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Amerotke #7
The Spies of Sobeck
Paul Doherty's brilliant new Amerotke novel will take you on a compelling journey into the glory, splendour and corruption of Ancient Egypt. 1477 BC and once again treacherous forces are on the rise in Egypt. Fresh from her victories in the north, Pharaoh Queen Hatusu has returned to Thebes to find sinister threats emerging from neighbouring province Nubia. The Arites, a secret murderous sect, are waging bloody war against the Pharaoh. Imperial messengers and members of the Medjay, Egypt's elite army, are disappearing around the Oasis of Sinjar and now Imothep, formerly chief scout for the Spies of Sobeck, has been found strangled in a fortified room at his mansion. The Arites are on the hunt. Will Amerotke, Chief Judge of the Hall of Two Truths, be able to confront this boiling mist of murder and treason, and save Hatusu, before Egypt is overrun by its menacing and dangerous underworld?
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
43 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
263 books611 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 19, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 7th volume of the terrific Amerotke series, set in Ancient Egypt.
This tale is set in 1477 BC, and Pharaoh Hatusu returning back ay Thebes after having been victorious against in the north.
Now troubles and threats are arising from their neighbouring province Nubia, in the form of the Arites, a secret murderous sect.
Imperial messengers and members of the Medjay, Egypt's elite army, are disappearing around the Oasis of Sinjar, and if that's not the only problem, coming to add to that will be that Imothep, formerly chief scout for the Spies of Sobeck, is found strangled in a fortified room within his own mansion.
In a desparate effort to save Pharaoh Hatusu and her reign of Egypt, Amerotke, Chief Judge of the Hall of Two truths, must confront this situation of murder and treason by dealing with this deadly opponent in the only way possible.
What is to follow is a very thrilling Ancient Egypt mystery, in which Amerotke will deal with this dangerous underworld in his own remarkable and decisive fashion, all in order to save Pharaoh Hatusu and Egypt, and so to bring order and peace to Egypt for the foreseeable future.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Tremendous Ancient Egypt Mystery"!
This tale is set in 1477 BC, and Pharaoh Hatusu returning back ay Thebes after having been victorious against in the north.
Now troubles and threats are arising from their neighbouring province Nubia, in the form of the Arites, a secret murderous sect.
Imperial messengers and members of the Medjay, Egypt's elite army, are disappearing around the Oasis of Sinjar, and if that's not the only problem, coming to add to that will be that Imothep, formerly chief scout for the Spies of Sobeck, is found strangled in a fortified room within his own mansion.
In a desparate effort to save Pharaoh Hatusu and her reign of Egypt, Amerotke, Chief Judge of the Hall of Two truths, must confront this situation of murder and treason by dealing with this deadly opponent in the only way possible.
What is to follow is a very thrilling Ancient Egypt mystery, in which Amerotke will deal with this dangerous underworld in his own remarkable and decisive fashion, all in order to save Pharaoh Hatusu and Egypt, and so to bring order and peace to Egypt for the foreseeable future.
Highly recommended, for this is another superb addition to this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Tremendous Ancient Egypt Mystery"!
January 5, 2024
Oh what an ending.
This seems.to.be the last.in the series but in this book.Amerotke faces his.most.dangerous.enemy yet and at the end.the threat of personal danger is still there. Not tomorrow or next month but his enemy has patience and their memory is long one, thing is for sure Amerotke his family and friends are not safe. Shufoy has also ended up at a crossroads, his life has been hard, wrongly convicted of a crime he was severely mutilated (his nose and top lip was cut off) and exiled to the.camp.of the Rhinoceri. Amerotke reviewed his case after Shufoy appealed for justice, this was the beginning of their strong friendship but his.face.can never be made right. In this book Shufoy finally finds someone who sees beyond his disfigurement but will be be able to maintain his loyalty to Amerotke while forming a relationship with his lady love................ The empire is facing.it's greatest threat so far, old enemies long thought destroyed have risen up.again stronger than ever striking at the very heart of the Pharaohs court.................one thing is for sure we need.another book.
