative.
May 5, 2020
Doherty offers a vivid picture of the Egyptian New Kingdom in 1479 BC. Amerotke, chief judge of Thebes, is called in to investigate by the widowed Hatusu (known now as Hatshepsut) when her husband, Pharoah Tuthmosis II, dies, apparently of snakebite. Amerotke attempts to discover a murderer among the Royal Court: the power-hungry Grand Vizier Rahimere; Sethos, the high priest of Amun; General Omendap, commander of Pharoah's armies; Meneloto, an army captain who once had an affair with Amerotke's wife; Peay, the greedy Royal Physician; or various disgruntled officers, scribes, and priests. And while Amerotke and his assistants search, 2 more murders occur, and an attempt is made on the judge's own life. Then the Hyskos invade, and he must march with Hatusu's army to Egypt's defense. "The Mask of Ra" is a well-researched historical mystery whose characters come to life with all their concerns and motives. We travel the Nile from Thebes to Memphis with Amerotke and the army, visiting the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings as well as the Old Kingdom pyramids and the Horus Road into the Sinai desert. Fans of Egyptian mysteries, such as those of Anton Gill and Lynda Robinson, will be delighted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews