Sadly, it's been so long since I read Nefertiti that I don't remember much about it (an unfortunate side effect of reaching middle age with a failing memory and/or having read way to many books in between) except that she went missing. I don't remember the end, and that would be so nice to know... This new book picks up about 10 years later and Rahotep, a detective if you will, is trying to find the connection between a series of murders and/or attacks and some disturbances occurrences aimed at the young king. I'm not yet half way through, but am enjoying the book, despite some anachronisms (tapestries hanging on a wall in ancient Egypt? talk of a coup at the palace, etc.) that take me out of the story.
I keep finding myself wondering when the author was writing... was it before the DNA information on Tut and his family came out or after. Sometimes there is evidence for before (he still refers to Kiya as Tut's mother) and sometimes after (he clearly knows about Tut's problem foot). How I'd love to have a coffee with Mr. Drake and talk about this stuff!!
I have yet to find a book about this period that get's it right for me - at least the way I've got it put together in my head. So, while I love reading about ancient Egypt, I find it frustrating, too. I fully realize that everyone's idea will be different. How I wish I was talented enough to write a book about that time period. Since I'm not, I will continue reading everything I can get my hands on. Don't mistake me, I think this book has the potential to give a good pay off at the end. I'm rooting for Rahotep! And , (hurray!!!) there's a third book to come.
Speculating about that third book:
- Nefertiti was about, well, Nefertiti
- Tutankhamun is 19 in this book, set 10 years later, so I don't have much hope that he'll live to the end of the book.
- Who will book 3 be about? Aye? Horemheb? Seti I, Rameses? I hope, hope, hope it's Horemheb. Please!! No body writes about him.
Jo