City of the Dead, Seven Wonders Series #2

Hemiunu or Hemi, is the main character of this exciting read. As the main architect and Grand Vizier of Khufu, he is overseeing the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

An incident, which happened a decade ago, comes back to haunt him and his king, Khufu. Khufu’s wife Merit and another good friend are murdered and a gold mask is placed on their faces. In addition, one of their fingers is cut off, preventing them in going into the afterlife whole and pure.We follow Hemi in his dangerous quest for justice. As the plot thickens, Hemi is wrongly accused of snuffing out these “friends”.

Neferet, who belongs to the People of the One, falls in love with him and gets involved in a whirlwind - world of intrigue, poison and treason. We run with them from the bowels of the pyramid to the marshes of the Nile, to the workmen’s villages, to the Palace of Khufu, the Sun God Ra, and into the desert.

Who killed their friends and why? In this page turner, Higley has succeeded in building up the suspense until the last page. Reserve some precious time for this novel because you will not be able to put it down once you start reading it.

Higley has thoroughly researched how life must have been at the time of the Ancient Egyptians. The settings, the mood, the weather, the inundations, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, tombs and mastabas, are all very credible. As well, the characters become so familiar that you believe them true to life. Definitely, an exciting thriller for all. An unmissable read. - http://www.bookpleasures.com/Lore2/idx/0/3837/article/City_of_the_Dead.html

Captivating! With vivid characters and a spell-binding plot, T.L. Higley’s City of the Dead kept me mesmerized from cover to cover. I heartily recommend this book for anyone looking for can’t-put-it-down fiction in an exotic, fascinating setting. I’m eagerly looking forward to more from this exciting author. - Marlo Schalesky, author of If Tomorrow Never Comes and Beyond the Night

City of the Dead is a fascinating tale of deadly secrets that lead to multiple murders in ancient Egypt. With characters fascinatingly real, this is an absorbing thriller you won't want to put down. - Sharon K. Souza, author of Lying on Sunday

City of the Dead by T.L. Higley is the second book in her Seven Wonders series. Hemiunu has risen to be the Grand Vizier to the Pharaoh Khufu in Ancient Egypt, and it's his plans that are constructing what will be the greatest pyramid in all history. Hemi is committed to his goddess Ma'at, who controls justice, and when a murderer strikes bringing up memories of the past, Hemi knows the only way to restore balance to Egypt is to seek justice for Ma'at. I loved the premise of this book. Higley has taken a story that could have taken place in any time period: eight friends go on a hunting trip into the swamps, but only seven return and all are bound by the secrets of what happened that day. As they each rise in power, the bonds grow stronger and tighter until one day one of them is murdered, and then another. Higley uses lots of historical detail to bring the story to life, but it did flag a bit in the middle. The story is at times thrilling and fast-paced, but a few too many side trips to build the pyramid slow down the action. Once Hemi stands accused of the murders, the story picks up and zips along from there as he goes from observing and planning life to being an active participant and discovering a strange sect of peasants who serve the One God. Higley has written a fascinating historical mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. - christy'sbookblog.com

By the shores of the river Nile, the Great Pyramid rises by the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of men and guided by the brilliance of Pharoah's Grand Vizier, Hemiunu, a man determined his pyramids will stand for an eternity.

Neferet is the whimsical daughter of an artisan and a follower of the One True God, unafraid and devoted to her father and the small fellowship of believers who meet in secret. When a murderer seems intent upon revealing a past tragedy that plagues Hemiunu's dreams, the city is thrown into turmoil as fears that the Scourge of Anubis, the god of the dead, is upon them. As Hemi investigates the murders, he soon learns that friends can become enemies and his power and integrity can be lost in a heartbeat.

In her second Seven Wonders novel, T L Higley transports the reader to Ancient Egypt and the wonder of the Great Pyramids that stand to this day. Tracy's research is impeccable and I was completely immersed in the culture of the day and the political posturings of Pharoah Khufu, a of man who believed he was god on earth. Tracy's characterization is second to none, her pacing perfect and the suspense and intrigue had me engrossed from the start. Neferet's faith beckons to Hemi's deep longing for forgiveness and the heartache of hidden guilt and broken relationahips is explored in depth. Weaving fascinating historical facts into a fast paced mystery and a touch of romance, City of the Dead is an exceptional read. I can't wait for Guardian of the Flame, the story of the Lighthouse of Alexandria coming in October, 2009. - Rel, www.relzreviewz.blogspot.com

In a land deceived by secrets and lies,One man battles for truth. Will his own dark past destroy his future?

