A thoughtful and clever trip that invites readers to indulge in ancient intrigues.
A revolution is brewing and Hani finds himself at the center of the action. Tasked with uncovering some minor thefts, Hani’s investigation brings him face to face with an unexpected murder. The mystery revolves around a certain royal identity, which some influential people wish to keep hidden. But when passion and politics collide, everybody might be a suspect, even beloved family members and trusted allies. Hani wades through the treachery and minutiae to separate real threats from personal grievances in this historical thriller, the fifth in the Lord Hani mystery series. This vivid novel is a conscientious reminder that history is so much more than one dimensional facts in a textbook. Inspired by real historical figures, the tightly wound plot shines a spotlight on religious fervor and political ambition, and rolls them into one elegantly conceived story.
Bright and bold, Lake of Flowers is a plot-twisting mystery set in opulent ancient Egypt. Holmes readily acknowledges that some characters are part of the historical record and others are purely fiction, showing a respect and reverence for the history being recreated. As Hani interacts with his family and friends, pithy contemporary metaphors and complex rituals help paint a vivid picture of daily life for those who were part of well-to-do circles at the time. Intricacies of life from an ancient culture, including the practicality of wearing a shaved head and treatment of handicapped individuals, help readers immerse themselves in a time and place that is otherwise inaccessible. Gender and sexuality are fluid concepts for Hani and his forward-thinking compatriots, a notion which has been explored by the author in other period pieces. While the prose is lyrical, softening the rough edges of a murder mystery, an abundance of unfamiliar names and places may take a bit of deliberate thought to keep track of on the part of unsavvy readers. A tight mystery with a generous helping of historical context, Lake of Flowers is a thoughtful and clever trip that invites readers to indulge in ancient intrigues.
