| Title | : | Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 292 |
| Publication | : | Published June 30, 2021 |
Lake of Flowers (Lord Hani #5) Reviews
-
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Reedsy, thank you so much!
The Lake of Flowers is the latest Book in the Lord Hani Mysteries series by N.L. Holmes.
All the books in the series are mystery novels set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of the heretic pharaoh, Akhenaten. The main protagonist, Lord Hani, is a diplomat who is regularly ordered to solve crimes, mainly murders or robberies. In doing so, he puts his own life and the lives of his family members at risk.
In The Lake of Flowers, he has to investigate thefts from the royal household, which might be connected to an attempt on the king's life. At the same time, he gets more and more involved with revolutionaries who want to restore Amen-Ra to his former power while secrets about the crown prince's true identity pose a threat to his daughter and her friend.
As a retired archaeologist, the author can draw on her immense knowledge about this time period, and it really brings Ancient Egypt back to life. Thanks to her wonderful and vivid descriptions, it feels like you're being whisked away to a different time.
In my opinion, the diverse and fleshed-out characters are the strongest part of the series. To read about the dreams, fears, expectations, and daily lives of Hani and his family is so fascinating. Especially the close connection and love between the family members is touching, and I found myself caring about their well-being a lot. Whenever Hani or one of the others is threatened by one of Hani's enemies, I ended up anxiously turning the pages wishing that everybody would be alright. As I love getting so invested in fictional characters, this series really was a pleasure to read for me.
The mystery is intriguing, and N.L. Holmes manages to sprinkle the story with hints and clues so you can keep guessing and trying to solve it with Hani. There are several intertwined plotlines, which all get resolved in a nice and very satisfying way in the end.
I would definitely recommend The Lake of Flowers (and the whole series) to everybody interested in Ancient Egypt, history, or mystery novels. I read from other reviewers of the series that you don't have to read the books in the order they were published. I can't entirely agree with that. While the books don't end with a cliffhanger and all the mysteries get resolved in the end, you get a better understanding of the characters, their stories and motives if you read the books in order of publication.
You can find my original review on Reedsy's page here:
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/lak...
My original first reaction:
I'll review it properly as soon as I can, probably early next week.
For now, I can definitely recommend the whole series. I've been binge-reading all the books for the last couple of weeks. I've enjoyed them all immensely, but Lake of Flowers has been the best so far for me.
I'll edit this review as soon as I've got a bit more time to write a proper review! :-) -
Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes a fantastic five-star read. This is number five in the Lord Hani Mysteries and we follow Hani on his journey, you don’t have to read them in order as they all focus on a different main story, and just follow Hani as he creates and solves mysteries, that always makes writing reviews for this series difficult, as I never know what to say without spoiling the mystery and the drama, as the author has a great way of keeping that tension level high and keeping you guessing. If you like a good mystery, then you need to pick this series up.
-
“Lake of Flowers” is my second book by NL Holmes, who does a very thorough job creating ancient worlds that are new to me. In “The Lightning Horse,” we learned about the Hittite Empire; in the series of which “Lake of Flowers” is Book #5, we are in the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, in the reign of Queen Nefertiti (King Akhen-Khepra-Ra in the book).
Hani is a diplomat of the Dynasty. He is tasked by Lord Ay (the king’s father) and also by the Great Royal Wife Mery-Aten to look into the suspicious death of a midwife, and also into the thefts of small things from the Queen’s chamber. These are two completely different mysteries - or are they? But since the new king’s husband had just died, all diplomatic assignments are on hold, so Hani and his trusty secretary/son-in-law, Maya, set about investigating in both the new capital city and the old.
As I said, there is all sorts of world-building, as well as a BUNCH of confusing names. I would probably have been better off starting the series w book #1 but it was #5 that presented itself to me cheaply. I never did keep the names all straight, but really loved the action scenes, which Holmes writes very well, and Hani’s interactions w/ his family members, one of whom is a physician in the royal household, are also engaging. What does Hani's physician daughter know about the thefts - or the midwife’s murder?
Things become progressively more complicated as the thefts turn out to be attempted poisonings - and more midwives start getting murdered. Do the murders have something to do w/ the actual parentage of the boy-prince, Haru-in-the-Nest (to be known as Tukhen-Aten to history)?
I like that the Lake of Flowers has to be crossed to get to the Field of Reeds - the afterlife. It is a lovely metaphor for Hani getting through the dangers caused by these investigations into a smoother life for himself and his family, although there is a lot of suspense and action getting to his smoother life!
The world created by the book has really stuck w/ me for days. Even though there are too many hard names of characters and places, and the plot line started s-l-o-w-l-y, I give the story 3.4 stars, rounded down to three. -
Hani would forever remember what he was doing the day he learned of the coregent’s death.
A good first line and a great beginning to a somewhat convoluted tale set in Ancient Egypt with the most difficult character names to try to remember. Hani (the easiest name to remember) is summoned by Queen Nefertiti (King Akhen-Khepra-Ra) and by Lord Ay (the king’s father) to investigate a series of thefts within the royal household... and not only that, but of the suspicious death of a midwife. This is a historical murder mystery set on the banks of the Nile, infusing modern language and actions into this ancient civilization in a rather ambivalent way. Ambivalent in that the narrative causes a vacillation of feelings as the reader is immersed in the world-building descriptive passages of lily-painted columned palaces against the somewhat anachronistic way the people talk to each other, which feels more modern than how you might imagine Ancient Egyptians talking.
In the storyline, the investigation into this death leads Hani and his son-in-law, Maya, to delve into the mystery and how the ‘rumors’ about Nefertiti’s son, Prince Haru in the Nest (Tut-ankh-aten), being the actual son of a servant girl who was switched at birth. In the midst of all the mystery, the reader is thrust into the political and religious intrigue as revolutionaries, including the Queen, intend on re-establishing the old worship of Amen-Ra by civil war. Yet, Hani’s family life is one of peace and he enjoys the shade of his garden and the day-to-day activities of a good life, even if he has sworn to serve the Queen, no matter what she asks of him.
In trying to conform your mind to this ancient way of life, a reader must do a little research of their own to understand how royal life worked in those days. For someone whose knowledge of Egyptian royalty is nil, the idea of a Queen becoming a King is quite confusing at first, and therefore, perhaps reading the first books in this series is essential to understanding all that is transpiring in the storyline. That being said, Holmes does a great job in writing very active scenes as well as descriptive passages which immerse the reader into the setting. I was particularly drawn to Neferet and Baket-iset, the daughters of Hani, the former of whom served as a physician in the royal household and the latter who suffers from a debilitating injury, but both of whom brighten the story with their personalities. But the knowledge of what really happened at Tut-ankh-aten’s birth may have something more to do with the murders... all leading Hani down a very dangerous path of discovery.
No question but that the death of Ankh-khepur-ra is the end of something, and the gorgeous facade that remains standing is hollow and doomed.
In learning about Ancient Egyptian beliefs and customs, the title Lake of Flowers intrigued me and as is the case so often in historical fiction, pushed me to delve into the meaning and the correlation to the storyline. The belief was, in summation: if the soul passed through the Weighing of the Heart it moved on to a path which led to Lily Lake (also known as the Lake of Flowers). There are, again, a number of versions of what could happen on this path where, in some, one finds dangers to be avoided and gods to help and guide while, in others, it is an easy walk down the kind of path one would have known back home.
The imagery of this point in actual history as relating to Hani is traversed quite well, even from the very beginning as ‘every time he saw his garden, it tucked a blanket of peace and contentment around his soul – the square pool in the middle with its water lilies and the four flower beds edged with stones, a small tree at the center of each, separated by clean gravel paths.’ Hani finds dangers along the way through this metaphorical path, sometimes easy, sometimes difficult, and all with the guidance of others and the gods. In the belief, a person must show their self-worth to continue the journey, and Hani does this very skillfully.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read into a era not often traversed in historical fiction but one readers will be delighted with, not only in the historical accuracy but in the melding together of old and new in the way people interacted and communicated with one another. Also, in the fact that murder mysteries were very much a part of ancient history.
“We all have moral problems these days... But as a servant of the Great House, I have to be on some side.”
*****
“Lake of Flowers” by N. L. Holmes receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company -
Lord Hani is a Royal Investigator. He is asked by the king to find out why there have been thefts and then returns of items within the king’s household. Beginning this investigation leads to a web of interrelated mysteries that Hani must solve including one that involves the king’s son whose parentage is being questioned. The issue of a baby swap comes to light as witnesses of this occurrence are turning up dead. Someone is after his daughter Nefereti and her friend who are physicians of the king’s ladies. Caught between the kingdom’s politics and his own desire for the kingdom to return to Amen-Ra, Hani must solve all the mysteries to restore some truths to his life and lessen his anxiety over his daughter's welfare. Can he solve them all before it’s too late?