In the blistering desert sands, tens of thousands toil to raise the Great Pyramid of Giza. Hemiunu, the pyramid’s meticulous architect, is consumed by the massive project and his allegiance to his cousin Khufu, Pharaoh of Egypt. But when a sadistic killer known as Anubis begins preying upon Hemi’s closest friends, a dark secret tangled in love and mystery threatens to stir up a past Hemi cannot forget and uncover a secret he can no longer deny—a secret that may well destroy an entire kingdom.

The Seven Wonders series grows with City of the Dead, a story of murder and faith set against the construction of a structure that has remained for more than four millennia. “Reserve some precious time for this novel . . . an unmissable read.” - B O O K P L E A S U R E S . C O M

T. L. Higley's City of the Dead brings the long-lost past wonderfully alive. The mystery at the heart of this tale will keep you guessing until the final pages. Though the characters are drawn from a remote time and place, their dreams and passions are as contemporary as this very moment. City of the Dead is a spiritual journey down the River of Time that you'll remember as long as you live. - Jim Denney, author of the Timebenders series and Answers to Satisfy the Soul

When Pharaoh’s chief wife is found dead, Hemiunu, the Grand Vizier who oversees the building of the Great Pyramid, is suspected of murder. It does not help that they were once in love and that Pharaoh knows it. Hemiunu must prove his innocence, and in the process he forges a bond with Neferet, a young woman who believes in one true God. This book is a Christian historical, the second in a projected series, each connected to one of the Seven Great Wonders of the ancient world. From time to time, Neferet voices what seems remarkably like modern Protestant theology. There is no hint of the actual historical roots of monotheism, and as pyramid builders talk about “timelines,” and explain that they must “rework all the numbers,” it’s hard to believe you’re in ancient Egypt. However, Hemiunu is a likable and complex character. As he uncovers the connection between the queen’s killing and a long-ago suspicious death, he also confronts his own imperfections as a man. The mystery has enough twists and turns to satisfy any reader and builds to a suspenseful climax. - Phyllis T. Smith, Historical Novels Review

City of the Dead is historical fiction at its best. The political posturing of the Pharaoh, who believes himself to be a god, and the well researched culture of the period transported me to the banks of the Nile. The suspense escalates to an unexpected climax in this totally engrossing novel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this Seven Wonders series. - Beverly Rowe www.myshelf.com

T. L. Higley has written an intriguing inspirational mystery. She draws her readers back into ancient Egypt, and takes them on a scenic tour. She gives us a fascinating look at Egyptian culture and an interesting insight into the hard work and amazing talent that went into the building of the Great Pyramid. Her characters are amazing and it is easy to become lost in Hemiunu's world. I was easily captivated by the mystery, allured by the romance, and caught up in the action. I applaud Ms. Higley for incorporating a belief in God throughout the story. CITY OF THE DEAD certainly contains all the elements that create a wonderful novel, and this one deserves to go on the keeper shelf. I will be looking forward to the next installment in the Seven Wonders series. - Freshfiction.com

T.L. Higley does a remarkable job researching the characters and era of this time. The actual individuals from whom the characters are developed left lasting impressions and amazing creations in the land of Egypt. Higley is known for her travels to unusual places and landmarks, learning their history, and creating novels of great interest based on the knowledge she acquires from her journeys. While we are not all so fortunate as to travel the great world and see the amazing sights Higley has been privy to, she does us all a great deed through her novels, allowing us to experience, even in this fanciful mix of fiction and nonfiction, what she herself has seen. - Curled Up With A Good Book at www.curledup.com

My youngest brother (15) absolutely LOVES these books (this is #2 in the Seven Wonders series)!! He keeps asking me when I'm going to get sent another one. :) Unlike me, he is fascinated by ancient history and jumps at the chance to read stories set way back in worlds long past. He loves the insight into both ancient history and Egypt, as well as the suspense woven around it. - southeastcountrywife, ineedtoread.blogspot.com

City of the Dead is so alive, my own pulse rate soared! This second book in the Seven Wonders series is an exciting trip back in time to ancient Egypt. Readers get an up close look at the blood, sweat and fears that built the Great Pyramids. The mystery and suspense level in this novel is high, making each page slip quickly through the fingers, like sand in an hour glass.

Hemiunu is Pharaoh's grand vizier, in command of the country's elaborate building projects. But a killer is on the loose, threatening to bring down prominent citizens because of past crimes. While Hemi seeks the assassin, he discovers instead a new, and perhaps dangerous, way of thinking. As he begins to realize that the justice he desires for Egypt may not come from the gods, but from the one true God, he knows that his life and his relationship with Pharaoh will be forever changed.

Politics and passion kiss in these pages, creating a union that births exciting elements of treachery and trepidation. When prominent Egyptians die, the clues left by the killer create more questions. Everyone who surrounds Pharaoh's throne becomes both a suspect and a potential victim, giving readers a thrilling mystery to unravel. The hidden past of key characters slowly surfaces, spotlighting an event that binds them in a deadly vow of silence. Against this backdrop, the beliefs of Christianity surface, quietly but with a powerful voice. The author provides a sensitive portrayal of these characters in conflict-- for their lives and their afterlives as well.

City of the Dead awakens readers' senses to the larger meaning of life. - http://www.inthelibraryreviews.net

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Rather than depicting Egypt through the life of an anonymous labourer, Higley boldly steps into the story of a well-known historical figure by choosing the Grand Pyramid’s architect – Hemiunu – as her main character. A fascinating man, Higley sketches him as one who models himself after his work; hard as stone, full of precise angles, yet sheltering a hidden interior landscape of emotion. With such a prominent character at the fore, some readers may find it difficult to fully buy in to his shift in spiritual allegiance. Where Hemi, Khufu, and their series of close friends is vividly portrayed, there is a slight, but noticeable tendency for Higley’s believers to be portrayed as somewhat idealized. Where complex motives and currents of emotion run rampant throughout the noble classes, the People of the One seem slightly ‘touched-up’ in comparison to the full range of emotion found in their counterparts. Deftly interweaving the threads of suspense, romance, and historical accuracy, Higley’s recreation of ancient Egypt is utterly engrossing. I called upon a great degree of self-discipline to refrain from pulling an all-nighter, and instead broke the novel into two reading sessions. The heady combination of unrequited love and mystery that emanates from the pages of City of the Dead rapidly attaches readers to the characters, and keeps the pages flying. Our family has been studying ancient history this year, so it is with some degree of certainty that I can attest to the large amounts of research that have been poured into this novel. What is even more amazing is Higley’s effortless coverage of a broad span of knowledge-worthy topics without lecturing; the education she offers is carefully integrated within the story’s natural flow. City of the Dead has won me over entirely to Higley’s storytelling. She must surely be amongst the most excellent writers of Christian historical fiction today.

The book is well-written and truly captures the sultry landscape of Egypt. I thought the characters were believable and all had differing personalities. I personally don't know much about the actual historical people in the timeline the author wrote about, but I really didn't need to to enjoy this story. I liked how the story was fast-paced and focused. It didn't linger too long or stay too shortly in one area. I find this wonderful because it draws the reader into the world and doesn't leaving them lagging behind in boredom. My only negative opinion is that I thought there should have been a "repentance" scene in the book, because of the main character's connections with an Egyptian Christian group in the story. There were only his thoughts of God and not an actual accepting of Him. I would say more but don't want to ruin the ending! All in all, its a great read filled with romance, action, intrigue and betrayal!

I love this book! It takes everything i look for in book; mystery, suspense, ancient history, and a bit of romance and ties it all together very nicely! I will be looking out for more of this author's books and hopefully collect the whole series!

I had difficulty at first keeping the character names straight since the story took place in Egypt BC. It didn't take long for me to sort the characters out and I was hooked to keep reading and see what would happen next. I am a fan of historical fiction and I was not disappoionted. I would read more from this author.

This second novel in the Seven Wonders series is a triumph! T.L. Higley’s “City of the Dead” is a breathtaking trip to the silky sands and desert heat of Egypt that both educates and entertains! This incredibly talented author transports the reader directly to the Egyptian desert during the reign of Khufu (a.k.a. Cheops) and the building of the Great Pyramid of Giza (around 2560 B.C.) with historical accuracy and vivid imagery. The story of Hemiunu, the real-life cousin and vizier to the pharaoh, weaves historical fact (the building of the pyramid) with suspenseful fiction (a series of murders taking place during the building project). One-dimensional historical figures come to bold and brilliant three-dimensional life in this engrossing read! Hemi is actively working on having the Great Pyramid built for his cousin, Pharaoh Khufu. The structure will not only be a crowning achievement for Pharaoh, it will be a monumental accomplishment for Hemi! Unless a series of murders (whose victims happen to be Hemi’s friends) taints Hemi’s reputation or stops the project. The serial killer, Anubis, leaves his calling card at each crime scene, taunting Hemi with each occurrence right up until the thrilling conclusion! This novel absolutely has it all! Vivid snapshots depicting life in Egypt at that time are woven beautifully with a riveting story, and an active undercurrent of belief in God, romance, intrigue, mystery and suspense. I am anxious to read the accounts of the remaining 5 wonders!

City of the Dead is a book that will sweep you back in time to ancient Egypt circa 2500 BC. Like T.L. Higley’s first book in the seven wonders series I let the book linger on my TBR stack a bit. Even though the Shadow of Colossus (SP) swept me back in time and captivated me, I wondered if the author could pull it off again. Let me tell you – she did – in an even more gripping tale. Basically, I read the book in one morning while traveling. Hemi is the Grand Vizier to the Pharaoh of Egypt and determined to make a mark on eternity for both the Pharaoh and he through building the Pyramids at Giza. His life is all about tightly controlled order, until events conspire to turn that order on its head. I was catapulted back in time and lived the experience with Hemi. I literally did not want to put it down. The secrets and the suspense kept the pages turning as I tried to figure out what would happen and if the truth would be revealed. The plot twisted practically to the last page. Each time I thought we might be closer to the truth or I assumed the perpetrator had been discovered, I learned yet again that I was dead wrong. The other element I love about this series is the way the author weaves a faith message into the books at a time there was only limited Old Testament understanding. She doesn’t pretend that everyone understood about the Messiah. However, she weaves in enough to show the hope, grace, and love extended by the Father, all while maintaining accuracy for what the people of that time knew. And for those of you who have to have romance in your books, you will love the romance that weaves throughout the pages. It is subtle, finely-tuned, and satisfying.

By the shores of the river Nile, the Great Pyramid rises by the blood, sweat and tears of thousands of men and guided by the brilliance of Pharoah's Grand Vizier, Hemiunu, a man determined his pyramids will stand for an eternity. Neferet is the whimsical daughter of an artisan and a follower of the One True God, unafraid and devoted to her father and the small fellowship of believers who meet in secret. When a murderer seems intent upon revealing a past tragedy that plagues Hemiunu's dreams, the city is thrown into turmoil as fears that the Scourge of Anubis, the god of the dead, is upon them. As Hemi investigates the murders, he soon learns that friends can become enemies and his power and integrity can be lost in a heartbeat. In her second Seven Wonders novel, T L Higley transports the reader to Ancient Egypt and the wonder of the Great Pyramids that stand to this day. Tracy's research is impeccable and I was completely immersed in the culture of the day and the political posturing of Pharoah Khufu, a of man who believed he was god on earth. Tracy's characterization is second to none, her pacing perfect and the suspense and intrigue had me engrossed from the start. Neferet's faith beckons to Hemi's deep longing for forgiveness and the heartache of hidden guilt and broken relationships is explored in depth. Weaving fascinating historical facts into a fast paced mystery and a touch of romance, City of the Dead is an exceptional read. I can't wait for Guardian of the Flame, the story of the Lighthouse of Alexandria coming in October, 2009.

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