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Seven Wonders #2
Pyramid of Secrets
An unpredictable Pharaoh. An unprecedented pyramid. An unconscionable murder. When all the gods seem to be failing him, Grand Vizier Hemiunu must seek answers among a mysterious Egyptian sect who claim to worship only the One True God.
Hemiunu, Pharaoh’s Grand Vizier, orders his life with justice, truth, and precision. In like manner he orders the unprecedented building project with which Pharaoh has entrusted him. But good order is about to be disrupted. When the Overseer of Constructions is found murdered in Pharaoh's slaughterhouse, a murderous spiral begins to unfurl around the pyramid. As the court swells with treachery and the body count rises, Hemiunu finds himself caught between his architectural legacy and his instinct for justice.
Meanwhile, troubling facts emerge linking Pharaoh's wife and the mysterious People of the One, a sect who "worship only one god, whom they say has no name that man knows, yet is the only god, the creator of everything." When Hemiunu finds himself in the company of these strange people, his spiritual certainties begin to wither along with his professional dreams.
As his long relationship with Pharaoh strains under the weight of his task and the tug of his conscience, Hemiunu faces a disturbing choice: follow the evolving spiritual philosophies that guide his life, or honor the Pharaoh whose friendship and nepotism control his fate.
Hemiunu, Pharaoh’s Grand Vizier, orders his life with justice, truth, and precision. In like manner he orders the unprecedented building project with which Pharaoh has entrusted him. But good order is about to be disrupted. When the Overseer of Constructions is found murdered in Pharaoh's slaughterhouse, a murderous spiral begins to unfurl around the pyramid. As the court swells with treachery and the body count rises, Hemiunu finds himself caught between his architectural legacy and his instinct for justice.
Meanwhile, troubling facts emerge linking Pharaoh's wife and the mysterious People of the One, a sect who "worship only one god, whom they say has no name that man knows, yet is the only god, the creator of everything." When Hemiunu finds himself in the company of these strange people, his spiritual certainties begin to wither along with his professional dreams.
As his long relationship with Pharaoh strains under the weight of his task and the tug of his conscience, Hemiunu faces a disturbing choice: follow the evolving spiritual philosophies that guide his life, or honor the Pharaoh whose friendship and nepotism control his fate.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2009
94 people are currently reading
1206 people want to read
About the author
T.L. Higley
10 books83 followersalso published under the name Tracy L. Higley
T.L. Higley holds a degree in English Literature and has written three previous novels and more than fifty drama productions for church ministry. She is especially passionate about "breaking down emotional and philosophical barriers that people have put up between themselves and Christ."
T.L. Higley holds a degree in English Literature and has written three previous novels and more than fifty drama productions for church ministry. She is especially passionate about "breaking down emotional and philosophical barriers that people have put up between themselves and Christ."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 23, 2010
Hemiunu, architect for the Great Pyramid of Giza, struggles to stay on schedule and in the good graces of his cousin, Pharaoh of Egypt. When a sadistic killer is taking the lives of Hemiunu’s closest friends, he does all he can to discover who the killer is and to keep a dark secret from coming to light.
Wish I’d read this one a long time ago! What a great story. T.L. Higley completely sucked me into ancient Egypt and her character Hemiunu. He was a deep and interesting character to follow. I liked how she wrote her book in his first person point of view. It made it easy to connect with him.
The storyworld was intriguing as was the relationships she built between the royal members of Pharaoh’s court. Murder, love, betrayal. My heart ached for these people as they lived in their strange belief system and I love where she went with it. Plus, it was a good who-done-it. Another book I couldn’t put down. I am glad there are seven wonders of the ancient world and hope I get to read every book in this series.
Wish I’d read this one a long time ago! What a great story. T.L. Higley completely sucked me into ancient Egypt and her character Hemiunu. He was a deep and interesting character to follow. I liked how she wrote her book in his first person point of view. It made it easy to connect with him.
The storyworld was intriguing as was the relationships she built between the royal members of Pharaoh’s court. Murder, love, betrayal. My heart ached for these people as they lived in their strange belief system and I love where she went with it. Plus, it was a good who-done-it. Another book I couldn’t put down. I am glad there are seven wonders of the ancient world and hope I get to read every book in this series.
September 15, 2021
Hemiunu was the Grand Vizier for Khufu, a pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. He was commissioned to be in charge of the building of the Great Pyramid. Work was going well until murders began occurring. All were members of the Royal family or their loyal servants. Hemiunu was determined to find justice since one of the deaths was a close friend of his. Another was the Great Wife of Pharaoh. There is little clue to go on on who the murderer might be. The main connection was that all those that were killed were included in a hunting party that occurred in their youth long before Khufu ever became king. On that day one of the girls died and ever since no one dared to speak of that awful day. Hemiunu strongly suspected that the clue to the present murders was hidden away in the secrets of the past. When he is charged for the murders he is uncertain if the truth will ever come to light. Neferet, a believer in the One God helps him . Hemiunu eventually comes to accept His mercy when he realized that the gods of Egypt are of no help at all.
November 3, 2011
This was the first book I've read of T.L. Higley's works, but it won't be the last. I picked it up as a freebie on Kindle but was quickly drawn in. Higley masterfully weaves a story of intrigue, keeping the reader engaged throughout. I loved the sweet undercurrent romance between Hemi and his overseer's daughter that opens his heart to the One. I found it fascinating that the author could so clearly depict faithful followers of Yahweh in a foreign culture without ever mentioning His name. Well done.
April 6, 2009
City of the Dead is book two in T.L. Higley’s The Seven Wonders series. I enjoyed this book, from the in-depth character profiles to the wonderful historical setting. Higley did a wonderful job of drawing me into the emotions & thoughts of Hemiunu and his past. Tinged with romance & the developing of a faith & belief in God, City of the Dead is definitely a must-read for those that enjoy a thriller with a twist.
July 26, 2017
Murder mystery set in ancient Egypt- this is exactly what I needed after my last tiring read. This is one of my favorite periods in all of history. The story is set in the time of Pharaoh Khufu when Pyramid of Giza was being built by his grand vizier Hemiunu. The story is fast paced and gripping with a series of high profiled murders of closest friends to Khufu and Hemiunu; all linked to a dark childhood secret. I like the way the author keeps the murder mystery going and reveals the past secret discreetly in flashbacks across the chapters.
The book transports me to ancient Eygpt where the characters seem very real, the landscape description is vivid and I can feel the entire thing unfolding infront of me. The story with its twists and turns has many suspects and its difficult to identify the killer till the very end.
The book transports me to ancient Eygpt where the characters seem very real, the landscape description is vivid and I can feel the entire thing unfolding infront of me. The story with its twists and turns has many suspects and its difficult to identify the killer till the very end.
February 17, 2024
I did not enjoy this book as much as the first. I don’t think it has anything to do with the writing or plot, I just don’t have much interest in the pyramids. Even though this book isn’t my favorite, I enjoyed Isle of Shadows (Book #1 of the Seven Wonders Series) enough to propel me to continue on.
March 19, 2022
Love her books, she never lets you down!
July 1, 2010
I am truly fascinated by this book. City of the Dead, the second novel of the Seven Wonders Series by T. L. Higley brings us on a journey to the past to ancient Egypt, when The Great Pyramid of Giza (also called the Pyramid of Khufu and Pyramid of Cheops) is built.
The story is fast-paced and well-written. It captured my attention from the moment I set my eyes upon the first page of the book. I find myself completely immersed in the story when the murder cases occur one by one, with no witnesses and clues at all. Nothing except a golden mask laid on the face of each of the victims.
