Book Review: The Horus Killings

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Horus Killings     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Paul C. Doherty
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Amerotke # 2
St. Martin’s, Mar 2000, $22.95, 288 pp.

In 1478 BC, Hatusu solidifies her position as Pharaoh-Queen by defeating her country’s enemies and supporters of the Grand Vizier Rahimere. His successor is Senenmut, Hatusu’s lover and first minister. Though the people, the army, and the government support her, she wants more, needing the High Priests to sanctify her rule. The priests refuse unless they find proof in their library that a woman once ruled the country in the past.

They launch an investigation to see if the scholars can prove that Hatusu’s rule as Pharaoh-Queen has a precedent. However, someone murders two of the sleuths. The Chief Judge of Egypt, Amerotke goes to the Temple of Horus to ferret out the identity of a killer. He is almost killed too, which leads him to conclude a record exists but someone wants it to remain hidden.

The magic, lures, and glory of Ancient Egypt come vividly alive in the masterly storytelling skills of Paul Doherty. THE HORUS KILLINGS takes readers on an exotic journey into the heart of a Pharaoh’s reign. Readers learn the mindset, customs, and daily intrigues of those who hold power. The who-done-it is cleverly designed so that the killer is in plain sight, but still difficult to detect amidst a large number of viable suspects. Though the enlightened Amerotke feels like an anachronism when compared to those surrounding him, he and the other characters appear genuine and provide the audience insight into the era. Ancient historical fiction/mystery readers, especially Egyptologists, will cherish this novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner