The Bitter Taste of Death

Hori & Nachtmin #3

by Kathrin Brückmann, Hannah Boving (Illustrations), Edith Parzefall (Translation)

A dubious trader dies of a medical drug overdose administered by his physician Nehesy. A clear case, or so it seems. Nehesy is sentenced to five years in the stone pits-which few survive. However, the condemned man's daughter Ouseret, a doctor herself, believes her father is innocent. Eager to win his beloved's heart, Hori jumps at the chance to acquit Nehesy. Together with Nakhtmin and Mutnofret, he travels to Waset where the ominous death occurred. What looks like a simple investigation turns out to be an intricate puzzle with far more than business gone awry at its heart. Had the trader duped the wrong people? What role does the beautiful maid Nofru play? Soon more corpses turn up in Hori and Nakhtmin's path, while Ouseret keeps some information to herself. Until their own lives are at stake...

Genres: Historical Fiction

180 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2017

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 4 out of 5]

Once again, a really enjoyable book. Not sure why I don't give it 5 stars other than I guess I have to really, really love a book for that. I really love the writing of this author. She makes the main characters really likable and sympathetic. I like the element of mystery in each of her novels in this series too. The dialog between the characters has some modern language in it and I usually don't like this, but for some reason the author has done it in a way that doesn't take me out of the story because it is so jarring.
It is very obvious that the author is very knowledgeable about ancient Egypt and I have learned a few things from reading these great books.
I know that this book is the final book of the series, but I hope that the author sees fit to write further books with Hori and Nakhtmann solving more mysteries.

[bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Egypt is an interesting historical world but not one that I've had explored so much in fiction I've read. I don't have the background to know how accurate all the historical details are, but they feel believable and, judging by the information in the book, I am pretty sure the author has done her research.

In terms of the mystery--and I am picky on what fulfills me in a mystery--it is a 5 star read without any reservations. A very good mystery. Plenty of suspects and investigation and a nice romance on the side. My brain was able to enjoy the puzzle as well as the unusual setting.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

End of the trilogy. :( I really enjoyed reading these books. A good mystery in each one that keeps you guessing until the very end, and great historical references. Highly recommended! I look forward to more adventures with Hori and Nakhtmin!!