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Lord Meren #2
Murder at the God's Gate
A "complex and exciting" mystery set during the reign of Tutankhamun (The New York Times Book Review).
Egypt is under threat from the Hittites, and the teenage pharaoh has additional troubles stemming from the heresy of his late father, Akhenaten. Fate seems to be pointing a finger at him when a priest topples to his death--from a statue of none other than Tutankhamun himself. Now Lord Meren, the confidential agent who protects the boy king, must struggle to uncover Tutankhamun's most threatening enemies, some within the court at Thebes . . .
"Robinson knowledgeably instructs readers in the cultural and political life of a fascinating period in history while entertaining us with a puzzling plot, accessible characters, and the domestic details of their daily lives." --Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
"Delightful . . . Robinson makes ancient Thebes come alive as she describes the personalities, clothing, golden jewelry, the intrigue, and the smells of the desert, the terrors of a hippo hunt." --San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle
"A compelling narrative comprised of vividly depicted background and characters and a well-plotted mystery." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Ms. Robinson is an archeologist by training and a storyteller by inclination. Using her scholarship to penetrate the inner precincts of court and temple, she has written a complex and exciting narrative that reflects the twisted machinations of politicians--royal and otherwise." --The New York Times Book Review
Egypt is under threat from the Hittites, and the teenage pharaoh has additional troubles stemming from the heresy of his late father, Akhenaten. Fate seems to be pointing a finger at him when a priest topples to his death--from a statue of none other than Tutankhamun himself. Now Lord Meren, the confidential agent who protects the boy king, must struggle to uncover Tutankhamun's most threatening enemies, some within the court at Thebes . . .
"Robinson knowledgeably instructs readers in the cultural and political life of a fascinating period in history while entertaining us with a puzzling plot, accessible characters, and the domestic details of their daily lives." --Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
"Delightful . . . Robinson makes ancient Thebes come alive as she describes the personalities, clothing, golden jewelry, the intrigue, and the smells of the desert, the terrors of a hippo hunt." --San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle
"A compelling narrative comprised of vividly depicted background and characters and a well-plotted mystery." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Ms. Robinson is an archeologist by training and a storyteller by inclination. Using her scholarship to penetrate the inner precincts of court and temple, she has written a complex and exciting narrative that reflects the twisted machinations of politicians--royal and otherwise." --The New York Times Book Review
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
52 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Lynda S. Robinson
14 books67 followersLynda Suzanne Robinson (b. July 6, 1951 in Amarillo, Texas) is an American writer, author of romance (under the name Suzanne Robinson) and mystery novels (under the name Lynda S. Robinson). She is best known for her series of historical whodunnits set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Tutankhamun and featuring Lord Meren, "the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh." She lives in Texas with her husband and has a doctorate in anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 25, 2023
"“Very well. I can see you wish to go, but don’t forget my words. I want to lead my armies, Meren.” He left the king then, relieved to escape without having pushed the boy into fury with his defiance. As he went, he realized that this matter of the king’s campaign was no longer a councillors’ squabble. Now it was a matter of state—an affair of life and death."
Lord Meren is part of the Pharoah’s inner circle and one might call him the head of “central intelligence.”
Tutankhamun has been on the throne for over half a decade, but is only about 15 years old. Ruling the Egyptian Empire is not an easy task and it is even more challenging for a youth who feels the need to prove himself in great battle.
"“The divine one still listens, but he’s growing into a man. If you don’t let him test himself, he’ll cast aside all your counsel and do something even more dangerous than usual.” Ay scowled at him. “Then you don’t think he’s too young for battle?” “Of course he’s too young.” “By the womb of Isis, then why do you chastise me for telling him so?” “Ay, where is your fabled diplomacy? The king is an untried youth in need of experience and all too aware of a kingdom watching his performance. His mistakes and embarrassments are discussed from the delta to Nubia, over every morning cup of beer, in every tavern, stable and cattle pen. Offer him something else besides opinions about his lack of prowess.”"
This is a tale of desperate cunning and threat to Tutankhamun. Yet, it all began with a show of power (and maybe a slight bit of subtle humor) as a giant statute of Tutankhamun is being placed in front of “the God’s Gate.”
The plot is thick and rife with possibilities but what was equally delightful was Robinson’s deep research into this period and her way of sharing that with the reader.
For me, there was further delight in the details of life in this period of time:
"Servants passed among them, refilling goblets with wine or beer from jars whose necks had been decorated with garlands of lotus flowers."
"An owl circled overhead, then swooped and landed on the head of a votive statue of some long-dead nobleman. The man must have been wealthy, for the figure had at one time been painted and gilded. After a century, however, the figure had been shoved aside to make way for the offerings of a new age. The sheet gold had been surreptitiously removed, and now the owl picked at chips of paint to reveal fine black diorite stone."
"“Meren—” “Yes, Horemheb.” “Your job is much harder than mine. I only have to fight wars. You have to peer inside men’s souls and foretell the future.” Meren gave him a wry smile. “Your words are a great comfort to me.”"
Lord Meren is part of the Pharoah’s inner circle and one might call him the head of “central intelligence.”
Tutankhamun has been on the throne for over half a decade, but is only about 15 years old. Ruling the Egyptian Empire is not an easy task and it is even more challenging for a youth who feels the need to prove himself in great battle.
"“The divine one still listens, but he’s growing into a man. If you don’t let him test himself, he’ll cast aside all your counsel and do something even more dangerous than usual.” Ay scowled at him. “Then you don’t think he’s too young for battle?” “Of course he’s too young.” “By the womb of Isis, then why do you chastise me for telling him so?” “Ay, where is your fabled diplomacy? The king is an untried youth in need of experience and all too aware of a kingdom watching his performance. His mistakes and embarrassments are discussed from the delta to Nubia, over every morning cup of beer, in every tavern, stable and cattle pen. Offer him something else besides opinions about his lack of prowess.”"
This is a tale of desperate cunning and threat to Tutankhamun. Yet, it all began with a show of power (and maybe a slight bit of subtle humor) as a giant statute of Tutankhamun is being placed in front of “the God’s Gate.”
The plot is thick and rife with possibilities but what was equally delightful was Robinson’s deep research into this period and her way of sharing that with the reader.
For me, there was further delight in the details of life in this period of time:
"Servants passed among them, refilling goblets with wine or beer from jars whose necks had been decorated with garlands of lotus flowers."
"An owl circled overhead, then swooped and landed on the head of a votive statue of some long-dead nobleman. The man must have been wealthy, for the figure had at one time been painted and gilded. After a century, however, the figure had been shoved aside to make way for the offerings of a new age. The sheet gold had been surreptitiously removed, and now the owl picked at chips of paint to reveal fine black diorite stone."
"“Meren—” “Yes, Horemheb.” “Your job is much harder than mine. I only have to fight wars. You have to peer inside men’s souls and foretell the future.” Meren gave him a wry smile. “Your words are a great comfort to me.”"
September 7, 2022
Murder at the God’s Gate is a rousing mystery full of intrigue, murder, and double-dealings. With the mystery of the Murder in the Place of Anubis barely solved, Lord Meren is once more forced to investigate another murder, this time, the death of a priest of Amun at the good god’s gate where Tutankhamen has placed a colossal monument of himself as the god’s son. And with this murder, the stakes ramp up as not only murder, but political intrigues both within and without the empire, threaten the fragile peace between the Two Lands, and its enemies knocking on the doors of Egypt.
After hearing the whispers of two conspirators in the temple of Amun, the priest Unas is slain, a death made to look like an accident. But Meren and his son Kysen suspect the death is a murder, and as evidence begins to mount, it proves a treacherous path they must walk, for if they are right in their suspicions, it could lead to a breach between the throne and the sacred priests of the temple. Worse, it could have consequences beyond the border of Egypt’s enemy, if the empire of the Hittites learns of the unrest.
But who would dare to slay a priest to keep him quiet? And what does it have to do, if anything, with the dead heretic Akhenaten, who, even years after his death, still casts a dark shadow over the kingdom.
The depth of research and the ease which the author slips Lord Meren seamlessly into a cast of historical characters makes you believe our intrepid sleuth from the 14th century B.C. actually lived, and makes it a delight to read. In this second offering from Lynda S. Robinson, we are treated to much more action in the story and a deeper mystery, one involving murder, intrigue, and the genius of the man called the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh.
After hearing the whispers of two conspirators in the temple of Amun, the priest Unas is slain, a death made to look like an accident. But Meren and his son Kysen suspect the death is a murder, and as evidence begins to mount, it proves a treacherous path they must walk, for if they are right in their suspicions, it could lead to a breach between the throne and the sacred priests of the temple. Worse, it could have consequences beyond the border of Egypt’s enemy, if the empire of the Hittites learns of the unrest.
But who would dare to slay a priest to keep him quiet? And what does it have to do, if anything, with the dead heretic Akhenaten, who, even years after his death, still casts a dark shadow over the kingdom.
The depth of research and the ease which the author slips Lord Meren seamlessly into a cast of historical characters makes you believe our intrepid sleuth from the 14th century B.C. actually lived, and makes it a delight to read. In this second offering from Lynda S. Robinson, we are treated to much more action in the story and a deeper mystery, one involving murder, intrigue, and the genius of the man called the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh.
October 15, 2023
Well done
I was a bit confused but realized I read them out of order. The religion and politics of the era definitely add to the book. But the belief in gods, and curses doesn’t take away from the mystery. Tutankhamen was a punk though.
I was a bit confused but realized I read them out of order. The religion and politics of the era definitely add to the book. But the belief in gods, and curses doesn’t take away from the mystery. Tutankhamen was a punk though.
July 10, 2021
As with the first in this series, I thought this was a bit dry at first and had a hard time getting into it. Pretty sure this is more due to the locale and timeframe being out of my usual reading fare. In both cases, the strength of the characters and the mystery itself overcame my own issues. Well written, with a healthy dose of Egyptian history and politics. Pharoah Tutankhamun is in the early days of his youthful reign and faces threats from within and without. Lord Meren, his eyes and ears, is tasked with solving the mystery of the murder of a priest and unravels dangerous plots.
June 26, 2018
Another entertaining historical whodunnit. This one dealt a bit more with plots and court intrigues and I do prefer more "typical" murders... though one could expect such a plot from a book regarding the pharaoh's spymaster. The plot itself was good, with really, really well-written characters and some nice plot twists.
This one focuses a bit more on the beliefs of Ancient Egypt and the setting is again, described in a very good way.
A very interesting pageturner.
This one focuses a bit more on the beliefs of Ancient Egypt and the setting is again, described in a very good way.
A very interesting pageturner.
November 11, 2013
A much better read than the first in the series. The characters more fleshed out and their passions/hatred more understandable, if as murky as the Nile at full flood. The plot, while twisted, is accessible, and the tension is ratcheted up very well. Robinson absolutely knows her ancient Egypt, and the Hittites were a helluva an enemy, a very real threat. Altogether, this novel is fast, enjoyable read.
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August 18, 2015I am enjoying this, the second in the series, because of the great main characters and the detail. I checked, as far as the web allowed, and it seems her details of ancient Egypt are accurate--and fascinating. If only she had any strong female characters . . .
November 2, 2017
Set during the reign of Tutankhamen the details of ancient Egypt are fascinating. Lord Meren is a unique investigator whose insight rather than forensics solves this mystery which leaves you guessing as the the criminal's identity and the ramifications of the crime.
March 8, 2022
2022 bk 58. The temples and their communities in ancient Egypt were thought to be apart from the rest of society - physically they may have been, but realistically, the priests were political creatures and what more political entity could they meddle in but the court of the Pharoah. When a priest with oversight to the Pharoah's image falls from the scaffolding and dies, the young Pharoah asks his Ears and Eye to look into the matter. The evil doers trip their ownselves up by imagining that Lord Meron knows far more than he does. More will die in an attempt at covering up treason and Lord Meron will have to face them - and the cousin that resents/hates him. Well written mystery and one scene that gave me nightmares (It had to be snakes).
June 10, 2024
Lord Meren is a trusted advisor to 14-year-old King Tutankhamen, as well as the person the king sent on special inquiries. When a young priest dies from a fall from atop the king's statue, Meren must investigate, to determine if indeed it was an accident. Bit by bit, Meren uncovers something much more sinister than the death of the young priest.
This is the second in a series. It's a fine historical mystery, full of details of life in ancient Egypt. The characters are interesting (I really like the portrait of the young man trying his best to become a good king, but not always understanding best how to do so), and the action well portrayed.
I plan to read more in the series later this year.
This is the second in a series. It's a fine historical mystery, full of details of life in ancient Egypt. The characters are interesting (I really like the portrait of the young man trying his best to become a good king, but not always understanding best how to do so), and the action well portrayed.
I plan to read more in the series later this year.
November 13, 2024
An excellent second entry in this series. I wish I didn;t read so fast so that it could have taken me longer to read it. Meren is up against a real mystery when one of the "pure ones," acolytes of Amun, is killed when he jumps -- or is thrown -- off a huge statue of the pharaoh, Tutankhamen of the 18th Dynasty. The death is at first judged an accident -- but then there are other deaths. Meren soon finds himself clashing with the king, who wants battle experience against Egypt's enemies. Meanwhile, Meren's antagonistic cousin, Ebana, may be connected to the priest's death, and someone tries to kill Meren's adopted son, Kysen. Penty of action and intrigue here for readers!
September 1, 2022
WhoooHooooo! Finally able to write a good review. Now y'all know I believe in Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, shoot I named my dog after him. I also believe in King Arthur. No ancient Egypt does not need any stretch of the imagination. It is real. This book is about a young Tutankhamun and his trusted advisors. There is a murder of course, and one of his oldest caretaker and his son have a daunting tasks in front of them. You will like the characters and you will love the research and excellent writing by Ms. Robinson. I like it so much I have ordered two more books.
July 4, 2018
A bit complicated and too crammed with court intrigue for my taste, rather than a straightforward mystery. I like the background, but there were a few too many characters in play.
April 10, 2019
A great book for anyone who loves mysteries and history.
May 20, 2019
This was written in 1995, but feels older. It's a pleasing, very traditional style murder mystery set under the rule of Tutankhamen.
July 9, 2019
This is another good mystery with very accurate historical detail. I really enjoyed it. I will say this, do not read the books out of order. I did and it made the end of this one anti-climatic.
September 28, 2020
Although slow to start, once the book got going, it was a fun and exciting read!
I was happy that I guessed the murderer correctly too! That’s always a bonus!
I was happy that I guessed the murderer correctly too! That’s always a bonus!
February 24, 2022
Great mystery. I didn't read the first book in the series, but it's fine out of order.
January 6, 2023
Novos homicídios investigados por Lorde Meren e filho Kysen, envolvendo o local de inumação do herético Akhenaten.
May 20, 2023
Love love love this whole series! I haven't reread it in a long time. On to the next!
August 1, 2023
Bastante entretenido, no sabía que esperar acerca del libro pero fue fácil de leer, una historia entretenida y con muchos datos detallados de la época en Egipto.
June 17, 2024
This series is an interesting take on King Tut. Really good and believable.
March 29, 2025
As with the first novel, the author has an excellent knowledge of ancient Egyptian history and culture. A great read.
April 9, 2023
4/5 Stars
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October 29, 2024I love this series. Not sure how historically accurate it is, but it is a fun to read and imagine living in ancient Egypt.
March 20, 2010
After finishing the prior book I needed something as different as I had in the house -- and this seemed to be it. I've heard good things about Robinson's books since she was first published, even though I tend not to read historical mysteries myself.
I've finished the book and I'm still not used to the way Robinson uses language. It is, most likely, her attempt to recreate the way those in ancient Egypt would have spoken, but it was disconcerting to me, even distracting at times. The unfamiliarity of the names and roles also led to some confusion for me, but by the end of the book I felt like I did, in fact, know and understand what was going on.
Despite those things, I found myself feeling connected to the main characters, Meren and Kysen, by the end of the book. The plotting was good, with a good mix of legitimate clues and red herrings. Robinson clearly knows the customs and beliefs that were prevalent in Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign and uses that knowledge skillfully, painting a vivid picture of the world in which Meren and Kysen operate.
I wish I could say that I'll definitely be looking for more of Robinson's books, but honestly, I can't. I enjoyed the book very much but I'm still not into historicals. Or maybe it's just that I'm over ancient Egypt. Either way, I'd recommend this book but probably won't read more in the series.
I've finished the book and I'm still not used to the way Robinson uses language. It is, most likely, her attempt to recreate the way those in ancient Egypt would have spoken, but it was disconcerting to me, even distracting at times. The unfamiliarity of the names and roles also led to some confusion for me, but by the end of the book I felt like I did, in fact, know and understand what was going on.
Despite those things, I found myself feeling connected to the main characters, Meren and Kysen, by the end of the book. The plotting was good, with a good mix of legitimate clues and red herrings. Robinson clearly knows the customs and beliefs that were prevalent in Egypt during Tutankhamun's reign and uses that knowledge skillfully, painting a vivid picture of the world in which Meren and Kysen operate.
I wish I could say that I'll definitely be looking for more of Robinson's books, but honestly, I can't. I enjoyed the book very much but I'm still not into historicals. Or maybe it's just that I'm over ancient Egypt. Either way, I'd recommend this book but probably won't read more in the series.
January 27, 2016
My review is waffling between 3 and 4 stars. I've read two books in the series, so the characters and world are already familiar to me, and I find them enjoyable and very human. The book begins well with the suspense surrounding a 'pure one' who's overheard something he shouldn't have. The fear and consternation of Unas come through with spine-tingling effectiveness. Then the book slows down with the introduction of the figures at Tut's court and the lines of intrigue. Sometimes the author's prose is a bit cumbersome and a little editing would have sharpened it. Other times the description immerses the reader in the world of ancient Egypt. The mystery, when it takes center stage, is engrossing, but Meren does something incredibly stupid and puts himself in danger. That part I found so hard to believe I think I rolled my eyes. Overall, though, the book delivers a good mystery with incredible period detail.
November 4, 2012
Book #2 in the Lord Meren mystery series is yet another capably executed whodunnit. It moves quickly and confidently through twists and turns in the pursuit for certain murderous individuals, and you're never entirely sure where those turns will take our world-weary hero.
As usual the complicated relationship between the boy king and Meren is a highlight, as well as the solid period details of Egyptian life and courtly intrigues.
The hippopotamus hunt made me nervous.. (It is never a good idea to mess with hippos.) and a certain scene with cobras was satisfyingly unsettling. Worth a read.
As usual the complicated relationship between the boy king and Meren is a highlight, as well as the solid period details of Egyptian life and courtly intrigues.
The hippopotamus hunt made me nervous.. (It is never a good idea to mess with hippos.) and a certain scene with cobras was satisfyingly unsettling. Worth a read.
August 6, 2016
Read this the summer before freshman year in high school. Didn't realize there was a previous book in the series, but like any mystery serial, it didn't really detract from my understanding or enjoyment of the book. It was my first encounter with a book set in ancient egypt, and I had some trouble understanding what was going on in the beginning. But soon I got into it, and I remember ending compulsively reading to find out what happens next, and in the end really enjoying it. Maybe I'll get around to reading the other books in the series someday.
September 8, 2007
Just what I needed to distract me after sending my daughter off to camp. I really liked the main character, Meren. He had an interesting story. But I have to say that I found it the book a bit confusing at times--too much going on, what with invading Hittites, foreign prices, intrigue at the palace and a separate intrigue at the temple. Too many characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews