Thrust onto Egypt’s most powerful throne at the age of nine, King Tut’s reign was fiercely debated from the outset. Behind the palace’s veil of prosperity, bitter rivalries and jealousy flourished among the Boy King’s most trusted advisors, and after only nine years, King Tut suddenly perished, his name purged from Egyptian history. To this day, his death remains shrouded in controversy.
Enchanted by the ruler’s tragic story and hoping to unlock the answers to the 3,000 year-old mystery, Howard Carter made it his life’s mission to uncover the pharaoh’s hidden tomb. He began his search in 1907, but encountered countless setbacks and dead-ends before he finally, uncovered the long-lost crypt.
Now, in The Murder of King Tut, James Patterson and Martin Dugard dig through stacks of evidence–X-rays, Carter’s files, forensic clues, and stories told through the ages–to arrive at their own account of King Tut’s life and death. The result is an exhilarating true crime tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal that casts fresh light on the oldest mystery of all.
James Patterson begins The Murder of King Tut with a short author’s note emphasizing the tremendous research that went into writing this “nonfiction thriller”. Teaming with fellow author Martin Dugard, travels to London, Tut’s tomb and studying books and information online gave the authors the historical perspective to turn facts into a fast-paced novel that reads like fiction.
The book covers three time periods:
- The present and how the idea monopolized Mr. Patterson’s thoughts and time.
- 1891 – 1939 London/Egypt and how the quest for discovering a virgin tomb, ultimately King Tut’s tomb, monopolized the life of Howard Carter
- 1492 BC to 1319 BC Egypt and how the duty of being pharaoh monopolized the life of a young Tutankhamen
This is a straight-forward story which moves at a very fast pace. Yet, there is just enough detail concerning characters and setting that I had no trouble in picturing the great pyramids or empathizing the boy king’s plight. Explanations are given as to why young Tut married his half sister, why the tomb was so difficult to find and why there seemed to be an attempt to erase history of Tutankhamen. Tut’s ability to lead was just developing when he mysteriously died during the night.
The story of Howard Carter is also well-presented. Though he was not the most gracious of men, his zeal for all things Egypt advanced him from being a sketch artist of other men’s findings to being commissioned to conduct his own excavations. His gained knowledge over the years brought him to the highest honor but his lack of bedside manner plundered him to a street corner artist looking for his next meal. He never lost sight of his goal and through luck and determination was given another chance to discover the great Tut’s tomb. Actual snippets from Mr. Carter and some of his associates notes are included in the book (observations of Mr. Carter leave something to be desired).
The jump from time period to time period could have been confusing but I did not have any problems leaving one set of characters and picking up where I left off with another group from a previous chapter. The book is not very long or extravagantly detailed but I did learn a couple of interesting facts and it did peak my curiosity. And the Mr. Patterson divulges his own theory on what exactly happened to the king. Makes sense to me but I now may want to conduct my own investigation.
Due for release 9/28/09 and thanks to Miriam from Hachette Book Group for giving me this great opportunity to take a trip back in time!
Recommend this book: yes!
Recent Tutankhamen news:
From Discovery News:
“Lord Carnarvon, the man who funded the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and died five months later in mysterious circumstances before he could actually see the mummy’s face, was a superstitious man who wore the same lucky bow tie all his life.
Such anecdotes are part of a unique exhibition at Highclere Castle, home of the Carnarvon family since the architect of London’s Houses of Parliament built it in the 1840s.” Click here for the rest of the story.
Some Howard Carter info:
Mr. Carter immersed himself into all things Egypt in 1891 at the age of seventeen and finally discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922.
I am going to have to keep my eye’s open for this one, sounds like something I would love to read!! Thanks for the review!
I REALLY LOVE TO READ ABOUT THIS BECAUSE I LOVE JAMES PATTERSON. I WILL READ EVERY WORD.
Reading this very good review “piqued” my interest in reading Mr. Patterson’s book, also. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the heads up! I too will be watching and waiting for this one.
I’m a true fan of J. Patterson and now he has written about a subject of egyptology that has always peaked my interest. Can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
King Tut certainly has peeked my interest. As a dedicated James Patterson fan I anxiously await the release of all of his books.
Great Review! Mine is up today and we pretty much agree….I loved the book!