- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Headline (April 15 1999)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0747259720
- ISBN-13: 978-0747259725
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 2.2 x 17.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 181 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #352,385 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
In 1479 B.C., Pharaoh Tuthmosis II returns in triumph to the city of Thebes after a series of victorious battles in the Nile Delta. But soon after his homecoming, he dies in the arms of his wife, at the foot of a statue of his patron god, Amun-Ra. Tuthmosis's untimely death, apparently caused by a snake bite, results in political chaos as the forces surrounding the throne coalesce into two camps: one supports the ascension of the pharaoh's illegitimate young son; the other, that of his widow and half-sister, Hatusu. Meanwhile, the chief judge of Thebes, Amerotke, must try the captain of the guard for the pharaoh's death, since he failed to remove the deadly snake from the royal barge. When Hatusu tries to claim his loyalty, Amerotke is forced into the conflict surrounding the succession. Several murders ensue, raising questions about the true nature of Tuthmosis's demise. Doherty (Ghostly Murders, etc.) excels at historical detail, bringing ancient Egypt to life in his descriptions of daily life and characters drawn from every caste. This novel launches a seriesAand that's good news.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Into the power vacuum created by the sudden death of Pharoah Tuthmosis II in Thebes step the greedy grand vizier, several ambitious generals, and the pharaoh's stunning young widow Hatusu (a.k.a. Hatshepsut). Chief judge Amerotke, investigating the death, suspects that an accused guard is merely a political scapegoat and that the pharaoh's death has some connection to a series of tomb desecrations, robberies, and related murders. This new series marks a sharp departure from Doherty's usual medieval milieus (e.g., The Devil's Hunt, LJ 2/1/98), but he covers Egypt's ancient pageantry, splendor, and corruption with equal authenticity. Certain to capture historical fans.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
Tuthmosis, beloved of Amun-Ra, the Incarnation of Horus, Ruler of the Black Land, King of Upper and Lower Egypt, leaned back in his gold-encrusted throne and stared through the-sided cabin of his royal barge. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Tuthmosis, beloved of Amun-Ra, the Incarnation of Horus, Ruler of the Black Land, King of Upper and Lower Egypt, leaned back in his gold-encrusted throne and stared through the-sided cabin of his royal barge. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
This first of seven books in the series eases you into another world,
By
This review is from: Mask of Ra (Paperback)
...a world of wonder, of beauty, of danger, of love and loyalty, of murder... and of the justice (and crime solving abilities) of Amerotke, a Judge in the temple of the goddess Ma'at.This book (as well as the others in this series) is incredibly well researched, well written; with rich characters, and a fascinating plot. These books take the reader on a journey across time, and make you realize people (and human nature) haven't changed over the millennia. If you share my fascination with ancient Egypt, or if you love a good mystery, then this book is for you!
3.0 out of 5 stars
Colourful history with mystery novel,
By F. J. Harvey "Cricket ,country music and a go... (Birmingham England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Mask of Ra (Hardcover)
I am not an expert in the history of Egypt-ancient or modern -and so am not qualified to comment on the accuracy or otherwise of the historical background to this novel ,the first in an ancient Egyptian sequence by the prolific Mr Doherty .Others have indicated on these pages that they have some reservations on this point and I will defer to the greater level of expertise which they have.I will simply judge the book as a colourful period novel and judged on these ground it strikes me as perfectly competent. It is subtitled "A NOVEL OF INTRIGUE AND MURDER"and the batting order strikes me as significant .There are murders in the book and an investigation is carried out to determine the culprit or culprits but most time and space is taken up with the political ramifications of the deaths and the jockeying for position in the power vaccuum that results from the event which triggers the novel's event's namely the death of Pharoah Tutmosis the second in 1479 BC .The investigation and the revelation of the perpetrator is almost secondary to the political in fighting which results. The death of the Pharoah results in a power struggle between his widow ,the cunning Hatusu and two other potential rivals for the position of regent to the infant Pharoah Tutmosis 111 .Her chief rivals are the Grand Vixier and a prominent general and the country has to deal with a major incursion from a foreign power before the political conflict is resolved . The book's strengths are some vivid battle scenes and some atmospheric writing describing the architecture and ritual of ancient Egypt ;the scenes in the Necropolis are a reminder that its author has dabbled in the occult genre and are especially nicely done. Judged as a mystery it is routine and will not satisfy those who demand that whodunnit elements occupt centre stage but it a crisp piece of lively historical writing with enough incident and brio in the writing to keep the pages turning
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well told tale,
By Heather H. "Heather H." (New Jersey, United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Mask of Ra : a Novel of Mystery and Murder in Ancient Egypt (Paperback)
You know you are reading a great book when you are torn between not wanting the story to end and reading it through the night to find out what will happen next.6 stars!
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