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The Stone Collection #8
The Pharaoh's Stone
Upon his release from one of England’s most fearsome prisons, Peter wanders aimlessly down to London’s docks. Through an act of kindness, his life becomes entangled with that of a history professor, Alex, who is grieving the death of his brother in suspicious circumstances.
Investigations into the death lead them into the secret world of Freemasonry and its passion for collecting ancient Egyptian artefacts. Alex calls on Beth, an expert in Egyptian hieroglyphics, for her specialist help.
From London to Paris, New York, and the ancient temples of Egypt—the three of them band together to uncover the clues. As they get closer to solving the mystery of the murder, death stalks their every move. To survive, Peter must discover qualities about himself he never knew he possessed… and counter the audacious plot of a secretive organisation to grasp at international power.
Investigations into the death lead them into the secret world of Freemasonry and its passion for collecting ancient Egyptian artefacts. Alex calls on Beth, an expert in Egyptian hieroglyphics, for her specialist help.
From London to Paris, New York, and the ancient temples of Egypt—the three of them band together to uncover the clues. As they get closer to solving the mystery of the murder, death stalks their every move. To survive, Peter must discover qualities about himself he never knew he possessed… and counter the audacious plot of a secretive organisation to grasp at international power.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2021
290 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 2, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable crime adventure novel with fascinating historical detail about the inner workings of London. Hawkes once again assembles a likeable cast of characters, all wounded birds who have been maimed by their past in a particular way. Although the story starts in a London prison, it is mainly set on the banks of the Thames.
Peter Jacobs has changed his name so that his abusive father cannot track him down. He's serving time for accidentally killing a man who'd groped his girlfriend during a drunken brawl in a pub. No one should be able to find him; however Toby Cheeseman, head of the London branch of his father's company, has managed to penetrate the pseudonym and find him. Toby informs him of his father's death and of his own decision to leave the mining company because of his disgust with the behaviour of the sole remaining partner. He arranges to meet Peter once he's released so that he can pass on relevant information, should Peter decide to exercise his right to a percentage of the company.
Unsure of himself as he leaves prison, Peter also gives the address of the meeting place to his probation officer. Then heading out to find it himself, he entangles himself in the lives of several people connected with the Phoenix eatery, a floating cafe on the Thames. Lenny the owner is soon indebted to him when the wait staff and kitchen help up stakes and leave. He arranges for Kym, whom he's only just met, to take over the cooking and helps out with the waiting himself. As a result, he comes to the notice of Alex Whitman, an elderly professor of history at the British Museum, who is struggling with grief over the murder of his twin brother, found hanging under Blackfriars Bridge.
Peter is soon part of Alex's life, as well as that of a beautiful girl assisting Alex with the translation of some Egyptian hieroglypics that might have some bearing on his brother's death. He's also got a mining company to rescue; some aged Yeoman of the Guard to help socialise and his former cellmate to help.
Fascinating historical insights on the City of London and its peculiar relationship to the Crown as well as the intrigues within Freemasonry are highlighted in the book.
Peter Jacobs has changed his name so that his abusive father cannot track him down. He's serving time for accidentally killing a man who'd groped his girlfriend during a drunken brawl in a pub. No one should be able to find him; however Toby Cheeseman, head of the London branch of his father's company, has managed to penetrate the pseudonym and find him. Toby informs him of his father's death and of his own decision to leave the mining company because of his disgust with the behaviour of the sole remaining partner. He arranges to meet Peter once he's released so that he can pass on relevant information, should Peter decide to exercise his right to a percentage of the company.
Unsure of himself as he leaves prison, Peter also gives the address of the meeting place to his probation officer. Then heading out to find it himself, he entangles himself in the lives of several people connected with the Phoenix eatery, a floating cafe on the Thames. Lenny the owner is soon indebted to him when the wait staff and kitchen help up stakes and leave. He arranges for Kym, whom he's only just met, to take over the cooking and helps out with the waiting himself. As a result, he comes to the notice of Alex Whitman, an elderly professor of history at the British Museum, who is struggling with grief over the murder of his twin brother, found hanging under Blackfriars Bridge.