Although this book is a part of a series, I have not read any of the previous books. The story still intrigued me with its complicated mystery plot. -
I have followed this series from the start and it keeps getting better. I love the entire series and what it means for the historical references. I love how the author takes the time to make the books seamlessly coincide and are also filled with action. I love how much I’ve learned from or about the characters and it’s all for the best. Enjoy this book and the others as well!
-
4 Stars
Lake of Flowers is the fifth book in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L Holmes. As with the other books in this series, this is a mystery set in ancient Egypt- a story full of historical details that give it a rich and vibrant feel with plenty intrigue, drama, hidden agendas, politics, secrets, danger, duty, family, interesting characters, and more.
I have followed the series right from the beginning and have developed quite a soft spot for Hani, our MC in the series. He is a great character and I enjoy following him on his ‘adventures’. But this story isn’t about to let him ease up any- as there is a theft to investigate which leads to sinister agendas. Hani’s loyalty, duty, ideals, and diplomatic skills will be tested as he becomes caught in a battle between two warring forces. What transpires makes for a really great read.
As expected- this story once again showcases the authors passion for history- and especially this time period- her in-depth knowledge and familiarity with the historical aspects of the era really does enrich the whole story/series.
Looking forward to seeing what Hani gets up to next…
Happy Reading!!
Thank you, N.L Holmes! -
I have now been following Hani, an Egyptian Diplomat from book one and I always look forward to a new story and I am never disappointed. Each book can be read as a standalone story, however I feel that the reader will enjoy the novels more if they are read in order. This story is set in ancient Egypt, around the seventeenth and final year of Akh-en-aten’s reign, which is about 1338 BCE. Hani makes a great main character as he is well defined and is both relatable and likeable and he really helps brings the plot together. Due to the authors wonderfully descriptive narrative I always feel engaged with Hani and immersed in his world, so much so that I feel I am solving the mystery alongside him.
This time Hani is investigating thefts from the household of the king which on closer inspection appear to be related to a sinister attempt on the kings life. Alongside the main mystery Hani is worried for his daughter who was present at the crown prince’s birth as those present begin to die as secrets emerge about the princes identity. Hani is caught between the government and the radical revolutionaries who would like to restore Amen-Ra by civil war. This unfortunately involves the Queen, who Hani has sworn to serve. As usual this is a complex historical crime mystery story with an action packed plot which had me hooked from start to finish. The twists and turns kept me guessing and I enjoyed figuring out the mystery elements of the storyline alongside Lord Hani.
There are a lot of characters mentioned which can be confusing but the list of characters at the beginning of the book is very helpful and I found it interesting to know which characters were based on a real person and those who are fictional. The authors knowledge and research shines through in her writing and I found the historical notes particularly fascinating along with the glossary of terms. I continue to enjoy ‘The Lord Hani Mysteries’ series and I look forward to book number six, hopefully! -
Anytime I have an N.L. Holmes book to read I am a happy camper. Lake of Flowers (The Lord Hani Mysteries, book 5) is one more excellent read in the series. I find that I am so in love with Lord Hani’s family. I never know what’s going to happen next. He and his family live in a dangerous time. Always on guard, always taking care around the royalty they live under. Amusingly enough I find many parallels between our culture and society today and Lord Hani’s. If you love a good mystery, this is your book. If you love history, ancient history, again this is the book for you. I tried very hard this time to take my time and savor this story. I did very well until I got to the last quarter of the book and I just lost all control. Ms. Holmes has a very descriptive writing style and I love to read it. It’s not just the story, it’s the way she strings the words together. A delight to read. My top author for the year so far.
-
This is the fifth book in this series which I have enjoyed from the first book. I highly suggest that you read the previous books as they are just as great as this one. This is an author that I have enjoyed from the first book I picked up. The author’s use of details give their story a realistic feel and I am pulled into the story from the beginning. This book is no different. This is a well written story that has characters that bring the story to life. They are relatable and truly give the story life. This is a story about thefts that are happening in the King’s house. As the story goes on Hani finds himself caught in the middle of secrets and more. He is such a great character that I just enjoy him and what he brings to the story. This was a great afternoon story that I highly recommend.
-
Wow, what an excellent read! This was my first read from Holmes, but it will not be my last as I have to gobble up the rest of the books in this series. Despite this being my introduction to Lord Hani and the suspense surrounding his family, it was an easy read that kept me turning pages at all hours of the night. I appreciate how detailed the characters and setting were laid out, I could really visualize everything that happened in the story. Holmes background in archaeology played a huge role in the setting, politics, and character development. I definitely learned a thing or two throughout this book despite it being fiction. If you want something that will keep you in suspense and wanting more, I highly recommend this novel!
-
This is the 5th book in The Lord Hani Mysteries Series. I've loved these book from the very first one. Each one is captivating and the author does an amazing job of transporting you back to Ancient Egyptian times. The author's knowledge of Ancient Egypt, the relationships between the people and their gods and how they all link together is what really makes this story come alive for me. I love anything to do with Ancient Egypt and the detail and how accurate the author is really makes these books stand out for me.
Lord Hani is back and things are changing fast. Lord Hani is hired to find out who is behind the thefts that are happening in from the Royal household. However these aren't normal thefts and could be connected to an attempt on the King's life.
At the same time there are revolutionaries who are looking to restore things to the way they were. As they grow in number Hani finds himself draw towards them and treads a fine line between serving his King and plotting against him.
It is a step back into a complicated time where things aren't always what they seem and there are always more secrets and lies than first expected. -
Book 5, Lake of Flowers is the last book in the series in The Lord Hani Mysteries by N.L. Holmes is set in Ancient Egypt where NL’s passion lies. This series is not just a story they are also a lesson in history. Lord Hani is once again thrust into the thick of things that always sets himself and family into trouble and worry as he sets about to discover who is behind this latest mystery. Only this time it may all prove too much and possibly divide loyalties. I have said before and it is just as true with this book and that is that NL paints a vivid narrative, and her writing invites you into the journey and brings the characters to life.
-
Lake of Flowers
Lord Hani Mysteries Book 5
By
N.L. Holmes
I like how this author includes information in the book that helps us understand the history surrounding this story. Putting things into perspective for us as the reader, things like maps and background history lessons. It helps us as readers absorb the story much easier. As with the other books in this series it is well written and an enjoyable read. -
This is the 5th book in The Lord Hani Mysteries series. This is Historical Mystery novel and is 292 pages. This story follows Lord Hani as he begins to investigate some things that have come up missing and a mysterious death of a midwife. This story is set in ancient Egypt, and once again, the author does a fantastic job with details to the period. Turns out, it is not just a one-time incident – more midwives are coming up dead. Could they all be related to the recent Prince’s birth?
-
Lake of Flowers by N.L. Holmes is the fifth book in The Lord Hani Mysteries series. I recommend reading these because it helps to understand the characters and the story elements that continue from book to book. This book features a more complex series of events that ties with Hani. He is such a loyal man, and he is being forced to pick sides. I really enjoy the historical elements and how the author works a mystery and sleuthing into ancient Egypt. Also, I have enjoyed the interactions between the characters. There is always complexity in relationships when government, religion, and personal relationships merge and weave together. I look forward to reading more in this series soon.
-
I love any opportunity I get to visit Egypt. This book takes you there, but also has you seeing the colours, smelling the decadent florals and feeling like you are really there, among the pageantry and people. If you are looking for a page turner, and wanting to go on an adventure, filled with twists and turns, then this is the book for you. This author does not disappoint at all, and has been added to my favourites list. I am proud to display her on my shelves, and have recommended her to many of my friends. If you are a fan of ancient Egypt, then this is a must read book.
-
I think this is the best one yet in the Lord Hani series. N. L
Holmes description of people amd the places in the novel is just amazing. When people that witnessed the birth of the prince start dying, Hani is worried about his daughter. He's on a mission to solve crimes for the king while trying to keep his daughter safe. While its not necessary to read the series in order, I do suggest that you do. I absolutely love this series and the author is amazing. -
I love Hani’s stories. Such a great story to add to the library. As the fifth book in the series, I would read the others first as they will help you follow Hani through his journey!! I really don’t want this one to be the end, so I’m waiting for book six!
-
N.L. Holmes' fifth Lord Hani mystery, brings ancient Egypt to vivid life, gifting the reader a tale steeped in political intrigue, peppered with murder and garnished with one or two delightfully odd archaeological discoveries for good measure.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/08/18/histo...
