Shadows of the Damned

Hori & Nachtmin #2

by Kathrin Brückmann, Hannah Böving (Illustrator), Edith Parzefall (Translator)

Hori and Nakhtmin have barely adjusted to their new duties as the pharaoh's palace physicians when Hori is summoned to the secret embalming compound. A heart has been found there, which doesn't belong to any of the corpses; a heinous crime must have been committed, which robs the dead of any chance for an afterlife.

While clueless Nakhtmin begrudges his friend for simply disappearing and makes new acquaintances, Hori finds out far more than he bargained for and unwittingly puts his own life on the line. The surplus heart isn't the only thing off kilter at the the very secrets of the necropolis are in danger!

Of course, Nakhtmin soon gets dragged into the eerie investigation although he should rather take care of his pregnant wife. However, the shadows of the damned are encroaching…

Genres: Historical Fiction

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2015

About the author

Hi, I'm Kathrin Brückmann. Born 1966 in Mainz, Germany, I spent most of my youth in Bremen. Since 1985, I live in Berlin.

Quite early, I developed an interest in the history of Ancient Egypt. In consequence, I chose to study the exotic combination egyptology, archaeology and Judaism.

After giving birth to two children, realization dawned on me that digging Egypt top to bottom and being a single parent might not go together all too well. So I tried something different.

In 2011, I started writing and, in doing so, returned to my roots. The novel Sinuhe, Sohn der Sykomore (Sinuhe, Son of the Sycamore, so far only available in German) is about a young Egyptian scribe in Twelfth Dynasty Egypt and tells the famous story of Sinuhe as recorded on numerous papyri. The book was received so well, I decided to become a freelance writer. Some short stories in various genres followed my debut novel, one of which won a writing contest by a well known publisher.

Since writing is a fickle business, I also work as an editor in Berlin. This was how I came to know Edith Parzefall and her novels. Soon I fell in love with her funny and quick-witted style of writing and also read some of her English novels. One day she offered me a deal: In exchange for her translation of one of my short stories I should look for typos in her latest novel. Well, why not? Good decision, I simply love what she did with my story! Our combined styles fit together like a well worn glove over the owner's hand.

In 2013, I developed the concept for a historical mystery series about two young physicians investigating murders and other crimes in Ancient Egypt—not exactly of their own free will. Apprenticed to Anubis is the first novel in this series.

The idea of Edith translating it lurked at the back of our minds. Still, I didn't think it would ever come true. One day, when she was between books and awaiting a work project, she decided to make a stab at it, no guarantees. Daily word count progress mails kept me hopeful. And she did finish the project in two months, not knowing if it will ever pay.

This is where you come into play, dear readers! You liked the novel? Tell your friends. You want a sequel? Tell even strangers.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series. Even though it takes place in ancient Egypt, the characters speak anachronistically. Usually this is a big negative for me when reading a book, but for some reason it works for me with this book. All of the characters in this book are very engaging and realistic. I like the way that Hori and Nakhtmin work together in solving the mystery. It is also interesting that they make the use of amulets and prayers in their practice of medicine. It was also interesting to see how much the Gods and demons play a part in their everyday life. It looks like the author has done quite a bit of research, although I don't know all that much about ancient Egyptian deities or how the Egyptians lived in those times. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series.

[Lee Jackson Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

46 times to zero.

Well drawn characterization, twisting plot lines,and a dash of. WHAT'S NEXT make this book a delight. Add a dash of information on one of my most intriguing periods of history and another great read!

[Tina Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curses of the shadows

A thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end and a.fight between the human aspects of the gods to save the Black Land

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of the Damned is  the second in the In Maat's Service series, mysteries starring two young doctors set in ancient Egypt, the Middle Period, I think.  How would I know.  All those sand dunes look alike. 

Although Shadows is a stand alone, it actually would be really helpful to have read Apprenticed first, because there are  a fair amount of unexplained references back to events and activities in that book. This volume is about curses, cures, and ambition, extra hearts, missing bodies and True Love.

The various threads of an interesting and complex plot become interwoven and at the end of the book we find we have learned so much more about the life and mores of this time in this land than we ever would have bothered with in school, because it is all disguised as a great story!  We learn that medicine and supernatural forces play an equal part in the physical well-being of the citizens of the time, and part of the doctor's bag of diagnoses must be a full knowledge of curses, cures, and demons.  There are potions, and then there are potions, if you will.

I really love these books.  The writing is good, and we can thank the translator, Edith Parzefall for the English version.   The tale has such an authentic feel, steeped in what is known about the ancient Egyptian civilization.   It is not just some modern story dressed up in historical garb.  It is an historical story.

[bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very satisfied with this continuation of the story. It is once again a 5* read, and I don't give that 5th star lightly. No doubts that it has earned it.

I've read many historical mysteries that have disappointed me by deviating too much from the history. But I can definitely say that this is a story firmly entrenched in the culture and beliefs of the time. At the least, it is credible and consistent and FEELS accurate. I haven't an extensive enough background in Egyptian history to verify every point, but I have no reason to doubt the author has done so. And it comes through in the mystery department also... I am a serious reader of mysteries and cozy mysteries and very demanding in terms of what I consider a "satisfying" mystery. I can't wait for the adventures of Hori and Nakhtmin to continue!!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first one! If you like mysteries set in historical times, read this series. The descriptions of ancient Egypt are spot-on. Katherine Bruckman has certainly done her research to make these novels realistic. Great reading! Looking forward to more!