Rahotep returns and finds himself in another mystery where the stake are higher.

The author did a wonderful job in incorporating Tutankhamun’s history in a detailed manner with the plot. In some ways this story was even better than the first book because of its multiple plots. While the main mystery is about the dead boy, Rahotep finds himself involved in other mysteries like the shocking incident that happens to the King and Queen at the Opet festival, and the figurine that Ankhesenamun shows him.

Moreover, I liked that Rahotep is more confident and self-assured in this novel. Similarly, Tutankhamun is wonderful in the role and the author wrote him in a complex way. I loved the philosophical dialogues between Rahotep and Tutankhamun as they embark their political trip and hunt. Ay and Horemheb are interesting as the darker character. However, I missed seeing few memorable characters like Mahu and Ramose from Nefetiti . But, we do get some new characters in the canvas like Khay and Simut, who are equally interesting.

However, while the story is very nice, it was not as compelling as the first book. Mainly, the story seemed to shift focus in between from the murders to the trip they take for the hunt. The book felt disconnected from the previous book Nefertiti. This is good in a way as it you can read it as a standalone. However, I had hoped there was some continuation from the previous book.

The climax is gripping at the catacombs, and sets pace for the next book in the series. Overall, this was very entertaining and a good addition to the series.

I read this for a blog tour.

Using the limited historical facts about two ancient Egyptian monarchs, Nefertiti and her stepson Tutankhamun, Nick Drake weaves clever, twisted mysteries in the royal palaces of Ankhtaten and Thebes.

The detective, Rahotep, is smart, intuitive and determined, but his investigations bring him into contact with dangerous and powerful enemies, men who will murder anyone who gets in their way as they seize more power and aim for the throne.

AS soon as I had finished the first book, Nefertiti, I went immediately onto this one, the second in the series. As I still had the characters so fresh in my head it was very easy indeed to slip straight back into Ancient Egypt.

The previous book left off with a young Tutankhamun making an appearance. This book jumps forward a few years and I liked how the author made me aware of Rahoteps ageing, not old but slower and a bit achy than he used to be. Something we are all aware of! His mind is still sharp and once again his skills as a detective have been requested once again, and again he doesn't have a choice int he matter!

This book was similar to the previous in some ways, as Rahotep is called to solve the mystery of objects being left in the palace to upset Tutankhamun. Even though he is the King it is Ay, the regent who runs the show. Ay is a character who is very unlikeable, he is cold, ruthless and conniving in every aspect possible. So, while the story had similarities as far as the mystery-solving went it was also different due to the power wrangling and the politics. It seems that everyone is out for their own benefit and this builds a wonderful feeling of distrust.

Another brilliant story in the series, this felt like a much quicker read compared to the first, but I think this is because I was already aware of the characters and also how the writer includes a good amount of detail about the way of life. Not just the way of life, but also politics, foods, social class and hierarchy.

I have enjoyed the first two books and so I have also bought the next one and I am looking forward to reading that as well. This is a really good series and one that would appeal to readers of historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt, as well as readers of mysteries. Ideal for me as it mixes two of my favourite genres and it is one I am more than happy to recommend.

In the second story time has moved on and Akhenaten’s son Tutankhamun is king, and is struggling to cope with the problems he has inherited from his father. There is much corruption and poverty, and when the young king’s life is under threat, once more Rahotep is called up to the Royal Palace. Rahotep is very likeable and the characters in the books are well drawn. I especially like the ideas of a hunting cat and a guard baboon! Set in a time and place I previously knew very little about, these are both certainly intriguing and interesting stories which I enjoyed a lot.

A lot has happened between the events of Nefertiti and King Tutankhamun‘s reign. Drake does a good job filling in the gap: Akhenaten and his revolutionary new religion have collapsed, the priests have their power and wealth reinstated, and the capital city has returned to Thebes. A new king is on the throne, though he clearly doesn’t hold power.

In Rahotep’s personal life, things have changed, too. He is older, perhaps wiser, and still leery of any requests from royalty. In addition to his three adorable daughters, now he has a son, too. This book delves more into his family life more than the previous book, particularly his wife’s subtle weariness/resentment that her husband’s job intrudes upon their life. Even on special occasions, he is always “on call.”

He’s a sympathetic character, especially in the moments when he chooses mercy over the law. His family is intriguing. I would’ve loved to have spent more time with the girls, particularly his oldest daughter who is determined to become a physician, and his aged father, who lives with them.

Rahotep’s friend Nakht, whom we briefly meet in Nefertiti, returns and plays a larger role in this story. He’s an interesting character. His vast intellectual knowledge is a good complement to Rahotep’s earthier, practical knowledge. This is especially helpful when the case delves into the metaphysical/religious realm and the realm of forbidden-to-be-spoken-of matters. (Secret books and secret knowledge shared by a select group of initiates? I don’t know how much of this is historically accurate, but it was fun to see Nakht and Rahotep butt heads over whether these books exist!)

Even though things have returned to the status quo, there is still lots of conflict between the former state religion of Aten and the re-established religion of Amun. Drake does a great job showing how the predicted changes of the first book have happened, but stability hasn’t returned. The priestly class has returned to power. But there’s still resentment from those who had benefitted from the new and now forbidden religion, and who are now ruined from its dismantlement. There are violent retributions against the Aten-worshippers, including some gruesome rumors that Rahotep almost discounts. Almost.

What was most intriguing is how the young king and his sister-queen (she’s his half-sister) seek out Rahotep to help them. I like his interactions with both young people.

The conversations between young Tut and Rahotep are the most moving sections of the book. The king is young, frightened, and feels a wistful longing for his late parents. Rahotep, who knew the late king Akhenaten, can help fill in the gaps from Tut’s bewildering past. It’s clear that the young king is fragile and has no idea how to rule a kingdom, though he resents Ay’s assertion of authority over him.

As usual, Drake does an excellent job building the world of ancient Egypt. As I mentioned in my review of Nefertiti, my knowledge of this subject is woefully lacking, so I can’t confirm whether thus-and-such detail is correct. But Drake fills in the gaps in the historical record in imaginative ways and I truly enjoyed his theories about certain well-known facts.

While I like his descriptive world-building skills–and Drake is clearly skilled with words–after a while I started to skim the longer descriptions. Some felt repetitive, others felt overly long for the locale’s importance, and too many felt like they are detached from the actual story scenes. (Those with characters and action.) In my opinion, many could’ve been pared down without adversely affecting the story.

The descriptions of the former capital city are terrific. When Rahotep visits Akhetaten, the former capital city, alongside King Tut, the emotions run deep. Unfortunately, by the time I got to this part of the book, I was almost numb to the descriptions because I’d read so many others in the first fifty-percent of the book. I had to force myself to slow down to read this carefully.

It also didn’t help that I read Tutankhamun immediately after finishing Nefertiti. (I read my TBR list in the order of publication date and/or date of scheduled review.) These are books that need to be spaced apart.

Most authors have their favorite writing devices that they fall back on if they aren’t careful. Drake’s appear to be these long descriptive passages and equally long discussions about philosophy. They make the book feel disjointed at times, as if various disparate elements have been placed in sequences, rather than integrated together to form a story.

However, this was a good book. It will appeal to those who like historical fiction with some mystery, rather than those who prefer mystery with some history. If you enjoy lush descriptions and mysteries with a more leisurely pace, this book will appeal to you.

Note: Be forewarned that the murder methods are horrible, and the victims’ bodies are described in graphic detail. This will probably cross a line for many sensitive people.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.