Secrets of the Dead is an engrossing read that holds the reader with the hunt for a serial killer that crosses continents and also has an interesting subplot of subterfuge and a missing spouse set in the royal circles of ancient Egypt. The suspense surrounding The Surgeon and the Lazarus-like reasons for his actions builds slowly but steadily, as the protagonists get drawn into a cat and mouse chase before many more die and especially the captured girlfriend of Alex McLure. An enjoyable stand alone read even more so if the dead of ancient Egypt are of interest. ( )

Special agent Charlie Rebb is investigating a murder that looks as if it could be the work of the Surgeon a known serial killer. Meanwhile in Egypt Alex Maclure is looking for a secret sign. Soon it becomes clear its connected to the surgeon. Can Alex find it without getting himself arrested or worse.

This is book 2 in the series but I followed enough of the basic story. It was an interesting story that jumped back to the past which I really enjoyed. The plot was good but just didn't thrill me as much as I'd hoped. Still a good read though. ( )

Thank you very much to the author for sending me this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Secrets of the Dead is a thriller which follows the investigation of a serial killer from the US to Egypt, weaving in an impressive number of conspiracy theories along the way and including some passages where the narrative is set in Ancient Egypt.

I really enjoyed the fast-paced escapism of this book and would definitely read another in the series. Splitting the narrative between countries and eras is ambitious and is pulled off really well, and each part of the narrative properly and logically adds to the story. The author also manages to avoid the trap that a lot of writers fall into, thinking that because they did a lot of research they have to add in as many random historical details as possible - Secrets of the Dead is well researched but carries this lightly, so it adds to the story rather than detracts from it.

The conspiracy theories were plentiful and enjoyable, although these did get a little scattergun for my taste at times. I felt like there were a few too many glimpsed conspiracy theory red herrings that crowded the earlier part of the story. The book could have benefitted from a good proof reading to give it a little extra polish, and the ending was fully signposted earlier in the story (i.e. there's no big reveal) but this didn't stop it being a very enjoyable read.

You don't need to have read the first book in the series before reading this one. Secrets of the Dead works well as an enjoyable standalone book and I'm interested to see if any of the elements that were hinted at but not followed through in this book are picked up in future installments! ( )

n the tradition of Dan Brown and Indiana Jones Secrets of the Dead establishes Murray Bailey firmly as a competent writer of adventure fiction, for me anyway. What I want to know is why the hell this guy isn’t up there heading the best seller lists?

Stories like these are my ‘fast food’ reads if you will. I sit down and I read and I enjoy. I am transported out of my cerebral self for several hundred pages and I let myself be carried along the crest of an adventure where many swashes are buckled!!

Spanning two continents Secrets of the Dead links an FBI agent, sorry, Special Agent Charlie Rebb, an indomitable female sleuth and Alex MacClure an archaeologist with a penchant for interpreting ancient symbols and an Egyptology expert. They’re linked because of a unprecedented number of murders by a serial killer dubbed The Surgeon. And more than that I refuse to tell under pain of torture. Read the book!

It’s pacy, it’s action packed, it’s complex and intricate and it’s exciting. There’s a dual narrative with the present day action unfolding alongside a tale from Ancient Egypt. What is so impressive is the author’s expansive knowledge and obvious love for Egypt and its history. So much research has gone into this book which makes it so convincing and readable. Mind you, you need to be on your toes! There’s much discussion regarding some parallels between Christianity and Egyptology which is fascinating but complex. There is so much information given here that it will spiral around your brain as you try to make sense of it all.

The descriptions are palpable and atmospheric. There were a couple of sequences that reminded me of the film Midnight Express. The characters are interesting and fulfilled their roles without being stereotypical. The final denouement is satisfying without leaving any loose threads and almost hints of a further book?

My understanding is that this is the second story to feature Alex MacClure but in no way was my enjoyment of this inhibited by not having read the first although I think I’ll have to now!!

My thanks to Librarything for the opportunity to read this book and to Mr. Bailey for kindly signing the book for me. ( )

Another enjoyable and well written mystery from Murray Bailey. The book moves at a good pace and there is a neat and tidy end.

(This was an early reviewer copy - but this hasn't had an impact on the review.) ( )