Book Description
Year of the Hyenas is a brilliant, original, and unique murder mystery, set in ancient Egypt at the height of that kingdom's glory and power. It is at once a strikingly insightful portrait of a mysterious, complex, and sophisticated society, reminiscent of Norman Mailer's Ancient Evenings in its wonderful detail and feel for the past, and a fast-paced detective story that reads like the best of twenty-first-century thrillers.
From the oldest known court transcripts in history, Egyptologists have long known about the mysterious death of Ramses III, involving intrigue, ambition, greed, and crimes of passion on a huge, though hidden, scale. In Year of the Hyenas, Brad Geagley takes this event -- a struggle that nearly brought ancient Egypt to its knees -- as the backdrop for a story that is every bit as captivating as the distant civilization it resurrects.
At the heart of the novel is Semerket, the so-called Clerk of Investigations and Secrets, a detective half-paralyzed by problems of his own, with a reputation for heavy drinking and tactless behavior toward the great, the powerful, and the holy, a kind of Sam Spade of the ancient world, deeply (and dangerously) addicted to the truth. Hard-bitten, deeply flawed, he is retained by the authorities to investigate what is considered an insignificant murder of an elderly, insignificant Theban priestess. They fail to inform him, however, that they don't expect him to solve the case. In fact, they don't want him to.
But Semerket is not so easily fooled, and this is hardly an "insignificant" murder. As he delves deeper for the elusive truth, he uncovers a web of corruption so vast that it threatens the life of the last great Pharaoh, Ramses III, and the stability of the kingdom. Even worse, uncovering the conspiracy means more than just putting his own life on the line -- for, unbeknownst to Semerket, his adored ex-wife Naia has fallen afoul of those who would bring down the reign of Ramses, and he soon finds himself having to choose between saving her and saving Egypt....
Merging historical fact and speculation with a nail-biting crime story that could be taking place in the present, Year of the Hyenas is a riveting and remarkable achievement.
Download Description
"Year of the Hyenas is a brilliant, original, and unique murder mystery, set in ancient Egypt at the height of that kingdom's glory and power. It is at once a strikingly insightful portrait of a mysterious, complex, and sophisticated society, reminiscent of Norman Mailer's Ancient Evenings in its wonderful detail and feel for the past, and a fast-paced detective story that reads like the best of twenty-first-century thrillers. From the oldest known court transcripts in history, Egyptologists have long known about the mysterious death of Ramses III, involving intrigue, ambition, greed, and crimes of passion on a huge, though hidden, scale. In Year of the Hyenas, Brad Geagley takes this event -- a struggle that nearly brought ancient Egypt to its knees -- as the backdrop for a story that is every bit as captivating as the distant civilization it resurrects. At the heart of the novel is Semerket, the so-called Clerk of Investigations and Secrets, a detective half-paralyzed by problems of his own, with a reputation for heavy drinking and tactless behavior toward the great, the powerful, and the holy, a kind of Sam Spade of the ancient world, deeply (and dangerously) addicted to the truth. Hard-bitten, deeply flawed, he is retained by the authorities to investigate what is considered an insignificant murder of an elderly, insignificant Theban priestess. They fail to inform him, however, that they don't expect him to solve the case. In fact, they don't want him to. But Semerket is not so easily fooled, and this is hardly an ""insignificant"" murder. As he delves deeper for the elusive truth, he uncovers a web of corruption so vast that it threatens the life of the last great Pharaoh, Ramses III, and the stability of the kingdom. Even worse, uncovering the conspiracy means more than just putting his own life on the line -- for, unbeknownst to Semerket, his adored ex-wife Naia has fallen afoul of those who would bring down the reign of Ramses, and he soon finds himself having to choose between saving her and saving Egypt.... Merging historical fact and speculation with a nail-biting crime story that could be taking place in the present, Year of the Hyenas is a riveting and remarkable achievement. "
Customer Reviews:
Very Enjoyable.......2007-08-19
I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction. I read a lot of mysteries and this one is a keeper. I am looking forward to reading the second book in this series.
Nothing Special .......2007-08-17
Booze sodden, maverick, straight talking, errant detective brought into the case by his straight laced, hen pecked, social climbing brother investigates the murder of a priestess. Gradually unravelling a great conspiracy. After much dead ends and attempts to do him away, our intrepid detective does exactly what you'd except him to do and walks off into the sunset for his next adventure. Throw in a dash of mystical hocus pocus for flavour.
Thriller + mystery + Ancient Egypt.......2007-07-28
A palace mystery, set around the time of Ramses III, this is a beautifully put together novel, fast paced, perhaps a little brief, but with lots of good touches. If you have a papyrus fetish of some kind you'll be delighted by the covers and inner sections of the book, as the design team seems to have been working overtime. Geagley writes well and there are plenty of surprises in this satisfying read.
A decadent and riveting historical mystery.......2007-05-09
YEAR OF THE HYENAS takes readers back in time to the Egypt of 1153 B.C., at the height of the kingdom's power and glory in the known world. A respected old priestess has been murdered, and the dueling mayors of Thebes hire Semerket, the Clerk of Investigations and Secrets for the city, to find her killer. Semerket's penchant for always telling the truth has earned him respect from the authorities, but that respect is nearly cancelled out by his constant boozing and his brooding nature, which come as the result of a divorce (his wife left him because he was unable to father a child, a huge deal in ancient Egypt).
As Semerket delves deeper into the case of the mudered priestess, he realizes something both startling and sobering: Someone doesn't want him to solve this case and may, in fact, have hired Semerket with his certain failure in mind. What he stumbles upon is a political conspiracy on a grand scale, and his enemies are corrupt and formidable ones. But Semerket, who cannot tell a lie, is determined to uncover the truth...And he's not afraid of the consequences.
Drawing its influence from the oldest known court transcripts, YEAR OF THE HYENAS is a richly textured, thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery. It is at once a police procedural, a political thriller, and a "lone ranger" type of tale, set in a place and time you wouldn't expect: Ancient Egypt, that almost mystical land of pharoahs and gods and decadence. Author Brad Geagley makes his novel accessible for modern readers while still providing lots of factual information about Egyptian culture (the information on embalming and mummification practices is particularly enlightening). His relatable characters and snappy dialogue give HYENAS a decidedly modern feel, but the novel still manages to maintain a sense of place and time; the prose and historical detail definitely reflect the opulence of the setting.
I thoroughly enjoyed YEAR OF THE HYENAS. It was transportive and exciting, rich in detail and full of thrills. This is a fast-paced detective novel that will woo you with its authenticity, stun you with its historical detail, and make you want more of the characters and the delicious politial corruption contained in its pages. Good thing there's a second Semerket novel to pick up when you're finally, regrettably, finished with this one.
interesting hard-boiled detective novel set in ancient Egypt.......2007-03-24
Not to be confused with "The Season of the Hyaenas" by PC Doherty. (Hyenas referring to war/ turmoil.) This is another mystery/detective book, quite good. Set in the reign of Ramses III, and having to do with an (I believe) actual plot on his life. It has a sequel, "Day of the False King."
I was surprised to see how many people raved over this book, I didn't think it was THAT great, but as many pointed out, the author didn't throw a lot of history at you, in fact reading it I felt it really could have taken place anywhere, anytime, and he just occasionally remembered to have them refer to appropriage gods or clothing. There was no real sense of "being there." But as a detective story it was a quick fun read.
Average customer rating:
- A great book by a great author
- Not horrible, but okay
- Don't bother!
- AN INCREDIBLE PLOT; HIGH FUN
- Gets you hooked on Carol Higgins Clark!
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Decked
Carol Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Clark, Carol Higgins | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Christie, Agatha | Clancy, Tom | Clark, Mary Higgins | Cook, Robin
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ASIN: 0446364703 |
Customer Reviews:
A great book by a great author.......2007-03-01
You can't go wrong with Carol Higgins Clark. The Regan Reilly mystery series is cute, funny, and entertaining.
This book is quite enjoyable.
Not horrible, but okay.......2005-08-26
I admit that I read the book because of Carol Higgins Clark's mother, but the book wasn't horrible as I think all of us have read far worse. The problem with the book is that you won't really like any of the charachters and that causes a bit of disinterest. The pros are that the book has a plot but it lacks sparkle.
Don't bother!.......2004-07-19
As an avid reader of the mystery genre, this book was suggested to me through the Amazon recommendation. It is a boring, drawn out book. I have to think the only reason that Carol Higgins Clark is published is because of her mother, the first hint being that she didn't go by "Carol Clark" but seized the opportunity and recognition of her mother's name to sell books. A real shame!
AN INCREDIBLE PLOT; HIGH FUN.......2004-02-26
I, for one, am getting just a bit peeved at those who think CHC's books are amatuerish and undeserving of publishing. Let us consider for a moment a woman writer--a woman mystery writer--whose books are outsold only by the bible. That's right, Agatha Christie. Let us compare the two. What was AC best known for? Well, it sure as hell wasn't character development. You couldn't tell Poirot from Miss Marple if one of them didn't have a yin and the other a yang. Giving them quirks is not character development. No, AC was best known for...what? Not character development, that's for damn sure. Not poetic, beautiful writing. As you can see, most of her books are slim, hard little gems that are short, fun reads. *Gasps* Much like CHC! What a coincidence! Dame Agatha Christie was known for (drumroll please) ingenious plotting!! Much like in Carol Higgins Clark's "Decked". She inherited this from her mother.
Let's have an overview, shall we?
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: neither CHC or AC
GREAT, POETIC WRITING: neither CHC or AC
PLOT DEVELOPMENT: both CHC and AC
INGENIOUS PLOTTING: both CHC and AC
Am I the only one who sees a pattern evolving here? I thought so. You see, if we adore Agatha Christie because of her deviously simple mysterious plots, then must we not love Carol Higgins Clark for the same reason?? Of course! So, I must ask, if, as writers, Agatha Christie and Carol Higgins Clark are so similar in their plotting and writing, then why the horrible reviews of CHC and fantastic reviews of AC? Think on it a bit. I'm sure it will come to you...
Gets you hooked on Carol Higgins Clark!.......2002-12-30
I love Mary Higgins Clark and her daughter does not disappoint, either. This was the first book I read by Carol and I found it a light, quick read and very satisfying - no loose ends left on the last page. Be careful - this one could keep you up at night!
Book Description
A festive novella featuring America's favorite prayer group, the Yada Yadas!
Sometimes dubbed "chick-lit" for their bright covers and catchy titles, this series provides far more depth than witty banter and wacky situations. Inspired by a prayer group of real women, each book will have you laughing, crying, and perhaps praying anew.
In this highly anticipated installment, the Yada Yada sisters-a group of multi-cultural friends-and their families prepare for the event of the season.
Average customer rating:
- a great murder mystrey that will make you want to read more
|
Decked
Carol Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Women Sleuths | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Clark, Carol Higgins | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0446515493 |
Customer Reviews:
a great murder mystrey that will make you want to read more.......1998-10-28
this is a great book for those that love mystrey novels. When I first started reading it I wasn't too interested and a couple years later read it again and thought that it was the best book. It isn't really serious, in fact very funny. The characters in the book seem very real and after reading the book I would like to see this part of England for myself. The book is not what you would expect and niether are the chartactersin it. This book would be good for those between 13 and 90. It doesn't have much of an age catagorie, but the book might be hard to follow for younger readers. The story is about a muder 25 years old and the detective thats whats to do it gets sent on a first class cruise with an 80year old widow who seems and acts at least half her age. on the cruise ship with them is a jewelthief, a murderer, some newly weds, a pair of odd 2nd honeymooners, a murdermystery writer and a funeral parlor owner. The characters are some that you wouldn't expect. This is a very good book to buy and also read.
Product Description
3 Titles By Carol Higgins Clark Regan Reilly Series : Decked Snagged Iced. three mmpb books.
Product Description
Copyright date isn't stated, but approximate. Should have folded pattern section stapled to book center. Painting instruction, mainly for clothing and Christmas ornaments. Twenty-nine projects including Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments.
Product Description
No baking dries overnight. Holiday ornaments and decorations.
Average customer rating:
|
Decked
Carol Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Warner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Clark, Carol Higgins | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0356209385 |
Average customer rating:
|
Decked
Carol Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Braille International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
Clark, Carol Higgins | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006RWJH4 |
Average customer rating:
|
Decked
Carol Higgins Clark
Manufacturer: Warnen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Clark, Carol Higgins | ( C ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000H2A8AS |
Book Description
Haunted by his personal failures, Captain America comes to suspect that he has been under psychological attack from the rogue Navy Intelligence unit that created the so-called "Anti-Cap" Super Sailor when he discovers a direct link between this shadow group and the deadly killing machine M.O.D.O.K. But are they running M.O.D.O.K., or is M.O.D.O.K. running them? To find out, Cap has no choice but to turn to the only person who actually knows: the Anti-Cap himself! Meanwhile, the Falcon has gone on the offensive, shutting down the Rivas drug cartel. But there's a line between heroism and vigilantism, and Robbie Robertson fears the Falcon has crossed it and may never find his way back. Collects Captain America & The Falcon #8-14.
Average customer rating:
- Dr. Adams brings back the personal touch we deserve and need
- Holistic Humor for Health and Healing
- Changing the World by changing yourself
- Dr. Adams is inspiring
- Doesn't work well to change my feelings.
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House Calls: How We Can All Heal the World One Visit at a Time
Patch Adams
Manufacturer: Robert D. Reed Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Healing
| Alternative Medicine
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Holistic
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Customer Reviews:
Dr. Adams brings back the personal touch we deserve and need.......2006-12-17
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06)
Medicine became depersonalized when it became a business that no longer made house calls. The shift from a service oriented, patient first, one on one house call to the patient going to the doctor, took out a precious part of the healing process. In its place is an institutional concept where the patient comes second to business. "I think that the loss of the house call has been the biggest blow to the art of medicine in this century. Not only has the patient lost this precious attention, but the physician has not found a replacement for the lost intimacy."
"Extensive studies have found that, over long periods of time, nourishing elements--such as love, humor, wonder, curiosity, passion, forgiveness, giving, sharing, hope, enthusiasm, and joy--stimulate the immune system. They help our bodies fight infection, stimulate natural killer cells that fight cancer, and affect the general way we care about and for ourselves and others." Anger, resentment, guilt, loneliness, fear and boredom have the opposite affect. It is not the negative emotions that cause the problems. It is when we hold on to those emotions for long periods of time. "We must express each emotion as it comes up, but should not nurture or prolong the emotions that may hurt us."
Dr. Adams describes this book as a "visitor's kit." He's right that's just what this is. He realizes that the "kit" can and should be used for more than hospital visits; he suggests prisons, nursing homes or "any place people may be suffering and wishing they were elsewhere."
Among the things Dr. Adams discusses are faith, love, humor, curiosity and hope. The information presented in this book has meant much to me. I spend much time visiting in nursing homes. When I first began to make these visits I found it very difficult, I didn't know what to say or how to act. Soon I began to see not a patient but a person. I came to realize that they were people that needed a friendly touch, someone to address them by name and someone to smile at them. My visits are no longer something I dread. The residents and I truly enjoy visiting together.
