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Lord Hani #1
Bird in a Snare
When Hani, an Egyptian diplomat under Akhenaten, is sent to investigate the murder of a useful bandit leader in Syria, he encounters corruption, tangled relationships, and yet more murder. His investigation is complicated by the new king’s religious reforms, which have struck Hani’s own family to the core. Hani’s mission is to amass enough evidence for his su-periors to prosecute the wrongdoers despite the king’s protection—but not just every superior can be trusted. And maybe not even the king!
Winner of the 2020 Geoffrey Chaucer Award for historical fiction before 1750.
Trigger Warnings:
Sexual abuse of children
Winner of the 2020 Geoffrey Chaucer Award for historical fiction before 1750.
Trigger Warnings:
Sexual abuse of children
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2020
181 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
N.L. Holmes
16 books396 followersN.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.
Check out her interview with the Teaching, Learning, Leading K-12 podcast here!
Check out her interview with the Teaching, Learning, Leading K-12 podcast here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 6, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review—many thanks.
Bird in a Snare is the first book in the Lord Hani series by N.L. Holmes. Hany is an Egyptian diplomat Pharaoh Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh who abandoned Egypt's traditional polytheistic religion. Hani is sent to investigate the murder of a Syrian bandit leader. A task that gets complicated by Akhnaten's changing foreign policy.
It is an excellent start to a fantastic series. Hani himself is an interesting and very likeable character. His diplomatic talent really shines when he is forced to avoid so many traps and pitfalls during the murder investigation.
At the same time, he's a loving family father and worries constantly about his family back home. I enjoyed reading about how the changing political situation affects their lives and poses a potential threat to their safety. I fell in love with this family and couldn't wait to find out what happened to them.
N.L. Holmes's vivid description of life in Ancient Egypt, the political situation and the changing religion are fantastic. It was great to be able to really dive into this ancient society and experience what life was like. As an Egypt fan, this is why I love historical fiction and why it's the perfect book for me.
The pacing is great, and the conclusion ties all the loose ends together in a very satisfying way.
I'd highly recommend Bird in a snare to people interested in Ancient Egypt, mysteries, and politics. It's a fantastic book, and I'll definitely continue reading the series!
Bird in a Snare is the first book in the Lord Hani series by N.L. Holmes. Hany is an Egyptian diplomat Pharaoh Akhenaten, the heretic pharaoh who abandoned Egypt's traditional polytheistic religion. Hani is sent to investigate the murder of a Syrian bandit leader. A task that gets complicated by Akhnaten's changing foreign policy.
It is an excellent start to a fantastic series. Hani himself is an interesting and very likeable character. His diplomatic talent really shines when he is forced to avoid so many traps and pitfalls during the murder investigation.
At the same time, he's a loving family father and worries constantly about his family back home. I enjoyed reading about how the changing political situation affects their lives and poses a potential threat to their safety. I fell in love with this family and couldn't wait to find out what happened to them.
N.L. Holmes's vivid description of life in Ancient Egypt, the political situation and the changing religion are fantastic. It was great to be able to really dive into this ancient society and experience what life was like. As an Egypt fan, this is why I love historical fiction and why it's the perfect book for me.
The pacing is great, and the conclusion ties all the loose ends together in a very satisfying way.
I'd highly recommend Bird in a snare to people interested in Ancient Egypt, mysteries, and politics. It's a fantastic book, and I'll definitely continue reading the series!
October 27, 2020
I wish I could be more enthusiastic about this mystery, but, ultimately, it's just not for me. That disappoints me, as I enjoy mysteries and I really appreciate those that expose me to a culture or time period with which I'm not as familiar. It's clear that Holmes has a good grasp of ancient Egypt (in this case, the New Kingdom during Akhenaten's reign), but neither the mystery nor the setting drew me in (even though she's not a bad writer). I expect that, for other readers, Holmes has created an absorbing world, but, although I have a little interest about what happens next for her protagonist, I don't expect to read any further in the series.
I don't know much about ancient Egypt, and Holmes doesn't obviously educate the reader as to the culture or government of the time. In some ways, that's to her credit, as it can be distracting to have long sections describing government bureaucracy or, far worse, have one character explain something to another character who clearly should know it already. Her protagonist, Hani, is a mid-level diplomat, formerly a military scribe and now entrusted with certain independent initiatives. He is from a family of scribes/diplomats, and he interacts almost exclusively with colleagues, superiors, or Egyptian allies/vassals who understand his role, so it makes sense that no one spends any time discussing that role. But that means that there's no explanation about how Hani fits into the greater Egyptian bureaucracy, or, in fact, any meaningful explanation of that bureaucracy. For example, several important characters are Fan Bearers, which is obviously some higher rank at the pharoah's court, but it's not clear how exalted the status is (how many are there? do they have some rights/entitlements that others don't? are they the group from which certain government ministers or leaders are drawn?). Holmes also describes some characters as "commissioners," but it's not clear what powers they have. Some of the commissioners appear to be governors or administrators of more far-flung parts of the empire, while others seem based in the capital city. One "commissioner," who is also a Fan Bearer, is at one point (late in the book) described as Hani's direct superior, which is surprising, as their relationship up to that point was that of a diplomat to a social superior, but not one in which the commissioner gave Hani orders (we see others do that).
Another aspect of the book that I struggled with is Holmes' decision to start the book at the end of Ahmenhotep III's reign and the beginning of Akhenaten's sole reign (there's debate among scholars, but Holmes portrays the father and son as co-regents for at least 4 years at the start of the mystery). Akhenaten's reign (which I learned from Google and Wikipedia) disrupted social and religious order in ancient Egypt; most crucially, he abandoned worship of the pantheon, replacing Amun Ra (the chief god) with Aten, which was the sun disk, an aspect of Ra. The temples and priesthoods of various gods and goddesses were dismantled, and Akhenatan became the sole intermediary between the Egyptian people and their now-chief god (the other gods still existed, but they were no longer worshipped). Akhenatan's reforms did not outlast him for long; they began to fall with one of his early successors, Tutankhamun (King Tut). But they must have been enormously challenging and troubling for ordinary Egyptians at the time. Holmes wants to show the deleterious effect on such Egyptians by focusing on the impact to Hani and his family. But the reader doesn't spend much time getting to know and understand "normal" Egyptian life and religion, so the difficulties experienced by Hani and his family don't feel as disruptive to the casual reader.
The mystery at the heart of the book (who killed an erstwhile ally?) is political, and Holmes uses it to dramatize the precarious situation in the north, where the Hittites are a resurgent kingdom. It's hard to get into it and to care much about the answer because it is difficult to get a grasp on why the death matters. I don't mean to suggest that Holmes provides no explanation as to the significance, because she does. But the politics around what's happening in the north are complex and convoluted, and Hani is frequently at sea, so the modern reader is really lost as to who benefits from the murder and the motives of the suspects. I don't need an Agatha Christie-style of mystery, where the suspects are limited and clearly identified from early on, but I do like enough information and understanding to form my own hypotheses (even if they ultimately may be wrong). I couldn't do that here.
It doesn't help that Hani isn't a great investigator. He's sent north--a journey of some weeks, at least--to investigate a murder that occurred months before. That's not going to make for an easy investigation. But his interviews are cursory; the first one is ridiculously brief. Of course he's not going to figure anything out if he interviews so few people and in such limited ways. As the mystery takes a long time to play out (about 3 years in book time), with few really-meaningful discoveries along the way, it didn't hold my interest. I was more interested in Hani and his domestic concerns than I was in the mystery that justifies the book.
But Holmes' depiction of Hani and his family is definitely a strength in this book. She creates a happy home life with relatively well-realized characters (the second daughter, who ends up developing an important relationship with another secondary character, isn't particularly distinctive). This is a family that, with the exception of the eldest son--whose ambitions estrange him from his family--pulls together and supports each other. There's real love and affection between Hani and his wife, his father, and his children. I liked those characters; I just wish I cared more about their world.
One final quibble. I don't enjoy long descriptions of long journeys, but Holmes' solution is stunning in its brevity. Hani travels frequently in this book, either from his home in Waset (ancient Thebes) to the north (the area around modern-day Byblos and Damascus) or to the new capital, Akhetaten (modern day Amarna). The former trip (Waset to the north) was clearly a journey of at least some weeks; the latter trip (between the former and new Egyptian capitals) apparently took between a day+ to a week, depending on the quality of boat and the number of sailors available to row. Holmes frequently depicts Hani and other characters at the start of a journey, and, by the next scene, they've arrived at their destination. Given how burdensome travel must have been and how long it must have taken, it's a bit jarring that Hani seems to arrive everywhere instantaneously, even though the reader knows some time must have elapsed. At various points, characters get on a boat from one capital to another with no apparent luggage, money, change of clothes, or food. It can take them a week to arrive at their destination, but they don't appear famished even if they haven't changed their clothes. It's not clear how this kind of travel was managed; did commercial ferries provide food? Were travelers expected to bring their own? Were there cabins or did travelers sleep on the deck? I don't want to know about the trip in excruciating detail, but I would like some explanation of it so I can better appreciate the passage of time or the difficulties experienced by the characters.
I don't know much about ancient Egypt, and Holmes doesn't obviously educate the reader as to the culture or government of the time. In some ways, that's to her credit, as it can be distracting to have long sections describing government bureaucracy or, far worse, have one character explain something to another character who clearly should know it already. Her protagonist, Hani, is a mid-level diplomat, formerly a military scribe and now entrusted with certain independent initiatives. He is from a family of scribes/diplomats, and he interacts almost exclusively with colleagues, superiors, or Egyptian allies/vassals who understand his role, so it makes sense that no one spends any time discussing that role. But that means that there's no explanation about how Hani fits into the greater Egyptian bureaucracy, or, in fact, any meaningful explanation of that bureaucracy. For example, several important characters are Fan Bearers, which is obviously some higher rank at the pharoah's court, but it's not clear how exalted the status is (how many are there? do they have some rights/entitlements that others don't? are they the group from which certain government ministers or leaders are drawn?). Holmes also describes some characters as "commissioners," but it's not clear what powers they have. Some of the commissioners appear to be governors or administrators of more far-flung parts of the empire, while others seem based in the capital city. One "commissioner," who is also a Fan Bearer, is at one point (late in the book) described as Hani's direct superior, which is surprising, as their relationship up to that point was that of a diplomat to a social superior, but not one in which the commissioner gave Hani orders (we see others do that).
Another aspect of the book that I struggled with is Holmes' decision to start the book at the end of Ahmenhotep III's reign and the beginning of Akhenaten's sole reign (there's debate among scholars, but Holmes portrays the father and son as co-regents for at least 4 years at the start of the mystery). Akhenaten's reign (which I learned from Google and Wikipedia) disrupted social and religious order in ancient Egypt; most crucially, he abandoned worship of the pantheon, replacing Amun Ra (the chief god) with Aten, which was the sun disk, an aspect of Ra. The temples and priesthoods of various gods and goddesses were dismantled, and Akhenatan became the sole intermediary between the Egyptian people and their now-chief god (the other gods still existed, but they were no longer worshipped). Akhenatan's reforms did not outlast him for long; they began to fall with one of his early successors, Tutankhamun (King Tut). But they must have been enormously challenging and troubling for ordinary Egyptians at the time. Holmes wants to show the deleterious effect on such Egyptians by focusing on the impact to Hani and his family. But the reader doesn't spend much time getting to know and understand "normal" Egyptian life and religion, so the difficulties experienced by Hani and his family don't feel as disruptive to the casual reader.
The mystery at the heart of the book (who killed an erstwhile ally?) is political, and Holmes uses it to dramatize the precarious situation in the north, where the Hittites are a resurgent kingdom. It's hard to get into it and to care much about the answer because it is difficult to get a grasp on why the death matters. I don't mean to suggest that Holmes provides no explanation as to the significance, because she does. But the politics around what's happening in the north are complex and convoluted, and Hani is frequently at sea, so the modern reader is really lost as to who benefits from the murder and the motives of the suspects. I don't need an Agatha Christie-style of mystery, where the suspects are limited and clearly identified from early on, but I do like enough information and understanding to form my own hypotheses (even if they ultimately may be wrong). I couldn't do that here.
It doesn't help that Hani isn't a great investigator. He's sent north--a journey of some weeks, at least--to investigate a murder that occurred months before. That's not going to make for an easy investigation. But his interviews are cursory; the first one is ridiculously brief. Of course he's not going to figure anything out if he interviews so few people and in such limited ways. As the mystery takes a long time to play out (about 3 years in book time), with few really-meaningful discoveries along the way, it didn't hold my interest. I was more interested in Hani and his domestic concerns than I was in the mystery that justifies the book.
But Holmes' depiction of Hani and his family is definitely a strength in this book. She creates a happy home life with relatively well-realized characters (the second daughter, who ends up developing an important relationship with another secondary character, isn't particularly distinctive). This is a family that, with the exception of the eldest son--whose ambitions estrange him from his family--pulls together and supports each other. There's real love and affection between Hani and his wife, his father, and his children. I liked those characters; I just wish I cared more about their world.
One final quibble. I don't enjoy long descriptions of long journeys, but Holmes' solution is stunning in its brevity. Hani travels frequently in this book, either from his home in Waset (ancient Thebes) to the north (the area around modern-day Byblos and Damascus) or to the new capital, Akhetaten (modern day Amarna). The former trip (Waset to the north) was clearly a journey of at least some weeks; the latter trip (between the former and new Egyptian capitals) apparently took between a day+ to a week, depending on the quality of boat and the number of sailors available to row. Holmes frequently depicts Hani and other characters at the start of a journey, and, by the next scene, they've arrived at their destination. Given how burdensome travel must have been and how long it must have taken, it's a bit jarring that Hani seems to arrive everywhere instantaneously, even though the reader knows some time must have elapsed. At various points, characters get on a boat from one capital to another with no apparent luggage, money, change of clothes, or food. It can take them a week to arrive at their destination, but they don't appear famished even if they haven't changed their clothes. It's not clear how this kind of travel was managed; did commercial ferries provide food? Were travelers expected to bring their own? Were there cabins or did travelers sleep on the deck? I don't want to know about the trip in excruciating detail, but I would like some explanation of it so I can better appreciate the passage of time or the difficulties experienced by the characters.