I like Neferet's character. She is kind and helpful, and has great faith in God. She even shows mercy to the killer. I think the killer is quite pathetic in some ways. The killer wants to avenge the death of a beloved one by blaming the deaths of Hemiunu’s friends on him. After the truth is revealed, the killer does something that you would never expect. The story is full of twists and turns, and there are a few everyone’s-a-murder-suspect situations. This time, I didn’t guess correctly the true identity of the person behind all the murder cases.
We can also read about Christianity in the few appearances of The People of The One in the novel. They support each other physically (food) and spiritually (caring words), and they are always willing to help their friend even if it will endanger their own lives.
Another thing I love about this novel is that the author uses flashback techniques to reveal more information of Hemiunu's childhood, little by little. A past that haunted him in his dreams... This contributes to the plot by telling the readers the killer's motive and it makes the story even more exciting and gripping!
City of The Dead is an engrossing novel full of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and a tinge of romance, combining accurate historical facts with an interesting storyline. I hope I can read all the novels in the Seven Wonders Series by T. L. Higley!
November 12, 2012
So after the Holidays, my introduction to the Sims 2 and 3 and just life I have been neglecting my reading but am back!! So read this story and it was kinda slow moving but interesting. This story revolves around the building of the great pyramids of Giza in the city of Memphis so the pharaoh Khufu can be buried there and remembered forever..His Grand Vizier Hemiunu is responsible for overseeing this construction and takes his job seriously until mysterious murders start to happen, and to people close to him as well as the impending drama of a secret covered up for far too long coming to light..As Hemiunu's best friend, secret love and childhood servant are murdered with no possible suspects he begins to delve in the task of finding out who is responsible as he, the Pharoah, his brother and a woman named Tamit are the only other ones that know the possible reason for the murders and may possibly be next...I didnt adore this book but the subject matter, description and overall portrayal of ancient Egypt during a time of great architecture, religion and education are absolutely beautiful..Love the descriptive passages but didnt really care for the mystery and was not impressed or surprised by the "murderer"..
August 3, 2009
Overall, I found this book to be okay - nothing great, however. I wasn't drawn into the characters very well (no sympathy at all for Meni) and felt the love story was strained and unbelievable. I wish the author would have had more description (of the land, the smells, the people... basically of everything) and less dialogue. I really only finished the book because I was curious who the bad guy was and how the incident of the past occurred and tied in with the story.
If I had known this was also listed under christian historical fiction, I probably would not have picked it up. While I'm not bashing christian historical fiction, I don't really have any interest in it. I felt the inclusion of it in this book was way out of place - by a good 2,000 years.
As a side note (especially from an archaeologist): the Ancient Egyptians did NOT have tomatoes! Tomatoes came from the New World (Mexico, Central America) and didn't arrive in the Old World until after the Spanish reached Mexico. Granted this is a nit-picky thing.... well, actually not really. It is something that needs to be noticed while writing historical fiction.
If I had known this was also listed under christian historical fiction, I probably would not have picked it up. While I'm not bashing christian historical fiction, I don't really have any interest in it. I felt the inclusion of it in this book was way out of place - by a good 2,000 years.
As a side note (especially from an archaeologist): the Ancient Egyptians did NOT have tomatoes! Tomatoes came from the New World (Mexico, Central America) and didn't arrive in the Old World until after the Spanish reached Mexico. Granted this is a nit-picky thing.... well, actually not really. It is something that needs to be noticed while writing historical fiction.
July 16, 2019
Set in ancient Egypt, City of the Dead is set against a fascinating backdrop - the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The story is told from the perspective of Hemiunu, the brains behind the design and construction of one of the most impressive manmade structures ever built. As his masterpiece rises into the sky, Hemi is tormented by a horrible secret from his past, and the very real threat of a killer who is picking off his friends one by one.
Book two in T.L. Higley’s Seven Wonders series is absolutely breathtaking. I was transported into ancient Egypt, from the inner rooms of Pharaoh’s palace to the stifling heat of the desert and the tremendous undertaking as the pyramid is built. This book has it all – mystery, intrigue, romance, a breathtaking setting, and characters you feel like you know. And throughout it all, the spiritual element is woven intricately into the plot, which is the sign of an excellent inspirational novel by my definition. I highly recommend this book
Book two in T.L. Higley’s Seven Wonders series is absolutely breathtaking. I was transported into ancient Egypt, from the inner rooms of Pharaoh’s palace to the stifling heat of the desert and the tremendous undertaking as the pyramid is built. This book has it all – mystery, intrigue, romance, a breathtaking setting, and characters you feel like you know. And throughout it all, the spiritual element is woven intricately into the plot, which is the sign of an excellent inspirational novel by my definition. I highly recommend this book
April 14, 2021
Another exciting story by Tracy L. Higley. It sure must have kept them busy appeasing all the gods of Egypt at that time. Hemi was devoted to Ma'at, the god of justice, truth and divine order and his life was ruled by numbers and the need to build the finest, largest pyramid to give him timeless honour. This plan goes awry due to the secrets of his youth. A time that has come to haunt him and the others involved in this event. Khufu, the pharaoh, Merit, the Great Wife, Tamit, the sister of Amunet, Ahmose who is Hemi's brother. I enjoyed the unfolding of the story with all the rich detail of Egypt in that time and the plot that was complex and multifaceted. I appreciate Tracy's attention to detail in her writing with all the apostrophe's needed in the story and the editing is perfect. A wonderful and satisfying read.
August 12, 2019
The first two chapters were a little slow and disorganized but when the main plot kicked in at Chapter 3, I was sucked right in. Higley understands her characters beautifully and makes them so "real". I felt the emotions of Hemi, Grand Vizier to Pharaoh Khufu, through the whole book. The author kept me guessing about the murder and everything surrounding it and pulled out a few surprises.
Descriptions of the settings, such as the pyramid work sites or the pharaoh's palace, are sparse but effective. Love this book.
Descriptions of the settings, such as the pyramid work sites or the pharaoh's palace, are sparse but effective. Love this book.
kindle-ebook-to-read
February 18, 2020Originally published as City of the Dead by T.L. Higley.
March 5, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed Tracy Higley's Pyramid of Secrets aka City of the Dead. It was hard to put down and I found myself immersed in Ancient Egyptian culture. I felt like I was really there! I was captivated by the storyline: Who killed a royal princess of the blood? Why was someone killing those favored by the Pharoah? Brimming with colorful, detailed descriptions of Ancient Egypt and strong characterization, this book will delight, surprise, and carry you through suspect after suspect wondering if you have guessed right. A great read!
September 1, 2024
City of the Dead was surprisingly such a good read! I liked the mystery of who was behind the murders and how it kept me guessing.
The book was written in a great way and I felt like I was really reading about the time the pyramids were being built. It was believable, for the most part.
All in all, City of the Dead was a really good read. The romance was probably my least favorite thing, but I still enjoyed the book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
The book was written in a great way and I felt like I was really reading about the time the pyramids were being built. It was believable, for the most part.
All in all, City of the Dead was a really good read. The romance was probably my least favorite thing, but I still enjoyed the book.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
June 6, 2024
Great Pacing and historical details
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it kept rushing along and the cultural / historic details were great.
If there was one issue, it was that I never really felt like the main character had any control or was really any good at anything. He always made the wrong assumptions and choices. He won in the end but not because he was smarter, or better in any way.
Still a great read.
I really enjoyed this book. I felt like it kept rushing along and the cultural / historic details were great.
If there was one issue, it was that I never really felt like the main character had any control or was really any good at anything. He always made the wrong assumptions and choices. He won in the end but not because he was smarter, or better in any way.
Still a great read.
February 5, 2018
A Very interesting and exciting book
I was not sure what to expect from this book. The story was a bit slow to start, but, after a few chapters, I was hooked! I even thought of the story, and characters, during the day. I thought I had it figured out, but the twists kept coming! Excellent!
I was not sure what to expect from this book. The story was a bit slow to start, but, after a few chapters, I was hooked! I even thought of the story, and characters, during the day. I thought I had it figured out, but the twists kept coming! Excellent!
March 4, 2023
During Lent, I read books about faith and that includes Christian historical fiction. This book takes place while Noah's son Shem is living. The People of One do not yet have the identity of a Jewish people.
The portion of the book related to faith is nominal. It took me a long time to read it, as it didn't have my attention. There are many better books available in this genre.
The portion of the book related to faith is nominal. It took me a long time to read it, as it didn't have my attention. There are many better books available in this genre.
September 18, 2023
An interesting insight to ancient Egypt, its customs etc.
They worshiped many gods , and tried to be 'good enough' to get to their idea of heaven.
However, the foundation was being laid for the one TRUE God, and the coming Savior, Jesus.
Meanwhile murders are happening and it is a mystery as to who the killer is.
This is an excellent author.
They worshiped many gods , and tried to be 'good enough' to get to their idea of heaven.
However, the foundation was being laid for the one TRUE God, and the coming Savior, Jesus.
Meanwhile murders are happening and it is a mystery as to who the killer is.
This is an excellent author.
December 31, 2023
It is a wonderful book. The mystery plot is very well-done. The wealth of historical detail puts the reader right in the middle of things. The characters are complex and very human, and you are rooting for them to find their way with every page. I loved it and will read the rest of the books in the series!
May 12, 2018
Great book. It gave me more info into the worship of the Egyptians. I teach a Bible Study and we just finished studying Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. In Exodus we read about the Hebrews being slaves in Egypt and of the gods that the Egyptians worshiped. I would recommend this to others.
April 2, 2021
Another suspense-filled tale
Centered on the building of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the palace intrigue, this novel kept me reading from beginning to end with bated breath. A series of mysterious murders. Will the truth win out? Will justice prevail? Superb writing style.
Centered on the building of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the palace intrigue, this novel kept me reading from beginning to end with bated breath. A series of mysterious murders. Will the truth win out? Will justice prevail? Superb writing style.
November 13, 2021
Pyramid of Secrets
Always, God has existed and His mercy endures forever. I enjoyed how the main character finally saw who he was not. The story is addictive, mysterious, and a step into the past.
Always, God has existed and His mercy endures forever. I enjoyed how the main character finally saw who he was not. The story is addictive, mysterious, and a step into the past.
January 5, 2023
Tracy's writing is always enjoyable.
Can always look forward to a great time reading her novels. My husband especially enjoys her books. She always weaves God/Jesus into each story in a masterful way.
Can always look forward to a great time reading her novels. My husband especially enjoys her books. She always weaves God/Jesus into each story in a masterful way.
November 21, 2023
I'm not sure where the author was going with this one. Was it supposed to be a murder mystery? Or was it supposed to push the idea that monotheists existed before Abraham? I was confused. Once again, author displays excellent knowledge of the ancient world.
June 25, 2024
Great Genre
This work of art is very different than what I normally read. I was not disappointed. Great intrigue up to the very end...kept me guessing when I thought all the missing pieces were solved....surprise, they were not!
This work of art is very different than what I normally read. I was not disappointed. Great intrigue up to the very end...kept me guessing when I thought all the missing pieces were solved....surprise, they were not!
March 15, 2025
A story full of mystery and intrigue; Higley wrote a mystery full of suspense, love, and salvation. I loved how the plot was written in a way that the killer wasn’t shown until the last minute with so many plot twists! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 25, 2025
Wonderful historical fiction from the point of view of a male which is different for Higley. It’s full of intrigue & mystery- an exciting tale of an Egyptian grand vizier- the past dramatically encroaching on their present!
November 24, 2025
Another great book with an implied promotion of Christian beliefs. It is not a commentary or an attempt to sell those beliefs, but it definitely has overtones. Another great Egypt story by an excellent author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews