I love the witty title as we explore the Ancient World in
this series called the Athenian Mysteries. In the
sixth
book we meet THE SINGER FROM MEMPHIS. Of course, those were
turbulent times of outrages, wars and insults among the
Egyptians, Persians and Athenians. At this time, Memphis is
the capital of Egypt, ruled by Persia which is locked in
strife with Athens.
Herodotus, the first Historian, arrives in Memphis to
research his great book in 450BC. The city is preparing for
war. Today we might call Herodotus a war reporter. He has
engaged a professional informer called Nicolaos in Athens
as his security and guide. The suspicious Nicolaos has to
bring his wife Diotima, who loves ancient philosophy, risky
as it seems. Before they even arrive in Egypt Nico has to
save Herodotus from professional assassin Markos, who tries
to shoot them in a harbor on the isle of Thera. Then it's
a nail-biting attempt at piracy on the Aegean.
Djanet is a singer from Memphis who will be Nico's contact,
as he tries to bring about a peaceful rebellion by finding
the lost symbols of the pharaoh; a crook and flail which
will make the people accept a new leader, Inaros. But
Markos follows Nico and at Memphis he runs into Barzanes, a
man who reports to the Great King of Persia. All this and
he's not even sure if the sweet-voiced tavern singer he's
spotted is Djanet. The corrupt civil servants have an
interest in not allowing a change of leadership. Meanwhile
Diotima and Herodotus are enjoying the time of their lives
visiting temples, studying inscriptions and interrogating
the locals. More than one suspicious death follows their
inquiries.
With superstitious Egyptians, stylish Persians and snobby
Athenians, heat, dust and crocodiles, not to mention loaded
Eastern crossbows, this richly filled treat will be enjoyed
by historical mystery readers. The tone is light but we are
never in doubt about the deadliness of the dangers. Even
the plague of bedbugs. The more I read the more I loved the
adventure. Getting on board with Herodotus was sheer
genius. Gary Corby thanks Herodotus for putting his
inquiries on paper, and leaving us this fascinating trail
of cross-purposes for his characters. THE SINGER FROM
MEMPHIS could never be king - but could she be a pharaoh?
You'll have to read it and find out for yourself.
A historical murder mystery adventure that stretches from
Classical Athens to Egypt in the footsteps of the first
historian, Herodotus!
Nicolaos, the only
private investigator in ancient Athens, discovers that
helping an author with his book research can be very
dangerous. The would-be author Herodotus has hired Nico and
his priestess wife, Diotima, to accompany him to Egypt to
research that ancient country’s history. Unfortunately,
Egypt happens to be in the throes of a rebellion against the
Persian Empire. Pirates infest the sea route. Three
different armies roam the Egyptian countryside. The river is
full of crocodiles. Everywhere Nico turns, there’s a secret
agent ready to kill him, and he can’t find a decent cup of
wine anywhere. A simple historical investigation turns into
a dangerous adventure of international espionage.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy