Year of the Hyenas

Year of the Hyenas is a murder mystery set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses III. The story follows Semerket, a disgraced investigator in the Clerk's Office of Investigations and Secrets, as he works to solve the death of a temple priestess. The investigation pulls Semerket through the different social strata of ancient Thebes, from sacred temple grounds to criminal underworlds. His pursuit of truth leads him to uncover corruption and conspiracy that reaches into the highest levels of Egyptian society. The author integrates authentic historical details about daily life, religious practices, and political dynamics in ancient Egypt. The backdrop of Semerket's investigation showcases the architecture, customs, and power structures of Thebes during the 20th dynasty. This novel explores themes of redemption and justice against the complex moral landscape of an ancient civilization in decline. Through its murder mystery framework, it raises questions about the relationship between truth, power, and social order.

Readers appreciate the detailed historical research and authentic portrayal of ancient Egyptian life, culture, and legal systems. Many note the fast-paced plot and strong sense of time and place. Several reviewers mention the unique perspective of following a detective story in ancient Egypt, calling it "a fresh take on the mystery genre." Common criticisms include uneven pacing in the middle sections and some characters lacking depth. Multiple readers found the dialogue occasionally too modern for the historical setting. "The historical details were fascinating but the protagonist's inner monologues dragged on too long," noted one Amazon reviewer. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (40+ ratings) The book maintains consistent mid-range ratings across review sites. Professional critics and casual readers agree that the historical elements outshine the mystery components.

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🔮 The story's protagonist, Semerket, is a "Clerk of Investigations and Secrets" - an ancient Egyptian role similar to a modern-day detective or investigator. 📜 Brad Geagley drew inspiration from real historical events during the reign of Ramesses III, including an actual harem conspiracy that threatened the pharaoh's life. 🏺 The book's title refers to a period in ancient Egyptian history when political chaos allowed opportunists (metaphorical "hyenas") to prey upon the weakened state. ✍️ Author Brad Geagley worked as a producer/director at ABC Television and directed over 200 episodes of General Hospital before turning to historical fiction writing. 🗺️ The story takes place in the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes (modern-day Luxor) during the 20th dynasty of the New Kingdom period, approximately 1150 BCE.