The Slayers of Seth
It is impossible for P.C Doherty to write a novel that isn’t excellent. The fourth of his ancient Egyptian mysteries has the Pharaoh-Queen Hatusu’s chief judge, Lord Amerotke, investigating the murder of a scribe. Possibly the victim of scorned love, the victim is soon revealed to be connected to a web of intrigue and revenge involving a mighty band of war heroes known as the Slayers of Seth. As the members of this elite group start dying off, Doherty richly embues his writing with the power of both politics and religion in this ancient culture. Not the least amazing detail is the fact that Lord Amerotke and his staff use the equivalent of modern day forensics and intricate police investigation that were available to a people living almost 4000 years ago.
Doherty’s writing brings to life people in all strata of society. From the power of Pharaoh, the nobles like Lord Karnac, leader of the Slayers of Seth, and the Lady Neshratta, who faces a brutal death sentence if found guilty of murder, to the obscure slaves–all are presented to the reader to gain a view of a world long gone.