This seems.to.be the last.in the series but in this book.Amerotke faces his.most.dangerous.enemy yet and at the end.the threat of personal danger is still there. Not tomorrow or next month but his enemy has patience and their memory is long one, thing is for sure Amerotke his family and friends are not safe. Shufoy has also ended up at a crossroads, his life has been hard, wrongly convicted of a crime he was severely mutilated (his nose and top lip was cut off) and exiled to the.camp.of the Rhinoceri. Amerotke reviewed his case after Shufoy appealed for justice, this was the beginning of their strong friendship but his.face.can never be made right. In this book Shufoy finally finds someone who sees beyond his disfigurement but will be be able to maintain his loyalty to Amerotke while forming a relationship with his lady love................ The empire is facing.it's greatest threat so far, old enemies long thought destroyed have risen up.again stronger than ever striking at the very heart of the Pharaohs court.................one thing is for sure we need.another book.
July 15, 2023
The Spies of Sobeck is the seventh and final book in the series featuring Amerotke, a senior judge in Egypt at the time of the female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut.
A secret Nubian sect has plans to create chaos in Thebes, as the army sets off for an expedition to Nubia. Amerotke is called in to investigate when the suspicious death of a former soldier appears linked to the secret sect when he is discovered strangled with their trademark red cloth.
As ever, Doherty succeeds in creating a real sense of place in this novel set in Ancient Egypt. The characters are interesting and well drawn. It is disappointing to discover this is the final novel in the series and I’m not sure why Doherty has not written further novels featuring Amerotke.
A secret Nubian sect has plans to create chaos in Thebes, as the army sets off for an expedition to Nubia. Amerotke is called in to investigate when the suspicious death of a former soldier appears linked to the secret sect when he is discovered strangled with their trademark red cloth.
As ever, Doherty succeeds in creating a real sense of place in this novel set in Ancient Egypt. The characters are interesting and well drawn. It is disappointing to discover this is the final novel in the series and I’m not sure why Doherty has not written further novels featuring Amerotke.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2020
“The Spies of Sobeck” is seventh and last installment in the Ancient Egypt set “Amerotke” series by Paul Doherty. It is 1477 BCE, Hatshepsut have reached a great victory in the North, but cannot really enjoy the glory as the Nubians are revolting in the South, a most unwelcomed revolt, as Nubia is the source of wood, gold and silver, essential material for Egypt’s economy. The insurgents have secured the help of the Arites, a secret murderous sect, that have been targeting and killing members of the Medjay, the elite army and his scout faction the Spies of Sobek. As the former Sobek chief is murdered in her own heavily guarded mansion, Amerotke races against time to dismantle the sect and save Hatshepsut from the most dangerous threat to her reign.
“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.
January 14, 2025
3.5. It was a bit disappointing for the last one in the series. I guess maybe the author just lost interest in continuing this series because the ending hinted at another book IMO.
Anyway, as always it's easier to say what I didn't like about a book than what I liked, lol. I enjoyed the series and I liked the characters, I would have wanted to read more Amerotke books! The level of description seems to be hit and miss with readers but I liked it as I found it more immersive and I am interested in Ancient Egypt anyway. The author does have a million other series (seriously, look up his bibliography, I have no idea how it is possible to write so many historical books, lol), including a couple of books set in the Amarna period that I am considering looking for.
Anyway, as always it's easier to say what I didn't like about a book than what I liked, lol. I enjoyed the series and I liked the characters, I would have wanted to read more Amerotke books! The level of description seems to be hit and miss with readers but I liked it as I found it more immersive and I am interested in Ancient Egypt anyway. The author does have a million other series (seriously, look up his bibliography, I have no idea how it is possible to write so many historical books, lol), including a couple of books set in the Amarna period that I am considering looking for.
November 21, 2020
An intriguing seventh book in the stories of Chief Judge Amerotke.
The judge is charged with investigating several mysterious deaths, apparently by strangulation. These deaths are attributed to a group of Nubians called Arites. These assassins always use a red cloth to kill their victims with.
Pharaoh has been in the north of her kingdom putting down a rebellion, but has to return to Thebes when the Nubians threaten the heart of her kingdom.
Several leads are followed and some of them bear fruit. However, Amerotke is also in danger, as is his family. Eventually, he fathoms out enough evidence to confront a suspect with. This confrontation takes place in front of Pharaoh and Amerotke has a fair amount of success.
However, there is an open ending to this book, that leaves Paul Doherty an option of an eighth novel if he wants to write one.
The judge is charged with investigating several mysterious deaths, apparently by strangulation. These deaths are attributed to a group of Nubians called Arites. These assassins always use a red cloth to kill their victims with.
Pharaoh has been in the north of her kingdom putting down a rebellion, but has to return to Thebes when the Nubians threaten the heart of her kingdom.
Several leads are followed and some of them bear fruit. However, Amerotke is also in danger, as is his family. Eventually, he fathoms out enough evidence to confront a suspect with. This confrontation takes place in front of Pharaoh and Amerotke has a fair amount of success.
However, there is an open ending to this book, that leaves Paul Doherty an option of an eighth novel if he wants to write one.
August 18, 2017
I love Egypt stories.
But this... yes, it's well researched and properly detailed, but...
I guessed the murderer before I got halfway through. In fact, I figured out most of the plot which kinda annoyed me.
It's good, it's fine... but it isn't... what's the word.... Let's go with 'not my cup of tea'.
Sobeck was well detailed - not overdone, which is a common problem with this sort of novel. There was enough for me to picture the city and immerse myself in the story, but I wasn't gripped.
To be honest, Doherty's use of anglicised Greek names really bugged me - I can't explain why.
Personally, for Ancient Egyptian murder, I much preferred Lynda Robinson's Meren series.
But this... yes, it's well researched and properly detailed, but...
I guessed the murderer before I got halfway through. In fact, I figured out most of the plot which kinda annoyed me.
It's good, it's fine... but it isn't... what's the word.... Let's go with 'not my cup of tea'.
Sobeck was well detailed - not overdone, which is a common problem with this sort of novel. There was enough for me to picture the city and immerse myself in the story, but I wasn't gripped.
To be honest, Doherty's use of anglicised Greek names really bugged me - I can't explain why.
Personally, for Ancient Egyptian murder, I much preferred Lynda Robinson's Meren series.
June 28, 2024
Amerotke rieši ďalší extrémne komplikovaný prípad.
Núbia sa začína búriť. Oddaní kráľovnini núbijskí bojovníci na ňu dokonca zaútočia. Nikomu sa nedá veriť. Do toho za záhadných okolností umiera Imhotep, starý bojovník, veľký nepriateľ Aritov - búriacich sa Núbijcov. Za záhadných okolností umiera aj jeden z bojovníkov, ktorý napadol kráľovnú, a ktorý sľúbil, že o Aritoch všetko prezradí. Mŕtve telá sa množia. Ohrozený je samotný Amerotke a jeho rodina.
Prípad bol naozaj poriadne zamotaný a komplikovaný. Až do konca som netušila, kto za tým všetkým stojí, čo je rozhodne plus. Ani chvíľku som sa nenudila.
Núbia sa začína búriť. Oddaní kráľovnini núbijskí bojovníci na ňu dokonca zaútočia. Nikomu sa nedá veriť. Do toho za záhadných okolností umiera Imhotep, starý bojovník, veľký nepriateľ Aritov - búriacich sa Núbijcov. Za záhadných okolností umiera aj jeden z bojovníkov, ktorý napadol kráľovnú, a ktorý sľúbil, že o Aritoch všetko prezradí. Mŕtve telá sa množia. Ohrozený je samotný Amerotke a jeho rodina.
Prípad bol naozaj poriadne zamotaný a komplikovaný. Až do konca som netušila, kto za tým všetkým stojí, čo je rozhodne plus. Ani chvíľku som sa nenudila.
July 28, 2025
This is the worst book of the series. We're in book 7 and there's more scene setting and description of characters that isn't needed or wanted. The new characters weren't interesting and everyone felt a bit of a throwaway. It was clear he's trying to wrap things up with this series. I'm sure I'll move on to the Hugh Corbett series because it's easy, enjoyable junk to read, but this did make me question continuing.
And what kind of ending is this? 7 books in a series and THIS is the one to leave on a cliffhanger?
Doherty has also had an odd interest in using the term "holocaust" in the last couple books and in one instance in this book, I couldn't figure out how the definition he was trying to apply. It was published in 2008. What's the purpose here?
And what kind of ending is this? 7 books in a series and THIS is the one to leave on a cliffhanger?
Doherty has also had an odd interest in using the term "holocaust" in the last couple books and in one instance in this book, I couldn't figure out how the definition he was trying to apply. It was published in 2008. What's the purpose here?
May 16, 2021
#7 in the Amerotke, a respected judge of Thebes and pharoah's go to investigator, mystery series set in ancient Egypt. It is around 1477 BC.
Treacherous forces are on the rise in Egypt. After victories in the north, pharaoh is faced uprising in Nubia to the south led by members of a secret murderous sect, who are waging a covert attack led by a mysterious leader and they are able to striking whoever and wherever with impunity. Pharaoh turns to Amerotke, to confront this boiling mist of murder and treason and put an end to it.
Treacherous forces are on the rise in Egypt. After victories in the north, pharaoh is faced uprising in Nubia to the south led by members of a secret murderous sect, who are waging a covert attack led by a mysterious leader and they are able to striking whoever and wherever with impunity. Pharaoh turns to Amerotke, to confront this boiling mist of murder and treason and put an end to it.
January 8, 2017
I'm so sad that I have finished this book - I dragged it out for as long as possible because this is the last in the amertoke series.
It feels like I've lost a friend .
The whole series is brilliant and worth buying and reading ! This particular one was a little darker than the others with more gore and more twists and turns .
Such a brilliant series !!!
It feels like I've lost a friend .
The whole series is brilliant and worth buying and reading ! This particular one was a little darker than the others with more gore and more twists and turns .
Such a brilliant series !!!
February 8, 2019
Doherty spends way too much time on the details of death and gore when it's not important to the story. Maybe that's what other people are interested in reading, but after the third graphic description of strangulation and poison I started skipping a lot of the book. I'm done with this and any other of his series.
October 8, 2021
The Amerotke series is a jewel of mystery and historical knowledge .
Doherty is a master. I highly recommend all his books to the intelligent reader who craves history coming to life.
Doherty is a master. I highly recommend all his books to the intelligent reader who craves history coming to life.
May 21, 2022
No surprises
Maybe it's because I binge read the entire series and I got wise to Mr Doherty's method but in this book I guessed who the bad guy was the moment said bad guy was introduced. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am sad that it's all over.
Maybe it's because I binge read the entire series and I got wise to Mr Doherty's method but in this book I guessed who the bad guy was the moment said bad guy was introduced. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am sad that it's all over.
June 26, 2024
An interesting mystery with good twists. It doesn’t seem like this is the conclusion to the series, so I wonder if the author had intended to write more. A fun world to explore and I’m going to miss it. I particularly enjoyed Amerotke, Shufoy, and Hatusu.
September 19, 2023
Amazing read - thrilling !
However - some chapters was a little draggy !
However - some chapters was a little draggy !
January 14, 2017
It takes a while to get into the story. Doherty seems to lay a heavy description of the times, landscape and events before getting into the meat of the story. The thought process of the main character is without a doubt great writing and most of the time the reader is included. The reader is also lead to ponder the "how" of the situation as events are laid out. Sometimes the description is repeated, my guess to remind the reader before giving up a clue. Loved the ending.
March 26, 2018
This story is a murder mystery which takes place in ancient Egypt in 1477 B.C. Amerotke, Chief Judge of the Hall of Two Truths, has to figure out who is causing murder, treason and disruption for Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu (also known as Hatshepsut). A nasty group from the menacing and dangerous underworld of Thebes called the Arites, who's leader is an unknown person called the Sgeru, are from Nubia (Africa) and resent being dominated by the Egyptians.