Peter is soon part of Alex's life, as well as that of a beautiful girl assisting Alex with the translation of some Egyptian hieroglypics that might have some bearing on his brother's death. He's also got a mining company to rescue; some aged Yeoman of the Guard to help socialise and his former cellmate to help.
Fascinating historical insights on the City of London and its peculiar relationship to the Crown as well as the intrigues within Freemasonry are highlighted in the book.
September 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I love the way the author brings the world and history to life, taking me to places I have never been. The characters are vivid, flawed, relatable humans on a journey of growth. I loved sharing Peter’s journey of self-discovery as he grappled with his shame, worth and significance. Some of the discussions between characters, especially between Alex and Peter, made me stop and think. The profound thoughts expressed about science and theology we so good I had to share them with my family. The positive difference the main characters made to the world and the justice they brought about was deeply satisfying. Intensely suspenseful at times, my interest was held throughout the story. I have loved all three of Nick Hawkes’ novels, and know I can depend on an interesting, moving, thought provoking, quality read.
November 1, 2022
The tale begins in 2004 with the release of Aussie Peter's release from Belmarsh prison and the subsequent massive changes in every area of his life. Some parts I found interesting and/or fun, but as a real history geek I best enjoyed all of the well-researched aspects of the search for answers. This is the first I've read in this series, but that is not at all significant. Very well done with excellent characters and a complex plot. The publisher's blurb is a good hook, so no need to repeat it. Loved it!
January 13, 2024
Trying to separate himself from his abuser father, Peter Jacobs changed his name and moved from Australia to London. After accidentally killing someone in a London barroom fight, he is sent to prison. Almost 2 years later, he finally gets his first visitor. His father has died, Peter is his sole heir of 40% of his father’s mining IT company and the other partner is embezzling from it. Now he’s been released from prison and discovers how much he’s worth, but he has to get control of it.
When Trevor Whitman joins the Freemasons, his twin brother Alex informs him about its anti-Christianity. Trevor confronts the Grand Master and shortly after his body is found hanging from a bridge. His brother Professor Alex Whitman identifies the body and told that a phone’s memory card with pitchers of hieroglyphics had been found in Trevor’s stomach. Alex goes to former research student and Egyptian expert Beth Anderson for help.
I love how Peter gets involved with the barge café and how he keeps everything secret from the others.
Footnote: 1) When Peter, Alex and Beth are discussing the trip to Egypt, Beth accuses them of not telling her whole truth. But that’s obvious, since Alex had just said that the finances had to be anonymous. Sometimes secrets are not to hurt or be sneaky but because they need to remain secrets.
Fave scenes: Lenny meeting Kym, Peter playing in the mud, the AGM meeting and getting on the Egyptian ferry.
When Trevor Whitman joins the Freemasons, his twin brother Alex informs him about its anti-Christianity. Trevor confronts the Grand Master and shortly after his body is found hanging from a bridge. His brother Professor Alex Whitman identifies the body and told that a phone’s memory card with pitchers of hieroglyphics had been found in Trevor’s stomach. Alex goes to former research student and Egyptian expert Beth Anderson for help.
I love how Peter gets involved with the barge café and how he keeps everything secret from the others.
Footnote: 1) When Peter, Alex and Beth are discussing the trip to Egypt, Beth accuses them of not telling her whole truth. But that’s obvious, since Alex had just said that the finances had to be anonymous. Sometimes secrets are not to hurt or be sneaky but because they need to remain secrets.
Fave scenes: Lenny meeting Kym, Peter playing in the mud, the AGM meeting and getting on the Egyptian ferry.
June 13, 2022
Couldn’t Finish the Book
I’m sorry but I couldn’t finish this book. The plot was so obvious and, yet, the author seemed unable to keep on target. The story of the young man going to prison was interesting as was the murder of one of the main character’s brother. But, when the young man had served his time, the rags to riches story was a little unbelievable. Then there was the tower guards and that whole storyline that seemed so unrelated. With all this, nowhere was there much talk about a Pharaoh’s Stone. Every now and then between these other storylines you get to see the bad guys and what they’re plotting but it’s all so predictable. Finally, the love affair makes this more a romance novel than adventure or murder mystery. Just not my cup of tea.
I’m sorry but I couldn’t finish this book. The plot was so obvious and, yet, the author seemed unable to keep on target. The story of the young man going to prison was interesting as was the murder of one of the main character’s brother. But, when the young man had served his time, the rags to riches story was a little unbelievable. Then there was the tower guards and that whole storyline that seemed so unrelated. With all this, nowhere was there much talk about a Pharaoh’s Stone. Every now and then between these other storylines you get to see the bad guys and what they’re plotting but it’s all so predictable. Finally, the love affair makes this more a romance novel than adventure or murder mystery. Just not my cup of tea.
June 19, 2022
I liked this book very much. Even though it is #8 in the Stone series, it is a complete book unto itself. In fact, I don't know if any of the characters in any of the Stone series carry over into the other books. The story took some unexpected turns that I liked, plus, the characters were very likable. Peter Jacobs is the main character, with important parts by Alex, an older professor, and Beth, a beautiful historian at the British Museum, along with some other very interesting people. There is even a low-key spiritual element with Alex being a believer in God and mentioning it a few times, but not much. There are bits about Freemasonry among other things. This was an interesting, entertaining book.
July 19, 2022
This book is part of a series that may be read as a stand-alone novel.
Peter has just been released from prison in London. He meets Alex, a history professor and they form an unlikely alliance. They team up with an Egyptologist named Beth to solve an Egyptian mystery. All of this combined with Freemasonry makes for an interesting read.
This author has sometimes been criticized for injecting too much of his religious opinion within his stories but this did not particularly bother me because the characters were intriguing and the twists and turns of the plot held my interest and kept me reading. Recommended especially for those who enjoy mysteries and ancient Egypt.
Peter has just been released from prison in London. He meets Alex, a history professor and they form an unlikely alliance. They team up with an Egyptologist named Beth to solve an Egyptian mystery. All of this combined with Freemasonry makes for an interesting read.
This author has sometimes been criticized for injecting too much of his religious opinion within his stories but this did not particularly bother me because the characters were intriguing and the twists and turns of the plot held my interest and kept me reading. Recommended especially for those who enjoy mysteries and ancient Egypt.
July 3, 2022
Fascinating
A mystery/thriller from start to finish. Firmly rooted in history this novel was well interwoven with current times. The Stone Collecion is captivating and a wonderful series.
Beth and Alex provide the history lessons. Peter sometimes seems very much out-of-place in his humbleness but he provides the needed heroic symbol.
The characters worked well together. Thankfully the author didn't have to stoop to using foul language, graphic violance or sex to kep your reading interest.
A mystery/thriller from start to finish. Firmly rooted in history this novel was well interwoven with current times. The Stone Collecion is captivating and a wonderful series.
Beth and Alex provide the history lessons. Peter sometimes seems very much out-of-place in his humbleness but he provides the needed heroic symbol.
The characters worked well together. Thankfully the author didn't have to stoop to using foul language, graphic violance or sex to kep your reading interest.
July 19, 2024
Got it all - deama, history, fiction, adventure, love
Loved this book! It is full of drama, carries a lot of real history, and unloads a little fiction as it winds its way through dangerous adventure with all kinds of love involved. What more can you ask for?! The characters are wonderful, the story is exciting, and both are believable.
Loved this book! It is full of drama, carries a lot of real history, and unloads a little fiction as it winds its way through dangerous adventure with all kinds of love involved. What more can you ask for?! The characters are wonderful, the story is exciting, and both are believable.
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May 7, 2021A look at Free masonry.
A good look at the history of this organization. Clues as to the origin and whether it is a cult with evil intentions. Nice touch with the addition of the story of Peter and Beth.
A good look at the history of this organization. Clues as to the origin and whether it is a cult with evil intentions. Nice touch with the addition of the story of Peter and Beth.
June 23, 2022
This is an excellent thriller, the characters are very well defined and human and extremely intelligent. The plot move along at a good clip, some new twist with each chapter. A hard book to put down.
July 26, 2022
Just OK
While I like ancient artifact stories with international intrigue, this novel was written in a rather breezy style and was predictable. I did appreciate the lack of vulgarity and sexual content. I will probably read the next one in the series.
While I like ancient artifact stories with international intrigue, this novel was written in a rather breezy style and was predictable. I did appreciate the lack of vulgarity and sexual content. I will probably read the next one in the series.
October 19, 2022
Superbly written!
Once again, a fictional mystery that is intricately interwoven with genuine historical fact!! Loved the gradual unfolding of the mystery, as well as discovering new facts about freemasonry. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Once again, a fictional mystery that is intricately interwoven with genuine historical fact!! Loved the gradual unfolding of the mystery, as well as discovering new facts about freemasonry. Looking forward to the next in the series.
November 18, 2022
Enjoyable!
Easy read, history woven throughout. Good character development. Story line was fun to follow and kept me interested, want to know more about the characters after the end of the book.
Easy read, history woven throughout. Good character development. Story line was fun to follow and kept me interested, want to know more about the characters after the end of the book.
April 1, 2023
Good read
Well written, good fun read! I will be looking forward to reading more of this author's novels. Well done. I throughly enjoyed this book. Characters were well fleshed out and the historical storyline was consistent, entertaining and introducing with historical reference.
Well written, good fun read! I will be looking forward to reading more of this author's novels. Well done. I throughly enjoyed this book. Characters were well fleshed out and the historical storyline was consistent, entertaining and introducing with historical reference.
July 2, 2023
Romancing the stone
What a fun romp! Archeology, Freemasonry, thugs all rolled into one, and a little romance in the air! This was fine reading for a lazy weekend. Lots of plot twists, many secrets, a grand time to be had! Recommended.
What a fun romp! Archeology, Freemasonry, thugs all rolled into one, and a little romance in the air! This was fine reading for a lazy weekend. Lots of plot twists, many secrets, a grand time to be had! Recommended.
June 10, 2022
Loved the nonfiction aspect of this fiction book!
June 11, 2022
A very enjoyable reading
I loved this book… as a matter of fact, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I loved this book… as a matter of fact, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
June 13, 2022
Good story
Lots of facts along with interesting characters makes for a very good story. Very well written. Lots of details and easy to follow.
Lots of facts along with interesting characters makes for a very good story. Very well written. Lots of details and easy to follow.
June 15, 2022
Nice
The book was pretty good. The plot was pretty well thought out. It had it's ups and downs but it worked out. Thanks for the nice read.
The book was pretty good. The plot was pretty well thought out. It had it's ups and downs but it worked out. Thanks for the nice read.
June 22, 2022
The Pharaohs Stone was non stop action
I enjoyed the Pharaoh's Stone there was always action going on. A non stop adventure and intrig.
There was a lot going on at all times.
I enjoyed the Pharaoh's Stone there was always action going on. A non stop adventure and intrig.
There was a lot going on at all times.
June 30, 2022
akokx
I really enjoyed this book. It was a page turner! I want to read more of his books in the future.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a page turner! I want to read more of his books in the future.
Read
October 24, 2022Held my interest through out. Full of action just like I like it
April 20, 2023
Enjoyable!
This is a fun read with a feel good ending. The characters are all very likable and there’s lots of action.
This is a fun read with a feel good ending. The characters are all very likable and there’s lots of action.
January 25, 2025
Another great ‘stone’ mystery from Nick Hawkes that showcases his skill for blending intrigue, action, romance, mystery, history, and the attributes of true friendship into a terrific story.
September 28, 2025
Loved the story
Really enjoyed this book. Would highly recommend. Everything came together to form an interesting story. Couldn't wait to see how the story ended.
Really enjoyed this book. Would highly recommend. Everything came together to form an interesting story. Couldn't wait to see how the story ended.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews