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Amerotke #4
The Slayers of Seth
Lord Amerotke, Pharaoh's Chief Judge, is already in the middle of a murder case when it seems that there is another grave murder to investigate. One of Egypt's great heroes has been brutally killed and Pharaoh Hatusu herself has decided to intervene. She believes that General Balet's murder is only the beginning and she calls on Judge Amerotke for help. There is more to link the deaths than originally meets the eye - but can Amerotke track down the killer before he strikes again?
388 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
50 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books609 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 18, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 4th book of the excellent Amerotke series, set in Ancient Egypt.
Set in 1478 BC, we find our Pharoah Hatusu agitated by the murder of one of Egypt's heroes, General Balet.
Already investigating a murder case, Amerotke, will be called for help by Queen Hatusu to start investigating this murder of the General.
Are these deaths linked with one and the other, and if so what's the connection between them, a question that Amerotke must solve quickly before more murders will follow.
What will follow is an amazing and intriguing mystery, where Amerotke will use his wits and cunning to track down this killer and finally bring that person to justice for his Pharaoh Hatusu.
Highly recommended, for this is another fantastic episode of this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Magnificent Slayer Mystery"!
Set in 1478 BC, we find our Pharoah Hatusu agitated by the murder of one of Egypt's heroes, General Balet.
Already investigating a murder case, Amerotke, will be called for help by Queen Hatusu to start investigating this murder of the General.
Are these deaths linked with one and the other, and if so what's the connection between them, a question that Amerotke must solve quickly before more murders will follow.
What will follow is an amazing and intriguing mystery, where Amerotke will use his wits and cunning to track down this killer and finally bring that person to justice for his Pharaoh Hatusu.
Highly recommended, for this is another fantastic episode of this marvellous series, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Magnificent Slayer Mystery"!
November 5, 2022
History
Ok books Three an four we're pretty good. Amerotke is on hell of a judge I must say I really like the guy. He can rut out all the evil one dose. With some help from his man servant an his scribe. You also get to read about some great ancient Egyptian history an an some fantasy reading on the side.
Ok books Three an four we're pretty good. Amerotke is on hell of a judge I must say I really like the guy. He can rut out all the evil one dose. With some help from his man servant an his scribe. You also get to read about some great ancient Egyptian history an an some fantasy reading on the side.
January 2, 2024
An interesting mystery concerning a group of old soldiers, who all served with distinction in the same regiment , being murdered one by one in grisly ways. Amerotke is charged with finding the culprits responsible before any more die. Amerotke has difficulty with this case as he is sure the remaining soldiers are hiding information from him, information which is vital to his finding the killers. Meanwhile despite all his work, and his urging for the men to take safety measures the killings continue. There is also the murder of a scribe before his court the defendant a young woman...... coincidentally she is the daughter of one.of the veterans...........whose case is a perplexing one, while there is evidence against her none of it is conclusive and Pharaoh Hapesus would prefer it if the case was dismissed outright. Amerotke is in need of some help.from the Gods to solve this case which takes a rather tragic turn that leaves your sympathy with the killers......................
January 15, 2021
Good fun
I'm enjoying this series.
Good fun mysteries set in ancient Egypt with interesting insight into politics and people of the period.
If you like Falco you'll like these.
I'm enjoying this series.
Good fun mysteries set in ancient Egypt with interesting insight into politics and people of the period.
If you like Falco you'll like these.
December 27, 2013
Fourth one in the series that I have read. Again, consistent characterizations, descriptions, dialog, etc. Still unsure as to the historicity of evidence, testimony, and court procedures, however. The comic relief characters, Shufoy and Prenhoe, were toned down a bit and it was appreciated. Pace was much more smooth and fast than the other three (Anubis, Horus, and Sobek). The ending is NOT just with the solution to the murder. Doherty is clever, and the inclusion of the "List of Characters" --in all of the series-- was appreciated. Could not put this one down. Now I am hungry for all that goose, dates, bread, and wine they were all having.....
January 8, 2017
Excellent ! Another 5 star rating from me for the amertoke series . Perfectly written , great pace good mystery and the characters are becoming consistent and much more grounded .
Once you read one you will read the series !
Once you read one you will read the series !
December 11, 2020
“The Slayers of Seth” is the fourth book in the “Amerotke” series. Amerotke is already busy judging over the murder case of a young scribe, supposedly poisoned by his lover, the daughter of a powerful general, who risks to being buried alive in the desert if found guilty. But the case must take a break, as Hatshepsut herself call on Amerotke to solve the murder of an important personality in the Temple of Seth. The Pharaoh suspects ill-doing and a court threatening plot under behind the murder, and Amerotke race to trace the killers before they have the chance to strike one more.
“Amerotke” is a historical mystery series, set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1481 BCE – 1492 BCE) from the very beginning of her own regency, and encompasses the events surrounded the death of his royal brother and husband Tuthmosis II in 1479 BCE (The Mask of Ra) until late 1477 BCE (The Spies of Sobek).
The series focuses on Amerotke, high judge in Thebes and priest of Maat, ancient Egyptian goddess of law, morality and justice. Through each new book, Doherty visits Old Egypt history and blends fact with fiction to create a well-crafted, entertaining and fully satisfactory murder mystery, in which the investigation, serves as a canvas to depict a very vivid, accurate, credible and fully enjoyable image of the day-to-day life in ancient Thebes, and offers a very good overview of the Egypt’s Eighteen Dynasty, law system and beliefs. Amerotke is a very interesting character, relatable, and despite his “almighty” status as chief judge, honest and sincere with a complex personality and very human flaws. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for a good constructed murder mystery and/or a detailed portrayal of Ancient Egypt society.
“Amerotke” is a historical mystery series, set in Ancient Egypt at the time of the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1481 BCE – 1492 BCE) from the very beginning of her own regency, and encompasses the events surrounded the death of his royal brother and husband Tuthmosis II in 1479 BCE (The Mask of Ra) until late 1477 BCE (The Spies of Sobek).
The series focuses on Amerotke, high judge in Thebes and priest of Maat, ancient Egyptian goddess of law, morality and justice. Through each new book, Doherty visits Old Egypt history and blends fact with fiction to create a well-crafted, entertaining and fully satisfactory murder mystery, in which the investigation, serves as a canvas to depict a very vivid, accurate, credible and fully enjoyable image of the day-to-day life in ancient Thebes, and offers a very good overview of the Egypt’s Eighteen Dynasty, law system and beliefs. Amerotke is a very interesting character, relatable, and despite his “almighty” status as chief judge, honest and sincere with a complex personality and very human flaws. A clear recommendation for anyone looking for a good constructed murder mystery and/or a detailed portrayal of Ancient Egypt society.
July 14, 2025
"Le dieci coppe dello scorpione" è stato un viaggio affascinante nell'antico Egitto, un giallo storico che si merita senza dubbio un solido 4 stelle su 5.
Ciò che mi ha conquistato subito è stata l'ambientazione: Paul Harding riesce a rendere l'Egitto dei faraoni incredibilmente vivido e storicamente attendibile. La cura nelle descrizioni ti trasporta davvero tra le sabbie del deserto e gli intrighi di corte, un punto di forza enorme del romanzo.
Anche la trama mi ha convinto pienamente, l'ho trovata originale e capace di tenere incollati alle pagine. Il mistero si svela con astuzia, portando a un colpo di scena finale che mi ha lasciata a bocca aperta. Ero convinta che l'assassino fosse Karnac, quando invece la verità su Nebamun si è rivelata molto più sorprendente. Ho apprezzato tantissimo il movente e la toccante storia d'amore tra l’assassino e Neshratta.
Riguardo allo stile di scrittura generale, l'ho trovato efficace e funzionale alla narrazione, anche se non mi ha colpito in modo eccezionale. Avrei forse preferito che l'autore seminasse qualche indizio in più per permettere al lettore di cimentarsi nella scoperta del colpevole insieme al detective.
In sintesi, consiglio caldamente "Le dieci coppe dello scorpione" a tutti gli amanti dei gialli storici e a chiunque sia affascinato dall'antico Egitto. È un libro che sa intrattenere, sorprendere e immergere il lettore in un'epoca lontana con grande maestria.
Ciò che mi ha conquistato subito è stata l'ambientazione: Paul Harding riesce a rendere l'Egitto dei faraoni incredibilmente vivido e storicamente attendibile. La cura nelle descrizioni ti trasporta davvero tra le sabbie del deserto e gli intrighi di corte, un punto di forza enorme del romanzo.
Anche la trama mi ha convinto pienamente, l'ho trovata originale e capace di tenere incollati alle pagine. Il mistero si svela con astuzia, portando a un colpo di scena finale che mi ha lasciata a bocca aperta. Ero convinta che l'assassino fosse Karnac, quando invece la verità su Nebamun si è rivelata molto più sorprendente. Ho apprezzato tantissimo il movente e la toccante storia d'amore tra l’assassino e Neshratta.
