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Lord Meren #3
Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing
"As Robinson deftly juggles ancient Egyptian political intrigue and a riveting mystery, she proves again her mastery of the historical whodunit." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
During a celebration for Lord Meren, an agent of King Tutankhamun, one of his relatives is murdered. Known for her sharp tongue and numerous lovers, Anhai could've been targeted for any number of reasons, but Meren fears her death might have something to do with the undercover mission he's currently working on. He'll have to rummage through family secrets and face a nest of vipers to uncover the truth . . .
"A classic country-house mystery with a delicious the country estate is located in the Nile Valley and belongs to Lord Meren, the confidential agent of King Tutankhamen . . . Good scholarship authenticates the historical setting; imagination provides the sense of danger and romance to make it come alive." --The New York Times Book Review
"Fascinating." --The Washington Post Book World
During a celebration for Lord Meren, an agent of King Tutankhamun, one of his relatives is murdered. Known for her sharp tongue and numerous lovers, Anhai could've been targeted for any number of reasons, but Meren fears her death might have something to do with the undercover mission he's currently working on. He'll have to rummage through family secrets and face a nest of vipers to uncover the truth . . .
"A classic country-house mystery with a delicious the country estate is located in the Nile Valley and belongs to Lord Meren, the confidential agent of King Tutankhamen . . . Good scholarship authenticates the historical setting; imagination provides the sense of danger and romance to make it come alive." --The New York Times Book Review
"Fascinating." --The Washington Post Book World
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
50 people are currently reading
360 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 43 reviews
September 26, 2023
(The Lord Meren Mysteries)
"“Do you know how many things I have to worry about? There’s our secret guest—enough to turn my hair white. There’s Bener and her scribe. There’s this warfare between Sennefer and his wife. There’s Bentanta’s fight with her too, and then there’s Nebetta and Hepu. Did you know they tried to blame me for—never mind. Oh, and there’s Ra, who is going to get himself killed if he doesn’t keep away from Anhai. And all this has to happen on the one night I can least afford to have it happen.”"
"All Meren could do was pray to all the gods of Egypt that his unique preparations would be enough protection against the invasion his sister had arranged for the feast of rejoicing. But prayers wouldn’t be sufficient. He would send Reia and his men out to patrol the countryside. Lord Paser’s ship had sailed past him this afternoon again. Paser could have moored farther south and even now be lurking about, spying. But he was more worried about others. The powerful priests of Amun had vowed a truce in their relentless and secret warfare against the boy king Tutankhamun. Meren wasn’t sure their promise extended to the heretic king who tried to banish Amun and the other gods from Egypt. Akhenaten, Tutankhamun’s brother, had denuded the fabulous temple of Amun, wiped out his name, beggared his priests. These acts had made Akhenaten’s very name anathema. And there were those among the restored priesthood who would give their lives if they could destroy Akhenaten’s body and thus deprive him of the afterlife. Ultimate vengeance. A vengeance that Meren had sworn to the king he would prevent."
Here is an example of how Robinson creates her ancient atmosphere: "The desert floor rose gradually to meet the limestone cliffs that formed a towering wall on the horizon. They climbed a ridge and walked down into a small valley formed by an ancient tributary. As Meren approached the valley he began to make out the walls of the old temple. Here, far from the sight of the river, surrounded by barren rock and dust, it had lain for countless centuries. The evil west winds had blown sand around its base and into its chambers. Time and weather had eroded its walls so that their tops were jagged. Yet the place still stood, possibly because its unknown builders had used clay instead of mud in its bricks. One could still make out its facade—a series of buttresses and recesses like those of an ancient palace, like those he’d seen in Babylon. Like Babylon, the temple was alien, foreign, disturbing in its mystery. Around it lay a series of sand-covered mounds. And the wind was continually scraping the surface of the land to expose strange deposits of crudely painted pottery that bore images of sticklike figures in curved boats or engaged in warfare."
And -
"The soothing strains of a harp filtered in from the central hall. Servants decked each guest in garlands. Others offered scent cones, those coveted unguents that, when placed on the head, melted and spread soothing oil over the guest. In this season of unremitting and desiccating heat, the unguent provided relief and soothed the skin. Meren breathed in the scent of myrrh, lilies, and frankincense"
"…they weren’t able to talk privately until Zar had been allowed to dress Meren for the feast. With his patience strained near to breaking, Meren hastily garbed himself in a transparent, pleated robe of the finest Egyptian linen. He slipped into gilded leather sandals and tried to stand still while Zar loaded him down with a gold necklace, heavy bracelets of gold and lapis, and the thick tresses of a court wig. He waved the servant away when the man approached with a garland for his head."
If this is your first encounter with Lord Meren and his world of ancient Egypt, I suggest you start with Murder at the God’s Gate https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book represents Robinson’s deepest dive into the family and past of Lord Meren
His attempt to find retreat and recuperation at the family estate after the traumatic events of the last book seems doomed from the start. Each member of the family and most of the guests have personal agendas that they want Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh, to help them achieve. The title of the book gives away what happens at “the feast.”
"“There has been a murder in the family, Ra. The victim is a married woman you told me you wanted. I would ask these questions of anyone who behaved as you have....I never cheated you, and I don’t want you to be guilty. Why would I want my own brother to be guilty of such a crime?” “Then why are you treating me like a criminal?” “I’m not, Ra. You’ve just forgotten who I am.” “You’re my brother.”
“I’m the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh. Before I am a brother, or even a father, I am the Eyes of Pharaoh.”
"…he realized that he’d been hampered from the beginning of this inquiry. It was almost impossible to intimidate people who remembered him as a muddy, sticky-faced boy. He dreaded demonstrating his power and authority, but his family—and Bentanta—were fast forcing him into a position in which he’d have no choice."
Further deaths occur and motives intermingle. At the end, the immediate mysteries are resolved, but a larger and more important mystery lies ahead.
On the balance, though I like the mysteries involving Amelia Peabody and the Mamur Zapt
see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think that I prefer these set in the ancient kingdom.
4*
"“Do you know how many things I have to worry about? There’s our secret guest—enough to turn my hair white. There’s Bener and her scribe. There’s this warfare between Sennefer and his wife. There’s Bentanta’s fight with her too, and then there’s Nebetta and Hepu. Did you know they tried to blame me for—never mind. Oh, and there’s Ra, who is going to get himself killed if he doesn’t keep away from Anhai. And all this has to happen on the one night I can least afford to have it happen.”"
"All Meren could do was pray to all the gods of Egypt that his unique preparations would be enough protection against the invasion his sister had arranged for the feast of rejoicing. But prayers wouldn’t be sufficient. He would send Reia and his men out to patrol the countryside. Lord Paser’s ship had sailed past him this afternoon again. Paser could have moored farther south and even now be lurking about, spying. But he was more worried about others. The powerful priests of Amun had vowed a truce in their relentless and secret warfare against the boy king Tutankhamun. Meren wasn’t sure their promise extended to the heretic king who tried to banish Amun and the other gods from Egypt. Akhenaten, Tutankhamun’s brother, had denuded the fabulous temple of Amun, wiped out his name, beggared his priests. These acts had made Akhenaten’s very name anathema. And there were those among the restored priesthood who would give their lives if they could destroy Akhenaten’s body and thus deprive him of the afterlife. Ultimate vengeance. A vengeance that Meren had sworn to the king he would prevent."
Here is an example of how Robinson creates her ancient atmosphere: "The desert floor rose gradually to meet the limestone cliffs that formed a towering wall on the horizon. They climbed a ridge and walked down into a small valley formed by an ancient tributary. As Meren approached the valley he began to make out the walls of the old temple. Here, far from the sight of the river, surrounded by barren rock and dust, it had lain for countless centuries. The evil west winds had blown sand around its base and into its chambers. Time and weather had eroded its walls so that their tops were jagged. Yet the place still stood, possibly because its unknown builders had used clay instead of mud in its bricks. One could still make out its facade—a series of buttresses and recesses like those of an ancient palace, like those he’d seen in Babylon. Like Babylon, the temple was alien, foreign, disturbing in its mystery. Around it lay a series of sand-covered mounds. And the wind was continually scraping the surface of the land to expose strange deposits of crudely painted pottery that bore images of sticklike figures in curved boats or engaged in warfare."
And -
"The soothing strains of a harp filtered in from the central hall. Servants decked each guest in garlands. Others offered scent cones, those coveted unguents that, when placed on the head, melted and spread soothing oil over the guest. In this season of unremitting and desiccating heat, the unguent provided relief and soothed the skin. Meren breathed in the scent of myrrh, lilies, and frankincense"
"…they weren’t able to talk privately until Zar had been allowed to dress Meren for the feast. With his patience strained near to breaking, Meren hastily garbed himself in a transparent, pleated robe of the finest Egyptian linen. He slipped into gilded leather sandals and tried to stand still while Zar loaded him down with a gold necklace, heavy bracelets of gold and lapis, and the thick tresses of a court wig. He waved the servant away when the man approached with a garland for his head."
If this is your first encounter with Lord Meren and his world of ancient Egypt, I suggest you start with Murder at the God’s Gate https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book represents Robinson’s deepest dive into the family and past of Lord Meren
His attempt to find retreat and recuperation at the family estate after the traumatic events of the last book seems doomed from the start. Each member of the family and most of the guests have personal agendas that they want Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh, to help them achieve. The title of the book gives away what happens at “the feast.”
"“There has been a murder in the family, Ra. The victim is a married woman you told me you wanted. I would ask these questions of anyone who behaved as you have....I never cheated you, and I don’t want you to be guilty. Why would I want my own brother to be guilty of such a crime?” “Then why are you treating me like a criminal?” “I’m not, Ra. You’ve just forgotten who I am.” “You’re my brother.”
“I’m the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh. Before I am a brother, or even a father, I am the Eyes of Pharaoh.”
"…he realized that he’d been hampered from the beginning of this inquiry. It was almost impossible to intimidate people who remembered him as a muddy, sticky-faced boy. He dreaded demonstrating his power and authority, but his family—and Bentanta—were fast forcing him into a position in which he’d have no choice."
Further deaths occur and motives intermingle. At the end, the immediate mysteries are resolved, but a larger and more important mystery lies ahead.
On the balance, though I like the mysteries involving Amelia Peabody and the Mamur Zapt
see https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I think that I prefer these set in the ancient kingdom.
4*
July 20, 2022
After an arduous mission, Lord Meren wants to relax at his home. Naturally, his sister invites a whole bunch of family and friends to "celebrate" at a feast.
Nobody gets along, and there are all sorts of squabbles. Soon enough, the body of one of the attendees is found in a granary. There are no marks of violence or signs of poison, but the hiding of the body demands an investigation.
Nobody likes being interrogated.
Meren eventually gets to the bottom of things, and doesn't like everything he learns.
I can't say Ancient Egypt really comes alive, the way Rome does in some series, but still well done.
Nobody gets along, and there are all sorts of squabbles. Soon enough, the body of one of the attendees is found in a granary. There are no marks of violence or signs of poison, but the hiding of the body demands an investigation.
Nobody likes being interrogated.
Meren eventually gets to the bottom of things, and doesn't like everything he learns.
I can't say Ancient Egypt really comes alive, the way Rome does in some series, but still well done.
September 7, 2022
After solving the Murder at the God’s Gate and the Murder in the Place of Anubis, Lord Meren desires to return to his ancestral home of Bakht to recover. Little does he realize, though, that his sister has planned a great feast of rejoicing for his homecoming.
The pace of this story is much slower than the first two and lacks the same action, but as a bridge between the first two books and the remaining three, it offers a glimpse at the private life and background of the man Pharaoh Tutankhamen regards as his Eyes and Ears of the kingdom. Set against a secret mission to the area of the Valley of the Kings across the Nile from Meren’s estate, we discover that there is more to the nobleman’s return home than simple relaxation. Meren and Kysen, charged by the king, have been ordered to undertake the reburial of Akhenaten and Nefertiti after their tombs were plundered in the last novel. It is imperative that the heretic king and his queen be buried where no one can desecrate their eternal rest again, for great are the enemies of Egypt and the former pharaoh who would dearly love to see Akhenaten’s name further maligned and his body cast into the desert like the carcass of a dead animal.
Unfortunately, a murder occurs at Meren’s home during the feast of rejoicing, and it seems someone in his family may be to blame, but who, not that there isn’t plenty of characters that might prove the guilty party, and what does that seemingly insignificant murder have to do with the secret burial of the former king and queen across the river, if anything?
This murder mystery might occur far from the intrigues and shadowed halls of the royal palace in Thebes, but its outcome proves no less important as a monumental discovery is made that makes the entire book worth reading. And what is that great discovery? You’ll have to read Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing to find out! And be sure you do for it sets up the remaining books in this delightful and well-researched series.
The pace of this story is much slower than the first two and lacks the same action, but as a bridge between the first two books and the remaining three, it offers a glimpse at the private life and background of the man Pharaoh Tutankhamen regards as his Eyes and Ears of the kingdom. Set against a secret mission to the area of the Valley of the Kings across the Nile from Meren’s estate, we discover that there is more to the nobleman’s return home than simple relaxation. Meren and Kysen, charged by the king, have been ordered to undertake the reburial of Akhenaten and Nefertiti after their tombs were plundered in the last novel. It is imperative that the heretic king and his queen be buried where no one can desecrate their eternal rest again, for great are the enemies of Egypt and the former pharaoh who would dearly love to see Akhenaten’s name further maligned and his body cast into the desert like the carcass of a dead animal.
Unfortunately, a murder occurs at Meren’s home during the feast of rejoicing, and it seems someone in his family may be to blame, but who, not that there isn’t plenty of characters that might prove the guilty party, and what does that seemingly insignificant murder have to do with the secret burial of the former king and queen across the river, if anything?
This murder mystery might occur far from the intrigues and shadowed halls of the royal palace in Thebes, but its outcome proves no less important as a monumental discovery is made that makes the entire book worth reading. And what is that great discovery? You’ll have to read Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing to find out! And be sure you do for it sets up the remaining books in this delightful and well-researched series.
June 26, 2019
Set during the reign of Tutankhamen, this is a series of murder mysteries centering on Lord Meren who is the "eyes and ears of the Pharaoh". I enjoyed Murder at the God's Gate, but this is less involving. The details about life in Ancient Egypt and the possible fate of Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti are intriguing but unfortunately the central plot is drawn out and gets too bogged down in conversation. There are two murders and even though I finished the book last night, I've already forgotten what the story was with one of them.
March 8, 2022
2021 bk 59. I had intended to accomplish a lot this morning. But then, I decided I just had to start the 3rd of the Lord Meren's books. The Great Eyes and Ears of the Pharoah would not be pleased that I neglected my duties in favor of reading a novel - but the chance to learn more about his family. Well... Ordered by the Pharoah to go home and get some rest, Lord Meren sets sail only to learn to his dismay that instead of a quiet visit home, that his sister has ordered a great Feast of Rejoicing at his return. Not only will all of the locals be present, but she has invited all of his relatives, both those he cherishes and those he can not stand, and most of them want something from him. From the start he is pestered, by his sister's fiance, his uncle and aunt, his great aunt (she just wants him to re-marry), his own daughters want his time and attention (this is what he wanted to give). Things go even more array when the night of the feast his cousin's wife disappears, only to be found dead the next morning. Ordered to resolve the murder (and, oh, yes, the boy Pharoah snuck away from the palace and is fishing near the doors of Lord Meren's country estate.) Lord Meren is torn by family issues, past court issues, and current court issues that have followed him. How could I resist? I couldn't. Read this straight through - no dishes washed, no laundry done, no appliance repair dude called, no scripts transcribed, no research accomplished. Just me, sad that the book is finished, wishing Lord Meren had gotten some rest, and eagerly awaiting the delivery of the final three books in the series.
October 21, 2022
I adore Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur, and Nefertiti and the history before and after her time period. I have seen the wonderful bust of Nefertiti in Berlin and I too think it should go back to Egypt.
Cleopatra, not so much. I have thoroughly enjoyed the three books I have read in this series and I have the three last books to complete. This one was more information about Meren's background and family. Oh my, the family. I would have had them all poisoned and thrown into the Nile for alligator meat, but that's me. The mystery went around and around and Meren's brain did too. I don't want to give things away, just follow his thoughts and have fun with it. I might recommend you use a "post-it" note to keep the names clear. They are difficult to keep straight. Read it.
Cleopatra, not so much. I have thoroughly enjoyed the three books I have read in this series and I have the three last books to complete. This one was more information about Meren's background and family. Oh my, the family. I would have had them all poisoned and thrown into the Nile for alligator meat, but that's me. The mystery went around and around and Meren's brain did too. I don't want to give things away, just follow his thoughts and have fun with it. I might recommend you use a "post-it" note to keep the names clear. They are difficult to keep straight. Read it.
July 18, 2024
Another easy summer mystery Murder At The Feast of Rejoicing by Lynda Robinson. Set in ancient Egypt Lord Meren is a senior vizier to Pharaoh Tutankhamen. He is on a secret mission to preserve the mortal remains of the Pharaoh’s father Akhenaten and mother Nefertiti. The former now a disavowed heretic whose sarcophagus would be desecrated if discovered. His cover is a rest at his home in Baht where a special feast of rejoicing has been planned by his elderly aunt. Two murders ensue and Lord Meren must resolve the puzzle and inconvenience of homicide in his own home. Family secrets come tumbling out threatening to unmask the secret transport of his royal charges. He resolves the challenge in a less than satisfactory way.
November 18, 2024
Lord Meren, one of the Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, journeys to his family's estate to recuperate from injuries sustained when he unmasked a traitor two weeks earlier, and spend some time with his daughters. Unfortunately, even though he explicitly told his sister not to make a fuss or arrange for any sort of celebration, she has arranged a feast with all his relatives -- including his jealous brother and silly aunt and uncle. But everyone plans are thrown into turmoil after one of the guests at the get-together is murdered. Now Meren has to find a killer before returning to Memphis and his post at the side of pharaoh, with only his adopted son, Kysen, to assist him. It seems unlikely that Meren will get any rest at all.
July 2, 2018
Undoubtedly this has been my favourite book. A bickering family, motive that comes from a long-held secret, a small circle of suspects... it was almost Christie-like in this regard. And as much as I like the courtly parts of this series, I find more "ordinary" crimes much more interesting... though as the plot twist at the end shows, this crime was anything BUT ordinary. The twist doubles as a very, very intriguing cliffhanger and I'm oh so eager to learn more!
As usual I really, really liked all the characters and it was a very enjoyable story.
As usual I really, really liked all the characters and it was a very enjoyable story.
January 31, 2021
Lord Meren is on his way home to his family estate for what should be a period of rest and relaxation. Little does he know that he will soon be thrust into a multiple murder investigation as his sister did not listen to his wishes and instead planned a feast in his honor.
I love this series so much!
In this particular episode, we see how truly dysfunctional Meren's extended family really is...from aunts and uncles trying to meddle in his love life, to overbearing family, to siblings that have chips on their shoulders.
I love this series so much!
In this particular episode, we see how truly dysfunctional Meren's extended family really is...from aunts and uncles trying to meddle in his love life, to overbearing family, to siblings that have chips on their shoulders.
July 14, 2018
After a slightly disappointing second outing that was fouled by an over-complicated plot, this third book in the Lord Meren series was much more in the realm of Agatha Christie - a murder in a family compound in ancient Egypt, with a limited set of suspects. Generally, it was pretty good; of course the final denouement had to point to a gigantic conspiracy though! Still, I'm pretty sure I'm going to plough through the rest of this series; I'm finding it a nice escape for a couple of hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2020
The New York Times Book Review quote on the back of the book states that "Robinson makes history live and breathe again" and that she certainly does. I have been spacing out this series because I thoroughly enjoy following the Lord Meren and his adoptive son, Kysen, as they solve murders set against the backdrop of the myriad political intrigues of Tutankhamun's court. For readers who are into ancient Egypt and like a good murder mystery, this is the series to satisfy those interests.
January 13, 2023
O melhor deste série de Lorde Meren até agora.
Lorde Meren volta a casa para descansar, mas depara-se com uma festa familiar e homicídios, com tudo o que isso acarreta.
