Egypt: The Book of Chaos: A Mystery (Rahotep Series, 3)

"Egypt: the Book of Chaos" is the third in the trilogy featuring Rahotep, chief detective of the Thebes Medjay, during the 18th Dynasty some 33 centuries ago. Nick Drake, as with the previous two, "Nefertiti" and "Tutankhamun," captures well the spirit, the landscape and atmosphere, and the suspense of the time and place of that historically significant age. Drake's Rahotep is a fascinating, and fully developed, central character, a "police procedural," as it were, set within the excitement, the political maneuverings, and history-setting situations of the time. Rahotep is also human and suffers the same feelings, successes, and failures of ordinary human beings. His role as a Medjay policeman offers him unique challenges--and dangers. After all, it was a dangerous time. Tutankhamun, the Boy Pharoah, has died (and under mysterious circumstances) and the whole kingdom is teetering on revolution, treason, and great upheaval. His widow, the Queen Ankhesenamun, has employed (and implored) Rahotep's assistance. The intrigue grows from here--and the plot becomes, of course, deadly. General Horemheb is poised to take over, to implement martial law, and destroy the dynasty. Drake's book is filled with political intrigue (setting up an alliance with archenemy the Hittites to consolidate the queen's power and thus foil Horemheb's plans, among others. (Historians know the real results, of course.) One doesn't have to be a history buff to appreciate, even to enjoy, this novel (although it helps to know a little about the history of this time). It was with a welcome moment when I found this, the third, book published. Here's to more of Rahotep, Mr. Drake.

I was not aware this was part of a series. It is well written and had an interesting plot. I would like to have read the others too.

Already knew about the historical circumstances and core event, but that didn't have a spoiler effect on my enjoyment.The archaeological history only verifies the event took place, which allows this tale to claim historicity. It's a thriller, made possible because we don't know about a historical Rahotep, and therefore about this character, or his personal destiny in the matter. Well-written in first-person. Characters are well-developed, pace crisp, settings realistic, behavior believable for the time. Extensive violence and moderate sexuality which are appropriate (not gratuitous) to the setting and plot. Point-of-View through the clinical eyes and mind of the protagonist who is a government detective with a solid family life and earned credibility at all levels of society. I read it in about a week, in snatches of free time, and eagerly looked forward to resuming each day.

I really enjoyed this book. Rahotep is a lovable hero. He’s brave, honest, and above all else loyal. I was very impressed with how the author showed the similarities between ancient Egypt and present day, both at the international level down to criminal activity and drug addiction. I loved the series, especially the second and third book which I couldn’t put down. I hope the author continues the series l, or at least keeps writing about ancient Egypt!

What happened to the young Hittite prince sent to marry a widowed Egyptian queen? He died en route, almost certainly murdered. What happened to the queen, generally believed to have been Ankhesenamun? She drops from the record as completely as if she had never lived.Drake provides an unlikely, but believable in the context of this novel.Drake does his homework. His story spreads brilliantly across the ancient world and shows the reader what was and what might have been.Recommended for all readers.

Rahotep uses his investigative skills to find out who killed his friend in Thebes. Clues lead him to drug smugglers in a distant land. The characters are well defined, and the backdrop of the Egyptian and Hittite empires is interesting. One caveat: The last third of the book contains graphic violence and lots of it.

In a rather bittersweet conclusion to the Egypt trilogy, protagonist Rahotep allows himself to cross over into darkness in an effort to save his Queen and her empire. He risks everything he values to take on a dangerous mission and discovers more treachery and deceit than he every expected. Drake's books are well written and researched, making each, and especially this one, a page turner.

I enjoyed this book which is part of series about Rahotep, an investigator in Egypt, in the era of Tutenkaman. The previous books were enjoyable and I was very happy to continue his adventures. It is enjoyable to read about his methods of solving a case at that time. It was exciting reading and I recommend this if you like to read about that time period.

Don't know how to give 4.5 stars so given 5. A well written and well researched trilogy of "What if?" which I read back to back and thoroughly enjoyed. I have not read any of this author's previous books but will definitely look out for them. So much tantalising history still to be unearthed and hope I will be around when/if Nefertiti's tomb/mummy is finally and definitively discovered.Just one complaint, Amazon. It appears to be impossible to enlarge the maps (no matter which Kindle book they appear in) to a point where they can actually be read clearly. Is this me not knowing how to achieve this on my Kindle or should you be looking into this? Maps are usually included by authors because of their relevance to the written word so they should be legible.

Really good, well imagined book with credible characters and a solid plot line. It reads as a well researched book should, with a fluency and with coherency.You will believe in the characters, and have a feel for their time and circumstance.I enjoyed this book and recommend it to you.

The best book of the Rahotep trilogy. Rahotep is tasked with accompanying a delegation to the Hittite empire to obtain a husband for the queen and a truce between the empires. His best friend is murdered investigating opium trading. Rahotep faces a complex mystery and his most deadly mission for the queen. Surprise twist in the plot earns five stars.

I knew at once that the author was a scholar, but it is his writing style and the way he weaves knowledge into the story so naturally which pleased me. I liked his characters too, Rahotep is human with frailties which makes him believable. Im so glad Ive discovered Nick Drake and look forward to reading more of his work.

Good use of real characters with their fictional counterparts. Not sure if the ending of the queen is a bit too Cleopatra and Horemheb in the end found a new dynasty. Looking forward to another from this author.