Book Review: The Anubis Slayings

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Anubis Slayings     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Paul C. Doherty
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Historical
Series: Amerotke # 3
St. Martin's, Jun 2001, $23.95, 320 pp.

Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu and her lover Grand Vizier Senenmut rule over a united Egypt. The Priests and the Army support Hatusu mostly because of her great victory against the Mitanni, Northern people led by King Tushratta and his sister Wanef who are now suing for peace.

While the negotiations occur, strange deaths begin happenign in the royal circle. In the Temple of Anubis, someone steals the Glory of Anubis, a large amethyst gem even with the guard in the chamber holding the key to the locked door. A person wearing the mask of Anubis kills a dancing girl. Also murdered are the Pharaoh's advisor in the treaty negotiations and two Mitanni envoys. The Pharaoh orders Egypt's Principal Judge Amerotke to uncover the truth so that Hatusus can apply her brand of justice to the culprit.

The glory of Ancient Egypt comes alive once again in THE ANUBIS SLAYINGS as the historical background makes the who-done-it that much more exciting. Especially entertaining are the chariot scenes (though a different time, place, and media think Ben Hur). The Principal Judge is a clever sleuth who seems like an Ancient era Holmes as he leaves no stone unturned in his quest for truth, justice, and the Egyptian way. P.C. Doherty is a wonderful storyteller whose historical mysteries include the awesome Anubis series and crafty Corbett medieval tales among others are all worth reading.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner