What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex MacLure #2
Secrets of the Dead
Beware the surgeon. He’s not here to save you!
Atlanta, Georgia.
When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again.
Cairo, Egypt.
Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters.
But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt.
MacLure links up with Special Agent Rebb to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission.
Atlanta, Georgia.
When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again.
Cairo, Egypt.
Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters.
But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt.
MacLure links up with Special Agent Rebb to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2018
44 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2019
The first strand of this story begins when the remains of several men are found in the crawl space under an old church in Atlanta, Georgia. FBI Special Agent Charlie Robb, and her partner Peter Zhang, are called to investigate. She had previously worked on a case where men had been murdered in a similar manner, by a serial killer the media named The Surgeon and she fears that he has resumed his killing spree. A strange symbol is found on some of the murdered men: linked to a tattooist who has now fled the country, the relevance of its meaning remains a mystery. When a body bearing a similar mark is discovered at an Egyptian temple, Charlie is convinced that the deaths are linked and it is agreed that she should travel to Cairo, to work with the local police in a joint attempt to track down The Surgeon and finally solve the mystery.
The second main strand is focused on Alex MacClure, a British archaeologist and Egyptologist. He has been contacted by a student who thinks he has uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids and wants Alex’s help to decipher a message using new discoveries from the Armana Letters. When Alex arrives at the Cairo apartment, instead of meeting the student, who has now disappeared, he discovers a dead body. The police arrive almost immediately and, as the prime suspect, he is arrested and imprisoned. Eventually he is released and, with apparent links between the cases, he and Charlie join forces in a desperate race against time to uncover the mystery and track down the killer.
This is a very fast-moving, action-packed thriller whose themes include explorations of religious cults, ancient history, mythology, the secrets of the Pyramids, the Masons, internet conspiracy theories and, to enable the protagonists to prevent further deaths, the need to identify a particular sacred symbol. Woven through the narrative is an account of the life of Yanhamu, Pharaoh Akhenaten’s Keeper of Secrets in 1315 BCE. He has been charged with discovering the secret of eternal life, a quest which must succeed because his wife has been taken captive and will not be freed unless he solves the mystery. When Alex’s partner, Vanessa, is taken captive by a group of religious fanatics in search of the same secret, the parallels between the past and present drive the plot with an ever-increasing sense of tension.
Although there were many moments when I felt I had to suspend disbelief about some of the coincidences the plot relied on, I found that the author’s considerable research into the ancient history of Egypt, a subject which has always fascinated me, enabled me to appreciate and enjoy the story much more than I might otherwise have done had it been a straightforward adventure story. However, as this is such a complex period of ancient history, I do think that a glossary and timeline would have been helpful. Also, not being particularly “computer-savvy”, I found some of descriptions of computer algorithms and IT rather confusing – although, once I had decided that I could skim over these without losing too much of the sense of the story, I decided not to be too concerned about my lack of understanding!
This is the second book in a series starring Alex MacClure as the main character, but I found it easy to read as a stand-alone story and think it is one which would appeal to anyone who enjoys an escapist adventure which is based on mythology, conspiracy theories and religious obsessions, many of which have their roots in ancient history – fans of Indiana Jones would probably be a target audience! It is a very “visual” story so I could imagine it being commissioned as a film or TV mini-series.
Following a win in a Library Thing draw, I was sent a copy of this book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
The second main strand is focused on Alex MacClure, a British archaeologist and Egyptologist. He has been contacted by a student who thinks he has uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids and wants Alex’s help to decipher a message using new discoveries from the Armana Letters. When Alex arrives at the Cairo apartment, instead of meeting the student, who has now disappeared, he discovers a dead body. The police arrive almost immediately and, as the prime suspect, he is arrested and imprisoned. Eventually he is released and, with apparent links between the cases, he and Charlie join forces in a desperate race against time to uncover the mystery and track down the killer.
This is a very fast-moving, action-packed thriller whose themes include explorations of religious cults, ancient history, mythology, the secrets of the Pyramids, the Masons, internet conspiracy theories and, to enable the protagonists to prevent further deaths, the need to identify a particular sacred symbol. Woven through the narrative is an account of the life of Yanhamu, Pharaoh Akhenaten’s Keeper of Secrets in 1315 BCE. He has been charged with discovering the secret of eternal life, a quest which must succeed because his wife has been taken captive and will not be freed unless he solves the mystery. When Alex’s partner, Vanessa, is taken captive by a group of religious fanatics in search of the same secret, the parallels between the past and present drive the plot with an ever-increasing sense of tension.
Although there were many moments when I felt I had to suspend disbelief about some of the coincidences the plot relied on, I found that the author’s considerable research into the ancient history of Egypt, a subject which has always fascinated me, enabled me to appreciate and enjoy the story much more than I might otherwise have done had it been a straightforward adventure story. However, as this is such a complex period of ancient history, I do think that a glossary and timeline would have been helpful. Also, not being particularly “computer-savvy”, I found some of descriptions of computer algorithms and IT rather confusing – although, once I had decided that I could skim over these without losing too much of the sense of the story, I decided not to be too concerned about my lack of understanding!
This is the second book in a series starring Alex MacClure as the main character, but I found it easy to read as a stand-alone story and think it is one which would appeal to anyone who enjoys an escapist adventure which is based on mythology, conspiracy theories and religious obsessions, many of which have their roots in ancient history – fans of Indiana Jones would probably be a target audience! It is a very “visual” story so I could imagine it being commissioned as a film or TV mini-series.
Following a win in a Library Thing draw, I was sent a copy of this book by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2019
Although Secrets of the Dead is the second book in a series, it's the first I've read by author Murray Bailey and works equally well as a standalone. It combined two of my favourite genres - Crime and Thriller. Along with a fair amount of archaeology and symbology, this book was right up my alley.
Female protagonist FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb is on the trail of a serial killer dubbed The Surgeon. Her investigation takes her to Cairo, Egypt. Meanwhile, in Egypt, archaeologist Alex MacLure has been contacted by a student who is convinced the pyramids are part of a conspiracy theory. He enlists MacLure's help to piece together an ancient message using the Amarna Letters.
Before long Special Agent Rebb crosses paths with MacLure when it's discovered The Surgeon desperately needs information contained within the Amarna Letters. Events quickly spiral out of control when MacLure's girlfriend goes missing and is presumed to be in the deadly clutches of The Surgeon.
This is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with an intriguing plot. It's very well-written with plenty of surprises along the way. It contains a sizeable amount of ancient Egyptian history and to someone like myself with an interest in this topic, it was compulsive reading. I'd describe it as Robert Langdon meets Indiana Jones! It contains a bit of everything - murder, religion, conspiracy, archaeology and history. A very enjoyable and thrilling read.
Book Source: Review copy from the author.
Read my review on my blog: https://bit.ly/2TgpubU
Female protagonist FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb is on the trail of a serial killer dubbed The Surgeon. Her investigation takes her to Cairo, Egypt. Meanwhile, in Egypt, archaeologist Alex MacLure has been contacted by a student who is convinced the pyramids are part of a conspiracy theory. He enlists MacLure's help to piece together an ancient message using the Amarna Letters.
Before long Special Agent Rebb crosses paths with MacLure when it's discovered The Surgeon desperately needs information contained within the Amarna Letters. Events quickly spiral out of control when MacLure's girlfriend goes missing and is presumed to be in the deadly clutches of The Surgeon.
This is a fast-paced, twisty thriller with an intriguing plot. It's very well-written with plenty of surprises along the way. It contains a sizeable amount of ancient Egyptian history and to someone like myself with an interest in this topic, it was compulsive reading. I'd describe it as Robert Langdon meets Indiana Jones! It contains a bit of everything - murder, religion, conspiracy, archaeology and history. A very enjoyable and thrilling read.
Book Source: Review copy from the author.
Read my review on my blog: https://bit.ly/2TgpubU
April 8, 2019
Many thanks to Library Thing and the author for sending me this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
This is my second book by Murray Bailey this year, and I have found a new favourite author to add to my list. This was a really engaging read that does not focus too much on the gore of the deaths that occur. The added element of a history story to tell the reader how the symbol that everyone is searching for came into being added an extra dimension to this story and made it all really interesting. I loved the characters throughout although feel that perhaps the reveals happened a little too early throughout. This meant that the ending was not really a surprise but was still really well done. I hope that the ending is going to be returned to in further instalments of this series.
A brilliant read that I really enjoyed.
This is my second book by Murray Bailey this year, and I have found a new favourite author to add to my list. This was a really engaging read that does not focus too much on the gore of the deaths that occur. The added element of a history story to tell the reader how the symbol that everyone is searching for came into being added an extra dimension to this story and made it all really interesting. I loved the characters throughout although feel that perhaps the reveals happened a little too early throughout. This meant that the ending was not really a surprise but was still really well done. I hope that the ending is going to be returned to in further instalments of this series.
A brilliant read that I really enjoyed.
April 22, 2019
This is the second of Murray Bailey’s crime thrillers to follow the adventures of Egypt archaeologist Alex MacLure, and it’s clear the author knows his subject.
Secrets of the Dead begins, not in Egypt, but in Atlanta, Georgia, where a cache of bodies has been found, eight in all. The victims were buried in a crawl space under The Church of the Risen Christ. FBI agent Charlie Rebb and her annoying partner Peter Zhang are immediately brought into the investigation because she’d worked a previous serial killer case in which the eight victims were murdered in the same manner as those under the church. They bear a mysterious mark loosely linked to a local tattoo artist who appears to have fled the country.
Alex MacLure’s research is under way in the town established by Pharoah Akhenaten and his beautiful wife, Nefertiti. Ancient secrets hide in the artifacts of the period, and MacLure hopes to reveal them. A stranger claiming special knowledge asks MacLure to meet him in Cairo, and MacLure follows a rather obscure trail of breadcrumbs to find the mysterious man. When he enters the apartment, he finds not an informant, but a dead body. Hard on his heels are the police, and an uncomfortable time in an Egyptian jail ensues. Bailey’s vivid description of jail conditions are enough to make you not risk even a jaywalking ticket in Cairo.
Charlie Rebb is sent to Egypt to work with Cairo police, as a body has been found there with similar markings as those under the church. Clearly the two stories are becoming intertwined. Occasional sections are from the point of view of the killer and his Master, unnecessary in my opinion, and not very realistic.
Bailey intersperses Rebb’s and MacLure’s narratives with the story of Yanhamu, an official from 1315 BCE who became the Pharoah’s Keeper of Secrets. He was given the charge of finding one particular secret, that of everlasting life.
Bailey’s writing moves the action along smoothly. His authentic passion for the country’s long and complicated ancient history shines through. It’s a strong contender for your summer beach bag, the kind of book you don’t want to have to think about too much. That’s partly because Bailey doesn’t give you much help. The map and schematic of the Great Pyramid are a step in the right direction. A glossary, perhaps a timeline, would be equally welcome.
Secrets of the Dead begins, not in Egypt, but in Atlanta, Georgia, where a cache of bodies has been found, eight in all. The victims were buried in a crawl space under The Church of the Risen Christ. FBI agent Charlie Rebb and her annoying partner Peter Zhang are immediately brought into the investigation because she’d worked a previous serial killer case in which the eight victims were murdered in the same manner as those under the church. They bear a mysterious mark loosely linked to a local tattoo artist who appears to have fled the country.
Alex MacLure’s research is under way in the town established by Pharoah Akhenaten and his beautiful wife, Nefertiti. Ancient secrets hide in the artifacts of the period, and MacLure hopes to reveal them. A stranger claiming special knowledge asks MacLure to meet him in Cairo, and MacLure follows a rather obscure trail of breadcrumbs to find the mysterious man. When he enters the apartment, he finds not an informant, but a dead body. Hard on his heels are the police, and an uncomfortable time in an Egyptian jail ensues. Bailey’s vivid description of jail conditions are enough to make you not risk even a jaywalking ticket in Cairo.
Charlie Rebb is sent to Egypt to work with Cairo police, as a body has been found there with similar markings as those under the church. Clearly the two stories are becoming intertwined. Occasional sections are from the point of view of the killer and his Master, unnecessary in my opinion, and not very realistic.
Bailey intersperses Rebb’s and MacLure’s narratives with the story of Yanhamu, an official from 1315 BCE who became the Pharoah’s Keeper of Secrets. He was given the charge of finding one particular secret, that of everlasting life.
Bailey’s writing moves the action along smoothly. His authentic passion for the country’s long and complicated ancient history shines through. It’s a strong contender for your summer beach bag, the kind of book you don’t want to have to think about too much. That’s partly because Bailey doesn’t give you much help. The map and schematic of the Great Pyramid are a step in the right direction. A glossary, perhaps a timeline, would be equally welcome.
July 28, 2020
Secrets of the Dead by Murray Bailey is Book 2 in the Alex MacLure thriller series, a follow up to Map of the Dead. In this outstanding mystery thriller we are taken to the depths of Ancient Egypt through two time periods which is very cleverly done - it is set in the modern day but we are also taken back to Ancient Egypt. Along with the superb storyline, you go on a complete geographical, archaeological and historical journey through Egypt! We learn so much about Temples, Pharaohs, Pyramids and the Sphinx and so much more. I have never been to Egypt and I found the historical aspect so very interesting. A lot of research has been done for this book which shows throughout.
As well as the detective Alex MacLure we are also introduced to a FBI agent called Charlie Rebb. It is not clear how they are associated until later on in the book when they work together on a case.
I found Secrets of the Dead quite an intense read and had to concentrate harder at certain parts than others but this is because Murray Bailey gives us so much information and detail which allows us to really understand the setting and the characters.
If you are looking for a page turner thriller to read, then choose this one next - you will be gripped and not be able to put it down! A 5 star read.
As well as the detective Alex MacLure we are also introduced to a FBI agent called Charlie Rebb. It is not clear how they are associated until later on in the book when they work together on a case.
I found Secrets of the Dead quite an intense read and had to concentrate harder at certain parts than others but this is because Murray Bailey gives us so much information and detail which allows us to really understand the setting and the characters.
If you are looking for a page turner thriller to read, then choose this one next - you will be gripped and not be able to put it down! A 5 star read.
October 26, 2019
Adventure
I enjoyed the story and a new reader of this author I will be looking to read more of his books
I enjoyed the story and a new reader of this author I will be looking to read more of his books
January 26, 2020
Time taken to read - 5 days
Pages - 334
Publisher - Heritage Books
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Beware the surgeon. He’s not here to save you!
Atlanta, Georgia.
When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again.
Cairo, Egypt.
Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters.
But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt.
MacLure links up with Special Agent Rebb to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission.
My Review
This is my first time reading this author, it is kinda split into two stories that really combine into one. FBI Special Agent Charlit Rebb thinks a serial killer has resurfaced and she is determined to catch them. Alex MacLure is an archiologist but also an expert on egyptian texts/symbols and I want to say Egyptian history? He is contacted by a student talking about a conspiracy in regards to the pyramids. Alex of course is drawn, goes to meet the student and instead gets arrested for murder, in Egypt. Eventually his and Rebb's paths cross and both their searching may be well linked.
So the book skips about a wee bit, we learn a bit from Alex's side, what he does, his location(s) and the same for Rebb her investigation and she heads over to Egypt when another body pops up with striking similarity to her own cases. Has out killer fled to pastures new?
The book has conspiracy, Egyptian history, a throwback in time that coincides with what MacLure is looking into in present day. With the Egyptian stuff I had to keep going to google to check stuff out, some of it I knew from my brother as he is hugely into the Egyptian history/stories. It is really interesting stuff and I do need to read a proper book on the history of the pyramids/Egyptians legends.
There is a scene in the jail, particularly the toileting and general "facilities" as well as the interrogation that gave me a bit of the boak and a jolt. You here about interrogations in other countries in the news or from folks true live stories and whilst this wasn't a huge or integral part of the story it did stay with me.
A busy wee book, lots happening and will keep you hooked. I will be looking at the previous books by this author as I did enjoy it and I do like a book where I learn about stuff. Or have interest sparked in a subject I have briefly looked into before, 3.5/5 for me this time.
Pages - 334
Publisher - Heritage Books
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Beware the surgeon. He’s not here to save you!
Atlanta, Georgia.
When a body dump is found, FBI Special Agent Charlie Rebb, thinks a serial killer has resurfaced. Called the Surgeon by the media, his tell-tale technique has everyone wondering why. But then the murders seem to stop again.
Cairo, Egypt.
Alex MacLure is contacted by a student who thinks he’s uncovered a conspiracy involving the pyramids. He asks for Alex’s help to piece together a message using new discoveries from the Amarna Letters.
But the student disappears and Alex is arrested for a murder. Meanwhile the special agent sees a sign that the Surgeon is now in Egypt.
MacLure links up with Special Agent Rebb to track down the killer. As he decrypts an ancient story MacLure realizes this is a race against time. The Surgeon must be stopped before he completes his terrible and startling mission.
My Review
This is my first time reading this author, it is kinda split into two stories that really combine into one. FBI Special Agent Charlit Rebb thinks a serial killer has resurfaced and she is determined to catch them. Alex MacLure is an archiologist but also an expert on egyptian texts/symbols and I want to say Egyptian history? He is contacted by a student talking about a conspiracy in regards to the pyramids. Alex of course is drawn, goes to meet the student and instead gets arrested for murder, in Egypt. Eventually his and Rebb's paths cross and both their searching may be well linked.
So the book skips about a wee bit, we learn a bit from Alex's side, what he does, his location(s) and the same for Rebb her investigation and she heads over to Egypt when another body pops up with striking similarity to her own cases. Has out killer fled to pastures new?
The book has conspiracy, Egyptian history, a throwback in time that coincides with what MacLure is looking into in present day. With the Egyptian stuff I had to keep going to google to check stuff out, some of it I knew from my brother as he is hugely into the Egyptian history/stories. It is really interesting stuff and I do need to read a proper book on the history of the pyramids/Egyptians legends.
There is a scene in the jail, particularly the toileting and general "facilities" as well as the interrogation that gave me a bit of the boak and a jolt. You here about interrogations in other countries in the news or from folks true live stories and whilst this wasn't a huge or integral part of the story it did stay with me.
A busy wee book, lots happening and will keep you hooked. I will be looking at the previous books by this author as I did enjoy it and I do like a book where I learn about stuff. Or have interest sparked in a subject I have briefly looked into before, 3.5/5 for me this time.
January 31, 2019
Let me get right to it. SECRETS OF THE DEAD by Murray Bailey is entertaining, fast-paced, and very interesting. So why not five stars? Because there are some misfires. First, a name change is in order. There are already multiple books out there entitled SECRETS OF THE DEAD, plus a popular PBS TV series. Second, there are numerous typos. Yes, I know, this is increasingly the norm in publishing, but that doesn’t make it any less disappointing. There were also some confusing parts—places where I felt Mr. Murray assumed his readers knew more about Egyptology, Christianity, and religion in general, than is likely. Having said this, I did find the parallels between the various religions interesting. It reminded me of how myths are created, as detailed in Joseph Campbell’s book, THE HERO WITH A THOUSAND FACES.
And Mr. Murray did have some lapses in logic. For example . . .
SPOILER ALERT!
Alex has been desperately searching for his girlfriend, Vanessa, throughout the end of the book. As his search comes to an end, he thinks he witnesses her murder and goes to her shrouded body. He starts to lift the covering from her face and someone says, “Sir?” and he looks away. Seriously? He looks away before he sees the face underneath the shroud? No way. The only thing that would justify him looking away would be if the voice belonged to Vanessa, and she was calling his name. I know Mr. Murray was trying to build tension and mystery, but it was so illogical it hurt both.
And finally I did not care for the Hollywood ending. We’ve spent the entire novel searching for a powerful secret symbol, and in the end we’re led to believe the secret is . . . love? That is such a typical Hollywood cliché—all the world needs is love. It would have been far better to have had a true secret symbol that led us to a sequel.
All of this aside, I found Mr. Murray’s SECRETS OF THE DEAD highly entertaining, and looked forward to reading it each evening. Given that, I would definitely recommend it.
NOTE: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions expressed are mine alone.
And Mr. Murray did have some lapses in logic. For example . . .
SPOILER ALERT!
Alex has been desperately searching for his girlfriend, Vanessa, throughout the end of the book. As his search comes to an end, he thinks he witnesses her murder and goes to her shrouded body. He starts to lift the covering from her face and someone says, “Sir?” and he looks away. Seriously? He looks away before he sees the face underneath the shroud? No way. The only thing that would justify him looking away would be if the voice belonged to Vanessa, and she was calling his name. I know Mr. Murray was trying to build tension and mystery, but it was so illogical it hurt both.
And finally I did not care for the Hollywood ending. We’ve spent the entire novel searching for a powerful secret symbol, and in the end we’re led to believe the secret is . . . love? That is such a typical Hollywood cliché—all the world needs is love. It would have been far better to have had a true secret symbol that led us to a sequel.
All of this aside, I found Mr. Murray’s SECRETS OF THE DEAD highly entertaining, and looked forward to reading it each evening. Given that, I would definitely recommend it.
NOTE: I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and the opinions expressed are mine alone.
March 28, 2019
I will start by saying that I haven't read book 1 in this series, but I don't believe that my enjoyment or understanding of the plot was in any way impacted by this.
As for the story itself? Fast paced, action packed and a conspiracy theory that spans the ages. There really is a lot to like about this story. The various interpersonal relationships feel fleshed out, and although there is a point in the story where the reader knows who the Surgeon is, the author has done a good job of ensuring that the mystery doesn't stop with the killer's identity. There's a lot of misdirection here which muddies the water sufficiently to keep the reader hanging on for the final reveal.
My one reservation about this? The reveal at the end feels a little like an anti climax to be honest.
Nevertheless, this is a decent tale.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
As for the story itself? Fast paced, action packed and a conspiracy theory that spans the ages. There really is a lot to like about this story. The various interpersonal relationships feel fleshed out, and although there is a point in the story where the reader knows who the Surgeon is, the author has done a good job of ensuring that the mystery doesn't stop with the killer's identity. There's a lot of misdirection here which muddies the water sufficiently to keep the reader hanging on for the final reveal.
My one reservation about this? The reveal at the end feels a little like an anti climax to be honest.
Nevertheless, this is a decent tale.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
November 3, 2019
Well worth a read
I came across this book in my suggestions it was the second book in the series so I found the first one (Map of the dead) and read it. I was hooked a decent story line, ancient Egypt, right up my street. I really enjoyed the way the central character Alex had a mystery to solve by delving into the past of Ancient Egypt to help solve a modern mystery.
Secrets of the dead_ I enjoyed this book more than the first one, I couldn't put it down, the way it kept swapping from the past to the present all the while leaving you on the edge of your seat. Well written, plenty of content taking you to many places in Egypt that I would love to visit. I look forward to more books by this author
I came across this book in my suggestions it was the second book in the series so I found the first one (Map of the dead) and read it. I was hooked a decent story line, ancient Egypt, right up my street. I really enjoyed the way the central character Alex had a mystery to solve by delving into the past of Ancient Egypt to help solve a modern mystery.
Secrets of the dead_ I enjoyed this book more than the first one, I couldn't put it down, the way it kept swapping from the past to the present all the while leaving you on the edge of your seat. Well written, plenty of content taking you to many places in Egypt that I would love to visit. I look forward to more books by this author
January 15, 2019
This is book 2 of a series about Alex, an archeologist who has discovered a secret message within ancient tablets known as the Amarna Letters. While trying to track down a student who leaves Alex a trail to follow. Meanwhile an FBI agent is on the hunt for a serial killer known as the Surgeon. The two cases merge - or collide and Alex discovers that the Surgeon wants information he believes is within the Amarna Letters. There are twists and turns - as an avid reader of thrillers I admin some of which are expected, but some come as surprises. It's a satisfying story that left me wanting more. Hopefully book 3 won't be too far behind. Just have to read book 1 now!
May 21, 2019
Special agent Charlie Rebb is investigating a murder that looks as if it could be the work of the Surgeon a known serial killer. Meanwhile in Egypt Alex Maclure is looking for a secret sign. Soon it becomes clear its connected to the surgeon. Can Alex find it without getting himself arrested or worse.
This is book 2 in the series but I followed enough of the basic story. It was an interesting story that jumped back to the past which I really enjoyed. The plot was good but just didn't thrill me as much as I'd hoped. Still a good read though.
This is book 2 in the series but I followed enough of the basic story. It was an interesting story that jumped back to the past which I really enjoyed. The plot was good but just didn't thrill me as much as I'd hoped. Still a good read though.
September 22, 2019
Secrets of the Dead is an engrossing read that holds the reader with the hunt for a serial killer that crosses continents and also has an interesting subplot of subterfuge and a missing spouse set in the royal circles of ancient Egypt. The suspense surrounding The Surgeon and the Lazarus-like reasons for his actions builds slowly but steadily, as the protagonists get drawn into a cat and mouse chase before many more die and especially the captured girlfriend of Alex McLure. An enjoyable stand alone read even more so if the dead of ancient Egypt are of interest.
June 27, 2020
I downloaded this at 3am after finishing the book before it.
Literally woke up next day & decided no TV just had to read. I read pretty fast so finished it in a day but I literally didn't stop reading.
So many twists I was on the edge of my seat.
Thank you Murray for another great Egyptian mystery.... more please
Literally woke up next day & decided no TV just had to read. I read pretty fast so finished it in a day but I literally didn't stop reading.
So many twists I was on the edge of my seat.
Thank you Murray for another great Egyptian mystery.... more please
August 30, 2019
And the Second of These Is . . .
Two men, separated by 3000 years, are searching for the same thing. And each has the same stake: the life or death of a beloved woman. Each has help and hindrance.
Bailey does his homework. His stories ring true to the nth degree
Two men, separated by 3000 years, are searching for the same thing. And each has the same stake: the life or death of a beloved woman. Each has help and hindrance.
Bailey does his homework. His stories ring true to the nth degree
July 10, 2020
Really enjoyed this so many twists and turns and who to trust.
I enjoyed reliving some of the places I was familiar with following
years of visiting Egypt.
I enjoyed reliving some of the places I was familiar with following
years of visiting Egypt.
August 3, 2020
Ugh.. Dan Brown like indeed.. at least Dan Brown managed to work a plot into his conspiracy theories..
February 25, 2020
This book was enjoyable from the beginning to the end. I was hooked, it was well written as it's the second book I have read by this author and would read further books by him.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews