Labels

Review: A Taste of Evil by N.L. Holmes

I'm delighted to welcome back author and archaeologist, N.L. Holmes. I'm sharing my review for her intriguing murder mystery, A Taste of Evil. If you enjoy reading about clever sleuths in an ancient historical setting, read on!

A Taste of Evil is currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Find other fascinating tour stops HERE!




A Taste of Evil


A Hani's Daughter Mystery

by N. L. Holmes



Blurb:

In Tutankhamen's Egypt, the vizier's head cook dies suspiciously, and it looks like murder to Neferet and Bener-ib. Only, who would want to kill a cook, a man admired by all?

Perhaps he has professional rivals or a jealous wife. But she is the longtime cook of Neferet's family, a dear retainer above reproach. Was her husband the good man he seemed to be, or did he have the shady past our two sleuths begin to suspect? 

They'd better find out soon before the waters of foreign conspiracy rise around Neferet and her diplomat father. If they can't find the killer, it could mean war with Egypt's enemy, Kheta -- and someone else could die.

Maybe one of our nosy sleuths...

~~~


Review:
 
The novel begins with a theme that weaves through the whole novel – family. We meet Neferet – irrepressible healer and sleuth – at the heart of her extensive family. When she learns that their cook's husband has died under suspicious circumstances, Neferet's curiosity is piqued. 
 
Straight away, she, her father Hani (who also has his own mystery series!), and her investigating side-kicks Bener-ib and Mut-tuy are off to find out more from Cook.
 
They discover that the dead cook, Int-ef, worked at the house of Pentju, vizier of the Upper Kingdom, whose wife had trained Neferet and Bener-ib to become sunus – healers. That connection allows them easy access to the kitchen staff, who are not all thrilled about their constant questions.
 
At first, it appears like they found the cause of death quickly, but as the women dig deeper into Int-ef's life, they find their own lives in danger. And what appears to look initially like a personal vendetta suddenly becomes a case of such great proportions none of them could have envisaged.
 
Will they find the culprit, and uncover the deadly plot? Well, you should read the novel to find out!
 
A Taste of Evil is a gently thrilling whodunit that pulls you along as our brave sleuths conduct their investigations, alongside holding their own healing surgeries. The pace is just right for this kind of mystery, with quite a few unexpected twists and turns cleverly interwoven into the plot.
 
The historical background and setting is realistic, showing Ms Holmes' in-depth knowledge of the era and location. The political intrigues highlight the threats of the time perfectly.
 
What I really enjoyed about this novel was Neferet's immediate family connection, which shows a strong bond between the various members of her extensive family – from grandfather to adopted orphans. I found Neferet's relationships with her official husband, Ptah-mes, and 'the lady of her heart’ (a beautiful description), Bener-ib, and their adopted children, fascinating. It sounds complicated, but works very well.
 
Through the novel, we learn about Egyptian society, and its hierarchy and beliefs, which adds a strong sense of 'being there'. And, of course, we learn about food and the joys of family dinners!
 
A Taste of Evil is an enthralling historical mystery full of secret plots and dangers. The intelligence and bravery of our group of female sleuths – all respected healers – is commendable, and a wonderful glimpse into the workings of Egyptian society.
 
Highly recommended.
 



Buy Links:



~~~


About the Author:


N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin used to write stories for fun.

These days she lives in France with her husband, two cats, geese, and chickens, where she gardens, weaves, dances, and plays the violin.


Connect with N.L.:



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment