[Amerotke 01] • The Mask of Ra

**The Pharaoh is murdered... who can the city of Thebes trust to uncover the truth?**

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***The Mask of Ra*, the first mystery in Paul Doherty's intriguing series set in Ancient Egypt, introduces readers to his enigmatic sleuth, Amerotke, for the first time. Perfect for fans of Brad Geagley and Wilbur Smith. **

'The historical mystery genre is still thriving and Paul Doherty's *The Mask of Ra* is the best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters. As ever, Doherty dazzles with his knowledge and intimate feel for ancient Egypt' - Time Out

His great battles against the sea raiders in the Nile Delta have left Pharaoh Tuthmosis II frail, but he finds solace in victory and in the welcome he is sure to receive on his return to Thebes. Across the river from Thebes, however, there are those who do not relish his homecoming, and a group of assassins has taken a witch to pollute the Pharaoh's unfinished tomb.

Reunited with his wife, Hatusu, and his people, Tuthmosis stands before the statue of Amun-Ra with the roar of the crowd and the fanfare of trumpets ringing in his ears. But within an hour he is dead and the people of Thebes cannot forget the omen of wounded doves flying overhead. Rumours run rife, speculation sweeps the royal city and Hatusu vows to uncover the truth. With the aid of Amerotke, a respected judge of Thebes, she embarks on a path destined to reveal the great secrets of Egypt.

**What readers are saying about *The Mask of Ra*:**

'This is **the best book I have ever read**'

'**A classic whodunit**, it nevertheless manages to spring a few **surprises** on the way, and **I certainly didn't manage to guess who the culprit was**'

'Mr. Doherty takes time to establish the site and **atmospheric setting** of his story...**I barged through the book in one night**'

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### From Publishers Weekly

In 1479 B.C., Pharaoh Tuthmosis II returns in triumph to the city of Thebes after a series of victorious battles in the Nile Delta. But soon after his homecoming, he dies in the arms of his wife, at the foot of a statue of his patron god, Amun-Ra. Tuthmosis's untimely death, apparently caused by a snake bite, results in political chaos as the forces surrounding the throne coalesce into two camps: one supports the ascension of the pharaoh's illegitimate young son; the other, that of his widow and half-sister, Hatusu. Meanwhile, the chief judge of Thebes, Amerotke, must try the captain of the guard for the pharaoh's death, since he failed to remove the deadly snake from the royal barge. When Hatusu tries to claim his loyalty, Amerotke is forced into the conflict surrounding the succession. Several murders ensue, raising questions about the true nature of Tuthmosis's demise. Doherty (Ghostly Murders, etc.) excels at historical detail, bringing ancient Egypt to life in his descriptions of daily life and characters drawn from every caste. This novel launches a seriesAand that's good news.

Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

### From Library Journal

Into the power vacuum created by the sudden death of Pharoah Tuthmosis II in Thebes step the greedy grand vizier, several ambitious generals, and the pharaoh's stunning young widow Hatusu (a.k.a. Hatshepsut). Chief judge Amerotke, investigating the death, suspects that an accused guard is merely a political scapegoat and that the pharaoh's death has some connection to a series of tomb desecrations, robberies, and related murders. This new series marks a sharp departure from Doherty's usual medieval milieus (e.g., The Devil's Hunt, LJ 2/1/98), but he covers Egypt's ancient pageantry, splendor, and corruption with equal authenticity. Certain to capture historical fans.

Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.