Hatusu has just returned from her great victory in the north against the Mitanni. Now she is faced with a revolt in Nubia. Egypt needs Nubia for their source of gold, silver and precious materials. Egypt would also be exposed to attacks from the south if she lost Nubia. The secret society of the Arites was the heart of all resistance to Egyptian rule in Nubia. They were almost wiped out by former pharaohs, but are on the rise again. All members worship the hyaena goddess and take the blood oath to strangle their victims with a red cloth. Their leader is the Sgeru and must come from the pure royal Nubian ruling class. Hatusu is almost killed by an Arites assassin but is saved by the high priest of the temple of Nubia named Lord Khufu. All the Pharaoh's Nubian guard are confined to quarters, but the Temple of Nubia is not touched due to Lord Khufu's heroic act - are they above suspicion? Then Valu, the royal prosecutor, and Amerotke are scheduled to be strangled by the Arites, but a fortunate event saves Amerotke and his family.
Imperial messengers and members of the Medjay, Egypt's elite army, are disappearing around the Oasis of Sinjar. Imothep who was the former chief scout for the Spies of Sobeck and hated the Arites has also been strangled in a room with a door locked on both sides. He had been researching the area around the Oasis of Sinjar. Two corpses are found in his overgrown garden with their hands removed. Then Valu, the royal prosecutor, and Judge Amerotke are scheduled to be strangled by the Arites, but a fortunate event saves Amerotke. All of these attacks are to create chaos, confusion and instability for the queen. Should she march and attack Nubia?
A subplot involves the dwarf Shufoy falling in love with Mataia, chief heset of the temple of Nubia. Amerotke must use all of his resources to find the Sgeru. This includes Dog, a Medjay scout skilled in detecting scents, the Churat who is the gang leader of the underground bandits, and Mongoose, who is a former member of the Arites. Eventually, Amerotke figures out who the Sgeru is, but it's interesting how he does it without modern day forensics - it's methodical detection.
I have remarked in earlier reviews of this series on the author's gift of description which puts the reader squarely in time and place. This is my 2nd time through the series and wish their were more books in it. As a whole, the series is an excellent read for those who like ancient Egyptian mysteries.
Hatusu has just returned from her great victory in the north against the Mitanni. Now she is faced with a revolt in Nubia. Egypt needs Nubia for their source of gold, silver and precious materials. Egypt would also be exposed to attacks from the south if she lost Nubia. The secret society of the Arites was the heart of all resistance to Egyptian rule in Nubia. They were almost wiped out by former pharaohs, but are on the rise again. All members worship the hyaena goddess and take the blood oath to strangle their victims with a red cloth. Their leader is the Sgeru and must come from the pure royal Nubian ruling class. Hatusu is almost killed by an Arites assassin but is saved by the high priest of the temple of Nubia named Lord Khufu. All the Pharaoh's Nubian guard are confined to quarters, but the Temple of Nubia is not touched due to Lord Khufu's heroic act - are they above suspicion? Then Valu, the royal prosecutor, and Amerotke are scheduled to be strangled by the Arites, but a fortunate event saves Amerotke and his family.
Imperial messengers and members of the Medjay, Egypt's elite army, are disappearing around the Oasis of Sinjar. Imothep who was the former chief scout for the Spies of Sobeck and hated the Arites has also been strangled in a room with a door locked on both sides. He had been researching the area around the Oasis of Sinjar. Two corpses are found in his overgrown garden with their hands removed. Then Valu, the royal prosecutor, and Judge Amerotke are scheduled to be strangled by the Arites, but a fortunate event saves Amerotke. All of these attacks are to create chaos, confusion and instability for the queen. Should she march and attack Nubia?
A subplot involves the dwarf Shufoy falling in love with Mataia, chief heset of the temple of Nubia. Amerotke must use all of his resources to find the Sgeru. This includes Dog, a Medjay scout skilled in detecting scents, the Churat who is the gang leader of the underground bandits, and Mongoose, who is a former member of the Arites. Eventually, Amerotke figures out who the Sgeru is, but it's interesting how he does it without modern day forensics - it's methodical detection.
I have remarked in earlier reviews of this series on the author's gift of description which puts the reader squarely in time and place. This is my 2nd time through the series and wish their were more books in it. As a whole, the series is an excellent read for those who like ancient Egyptian mysteries.
December 23, 2009
Terror stalks the land of Egypt. An old enemy, the sect of Arites from Nubia, has risen from the dust and now strikes at the very heart of Egyptian society. Everywhere the bodies of their victims appear with a characteristic red cord tied around their neck. Strangulation is the required method of sacrifice to their bloodthirsty hyena goddess. Pharoah Hatusu (Hatshepsut) herself comes under attack. Can this enemy not be stopped? Hatusu's chief judge, Amerotke, must find a way, but he himself has also been marked for assassination. The body count mounts and so does Amerotke's frustration.
The judge Amerotke is an attractive character. A humane man living in an inhumane time. The descriptions of the tortures that are visited upon prisoners are horrific and the descriptions of the everyday cruelties witnessed on a typical walk around Thebes are equally vivid and difficult for a reader with no stomach for violence such as myself, but, in the end, the reader feels that he/she has gained insight into that period in history and an empathy for the daily life of average people.
This series is set in what is for me one of the most fascinating periods of Egyptian history. A female pharaoh ruling the most powerful land on earth 3500 years ago(!) is bound to be of interest to any feminist living in the 21st century and wondering when true equality will ever be achieved in our society. When will we ever be able to elect a woman president, for example?
Doherty's research of the period and his ability to bring ancient Thebes to life for the reader are remarkable. He also plays fair with the readers and I was, in fact, able to figure out the mystery here well before the final chapters. I was quite proud of myself for that.
The judge Amerotke is an attractive character. A humane man living in an inhumane time. The descriptions of the tortures that are visited upon prisoners are horrific and the descriptions of the everyday cruelties witnessed on a typical walk around Thebes are equally vivid and difficult for a reader with no stomach for violence such as myself, but, in the end, the reader feels that he/she has gained insight into that period in history and an empathy for the daily life of average people.
This series is set in what is for me one of the most fascinating periods of Egyptian history. A female pharaoh ruling the most powerful land on earth 3500 years ago(!) is bound to be of interest to any feminist living in the 21st century and wondering when true equality will ever be achieved in our society. When will we ever be able to elect a woman president, for example?
Doherty's research of the period and his ability to bring ancient Thebes to life for the reader are remarkable. He also plays fair with the readers and I was, in fact, able to figure out the mystery here well before the final chapters. I was quite proud of myself for that.
December 22, 2013
Second book I have read by Doherty. He appears to be a consistent and technically accomplished writer. Nothing mystical or subliminally Freudian, and no hidden sadomasichism, just a well written story. Great user of adjectives; his details can be gorey. I like the way his characters unfold, even if I don't like THEM very much. With respect to the solution of the murders in this book: did not see it coming! Never would have guessed it.....I gotta read all the Amerotke novels from our library. I enjoyed it & recommend it. I still think, rightly or wrongly, modern jurisprudence colours Doherty's writing, but that is probably the ONLY way for a modern reader to connect. I do envy his ability.
THIS passage was interesting enough to specifically mention. Page 26:
Amerotke spread his hands and intoned his own prayer to the One Who Sees All, the Eternal Being, the Most Fitting of Forms, the Cause and Source of All. He thought of the creature-headed statues...[and] found it hard to accept such beings as gods.
Ah, the distant Aristotelian god long before Aristotle.
THIS passage was interesting enough to specifically mention. Page 26:
Amerotke spread his hands and intoned his own prayer to the One Who Sees All, the Eternal Being, the Most Fitting of Forms, the Cause and Source of All. He thought of the creature-headed statues...[and] found it hard to accept such beings as gods.
Ah, the distant Aristotelian god long before Aristotle.
April 12, 2022
I have enjoyed this series of mysteries set in ancient Egypt quite a bit, and each book is an interesting read. However, this is the weakest of the six I've read, and was packed with entirely too much exposition and explanation of events and history. It took about four chapters in before the story truly began, and after I'd finished, I wondered why it took so long?
PC Doherty is a solid writer, particularly of historical mysteries, but his style in these Egyptian ones is so much simpler and more light than the medieval stories I wonder if he takes them as seriously. Certainly this one feels repetitive, repeating previously used themes, plots, and even very similar scenes.
By the end of the book, however, all is forgiven, as the story is very satisfying and has plenty of interesting twists and memorable characters to hold you through.
PC Doherty is a solid writer, particularly of historical mysteries, but his style in these Egyptian ones is so much simpler and more light than the medieval stories I wonder if he takes them as seriously. Certainly this one feels repetitive, repeating previously used themes, plots, and even very similar scenes.
By the end of the book, however, all is forgiven, as the story is very satisfying and has plenty of interesting twists and memorable characters to hold you through.
July 23, 2016
A bit more gory and gruesome and somewhat more action packed than the predecessors perhaps, but apart from that - more of the same:
Stiff and shallow characters that do not develop. Complicated plots that are hard to engage in. Fascinating descriptions of a long lost culture. Light, easy reading but without an ounce of humour.
Both high and low that is. Mostly kind of low. A pity really. The covers where so appealing; bright, strong colors with funny looking but intriguing pictures of ancient Egyptian gods. They looked like candy wrappers to me, and though I didn't spit the "bonbons" out, they sure didn't taste as sweet a I thought they would. Bummer!
Stiff and shallow characters that do not develop. Complicated plots that are hard to engage in. Fascinating descriptions of a long lost culture. Light, easy reading but without an ounce of humour.
Both high and low that is. Mostly kind of low. A pity really. The covers where so appealing; bright, strong colors with funny looking but intriguing pictures of ancient Egyptian gods. They looked like candy wrappers to me, and though I didn't spit the "bonbons" out, they sure didn't taste as sweet a I thought they would. Bummer!
February 20, 2010
Great story, completely consistent with the earlier Amerotke novels. My only real complaint is that there seemed to be slightly too many chunks repeating details of the sights and smells of different regions of ancient Thebes, derailing the momentum of the ongoing investigation. I'd already deduced the identity of the key villain half way through the book, but even so it was worth continuing because of the auxiliary mysteries that also needed explaining. All in all, the series continues as excellently as it began, and I'm keen to read the next in the series. These would make great TV!
March 1, 2012
I was able to consider a suspect this time, though I was hoping I was wrong. But, I was right.
I like the peak inside of Egyptian culture in each book, and this one is no different. It does amaze me that the author's characters come across so sophisticated, and yet they are all involved in so much brutality, or was it just the magic created by the poetic descriptions of the author that made such primitive life rival that of the current royals.
I like the peak inside of Egyptian culture in each book, and this one is no different. It does amaze me that the author's characters come across so sophisticated, and yet they are all involved in so much brutality, or was it just the magic created by the poetic descriptions of the author that made such primitive life rival that of the current royals.
October 7, 2010
Amerotke is at it again--he keeps stirring up trouble trying to follow the Way of Ma'at. He is very logical, and it's always fun to read about his thought processes and how everything comes together. Doherty really brings the New Kingdom to life in these books with a fair degree of accuracy, which makes the Amerotke books all the more fun to read.
April 28, 2010
I enjoy books set in ancient times. This book has lots of detail as if the author wanted us to now how well he did his research. This was set in the time of Hatshepsut, the female Pharaoh and it is a mystery, of course!
I did enjoy it, though I am not sure that I will read any others in the series. (First novel for adults I have read in awhile!)
I did enjoy it, though I am not sure that I will read any others in the series. (First novel for adults I have read in awhile!)
May 12, 2009
I always like reading the descriptions of ancient egypt, as the author makes it come alive with smells and sights. The mystery itself, was only okay this time, I was hoping for something more CSI, less 24.
August 4, 2010
Doherty writes an interesting mystery series set in Egypt c 1477 BC. He really makes the period come alive with his descriptions. We see a familiar cast of characters with his "detective" being Amerotke, the Chief Judge of Egypt. Light read and entertaining.
December 27, 2016
This book was easily the most gripping of the series. The mystery, at least for me was harder to solve and although it shares similarities with some of the early books in the series the higher stakes and the development of both main and secondary characters really helped cement this books succeed.
October 20, 2009
Excellent, mystery, intrigue
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