Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Interesting Account of a Distant Period of History, 28 April 2000
Once again Paul Doherty (the author's real name) recreates vividly another historical period for one of his mysteries. However, this time the murder is a real historical event, rather than the product of fiction: the murder of Alexander the Great's father, Philip of Mecedon. As usual the author does a superb job of blending established historical fact with excellent storytelling. I disagree with the previous reviewer who claims that liberties were taken with historical fact: nothing written here contradicts history, the author simply has filled in the blanks, creating a plausible and gripping tale. If pure history is what is wanted, then stick to historical textbooks, this is, after all, a work of fiction.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Read, 21 Mar 2007
This is a novel by Paul Doherty writing as he so often does under a pseudonym. Paul Doherty is the consummate professional when it comes to writing historical mystery novels. I for one do not know how he can be so prolific with his offering of books and yet make sure that each of them is well researched. Whether they be 13th, 14th, or fifteenth century they are always true to the period. He also writes about Ancient Egypt and now he has taken to writing about Alexander the Great
In the days following the death of Philip of Macedon there is no guiding hand on either the people or the army, but waiting in the wings is Philip's son Alexander. Little do the people know that soon they will have one of the greatest men who ever lived leading them. Even his name will tell it's own story, Alexander the Great, also know as Alexander III, son of Philip of Macedon and Olympias, princess of Epirus, daughter of King Neoptolemus.
Alexander set out to find the murderer of his father with the help of two Hebrew friends, Miriam and Simeon. Much will happen to them on the quest to seek out the slayer of Alexander's father.
Some of the historical facts may offend the purists as they have been twisted beyond recognition in certain areas. But the book is a novel written to entertain and should be treated as such.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Alexander Makes a 'Great' Character!, 8 Jun 1999
By A Customer
Anna Apostolou takes us down History Lane in yet another of Paul Doherty's time-line mysteries, "A Murder in Macedon." And while Doherty's English historical mysteries are exciting, and informative, reading, Apostolou takes the Oliver Stone approach to revealing the vagaries of the past. (Apostolou is one of Doherty's pseudonyms.) It seems to be Stone's premise that "if you thought the real history was exciting, wait until you see how I dress it up." And much the same way, Apostolou takes us back to the time of Alexander the Great of Macedon. We find Alexander, troubled, quick-to-temper, and eager to be king in his own right, having to deal with the assassination of his father, Phillip, the Macedonian king. Between his own irreverences with his father and the plottings of his mother Olympias, whom Phillip has recently divorced in favor of a younger, more beautiful princess, there is reason for Alexander to feel that everyone will believe that he was involved in the assassination of his father. Apostolou introduces us to Hebrew twins Miriam and Simeon, both of whom Alexander trusts. Young Alexander is barely 20 and naturally, at first, fears his own life in the aftermath of the regicide. Indeed, as Shakespeare's Henry V said, "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." His friends come to his rescue. Apostolou introduces us to a number of plots, all plausible, of course. And it is at the hands of Miriam and Simeon that, ultimately, the "truth" is revealed. Basically, the story is exciting reading; however, historical scholars won't be quick to embrace the theories offered. For instance, Apostolou directly involves Demosthenes in the assassination. Demosthenes, the great Athenian orator, did oppose Phillip's rule--and plans--for the conquered Athens and ultimately was exiled when Alexander later took over; however, no proof exists that he arranged for Phillip's death. And while, perhaps, it makes for intriguing reading, I have problems with fictional writers taking such liberties! Apostolou does cite her sources, to give the author some credit, of course. History should not be altered, or even managed, just to create an exciting story, however! Otherwise, happy reading. The story moves well and the author's characterizations of the principle players seem not only accurate but in keeping with the whole intrigue. In fact, Alexander's portrayal seems in keeping with history. There is the sequel, of course, as Apostolou concludes this novel without dispensing of Olympias, the quintessential "plotter and schemer." Some historians claim that Alexander later had her executed for her involvement in this, and other, nefarious acts. (She does not seem to be a person one would love to meet.) We'll have to wait to see how Apostolou takes care of her! This book ends, too, just as Alexander is getting ready to start his campaigns to conquer the known world. Further revelations--some might call it "manipulations--will come in the next installment titled "A Murder in Thebes."
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