"House Calls" is a wonderful book and Dr. Adams is a talented writer as well as doctor. It is written in an easy to understand manner and does not talk down to laymen, in fact it is pleasant reading. The cartoons by Jerry Van Amerongen left me laughing and add much to the text. The print is a good size and easy to read. It is with great pleasure that I highly recommend this book to everyone, physicians, nurses, and all humans. Dr. Adams' book should be required reading to all those in the health care industry. I'm glad I read this book I will be much more prepared by having my "visitor's kit."
Holistic Humor for Health and Healing .......2006-12-06
In this wacky book, Patch Adams joins forces with Jerry Van Amerongen to give the reader a practical guide in introducing laughter into the healing process. The book is divided into three sections. The first section is filled with thoughts on being well. Dr. Adams provides instruction on being healthy and then provides some action steps to assimilate faith, humor, curiosity, relaxation, passion, exercise, nutrition, friendship, service, and other positive values into your daily life. These guidelines are cleverly illustrated by Jerry Van Amerongen with one panel cartoons that bring home the message of the suggestion and motivate the reader to take action. Amerongen is the creator of the Ballard Street syndicated cartoon strip.
Section two follows the same format but offers suggestions on what the reader can do to make a visit in the hospital, to shut-ins, or someone in the community, beneficial and enjoyable for both parties. These steps are thoughtful, often neglected and easy to carry out. Again the impact of the action steps are enhanced and impacted through the humor of Jerry's cartoon illustrations.
Suggestions are also offered on how to be a good hospital patient, from gaining understanding by asking questions regarding your treatment, careful listening to instructions, and reflection on your life and what you have done and want to accomplish in the future. Van Amerongen's humor helps the readers accept the situation and are then motivated to make the most of their circumstances.
The third section deals with special concerns when visiting, children, teenagers, the elderly, mentally ill, disabled, and dying patients. These helpful suggestions make the impact of your visit pleasurable for the patient, the caregivers, and yourself. The cartoons help the reader visualize the words of the text.
Adams has also provided a very comprehensive bibliography entitled "A Booklover's Search for Understanding and Ideas."
Combining Patch Adams' philosophy of laughter in healing with Jerry Van Amerongen's humor was a stroke of brilliance. The combination has made this book an enjoyable read, and produced in this reader, many smiles, some chuckles, and hearty laughs. It also gave me a new sensitivity to the importance of "healing the world one visit at a time."
Changing the World by changing yourself.......2004-07-23
This book is a practical guide on bringing the Gesundheit! vision into your own community. An easy enjoyable read, it offers suggestions on how to begin a life of joyful service by visiting folks in your own community. It offers an immensely practical love strategy. You can change your world!
Dr. Adams is inspiring.......2004-02-13
People perceive barriers of all types. It is not uncommon to hear, "I don't have the time", "I don't have the money", and "I don't know how". Take the most basic context of Dr. Adams which is to help another person. Help can be listening, holding a hand, or laughing with someone. It doesn't mean one has to spend a great deal of time or money. Turn off the television and help your neighbor weed her flower bed. Take an hour away from having your artificial nails manicured and volunteer somewhere. I enjoy reading his inspired words and can only hope his visions become reality during my lifetime.
Doesn't work well to change my feelings........2000-03-19
From my experience, these kind of healing books don't work well to change my feelings and attitudes. They do have temporary effects, but do not last long. This book also was not the execption. There are many "Things To Do" which I should do right now to change my life. But I don't and can't do these "Things". Always when I read such kind of books, I am firm about trying to do these "Things". But I don't take a whim for reading these kind of books again and thus lose an opportunity to do good "Things" entirely. I think volunteering for building GESUNDHEIT INSTITUTE in WEST VIRGINIA and meeting PATCH ADAMS is much more effective than reading this book.
Books:
- 2nd Chance
- A Catch of Consequence
- A Suitable Boy: A Novel (Perennial Classics)
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- At Home in Covington (Ladies of Covington)
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Books Index
Books Home
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Day of the False King: A Novel of Murder in Ancient Babylon
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An Evil Spirit Out of the West (Ancient Egypt Trilogy 1)
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