Riguardo allo stile di scrittura generale, l'ho trovato efficace e funzionale alla narrazione, anche se non mi ha colpito in modo eccezionale. Avrei forse preferito che l'autore seminasse qualche indizio in più per permettere al lettore di cimentarsi nella scoperta del colpevole insieme al detective.
In sintesi, consiglio caldamente "Le dieci coppe dello scorpione" a tutti gli amanti dei gialli storici e a chiunque sia affascinato dall'antico Egitto. È un libro che sa intrattenere, sorprendere e immergere il lettore in un'epoca lontana con grande maestria.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
Creating a believable process of justice for a society that looked on events in a way that is totally different from a western European based viewpoint is a difficult job for a western writer. Mr. Doherty has abandoned medieval Europe for ancient Egypt and that famous pharaoh Hatshepsut. Apparently we were taught an incorrect reading of her cartouche (those few we can find) and she is properly Hatusu. The chief judge in the Hall of Two Truths (Amerotke) handles investigations into cases similarly to the way magistrates do in much of Europe and those accused may hire advocates to lead questions of witnesses.
We are thirty years following the expulsion of the Hyksos and there is still a fear of a re-invasion or the damage of the government by the work of infiltrators. This aspect of the story, the necessity to keep the reputation of government in good order is something we can certainly understand and the motivations of the various characters involved in this complex plot are all quite comprehensible and seem possible to those of us without a deep understanding of Egyptian social structure.
This was a fairly quick but entertaining read. I do have some questions about the divine Hatusu, though, and there was an inordinate amount of winking going on.
We are thirty years following the expulsion of the Hyksos and there is still a fear of a re-invasion or the damage of the government by the work of infiltrators. This aspect of the story, the necessity to keep the reputation of government in good order is something we can certainly understand and the motivations of the various characters involved in this complex plot are all quite comprehensible and seem possible to those of us without a deep understanding of Egyptian social structure.
This was a fairly quick but entertaining read. I do have some questions about the divine Hatusu, though, and there was an inordinate amount of winking going on.
February 14, 2025
Another clever and exciting entry in Docherty's "ancient Egypt" series. This time, Lord Amerotke, the chief judge of Pharaoh, is up against a killer masquerading as the God of Evil, Seth, while picking off a select group of war heroes. The odds are good that the kilelr is one of the group -- but who? And why is he determined to wipe these intrepid men out? Meanwhile, why has an ambitious young scribe been poisoned -- and why is a temple dancer murdered? Do all these killings tie together somehow? Amerotke must find out -- but can he stop the killer before he commits another murder?
Well-written with some colorful and exciting passages. These books give a good sense of what life must have been like in this long-ago time.
Well-written with some colorful and exciting passages. These books give a good sense of what life must have been like in this long-ago time.
September 26, 2020
Fairly good story/plot.
Amerotke is called away, from a hearing to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. As it turns out, the trial and deaths are related to one another.
Some of the minor characters' evidence, I felt, was slightly superfluous, as it was repetition of previous testimony. I felt that Neshratta's sister, Kheay's, testimony was one such example.
However, the ending I felt was reminiscent of a Perry Mason summary or Hercules Poirot summation.
Amerotke is called away, from a hearing to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. As it turns out, the trial and deaths are related to one another.
Some of the minor characters' evidence, I felt, was slightly superfluous, as it was repetition of previous testimony. I felt that Neshratta's sister, Kheay's, testimony was one such example.
However, the ending I felt was reminiscent of a Perry Mason summary or Hercules Poirot summation.
November 19, 2020
#4 in the Amerotke, a respected judge of Thebes, mystery series set in ancient Egypt. It is around 1478 BC.
Lord Amerotke, Pharaoh's Chief Judge, is in the middle of a trial for the murder by poison of a young scribe in love with the daughter of a powerful general who is accused of the murder. The trial is interrupted when Amerotke is called by pharaoh to investigate the murder of one of Egypt's great heroes. Is there a link between them?
Lord Amerotke, Pharaoh's Chief Judge, is in the middle of a trial for the murder by poison of a young scribe in love with the daughter of a powerful general who is accused of the murder. The trial is interrupted when Amerotke is called by pharaoh to investigate the murder of one of Egypt's great heroes. Is there a link between them?
December 20, 2023
Players and Judgment
As usual, Mr. Doherty delivers a fiber textures murder mystery gilded with historical details describing ancient Egypt, the royal court, and the military forces surrounding Pharaoh as both supporters and challengers. The characters are believable and the plot moves along at a good clip. This series is a winner!
As usual, Mr. Doherty delivers a fiber textures murder mystery gilded with historical details describing ancient Egypt, the royal court, and the military forces surrounding Pharaoh as both supporters and challengers. The characters are believable and the plot moves along at a good clip. This series is a winner!
May 6, 2024
I am enjoying this series and this instalment does not disappoint. The mystery was good and full of suspects, while also finding a lot of hidden secrets from an array of characters. Amerotke and Shufoy remain my favourite characters, but it was good to be back with some of the others as well. I’m definitely going to keep going with this series.
May 12, 2024
I'm done for now.
The second shortest of the four books thus far, but it really dragged on. I figured out the killer 1/3 of the way through so that made it feel even longer.
Frustrated with Doherty's treatment of women. They aren't written well and perhaps it reflects the time, but it's tiring to hear how they are just used as bodies or entertainment or fodder for death.
The second shortest of the four books thus far, but it really dragged on. I figured out the killer 1/3 of the way through so that made it feel even longer.
Frustrated with Doherty's treatment of women. They aren't written well and perhaps it reflects the time, but it's tiring to hear how they are just used as bodies or entertainment or fodder for death.
May 8, 2019
Here we go again .
Convoluted plot,twisting revelation,and the comfort of familiar character x.xsometimesI feal inudated by the word paintings of the culture .I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Convoluted plot,twisting revelation,and the comfort of familiar character x.xsometimesI feal inudated by the word paintings of the culture .I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 30, 2021
Tragic Story
Ancient Egypt was a dangerous place. In this story there is more greed, spite,hate, and heinous acts than in any of the other books I’ve read by Paul Doherty. It was a riveting story I could hardly put down. It was also very sad. Lack of love the greatest fault.
Ancient Egypt was a dangerous place. In this story there is more greed, spite,hate, and heinous acts than in any of the other books I’ve read by Paul Doherty. It was a riveting story I could hardly put down. It was also very sad. Lack of love the greatest fault.
November 8, 2018
Excellent read!
Another great book by Paul Doherty. This is my fourth reading and I will definitely read it again and again.
Another great book by Paul Doherty. This is my fourth reading and I will definitely read it again and again.
June 5, 2019
One of the best.
Detective stories taking place in ancient times are my favorite and Paul Doherty does some of the best. The solution is not apparent until the end.
Detective stories taking place in ancient times are my favorite and Paul Doherty does some of the best. The solution is not apparent until the end.
June 11, 2023
Another excellent mystery novel by Doherty. The rich description places you in ancient Egypt. The mystery builds up and who knew this was a love story in the end. Just amazing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
Amazing read - thrilling !
January 25, 2024
Ricordo che mi fosse piaciuto, ai tempi. Non ricordo nulla di preciso però.
January 24, 2017
This is the fourth in the Amerotke series - a murder mystery set in ancient Egypt during the time of Pharaoh Hatusu (Hatshepsut) of the XVIII dynasty. The plot is not as convoluted as the one in book three, and I could follow and understand what was going on much better than the last book.
The book opens with former commander Balet of the renowned Panthers of the South (A.K.A. the regiment of the Slayers of Seth) visiting the Temple of Seth and reflecting on his part played in defeating the Hyksos of the Black Lands some 25 years earlier under the reign of Hatusu's grandfather. He and ten other young men boldly walked into the enemy camp disguised as Hyksos soldiers, beheaded Meretseger, the sorceress of their scorpion god, and stole the ten gold scorpion cups and tray and then high-tailed it back to Egypt. This action so demoralized the Hyksos, that they were defeated in a bloody battle and sued for unconditional peace and were banished forever from Egypt. Because of the courageous exploits of the Panthers of the South, they were given medals, their own room in the temple of Seth, their names inscribed in the Book of Life, given titles as cherished heroes, given much wealth, and each given one of the golden cups which was to be returned to the temple of Seth upon their death. As Balet is reflecting on the past; a hooded, masked figure, all in red, enters the temple room, kills him with a war club and plucks out his eyes.
We next see Judge Amerotke presiding over the case of a scribe for the Panthers of the South named Ipumer who has been poisoned. His former girlfriend, the Lady Neshratta (who's father, Peshedu, is one of the Panthers of the South) is accused of his murder. She vehemently denies any involvement. The prosecutor is Valu, the 'Eyes and Ears' of Pharaoh who's convinced she's guilty. If she is found guilty, she will be buried alive in the desert sands of the Red Lands. When two more old soldiers of the Panthers of the South are hideously murdered along with a pregnant heset girl, Pharaoh summons Amerotke and wants him to get to the bottom of the truth of these murders as she sees something more sinister going on and before it reflects badly on her as a leader. Amerotke is convinced that the murderer is a member of the Panthers of the South.
Valu and Amerotke with their opposing views of the deaths must work together to discover the murderer and ferret out who really killed the scribe Ipumer and everyone else. Then the bones of Meretseger which are buried in the desert disappear. Assisting Amerotke, as always, are his faithful servants: Shufoy, a dwarf and Amerotke's manservant and confidant; Prenhoe, his kinsman and scribe in the Hall of Two Truths; and Asural, captain of the temple guard of the Temple of Ma'at in which the Hall of Two Truths stands. Other notable characters are Intef, the physician; Felima, a comely widow who has something going on with Intef; Lamna, a widow woman who rents a room to Ipumer; and Hepel, a scribe and friend of Ipumer's. All of these people end up murdered - are all these cases related to each other? Two more important characters are Karnac, the commander of the Panthers of the South and Nebamum, Karnac's manservant. Nabamum is the only member of the Panthers of the South who was not a soldier and the only one wounded when they defeated the Hyksos.
The books in this series are always rich in visual descriptions of Egyptian religion, ritual, architecture, dress, education, food, nature, and daily life. I am a fan of ancient Egyptian stories so highly recommend this series to people with the same inclination.
The book opens with former commander Balet of the renowned Panthers of the South (A.K.A. the regiment of the Slayers of Seth) visiting the Temple of Seth and reflecting on his part played in defeating the Hyksos of the Black Lands some 25 years earlier under the reign of Hatusu's grandfather. He and ten other young men boldly walked into the enemy camp disguised as Hyksos soldiers, beheaded Meretseger, the sorceress of their scorpion god, and stole the ten gold scorpion cups and tray and then high-tailed it back to Egypt. This action so demoralized the Hyksos, that they were defeated in a bloody battle and sued for unconditional peace and were banished forever from Egypt. Because of the courageous exploits of the Panthers of the South, they were given medals, their own room in the temple of Seth, their names inscribed in the Book of Life, given titles as cherished heroes, given much wealth, and each given one of the golden cups which was to be returned to the temple of Seth upon their death. As Balet is reflecting on the past; a hooded, masked figure, all in red, enters the temple room, kills him with a war club and plucks out his eyes.
We next see Judge Amerotke presiding over the case of a scribe for the Panthers of the South named Ipumer who has been poisoned. His former girlfriend, the Lady Neshratta (who's father, Peshedu, is one of the Panthers of the South) is accused of his murder. She vehemently denies any involvement. The prosecutor is Valu, the 'Eyes and Ears' of Pharaoh who's convinced she's guilty. If she is found guilty, she will be buried alive in the desert sands of the Red Lands. When two more old soldiers of the Panthers of the South are hideously murdered along with a pregnant heset girl, Pharaoh summons Amerotke and wants him to get to the bottom of the truth of these murders as she sees something more sinister going on and before it reflects badly on her as a leader. Amerotke is convinced that the murderer is a member of the Panthers of the South.
Valu and Amerotke with their opposing views of the deaths must work together to discover the murderer and ferret out who really killed the scribe Ipumer and everyone else. Then the bones of Meretseger which are buried in the desert disappear. Assisting Amerotke, as always, are his faithful servants: Shufoy, a dwarf and Amerotke's manservant and confidant; Prenhoe, his kinsman and scribe in the Hall of Two Truths; and Asural, captain of the temple guard of the Temple of Ma'at in which the Hall of Two Truths stands. Other notable characters are Intef, the physician; Felima, a comely widow who has something going on with Intef; Lamna, a widow woman who rents a room to Ipumer; and Hepel, a scribe and friend of Ipumer's. All of these people end up murdered - are all these cases related to each other? Two more important characters are Karnac, the commander of the Panthers of the South and Nebamum, Karnac's manservant. Nabamum is the only member of the Panthers of the South who was not a soldier and the only one wounded when they defeated the Hyksos.
The books in this series are always rich in visual descriptions of Egyptian religion, ritual, architecture, dress, education, food, nature, and daily life. I am a fan of ancient Egyptian stories so highly recommend this series to people with the same inclination.