July 30, 2020
This is a long novel but the storyline flows along at a good pace and is full of drama and mystery and I was disappointed when I had finished it. Egyptian diplomat Hani is sent to Syria to investigate the murder of a leader of bandits but his investigations are complicated by the religious reforms of the new king. Having encountered corruption and further murders, Hani starts to think that no one can be trusted, not even the new king. However Hani must find evidence so that the wrongdoers can be prosecuted. I felt completely immersed in the story due to the authors wonderfully detailed descriptions of both the characters and the setting, so much so I felt I could be in ancient Egypt. The glossary of terms and places and the glossary of Gods at the end of the book is very helpful and I found the authors historical note extremely fascinating especially discovering that Hani is a real person. The list of characters was also useful but I feel it may have been even more so if it had been at the start of the book as there are many characters to get to know and keep track of. Reading this novel the authors research and knowledge shines through, all wrapped up in a great murder mystery thriller. Lord Hani is a great main character and I look forward to further books in this series.
July 28, 2020
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes is a historical cosy mystery set in ancient Egyptian times where NL takes us on a journey where there is a dark, deadly and sinister plot. She paints a vivid world and her writing invites you into the storyline. Having said that the story did start out a little slow and I also found myself wandering and skipping things to move it along at times and having to go back and reread somethings. NL’s passion for the subject matter is clear within her writing and this is not just a story it is also a lesson on 13th century Egypt.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
May 17, 2022
The historical mystery, Bird in a Snare, by N. L. Holmes takes you back to 1350 BCE Ancient Egypt when a Pharoah rose to power and implemented radical reforms of elevating only one god for worship. Lord Hani, the protagonist, is based on a historical figure whose travels as a royal emissary are accounted for by the Amarna Letters. The political turmoil in the region provides the backdrop to the story.
Lord Hani, a royal scribe, must deal with a troubled relationship with his estranged son, who opposes his values. The story starts when Lord Hani hosts a dinner for a charismatic leader of outlaws and renegades who has an alliance with the Pharoah and wants to be recognized as king. Later, Hani's guest is assassinated in a siege at one of his fortresses. The elderly Pharoah sends Hani to investigate the murder. On his travels, he develops a fatherly relationship with his secretary, Maya, as the two face the political intrigues of an unraveling political empire. They are swept into a political whirlwind when the elderly Pharoah dies and his son rises to power. Although the new Pharoah orders to drop the investigation, Hani ultimately learns the scope of political machinations behind the murder through his entanglements with various players vying for power.
Author Holmes has written a meticulously researched historical mystery that has more of a flavor of an epic tale of political intrigue. The story is most engaging when the political issues directly involve his family and Maya. The sub-plot of the estrangement of Hani's son from the family is the most compelling because it helps the reader understand how the new Pharoah's reforms directly impact his family that serves other gods. There is an endearing, budding relationship between his daughter and Maya.
The narrative is rich in vivid descriptions of the landscape and various cities with unique cultures. The tale is at its best when historical details are woven through the story, detailing complex alliances and social and familial relationships that existed during this period. At first, I struggled to keep track of the myriad of characters with their complicated names. However, a list of characters, glossaries of gods, terms, and places, and the author's note helped pave the way to navigate through the political intrigue. The story had a satisfying ending, tying together the pieces in the puzzle of the murder and resolving family conflicts.
Bird in a Snare is highly recommended for readers who enjoy reading complex historical fiction steeped in political intrigue and rich in authentic descriptions of the archaeology, the culture, and the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Lord Hani, a royal scribe, must deal with a troubled relationship with his estranged son, who opposes his values. The story starts when Lord Hani hosts a dinner for a charismatic leader of outlaws and renegades who has an alliance with the Pharoah and wants to be recognized as king. Later, Hani's guest is assassinated in a siege at one of his fortresses. The elderly Pharoah sends Hani to investigate the murder. On his travels, he develops a fatherly relationship with his secretary, Maya, as the two face the political intrigues of an unraveling political empire. They are swept into a political whirlwind when the elderly Pharoah dies and his son rises to power. Although the new Pharoah orders to drop the investigation, Hani ultimately learns the scope of political machinations behind the murder through his entanglements with various players vying for power.
Author Holmes has written a meticulously researched historical mystery that has more of a flavor of an epic tale of political intrigue. The story is most engaging when the political issues directly involve his family and Maya. The sub-plot of the estrangement of Hani's son from the family is the most compelling because it helps the reader understand how the new Pharoah's reforms directly impact his family that serves other gods. There is an endearing, budding relationship between his daughter and Maya.
The narrative is rich in vivid descriptions of the landscape and various cities with unique cultures. The tale is at its best when historical details are woven through the story, detailing complex alliances and social and familial relationships that existed during this period. At first, I struggled to keep track of the myriad of characters with their complicated names. However, a list of characters, glossaries of gods, terms, and places, and the author's note helped pave the way to navigate through the political intrigue. The story had a satisfying ending, tying together the pieces in the puzzle of the murder and resolving family conflicts.
Bird in a Snare is highly recommended for readers who enjoy reading complex historical fiction steeped in political intrigue and rich in authentic descriptions of the archaeology, the culture, and the religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
July 31, 2020
4 Stars
Bird In A Snare is the first book in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L Holmes. This is an historical mystery set in ancient Egypt, which the author does an excellent job of recreating and bringing to life. I could feel the authors passion for the period shine through in her writing, which added to the whole atmosphere of the story.
Hani is a fantastic character, who along with the rest of the cast, help to bring this story alive. He is a loving father, husband, and a respected diplomat. This mystery begins when he is sent to far away Syria, uncovering a murder which could bring a great political backlash. Add in more dead bodies, corruption, politics, hidden agendas, and simmering tension- and this story really takes off.
Looking forward to seeing what Hani gets up to in the next book!
Thank you, N.L Holmes!
Bird In A Snare is the first book in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L Holmes. This is an historical mystery set in ancient Egypt, which the author does an excellent job of recreating and bringing to life. I could feel the authors passion for the period shine through in her writing, which added to the whole atmosphere of the story.
Hani is a fantastic character, who along with the rest of the cast, help to bring this story alive. He is a loving father, husband, and a respected diplomat. This mystery begins when he is sent to far away Syria, uncovering a murder which could bring a great political backlash. Add in more dead bodies, corruption, politics, hidden agendas, and simmering tension- and this story really takes off.
Looking forward to seeing what Hani gets up to in the next book!
Thank you, N.L Holmes!
Read
March 12, 2021Lord Hani is called on by his pharaoh king to determine who assassinated the rebel leader, Abdi-ashirta, in Bird in a Snare. What the Lord discovers is much more than just an assassination plot!
