In Thebes, rumors begin to circulate that that the Poisoner of Ptah, believed to be a young man named Rekhet who has been imprisoned for earlier poisonings, has returned.  A merchant and his wife drown, causing fear to spread that the downfall of Egypt is at hand.  Hatusu calls on her trusted advisor, Judge Amerotke, to solve the crimes and preserve Egypt’s civilization and her throne.  

P.C. Doherty writes the details of Ancient Egypt with such precision it’s as if he was a witness to the events about which he writes.  A glossary of key players as well as some historical notes to put the story in context will help readers with their history.  The characters are very interesting and readers may be surprised they are able to relate to them and are drawn in into their stories.  

The mystery is a very complex though solvable puzzle, fascinating in its minute details as nothing is left to chance.  While lifestyles in Egypt are opulent and decadent, justice is swift and sure, and often irrevocable in her verdicts.  This is a different mystery than most are used to. And while difficult at times, Poisoner of Ptah is well worth the time and effort to experience the well-depicted time period and the well-thought out and carefully executed plot.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry