The gripping Egyptian mystery-thriller“A page turner, blending historical accuracy with thrilling and imaginative plot twist and turns” Maggie Pagano, The Times“Up there with the best of Wilbur Smith. A gripping read from modern day to ancient Egypt.” Jet Uppal, BNP“One of the best books I’ve ever read.” James Richardson, JR BooksDescription:When Alex MacLure’s friend and colleague dies he is … and colleague dies he is determined to carry on her research into ancient Egypt. He finds she has left him a coded message and, as he tries to make sense of it all, he discovers she was murdered. And now the murderer needs to silence him.
With only a few clues and a mysterious object, Alex follows a trail from London to Cairo. He must crack the code and expose a shocking and inconceivable truth before the secret is buried for ever.
more
I discovered this book after reading one of Murray Bailey’s more recent books “Singapore Killer” which is part of the Ash Carter series. It was such a good thriller that I wanted to read more books by the same author. Then I realized Map of the Dead was linked to ancient Egypt and I knew I had to read it.
The death of a young woman hooked me from the beginning. Not only did the author get me interested in who killed her but more importantly why. We soon learn that it is linked to her research about ancient Egypt.
While Alex MacLure is mourning the death of his colleague and best friend, he also learns that she left him clues about her research and the warning not to trust anyone. And rightly so. Alex is a wanted man.
If you love ancient Egypt or just a great mystery/suspense novels with codes and hidden messages, you really wanted to read this book!
In some parts, the book reminded me a little bit of Sam Bourne but as a whole I think the book is too unique to be compared to this book or that author.
There is also a story within the story, set in Egypt 3000 years ago. At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read the historical fiction story as well, as I was impatient to learn what happens to Alex MacLure next. But I must say I fell in love with both sets of characters and really didn’t mind which story was told when.
As an author myself, I found this book with its well-developed links to ancient Egypt extremely fascinating. After writing a book linked to Greek Myths, I once flirted with the idea to write my next books linked to other ancient myths, including Egyptian myth. Reading this book made me so happy I didn’t. I couldn’t have written this story any better but I could have done a lot, lot worse.
No doubt the author invested a lot of time in researching the topic, this alone would have taken me many years. Coming up with the plot, the secret codes, and all the fascinating details throughout the book had probably taken me another few years.
This was my second Murray Bailey book and for sure not my last!
“Map of the Dead” left me confused. Who was orchestrating the coverup? What were they trying to keep secret?
This book was recommended by a colleague so I gave it a whirl. Was not disappointed. I actually started looking for more books on Ancient Egyptian’s, Pharaoh’s and the Gods they worshiped.
This was okay. It was predictable.
Great book!
I love books that keep me guessing what’s next–this one was very real and exciting.
Great research and a good plot
Entertaining what else does anyone need – this book fits that need
Very enjoyable read. Interesting take on the religious ideas.
If you have an interest in Egyptian history, this is the book for you. If not, you will enjoy it anyway. Alex MacLure makes an excellent debut a with a welcome and believable well-developed character.
Like the interaction of the prior history was today
An interesting premise that starts off good but a book could be shortened. Some of the lineage and mathematical parts could be simplified and shortened. The story in a story was entertaining. A principal character was obvious, another minor character was unnecessary. The ending is not plausible and actually somewhat ridiculous.
okay but too much detail to take in in a book, drawings helped but not really.
Too much Egyptian detail.
Readable but not great
Well worth reading and very enjoyable! I recommend this book as being a good and gripping read!
I’m not rushing out to buy the sequel, but this is a decent light-weight thriller.