A Curse of Silence: A Mystery of Ancient Egypt [Mass Market Paperback]

Lauren Haney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2000

A vile rumor sweeps across the desert like a swiftly gathering sandstorm: Queen Hatshepsut plans to disband much of her frontier army and transform its fortresses into storehouses. The arrival of Amonked--the Queen's cousin and Storekeeper of Amon--at the city of Buhen convinces an uneasy Lieutenant Bak of the Medjay police that the whisperings that have alarmed the populace are true. Then, a day after Amonked inspects the local garrison and departs, a body is found stabbed in the house where he and his party rested. The slain man was a local prince, beloved by his people, so Bak travels upriver to join the caravan and investigate. Though nothing tangible connects Amonked and his people to the heinous act, Bak's inquiry soon sheds a disturbing light on an inexplicable crime. For the clues suggest that twisted honor and vengeance lie at its root…and a shocking secret, protected by murder and silence, that could itself silence the truth--and Bak--for eternity.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The world of 18th-dynasty Egypt comes alive in the fourth murder mystery by Haney (The Right Hand of Amon). Lieutenant Bak, an Egyptian officer in charge of a police unit in Lower Nubia, is facing double trouble. To the distress of the local populace, the queen has sent an inspector, her cousin Amonked, to determine whether she should withdraw her troops from the region, which would leave it defenseless against raiders. When a beloved local prince is found murdered in Amonked's household, Bak must try to figure out who in his party committed the crime, as he accompanies Amonked on his inspection of Nubian forts. There's hostility from local residents and a growing threat from a much-feared bandit who's gearing up for an attack. What might seem an alien culture is drawn in human terms, and Haney limns her characters in loving detail as she weaves an intriguing tale of murder and human frailty. Haney's mysteries will draw the attention of those interested in ancient history. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Elizabeth Peters and Lynda S. Robinson wll need to 'move over' to make room for Lauren Haney." -- -- KMT: A Modern Journal of Ancient Egypt

"Haney's Egyptian police lieutenant is appealing, sympathetic, and totally convincing in a setting drawn with expert skill." -- -- Dr. Barbara Mertz

"The intrigues and passions of ancient Egypt are beautifully captured...an unforgettable reading experience." -- --Romantic Times

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Avon (October 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380812851
• ISBN-13: 978-0380812851
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THE LADIES OF EGYPT, May 1, 2001

By 

Margaret Hamlin (Pomona, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Curse of Silence: A Mystery of Ancient Egypt (Mass Market Paperback)

This is my introduction to Lauren Haney. As reader of Elizabeth Peters and Lynda Robinson, I found Lauren Haney's story and characters very interesting. While not as exciting as Peters' Amelia Peabody, or Robinson's Lord Miren, I found Lt. Bak warm and likable. The book was more about the people and places of Egypt than of the solving the mystery, which Bak did very adaptly with a twist that was totally unexpected. I'll read her again.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Latest adventure of Egyptian mystery is a winner., November 30, 2000

By 

Edward Alexander Gerster "miamibooks" (South Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Curse of Silence: A Mystery of Ancient Egypt (Mass Market Paperback)

If you like the novels of Lynda S. Robinson, then you really should give those of Lauren Haney a try. I find them much more pleasant a read, although both authors do effective jobs of bringing ancient Egypt to life.

This latest installment of Haney's cast of characters is certainly her finest. A quick read, filled with action and adventure. The historic setting is excellent, and adds greatly to the reader's enjoyment.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lauren Haney vs. Elizabeth Peters, January 12, 2001

By 

Jayne E. Parker (Lithia, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Curse of Silence: A Mystery of Ancient Egypt (Mass Market Paperback)

I must confess that I am having an EXTREMELY hard time deciding which author I like better. I love the Victorian period perspective of Elizabeth Peters, but Lauren Haney makes you feel as if you are THERE in ancient Egypt. I haven't been disappointed in one of Lauren Haney's books yet!