July 17, 2016
The mysteries of this series continues to be... I would like to use the Swedish word "snåriga", a combination of shrubby and complicated is the best translation I guess. I go on reading them though because I like the overall feel of the books, the details and the atmosphere. And even if they never seem to reach the 4 star waterline, they never really sink either and I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys both history and a bit of Agatha Christie like old fashioned unrealistic convoluted detached but somehow cozy murder stories.
(All this being said though, this is the best installment so far. For the first time I was able to follow the plot from A to Z, from the action filled beginning to the overly sentimental and dramatic end, actually getting a feel for some of the characters. Let's hope this improvement is more than a fluke.)
(All this being said though, this is the best installment so far. For the first time I was able to follow the plot from A to Z, from the action filled beginning to the overly sentimental and dramatic end, actually getting a feel for some of the characters. Let's hope this improvement is more than a fluke.)
October 22, 2022
Amerotke, Amerotke... hľadala som ťa v slovenčine, ale vzdala som to. A som tomu rada, lebo toto bolo úžasné!
Amerotke, egyptský sudca, rieši prípad smrti pisára Ipumera. Obvinená je Neštera, ale nie sú dôkazy, že by to bola ona. Popritom niekto vraždí členov elitnej vojenskej skupiny Panterov z juhu. A zdá sa, že smrť Ipumera a vojakov spolu súvisí. Ale ako? Amerotke začína pátrať.
Malo to všetko, čo to malo mať. Záhadu, napätie, premýšľanie, akciu, rozuzlenie.
Musím povedať, že som nečakala, že vinníkov bude tento dotyčný, ale, na rovinu, vždy je to ten, ktorý sa zdá byť najnevinnejší. Amerotke je proste človek na správnom mieste, ktorý navyše vie absolútne perfektne dedukovať a poodhaľovať závoj nad tajomstvami.
Napísané je to skvelo, stále sa niečo deje, číta sa to rýchlo... Čo viac si môže človek priať?
Amerotke, egyptský sudca, rieši prípad smrti pisára Ipumera. Obvinená je Neštera, ale nie sú dôkazy, že by to bola ona. Popritom niekto vraždí členov elitnej vojenskej skupiny Panterov z juhu. A zdá sa, že smrť Ipumera a vojakov spolu súvisí. Ale ako? Amerotke začína pátrať.
Malo to všetko, čo to malo mať. Záhadu, napätie, premýšľanie, akciu, rozuzlenie.
Musím povedať, že som nečakala, že vinníkov bude tento dotyčný, ale, na rovinu, vždy je to ten, ktorý sa zdá byť najnevinnejší. Amerotke je proste človek na správnom mieste, ktorý navyše vie absolútne perfektne dedukovať a poodhaľovať závoj nad tajomstvami.
Napísané je to skvelo, stále sa niečo deje, číta sa to rýchlo... Čo viac si môže človek priať?
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August 5, 2011Vraiment très étayé, on apprend beaucoup à la lecture de ce roman de Paul Doherty, le maître du roman historique. L'empire vient réunir le royaume de basse et haute éguypte, Hatchepsout a vaincu les Mitanniens, elle étend son pouvoir du pays de Canaan aux confins du delta du Nil et jusqu'en Nubie. Mais les généraux de la victoire contre les Hyksos, 30 ans avant, sont soudainement assassinés, après le suicide d'un scribe chargé des mémoires de leurs faits d'armes...
Mais Amérotké est un juge probe et il saura rétablir la justice de pharaon.
Mais Amérotké est un juge probe et il saura rétablir la justice de pharaon.
June 18, 2009
P.C. Doherty kept me guessing. I thought I had the crime figured out, but I was never sure because I couldn't grasp the motive. Of course, The Divine One, Hatusu's (Hatsupshet) chief judge, Amerotke, did grasp the motive. However, it wasn't revealed to the reader until the showdown in The Hall of Divine Justice. The showdown was a real page-turner!
July 27, 2011
I thought it was pretty good. I think that this is one of the better ones of the series. Sometimes the way the books are constructed makes the stories seem repetitive but because the characters are interesting they are still enjoyable to read.
February 18, 2012
Well written and very descriptive. I like the author sharing how the Egyptians lived and the different classes of people back then. Some of the murders are a bit gruesome and this time, there were so many extra characters and twists, I had a hard time trying to figure out who did it and why.
August 25, 2009
Excellant mystery & suspence
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