“Sometimes I wish I were just a happy little bird, not a human being at all. We humans can be vile animals.“
While I appreciate that the author used historically correct names, many of them sounded very similar. I couldn’t keep Yanakh-amu and Yapakh-addi straight. Plus I didn’t understand where people stood in this very hierarchical society. There is a character list but I didn’t see it until I reached it after the novel was done.
If you like historical mysteries and Egyptian history, Bird in a Snare would be perfect for you. But for me, it’s a 3-star read.
Thanks to Wayback Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
“Sometimes I wish I were just a happy little bird, not a human being at all. We humans can be vile animals.“
While I appreciate that the author used historically correct names, many of them sounded very similar. I couldn’t keep Yanakh-amu and Yapakh-addi straight. Plus I didn’t understand where people stood in this very hierarchical society. There is a character list but I didn’t see it until I reached it after the novel was done.
If you like historical mysteries and Egyptian history, Bird in a Snare would be perfect for you. But for me, it’s a 3-star read.
Thanks to Wayback Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 16, 2021
First of all, I wanted to say a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
•
This book and genre was quite out of my usual comfort zone. I had a bit of an up and down relationship with this book unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong, I was gripped and I did finish it, I was enticed by the plot and really wanted to find out what happened at the end. However, at the same time, I felt quite confused at times as to what was actually going on. Despite this, I found the writing to be easy to follow and it did flow very well, I just struggled sometimes with specific details and often needed reminding what was going on.
•
This book follows Hani. A wise, kind, warm-hearted royal diplomat to the king as he journeys to Kebni and Simurru. His duty is to discover who assassinated the former leader or the Hapiru. Along his journey, he is accompanied by his secretary Maya. Maya looks up to Hani, he drastically longs for his acceptance, love and admiration. However, the pair get into a lot more than they bargained for; from being roped into mediating two important protégées of the king in their incessant bickering, to having to persuade the Hapiru, and its new leader, against sieging one of the two lands their king rules over. As everything comes to a head, including assassination attempts and investigations with loose ends. Hani finds it hard to keep the faith in his new king and feels exploited for his good nature and kindness, like a bird in a snare.
•
I really loved the development of the storyline and the characters. I felt very attached to Hani, he’s an incredibly likeable, loving, family man who only wants the best for his children and wife. The way all the characters develop as the plot thickens was incredibly well written, even those who have lesser parts in the plot, had their own personality’s shining through which is often a weakness in many books.
The book has many sub plots breaking off from the main plot which does keep you gripped, although they are separate, they tie up a lot of loose ends from the main plot which was really fascinating. I did often find it hard though to remember details about certain characters. Obviously, due to the time the book is written in, a lot of Egyptians had names or those similar to those of their ancestors, particularly if they held optimal or regal positions in the diplomacy. I still found it difficult to remember whose who on occasions but I think that’s more me getting lost and confused than a fault on the authors part.
I found the book really picks up pace near the last couple of hundred pages. So if you’re really interested in the concept of this book I would persevere on, the world building part did take a few hundred pages but I feel like it was necessary with everything that goes on in the plots.
•
Overall, there were some positives to this novel and I’m really glad I gave it a go. I just unfortunately don’t think it’s my cup of tea. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has an interest in Egyptians and mystery’s.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
•
This book and genre was quite out of my usual comfort zone. I had a bit of an up and down relationship with this book unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong, I was gripped and I did finish it, I was enticed by the plot and really wanted to find out what happened at the end. However, at the same time, I felt quite confused at times as to what was actually going on. Despite this, I found the writing to be easy to follow and it did flow very well, I just struggled sometimes with specific details and often needed reminding what was going on.
•
This book follows Hani. A wise, kind, warm-hearted royal diplomat to the king as he journeys to Kebni and Simurru. His duty is to discover who assassinated the former leader or the Hapiru. Along his journey, he is accompanied by his secretary Maya. Maya looks up to Hani, he drastically longs for his acceptance, love and admiration. However, the pair get into a lot more than they bargained for; from being roped into mediating two important protégées of the king in their incessant bickering, to having to persuade the Hapiru, and its new leader, against sieging one of the two lands their king rules over. As everything comes to a head, including assassination attempts and investigations with loose ends. Hani finds it hard to keep the faith in his new king and feels exploited for his good nature and kindness, like a bird in a snare.
•
I really loved the development of the storyline and the characters. I felt very attached to Hani, he’s an incredibly likeable, loving, family man who only wants the best for his children and wife. The way all the characters develop as the plot thickens was incredibly well written, even those who have lesser parts in the plot, had their own personality’s shining through which is often a weakness in many books.
The book has many sub plots breaking off from the main plot which does keep you gripped, although they are separate, they tie up a lot of loose ends from the main plot which was really fascinating. I did often find it hard though to remember details about certain characters. Obviously, due to the time the book is written in, a lot of Egyptians had names or those similar to those of their ancestors, particularly if they held optimal or regal positions in the diplomacy. I still found it difficult to remember whose who on occasions but I think that’s more me getting lost and confused than a fault on the authors part.
I found the book really picks up pace near the last couple of hundred pages. So if you’re really interested in the concept of this book I would persevere on, the world building part did take a few hundred pages but I feel like it was necessary with everything that goes on in the plots.
•
Overall, there were some positives to this novel and I’m really glad I gave it a go. I just unfortunately don’t think it’s my cup of tea. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has an interest in Egyptians and mystery’s.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
June 10, 2020
In 13th century Egypt, a king’s envoy and loving family man is sent to investigate the assassination of a hapiru leader, discovering a deadly and treacherous plot. So begins a fine book which combines the splendour and vivid opulence of ancient Egypt with the more conventional cosy mystery genre. Indeed, in the afterword Holmes (an appropriate name, perhaps) reveals plans for additions to the series, and this is reinforced by the book’s tagline “A Lord Hani Mystery”. Perhaps in some ways reminiscent of Name of the Rose, in terms of its sleuth aspect, if in a different ancient setting.
Holmes is a tremendous author, who has created an exciting historical detective. Her writing is warm and alluring, and she draws you subtly and comfortably into the vivid world of her creation, regal Egypt painted onto the page with precision and affection. She undoubtedly knows her ancient history and has a passion for it; this is one of those books which not only entertains but also informs the reader. If there were any inkling of doubt about her credentials (which there wasn’t), this is put firmly in its place by one look at her bio; Holmes is an expert – of that there is absolutely no doubt – and in the main, this book is based on numerous elements and events of historical fact. Included at the end of the book are extremely useful and interesting character list and glossaries - they are testament to the sheer scale of this project, and the huge professionalism of its dedicated author, and I strongly recommend that you make use of them during reading, as the Egyptian character names, terminology and the like can at times be a little difficult to keep track of. That said, whilst in-depth and requiring concentration, it isn’t a particularly complex story, and could perhaps be rendered a touch more concise on occasion. There is much narrative and discussion, and without full attention, the reader can quite easily accidentally skim over the story’s important bullet points, which aren’t always conspicuously discerned; this is therefore a book to be taken seriously, and should be read with attention and interest. To tell the truth, it wasn’t always easy to stay focused. It is long – and by the two-thirds point it does start to feel it a little – and a descriptively profound slow burner, so it may not be to all tastes.
But, it is beautifully written, with some wonderfully developed and endearing characters, and is overall a pleasure to read. A huge feat of professionalism from an outstanding professional author, and I wish this book and its sequels tremendous collective success.
Holmes is a tremendous author, who has created an exciting historical detective. Her writing is warm and alluring, and she draws you subtly and comfortably into the vivid world of her creation, regal Egypt painted onto the page with precision and affection. She undoubtedly knows her ancient history and has a passion for it; this is one of those books which not only entertains but also informs the reader. If there were any inkling of doubt about her credentials (which there wasn’t), this is put firmly in its place by one look at her bio; Holmes is an expert – of that there is absolutely no doubt – and in the main, this book is based on numerous elements and events of historical fact. Included at the end of the book are extremely useful and interesting character list and glossaries - they are testament to the sheer scale of this project, and the huge professionalism of its dedicated author, and I strongly recommend that you make use of them during reading, as the Egyptian character names, terminology and the like can at times be a little difficult to keep track of. That said, whilst in-depth and requiring concentration, it isn’t a particularly complex story, and could perhaps be rendered a touch more concise on occasion. There is much narrative and discussion, and without full attention, the reader can quite easily accidentally skim over the story’s important bullet points, which aren’t always conspicuously discerned; this is therefore a book to be taken seriously, and should be read with attention and interest. To tell the truth, it wasn’t always easy to stay focused. It is long – and by the two-thirds point it does start to feel it a little – and a descriptively profound slow burner, so it may not be to all tastes.
But, it is beautifully written, with some wonderfully developed and endearing characters, and is overall a pleasure to read. A huge feat of professionalism from an outstanding professional author, and I wish this book and its sequels tremendous collective success.
July 8, 2020
"Bird in a Snare" is the foundation stone of "The Lord Hani Mysteries", a historical series that plays out in Ancient Egypt. N. L. Holmes masterfully resurrects from the sands of time a tale of a humble diplomat and a proud family man, who finds himself adrift in the whirlwind of changing times.
This is a story about the life and adventures of Hani, a diplomat serving under the rule of Akhenaten. As a new horizon slowly creeps upon the land, Hani is sent to the distant realm of Syria to uncover a murder with grave political repercussions. During his mission to solve one murder, he encounters only more death, political corruption, and a fragile net of relationships between leaders. But before coming to any conclusions, he must return to his home, mid-investigation. The sun has set. And soon a new sun will shine over the kingdom. The successor who rose to the throne seems to depart from the comfort of the old ways, into a new territory; a new direction that does not seem to meet with Hani’s set life course. But, nevertheless one must adapt and above all, survive.
"Bird in a Snare" is well documented and offers a historically convincing depiction of what once was. N. L. Holmes world building skills melt together fiction and historical facts, in her reimagined set of events. She addresses Ancient Egypt from a macro level – mainly through state and religion – and the micro level of everyday life. But what is more, she unites these two spheres through the main character, Hani. Although the story revolves around a central figure, he is constantly surrounded by a colorful bouquet of characters, be that pharaohs, his scribe Maya, or members of his family. This psychological attention to character development is what truly animates the pages of the book.
Under the penname of N.L. Holmes, an archeologist and university professor by trade, brings her in-depth knowledge to the realm of historical fiction. The abundant knowledge of the author seeps into the text in a natural way and brings color to historical details. For all those who love to dive into historical fiction, keep an eye on "Bird in a Snare" and other writings by N.L. Holmes.
This is a story about the life and adventures of Hani, a diplomat serving under the rule of Akhenaten. As a new horizon slowly creeps upon the land, Hani is sent to the distant realm of Syria to uncover a murder with grave political repercussions. During his mission to solve one murder, he encounters only more death, political corruption, and a fragile net of relationships between leaders. But before coming to any conclusions, he must return to his home, mid-investigation. The sun has set. And soon a new sun will shine over the kingdom. The successor who rose to the throne seems to depart from the comfort of the old ways, into a new territory; a new direction that does not seem to meet with Hani’s set life course. But, nevertheless one must adapt and above all, survive.
"Bird in a Snare" is well documented and offers a historically convincing depiction of what once was. N. L. Holmes world building skills melt together fiction and historical facts, in her reimagined set of events. She addresses Ancient Egypt from a macro level – mainly through state and religion – and the micro level of everyday life. But what is more, she unites these two spheres through the main character, Hani. Although the story revolves around a central figure, he is constantly surrounded by a colorful bouquet of characters, be that pharaohs, his scribe Maya, or members of his family. This psychological attention to character development is what truly animates the pages of the book.
Under the penname of N.L. Holmes, an archeologist and university professor by trade, brings her in-depth knowledge to the realm of historical fiction. The abundant knowledge of the author seeps into the text in a natural way and brings color to historical details. For all those who love to dive into historical fiction, keep an eye on "Bird in a Snare" and other writings by N.L. Holmes.
June 16, 2022
Lord Hani is an Egyptian scribe for the Royal Hall of Correspondance where his duties include correlating, translating and transcribing correspondence from around the Two Lands, he is also a diplomat in the foreign service where he undertakes tasks assigned to him by the King Akhenaten. His latest assignment is to spend time with a lord from Syria who is visiting the capital so that they bonds between their two lands can be strengthened and although it isn’t something he enjoys, he has taken the diplomat hunting so that he can guage his opinion of the man. After the diplomat has left, Hani reports to his superior on his oservations and is then given a new assignment based on them to visit another Lord in another part of the kingdom, hwoever, as he is travelling, he receives the news that the diolomat has been killed and that he now has to change direction and investigate the murder.
As Hani prepares for this investigation, he enlists the help of his secretary so that he can enure that he misses nothing in the interviews he has to carry out, hwoever, as he gleans more information from those in and around the murder, the waters muddy and he begins to feel that this murder may be more than meets the eye. The more that Hani investigates and the more information he finds out, the less at ease he feels, who can he trust with the evidence and how far up the hierarchy does the corruption go?
Will Lord Hani’s investigation lead to the prosecution of those guilty of the crime, or will danger surround him like a bird in a snare before he can complete his assignment? This is a mystery based in a historical land where nothing is as it seems and danger lays around every corner, but which will keep you intrigued throughout until you can figure out the culprit is in the end.
As Hani prepares for this investigation, he enlists the help of his secretary so that he can enure that he misses nothing in the interviews he has to carry out, hwoever, as he gleans more information from those in and around the murder, the waters muddy and he begins to feel that this murder may be more than meets the eye. The more that Hani investigates and the more information he finds out, the less at ease he feels, who can he trust with the evidence and how far up the hierarchy does the corruption go?
Will Lord Hani’s investigation lead to the prosecution of those guilty of the crime, or will danger surround him like a bird in a snare before he can complete his assignment? This is a mystery based in a historical land where nothing is as it seems and danger lays around every corner, but which will keep you intrigued throughout until you can figure out the culprit is in the end.
May 13, 2021
This historical mystery focuses on Lord Hani, an Egyptian diplomat. He is sent by the new pharaoh Akhenaten to investigate the murder of a bandit leader who was politically useful to the kingdom. Using his logic and intuition, Hani seeks the truth and discovers that the case is going to be even more convoluted and dangerous than he thought. He’ll have to thread his way carefully through court intrigue before he finds the answer. With the new pharaoh busy enacting his sudden, zealous religious reforms, he’ll find that nothing is what it seems.
I genuinely like Lord Hani. He’s not some magical badass with a tortured past. He’s just a dude. A forty-something dude with experience at his job. Not only that, but he’s an all around good guy. A family man who loves birds. Not only that, but he’s kind to his dedicated secretary Maya, who was born a dwarf and would normally be stuck in the artisan class until Hani hired him to be a scribe. He delights in his family and his job...you know, until the new regime rolls around.
The author N. L. Holmes did a good job putting in a glossary at the front of the book to help those who might not be as familiar with the terms. I love ancient Egyptian history so I was already comfortable with the terms and events. And she chose one of the most exciting and bizarre periods of ancient Egypt for her setting. I would recommend this to any lover of ancient history and ancient Egypt. They’re in for a treat. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.
I genuinely like Lord Hani. He’s not some magical badass with a tortured past. He’s just a dude. A forty-something dude with experience at his job. Not only that, but he’s an all around good guy. A family man who loves birds. Not only that, but he’s kind to his dedicated secretary Maya, who was born a dwarf and would normally be stuck in the artisan class until Hani hired him to be a scribe. He delights in his family and his job...you know, until the new regime rolls around.
The author N. L. Holmes did a good job putting in a glossary at the front of the book to help those who might not be as familiar with the terms. I love ancient Egyptian history so I was already comfortable with the terms and events. And she chose one of the most exciting and bizarre periods of ancient Egypt for her setting. I would recommend this to any lover of ancient history and ancient Egypt. They’re in for a treat. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.
June 20, 2022
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes - Review by Maryn Belling
In the mystery-style of Alexander McCall Smith and thickly set prose of Gabriel García Márquez, N.L. Holm transports us across 3300 years to Egypt’s New Kingdom era of intrigue, political machinations, and complex civilization. Underpinned with the familiar rhythms of domestic life and timeless beauty, the rich descriptions set the reader at ease in an unfamiliar land and time. Readers are cautioned to be aware of content-warnings (as listed in other reviews).
Set against nature’s bounty, the political intrigues of the kingdom roll out in languid detail. Traveling back to a time of litter conveyances & papyrus correspondence, the distinctions between ruling & working classes mirror those of contemporary society. The moral dilemmas of Hani in his work and diplomatic relations allow the reader a deeper understanding of internal motivations and political machinations - his internal dialogues are reminiscent of Christie’s Poiroit.
Beyond the story’s overt purpose, adept readers will find opportunities to consider contemporary social and civic matters. Often when we see flaws in characters we are given to introspection and self-correction. Whether we avail ourselves of mirror or prism.
Bird in a Snare, The Lord Hani Mysteries Series, N.L. Holmes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Historical, Cozy Mystery, Maryn Belling, June 2022
In the mystery-style of Alexander McCall Smith and thickly set prose of Gabriel García Márquez, N.L. Holm transports us across 3300 years to Egypt’s New Kingdom era of intrigue, political machinations, and complex civilization. Underpinned with the familiar rhythms of domestic life and timeless beauty, the rich descriptions set the reader at ease in an unfamiliar land and time. Readers are cautioned to be aware of content-warnings (as listed in other reviews).
Set against nature’s bounty, the political intrigues of the kingdom roll out in languid detail. Traveling back to a time of litter conveyances & papyrus correspondence, the distinctions between ruling & working classes mirror those of contemporary society. The moral dilemmas of Hani in his work and diplomatic relations allow the reader a deeper understanding of internal motivations and political machinations - his internal dialogues are reminiscent of Christie’s Poiroit.
Beyond the story’s overt purpose, adept readers will find opportunities to consider contemporary social and civic matters. Often when we see flaws in characters we are given to introspection and self-correction. Whether we avail ourselves of mirror or prism.
Bird in a Snare, The Lord Hani Mysteries Series, N.L. Holmes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Historical, Cozy Mystery, Maryn Belling, June 2022
July 29, 2020
5/5 Stars
Bird In A Snare (Lord Hani Mystery #1) by N.L. Holmes
This is the first book I've read by Mrs. Holmes and what a read it was. This was a phenomenal read and I can't wait for the next installment of the series. The characters are so real and it's hard to put down.
Amen-hotep aka Hani is a diplomat and travels. He travels to find a friend who has been murdered. Things aren't going well at home and things aren't going well in the investigation. The quote I choose for Hani is: “Nub-nefer, my love, you must have trust. Trust in our good king, who is devoted to the Hidden One, his father. Look at how he’s built temples to his honor and remade the Southern Ipet temple completely. I can only repeat: he would never permit his son to do anything impious. You must believe that.”
Amen-mose aka Maya, Hani's scribe, is taken along the journey with his employer. Maya wouldn't be where he is if not for Hani and feels he owes him. He goes without complaint and finds that there's something amiss. The quote I choose for Maya is: “Osir protect us! What an abomination! What sort of pervert would stoop to such a thing, Lord Hani?”
This is the first book of the genre that I've read and I can't wait for more. Holmes knows how to catch a reader's attention and keep it. It was hard to put this book down.
Bird In A Snare (Lord Hani Mystery #1) by N.L. Holmes
This is the first book I've read by Mrs. Holmes and what a read it was. This was a phenomenal read and I can't wait for the next installment of the series. The characters are so real and it's hard to put down.
Amen-hotep aka Hani is a diplomat and travels. He travels to find a friend who has been murdered. Things aren't going well at home and things aren't going well in the investigation. The quote I choose for Hani is: “Nub-nefer, my love, you must have trust. Trust in our good king, who is devoted to the Hidden One, his father. Look at how he’s built temples to his honor and remade the Southern Ipet temple completely. I can only repeat: he would never permit his son to do anything impious. You must believe that.”
Amen-mose aka Maya, Hani's scribe, is taken along the journey with his employer. Maya wouldn't be where he is if not for Hani and feels he owes him. He goes without complaint and finds that there's something amiss. The quote I choose for Maya is: “Osir protect us! What an abomination! What sort of pervert would stoop to such a thing, Lord Hani?”
This is the first book of the genre that I've read and I can't wait for more. Holmes knows how to catch a reader's attention and keep it. It was hard to put this book down.
July 31, 2020
Bird in a Snare is the first book in N.L. Holmes’ Lord Hani Mysteries that takes us into the 13th century Egypt. This is my first read by this writer but if I am anything to go by what I just finished reading, this will be not the last of what I will have read by her! If you are a history buff and love historical fiction (and not just historical romance) then congratulations, you have a great opportunity to discover a new writer that will knock your socks off.
The writer is giving us a brilliant historical detective, Lord Hani, who is a king’s envoy. He is sent to investigate a murder and what he discovers is a deadly and treacherous plot that takes him on a dark and dangerous journey. The vivid descriptions of Egypt of that era pulls you in, simply close your eyes time to time and you will feel as if you are there, with him as you feel how passionate the writer is about the ancient history. Once you finish the story, you walk away knowing much more than who was behind the murder and the plot, you will walk away knowing much more about the Egyptian history. When I heard that the writer is an archaeologist and university profession by trade, I understood how she had managed to paint such a detailed and real picture. I will need to go and pick up the second Hani mystery now!
The writer is giving us a brilliant historical detective, Lord Hani, who is a king’s envoy. He is sent to investigate a murder and what he discovers is a deadly and treacherous plot that takes him on a dark and dangerous journey. The vivid descriptions of Egypt of that era pulls you in, simply close your eyes time to time and you will feel as if you are there, with him as you feel how passionate the writer is about the ancient history. Once you finish the story, you walk away knowing much more than who was behind the murder and the plot, you will walk away knowing much more about the Egyptian history. When I heard that the writer is an archaeologist and university profession by trade, I understood how she had managed to paint such a detailed and real picture. I will need to go and pick up the second Hani mystery now!
September 17, 2020
Dense and detailed
The author appears to have an extensive knowledge of ancient Egypt c. 1500 BC. I stopped reading less than half through the book. Up until that point we follow Hani, diplomat and scribe as he serves the Egyptian king by negotiating with the various vassel states to the northeast. Ostensibly to investigate a murder of one of the leaders of a large tribe. 1/3 of the way into the book he is called home because the Egyptian King is dead and his son is the new king. Hani is told to drop the murder investigation. So ".mystery solved?".
He is sent back to the north to negotiate a peace. At this point I no longer cared. The entire book seemed to be more of a showcase for the authors knowledge than a mystery. I just couldn't care anymore about the elaborate decor, minute descriptions of every meal and all the evenings spent with his wife children and father. Also you need a Thesaurus because if there is a more arcane and obscure word the author will use it. I say this as someone who reads a lot and has an extensive vocabulary.
If you are interested in Ancient Egyptian lifestyle and politics I recommend this book. Its not a mystery.
The author appears to have an extensive knowledge of ancient Egypt c. 1500 BC. I stopped reading less than half through the book. Up until that point we follow Hani, diplomat and scribe as he serves the Egyptian king by negotiating with the various vassel states to the northeast. Ostensibly to investigate a murder of one of the leaders of a large tribe. 1/3 of the way into the book he is called home because the Egyptian King is dead and his son is the new king. Hani is told to drop the murder investigation. So ".mystery solved?".
He is sent back to the north to negotiate a peace. At this point I no longer cared. The entire book seemed to be more of a showcase for the authors knowledge than a mystery. I just couldn't care anymore about the elaborate decor, minute descriptions of every meal and all the evenings spent with his wife children and father. Also you need a Thesaurus because if there is a more arcane and obscure word the author will use it. I say this as someone who reads a lot and has an extensive vocabulary.
If you are interested in Ancient Egyptian lifestyle and politics I recommend this book. Its not a mystery.
July 18, 2020
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1)
By N.L. Holmes
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that has mystery, murder, danger, and intrigue. The story is written in such a way that the storyline and the characters come alive with each chapter that you read. I loved reading about the main character of Hani, who is an Egyptian diplomat. Hani is a man that is trusted by many. He loves his family and also has a love of birds. I couldn’t help but root for Hani to have success in all that he does. Duties that include the investigation of a murder. This story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I also enjoyed that the story is told with such detail and I felt like I was right there with the characters. Don’t miss out on this exciting and entertaining story. I highly recommend reading it.
By N.L. Holmes
5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that has mystery, murder, danger, and intrigue. The story is written in such a way that the storyline and the characters come alive with each chapter that you read. I loved reading about the main character of Hani, who is an Egyptian diplomat. Hani is a man that is trusted by many. He loves his family and also has a love of birds. I couldn’t help but root for Hani to have success in all that he does. Duties that include the investigation of a murder. This story had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I also enjoyed that the story is told with such detail and I felt like I was right there with the characters. Don’t miss out on this exciting and entertaining story. I highly recommend reading it.
July 30, 2020
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes. I loved this book. It is such a fast paced thriller that you are sucked in. This book was so detailed I felt like I was in Egypt. Its the story of Hani a Royal Scribe who is on a mission to find a murderer. Hani is admired and loved by many except for his renegade son. During his journey in finding the people responsible for murder he develops a surrogate father/son relationship with Maya. They will be met with political unrest, betrayal, and non stop drama. Hani loves his family very much and they are struggling to stay afloat while he is gone. He also has a love of birds. Will Hani find who is responsible for the murders and devastation before its too late? Will his wife still be there when he returns. Will his son ever come back to him. This and more will be answered when you read Bird In A Snare. Its a wonderful story full of love, intrigue and mystery. You will feel as if you have been to ancient Egypt when you are done!
April 18, 2024
Fantastic start
I loved the progress of this book. It was a little slow at times but so beautifully crafted and executed. I loved that it had a happy ending and that there was more than one mystery to the story. The creative writing, descriptions, and historical accuracy really show this author’s credibility and degree.
—-
~spoilers~
Aha desecrates their family plot to appease his ass boss, that ass boss is also the one who wanted the two main investigation team dead! Gasp! But that's later on the book. For you see, the real killer was an ailing man who sent assassins to kill his biological father. Why not kill the pedo boss? Well kinda out of fear and for the desire to see him come to justice rather than being killed. The boss used the man’s plot to try and sneak in his own to get Hani n Maya but it backfired. The pharaoh is informed and off “screen” the guy is fired and Aha returns. Maya becomes married to Hani’s daughter and Hani semi-retires. I like how they describe the Aten cult and society! It works well!
I loved the progress of this book. It was a little slow at times but so beautifully crafted and executed. I loved that it had a happy ending and that there was more than one mystery to the story. The creative writing, descriptions, and historical accuracy really show this author’s credibility and degree.
—-
~spoilers~
Aha desecrates their family plot to appease his ass boss, that ass boss is also the one who wanted the two main investigation team dead! Gasp! But that's later on the book. For you see, the real killer was an ailing man who sent assassins to kill his biological father. Why not kill the pedo boss? Well kinda out of fear and for the desire to see him come to justice rather than being killed. The boss used the man’s plot to try and sneak in his own to get Hani n Maya but it backfired. The pharaoh is informed and off “screen” the guy is fired and Aha returns. Maya becomes married to Hani’s daughter and Hani semi-retires. I like how they describe the Aten cult and society! It works well!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2020
Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes is an exciting mystery set in the ancient times of Egypt. There's plenty of mystery, suspense, and action on these pages. The story is full of political and religious trouble. So many motives for the investigation that it's no wonder Hani has his hands full. He has to step carefully because the politics are being affected by the religious movements. The King is also a suspect. The way things are being handled has led Hani to being suspicious of everyone from the top to below. This writer has wonderfully swept me into the lands and times of Egypt. I felt like I have time traveled from my reading spot. Detailed and well-written, I enjoyed this story. Hani is a character that I liked. He's a good person with good intentions and full of doubt and fear as he continued his investigation into the murders happening in Egypt. I look forward to reading the next adventure in this series.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
July 24, 2020
I did not know what to expect with the title of Bird in a Snare but let me tell you this, I was not disappointed. Ancient Egypt is such a fascinating time and when N. L. Homes incorporated into his story it was an amazing story. The story paints a beautiful picture of Ancient Egypt and I gained more knowledge of a beautiful setting. The plot of the story is a fast-paced thriller. It is the story where you cannot trust anyone. Hani is called in to investigate the murder of the Syrian bandit. During his investigation, he learns that he cannot trust anyone (not even the person who sent him to investigate it). There are twists and turns, ups and downs, and surprises around every corner. Will Hani be able to figure out what is going on? Or more importantly whom he can trust and who not to trust?
July 26, 2020
Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes is the first book in The Lord Hani Mysteries series. During the days of Amenhotep III and IV in Egypt, Lord Hani is out to solve a crime. The crime seems simple, but Lord Hani has to go around new reforms, intrigue, and mystery. Will he find the murderer and solve the crime? This is a really interesting story set in a complex period of Egyptian history. There is a lot of attention to detail and the detail helped me dive into the story. I enjoy historical fiction and a good mystery and this combines both. Lord Hani is a great character and I look forward to more mysteries with him. He has many hats and roles to play and always pulls it off. He could go head to head with some of literatures other great detectives. I look forward to reading more in this series and from this author in the future.
July 30, 2020
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes, is a book that I almost feel like I need to dig my Thesaurus out to review it. I can’t think of enough glowing adjectives to describe my pure pleasure while reading this book. Maybe it was my love of ancient history, or maybe it’s my love of language and a phrase well turned. I do love a good mystery and I can’t tell you how pleased I was that not only is this a confusing, twisting, hard to guess little mystery but the setting of Ancient Egypt was the icing on the cake. The lovely way that Ms. Holmes puts words together made me see the dust and feel the sun. Not only can she make you see the sands of Egypt but the characters she creates are so well described they take up residence in your head. This was a great introduction; I am so glad it is Book 1 because I will certainly board the train for Book 2.
July 24, 2020
I love the ups, downs, twists and turns this book brings the reader on through Hani's eyes as an Egyptian diplomat. Prepare to have your boots knocked off with the mystery and intrigue of this suspenseful read. This book involves the best that mysteries have to offer including everything you can imagine. No matter how high this unfolds for him, he's prepared to take down whoever or whatever is in his way. My heart raced reading every line of this book and where it would take Hani to solve the mysteries that were laid out before him.
This book has everything you could want in one of its caliber: Twists, turns, tragedies, great descriptions of Egypt including Syria, easy to read, fun to read, entertaining, and full of action. Excellent read!
This book has everything you could want in one of its caliber: Twists, turns, tragedies, great descriptions of Egypt including Syria, easy to read, fun to read, entertaining, and full of action. Excellent read!
July 25, 2020
Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes is the first book in the Lord Hani Mystery series. This is a well written and detailed book that takes you on a journey with the character.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was impressed by how detailed and vivid this story was. It really felt like I was there with the character, experiencing everything he did. I can picture it all so clearly and for me that definitely enhanced the reading experience.
I loved the authors writing style as well. It really lent to weaving the mystery and building up the story line. Hani was an interesting character, his relationship with his family and with Maya were fascinating to read about.
I very kind enjoyed this story and will certainly be looking into more work by this author.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was impressed by how detailed and vivid this story was. It really felt like I was there with the character, experiencing everything he did. I can picture it all so clearly and for me that definitely enhanced the reading experience.
I loved the authors writing style as well. It really lent to weaving the mystery and building up the story line. Hani was an interesting character, his relationship with his family and with Maya were fascinating to read about.
I very kind enjoyed this story and will certainly be looking into more work by this author.
July 28, 2020
This book is an amazing adventure set in Anciet Egyptian times. The author has described the places and people in such detail that you can imagine them as of they actually existed.
It is a great murder mystery. When a high profiled bandit is assassinated, Hani is sent to find out who is responsible.
With their kings declining health and rumours of his son's reign not being as peaceful a time as they are currently living in could this murder be related to the future Kings plans or did the victim cause trouble with another member of another area of the land?
Its a great read which keeps you turning the pages. The story takes a little while to get into due to the characters and how they relate to each other but once you get that it grips you until the end.
It is a great murder mystery. When a high profiled bandit is assassinated, Hani is sent to find out who is responsible.
With their kings declining health and rumours of his son's reign not being as peaceful a time as they are currently living in could this murder be related to the future Kings plans or did the victim cause trouble with another member of another area of the land?
Its a great read which keeps you turning the pages. The story takes a little while to get into due to the characters and how they relate to each other but once you get that it grips you until the end.
September 17, 2021
A briliiant book in many aspects. I am not normally a big fan of descriptions, since I am impatient to get on with story and characters, but the descriptions of ancient Egypt physically and socially are beautifully done. The characters are full of life and enjoyable, and the plot is intriguing.
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 is that it was so difficult to keep it straight. There were lots of places mentioned with various allegiances. There were a host of characters with foreign but similar-sounding names, like Yanakh-amu and Yapakh-addi. And, of course, complicated schemes of various types. The author provides a cast of characters and definitions of some terms and a map, but it wasn't enough.
Nonetheless I would recommend the book. Just don't expect a light read!
The only thing that kept this from being a 5 is that it was so difficult to keep it straight. There were lots of places mentioned with various allegiances. There were a host of characters with foreign but similar-sounding names, like Yanakh-amu and Yapakh-addi. And, of course, complicated schemes of various types. The author provides a cast of characters and definitions of some terms and a map, but it wasn't enough.
Nonetheless I would recommend the book. Just don't expect a light read!
July 18, 2020
This is my first book by this author. This is a murder-mystery story that I enjoyed to the end. It is a well written story that has characters that make the story easy to read. This is an interesting story that you never know who can be trusted. Hani is sent to investigate a murder but what he finds is so much more. As things get complicated for him will the superiors accuse the wrong person? This story did start a little slow but after a couple of chapters things picked up and it became fast paced. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and if the murderer gets caught.
July 28, 2020
Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes. Ok so firstly this story is way outside my comfort zone but I was intrigued by the description and boy am I glad I decided to give it a try. This is also a new author to me and I was definitely pleasantly surprised and impressed with the attention to even the smallest of details. The characters draw you in and take readers on an incredible journey. I found myself on the edge of my seat more than once and lost within the pages happily for hours. It’s a well thought out storyline and paced nicely. I’m excited to see what else this author has to offer. Four stars and highly recommended!
July 29, 2020
Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes a four-star read that will hook you. This is number one in the Lord Hani Mysteries series and will ensure you want more and more. I am not a big fan of historical stories but love a good cosy mystery and this one just surprised me. It was detailed and encompassing, I felt like I was reading the story and enjoying it rather than being taught history as I read the story. There is a lot going on in this story and a lot to keep track of, but if you can keep it all together you will enjoy this story, that’s the only reason I gave it four-stars as I did get a little lost at times. Overall if you like a good mystery that will keep you hooked the pick this one up.
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