Paul Docherty is an author whom I find to be rather hit and miss. His books set in Canterbury are, frankly, dull. His books set in Egypt are astounding. What is particularly gratifying is that Docherty's knowledge of Ancient Egyptian mythology, beliefs, customs and practices is amazingly accurate. He also bases his stories around actual people, such as the Pharoh Dynasty the stories are set under. The central characters are the Pharoh Queen Hatusu and, as ever, Amerotke, Chief Judge in the Hall of Two Truths.
This story is based around the question of gender...can a woman really occupy the Throne of the Pharoh? Can a mere woman really be permitted to rule the land and people of the Nine Bows? Should not a man, her son, who while he is only five, wear the crown? Somebody thinks he should, and Hatusu shouldn't, because those who discover proof that she can are murdered one by one.
The plot is intriguing and the characters colorful, distinct and believable. On the down side, Dochertys' books do have a "samey" feel to them....there's a plot and murder, Amerotke investigates, is nearly killed himself and eventually unmasks the real culprit. However with a different storyline each time, there is enough difference to keep reading and keep you from guessing the end, too.
Recommended to those who are interested in life in Ancient Egypt, and don't mind a whodoneit thrown into the bargain. I certainly don't mind!