Um policial muito competente com o ponto positivo de ser passado no antigo Egipto e apelar a duas fandoms importantes, os amantes dos policiais e os egiptomaníacos.
Lorde Meren volta a casa para descansar, mas depara-se com uma festa familiar e homicídios, com tudo o que isso acarreta.
Um policial muito competente com o ponto positivo de ser passado no antigo Egipto e apelar a duas fandoms importantes, os amantes dos policiais e os egiptomaníacos.
Read
October 9, 2023Perhaps it is period in history?
This mystery just wasn’t as intriguing as the last book. It was a family squabble that happened to be in ancient Egypt. It was back stabbing brothers and sisters. The cleverness of the mystery was weak when the family fighting took precedence. We will see if the next book is an improvement.
This mystery just wasn’t as intriguing as the last book. It was a family squabble that happened to be in ancient Egypt. It was back stabbing brothers and sisters. The cleverness of the mystery was weak when the family fighting took precedence. We will see if the next book is an improvement.
June 27, 2021
I fear I am spoiled by Wilbur Smith’s outstanding series of novels of Ancient Egypt. I was drawn to this book by the time and place, but found myself bogged down by the multiplicity of characters and red herrings. I would have enjoyed more historical background and less mystery in this book.
January 28, 2023
Un mystery egiziano ben strutturato, carismatico il personaggio di Meren (e Kysen, un grande!). Ambientazione storica curata e storia capace di tenere il fiato sospeso. 3°libro della serie, tuttavia comprensibile anche da solo e pieno di colpi di scena. Bello! Azzeccato il glossario finale.
May 15, 2019
Great read with an eye to historical detail.
April 7, 2023
As with the first two, slow getting into because not my normal setting but once I acclimate, this is a great mystery with interesting characters and Egyptian background.
April 9, 2023
5/5 Stars
Overworked single dad visits country estate for some R&R, shenanigans ensue.
Overworked single dad visits country estate for some R&R, shenanigans ensue.
September 13, 2023
It's been a long time since I read the first book in this series and I thought I'd try it again. It took me awhile to get into it, but I really enjoyed it.
November 7, 2024
Bastante entretenido
August 26, 2025
A great thriller occurring in Ancient Egypt, mixing Akhenaton heritage with suspense and murders during a glamorous celebration. 100% recommendable
September 24, 2025
Third book in this series which takes place in ancient Egypt. I really enjoyed this one.
October 16, 2015
Lord Meren wanted two things from his trip home to his estate at Baht. First, to enjoy some rest and relaxation with his children, far from the politics and dangers of the court. And also to complete a secret task for his friend and master, Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Unfortunately, Meren’s sister Idut has decided that his visit is the perfect opportunity to hold a feast of rejoicing, inviting all of their relatives…most of whom Meren hates or vice versa.
One of these is Anhai, the beautiful but poison-tongued wife of Meren’s cousin Sennefer. Her marriage with the notorious womanizer is on the rocks, and several other people have good reasons to hate her. Still, it’s a bit of a shock when she vanishes from the feast, and found dead in the granary, oddly positioned. Lord Meren may be the Eyes of Pharaoh, and authorized to take steps to investigate, but his extended family has little respect for him, and his mission may be imperiled.
This is the third Lord Meren historical mystery set during the reign of King Tut, and I do not believe I have read the earlier ones. The author is an anthropologist, and cites some of the research she’s done. She does admit that she’s fudged some of the names for easier reader comprehension.
The characters are distinctive, and mostly unlikable, from drunkard little brother Ra, to the self-righteous Uncle Hepu. At least one of the mysteries involved can be solved early by the reader who pays attention–others require more clues.
In addition to the usual murder, there is also talk of suicide, and some period-appropriate sexism
The paperback edition includes the first few pages of the next book in the series, Eater of Souls, which seems to indicate there’s an Ammit-themed vigilante on the loose.
This is a perfectly decent murder mystery, and I recommend it to those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
One of these is Anhai, the beautiful but poison-tongued wife of Meren’s cousin Sennefer. Her marriage with the notorious womanizer is on the rocks, and several other people have good reasons to hate her. Still, it’s a bit of a shock when she vanishes from the feast, and found dead in the granary, oddly positioned. Lord Meren may be the Eyes of Pharaoh, and authorized to take steps to investigate, but his extended family has little respect for him, and his mission may be imperiled.
This is the third Lord Meren historical mystery set during the reign of King Tut, and I do not believe I have read the earlier ones. The author is an anthropologist, and cites some of the research she’s done. She does admit that she’s fudged some of the names for easier reader comprehension.
The characters are distinctive, and mostly unlikable, from drunkard little brother Ra, to the self-righteous Uncle Hepu. At least one of the mysteries involved can be solved early by the reader who pays attention–others require more clues.
In addition to the usual murder, there is also talk of suicide, and some period-appropriate sexism
The paperback edition includes the first few pages of the next book in the series, Eater of Souls, which seems to indicate there’s an Ammit-themed vigilante on the loose.
This is a perfectly decent murder mystery, and I recommend it to those with an interest in Ancient Egypt.
April 21, 2016
A bit of a slow starter compared to the previous book in the series, but the pace picks up dramatically in the second half. Anyone who's ever had to face a houseful of contentious relatives at Thanksgiving will sympathize with Meren whose dear, meddling sister has ignored his request for immediate family only and invited the extended family, each one with a bone to pick. Either they dislike the way he's behaving as head of the family, or they have grievances with each other. Of course, it's going to lead to murder. That would be bad enough, but a continued diplomatic problem from the previous book, and a teenage King Tut who refuses to do what's best for his safety add to Meren's frustrations. Not quite the nest of cobras from book 2 but interesting enough to keep the reader turning pages.
August 18, 2009
Read this series some time ago and this was a re-read for a f2f mystery discussion group. Can't say I recalled much of the book so it all seemed brand new. I do know I really liked the books back then and often recommended them to folks looking for a story set in ancient egypt. Second time around with this one (#3) and I felt I really needed the backstory of the prior books for maximum enjoyment and I obviously have forgotten the details and am left only with the old feeling of satisfaction. Lots of characters & complicated relationships both personal and political. Took a while for the crime to occur and the action to pick up. For maximum effect start with #1!
March 8, 2010
Lord Meren, a noble in Tutankhamun's retinue, was protecting the bodies from the tomb of Akhenaten, after they tomb was broken into. After being wounded while thwarting a rebellion, he goes to his family home with his adopted son, Kysen. The visit is supposed to be secret, but his sister Idut, who is taking care of Meren's two daughters, arranges a Feast of Rejoicing in Meren's honor. At the feast, a cousin and his wife die in mysterious circumstances, and Meren and Kysen try to solve the murders.
December 17, 2012
3,5/10
Banale, prevedibile al massimo (il che per un giallo non è una buona cosa), brevissimo e per giunta scritto male. L'identità del colpevole dovrebbe essere un colpo di scena delle ultime pagine, invece già a un terzo del libro si ha la ragionevole certezza del suo nome. I personaggi sono macchiette, l'antico Egitto lo si vede col binocolo. Perfino la copertina è discutibile, con la figura che impugna due flagelli invece della classica coppia flagello-pastorale.
Banale, prevedibile al massimo (il che per un giallo non è una buona cosa), brevissimo e per giunta scritto male. L'identità del colpevole dovrebbe essere un colpo di scena delle ultime pagine, invece già a un terzo del libro si ha la ragionevole certezza del suo nome. I personaggi sono macchiette, l'antico Egitto lo si vede col binocolo. Perfino la copertina è discutibile, con la figura che impugna due flagelli invece della classica coppia flagello-pastorale.
July 23, 2011
I really liked this book, the setting was vivid and beautiful, the characters well thought-out and vibrant. I wish that I knew more about the history of Egypt and the ancient people who lied there. I think I would have understood more of the customs. However, I did understand enough to thoroughly enjoy this delightful book.
November 15, 2013
Like MURDER IN THE PLACE OF ANUBIS, this novel is strong on the plot and not so much on characterization. In fact, the plot is so breakneck in speed that it's hard to a) keep up with the characters--there are too many--and b) to believe the motivations. The twists are a little too convoluted to be quite believable.
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