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3.09 AVERAGE
3.09 AVERAGE
I was disappointed in this book, especially considering what a prolific author Patterson is. I file this under historical fiction, because it most certainly is not nonfiction. While it's clear that Patterson has done some research to lend authenticity to the scenes he creates, his "evidence" and the book in general are severely lacking. I would expect a work that claims to be nonfiction to have citations or footnotes, none here. A high school history essay would be better written and documented.
That said, it was a quick read and does leave the reader wanting to know more. Perhaps this would be a good book for older teens interested in Egyptology (yes, teens; the writing style is not so sophisticated for me to recommend it as adult reading). I would caution parents that there are some descriptions that are graphic in nature, including sex, violence, and one instance of rape.
If you want to read historical fiction about Ancient Egypt, there are countless authors more qualified to spin a thrilling tale than Mr. Patterson (my personal favorite is [a:Christian Jacq|31855|Christian Jacq|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66.jpg], an actual Egyptologist turned novelist). If you want to read nonfiction about Ancient Egypt, go to your local library and ask a librarian to point you to the 932s.
That said, it was a quick read and does leave the reader wanting to know more. Perhaps this would be a good book for older teens interested in Egyptology (yes, teens; the writing style is not so sophisticated for me to recommend it as adult reading). I would caution parents that there are some descriptions that are graphic in nature, including sex, violence, and one instance of rape.
If you want to read historical fiction about Ancient Egypt, there are countless authors more qualified to spin a thrilling tale than Mr. Patterson (my personal favorite is [a:Christian Jacq|31855|Christian Jacq|http://www.goodreads.com/images/nophoto/nophoto-M-50x66.jpg], an actual Egyptologist turned novelist). If you want to read nonfiction about Ancient Egypt, go to your local library and ask a librarian to point you to the 932s.
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest, Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery
adventurous
fast-paced
I was rather disappointed by this book. James Patterson spent entirely too much time discussing the accomplishments of Howard Carter instead of the actual "Murder of King Tut." Additionally, the pages I hoped would shed light on the odd circumstances of Tutankhamen's death were nothing more than fictitious conversations and hints of intrigue.
The writing style was really good and read more like fiction than non-fiction. Some of the conclusions seemed a little far fetched. How did Patterson know that King Tut's queen who married Aye got fed to a crocodile. Was that a common way to dispose of bodies in ancient Egypt. It seems logical but how did he knw? He made a big deal about being historically accurate. I did like the way the writers went back and forth between Egyptian times, carter's era and the present day to see how a writer thinks about what they are writing.
Very fast read. I enjoyed the story of tut and his wife the best. Interesting how Patterson paired the story of Tut with the life of the man who discovered his tomb.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
The premise of "The Murder of King Tut" is very alluring, particularly with the power of two strong names in writing: James Patterson who's written many popular books and Martin Dugard who's written a couple of wonderful epic biographies.
The delivery on this promise, however, was a terrible disappointment. I give this 2 stars instead of 1 only because I was able to finish it; mostly due to its 250 pages which are broken up by a very consumable 99 chapterettes. Yes...99 chapters in 250 pages.
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Dugard didn't have much to say.
The book bounces back and forth between the early 20th century focusing on Howard Carter and his early career and eventual discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen - and the early 1300s B.C. focusing on the Boy King's birth and demise.
The flashbacks to King Tut's era are filled with trite dialogue that I can only guess were drawn 100% from Patterson's imagination. Having read two other Dugard books, I would expect his involvement dealt exclusively with the non-fiction research. Much of Carter's chapterettes were taken from various diaries of his. Without any notes or bibliography, however, it was impossible to tell what was made up and what had at least some foundation in fact. These chapters were, though, interesting.
Patterson would have us believe that King Tut was murdered, a common analysis that's not at all unique (just search for books on King Tut). Within the last couple of years, scientists have performed and analyzed a CT scan on Tut's body and concluded that he probably died from an infection caused by a broken leg. While I understand that this recent analysis is open to interpretation, Patterson dismissed it out of hand. I would've liked a little deeper rationale here.
Patterson resolves this ancient whodunnit with the most simplistic of conclusions based on a painting within the room that contained the body of the Boy King. After reading about 220 pages and 90+ chapters, I'd come to realize that the masterstroke conclusion of who killed Tut would be as disappointing as the rest of the book.
On that, Patterson delivered.
The delivery on this promise, however, was a terrible disappointment. I give this 2 stars instead of 1 only because I was able to finish it; mostly due to its 250 pages which are broken up by a very consumable 99 chapterettes. Yes...99 chapters in 250 pages.
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Dugard didn't have much to say.
The book bounces back and forth between the early 20th century focusing on Howard Carter and his early career and eventual discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen - and the early 1300s B.C. focusing on the Boy King's birth and demise.
The flashbacks to King Tut's era are filled with trite dialogue that I can only guess were drawn 100% from Patterson's imagination. Having read two other Dugard books, I would expect his involvement dealt exclusively with the non-fiction research. Much of Carter's chapterettes were taken from various diaries of his. Without any notes or bibliography, however, it was impossible to tell what was made up and what had at least some foundation in fact. These chapters were, though, interesting.
Patterson would have us believe that King Tut was murdered, a common analysis that's not at all unique (just search for books on King Tut). Within the last couple of years, scientists have performed and analyzed a CT scan on Tut's body and concluded that he probably died from an infection caused by a broken leg. While I understand that this recent analysis is open to interpretation, Patterson dismissed it out of hand. I would've liked a little deeper rationale here.
Patterson resolves this ancient whodunnit with the most simplistic of conclusions based on a painting within the room that contained the body of the Boy King. After reading about 220 pages and 90+ chapters, I'd come to realize that the masterstroke conclusion of who killed Tut would be as disappointing as the rest of the book.
On that, Patterson delivered.
Absolutely horrible.
This book, which is described as a "non-fiction thriller" turned out to be neither. There was nothing thrilling about this book, unless you count how thrilled I was when I finished this piece of garbage.
James Patterson makes the claim that he has solved the murder of King Tut. He then proceeds to "make his case" by writing a ridiculous book that bounces between King Tut's time in approximately 1300 BC, the 1920's in the Valley of the Kings, and modern day Florida. The book contains absolutely stupid dialouge between King Tut and his child bride and is filled with situations that could NEVER been historically verified. Which probably explains why this book did not contain a single footnote or reference.
Absolute rubbish.
This book, which is described as a "non-fiction thriller" turned out to be neither. There was nothing thrilling about this book, unless you count how thrilled I was when I finished this piece of garbage.
James Patterson makes the claim that he has solved the murder of King Tut. He then proceeds to "make his case" by writing a ridiculous book that bounces between King Tut's time in approximately 1300 BC, the 1920's in the Valley of the Kings, and modern day Florida. The book contains absolutely stupid dialouge between King Tut and his child bride and is filled with situations that could NEVER been historically verified. Which probably explains why this book did not contain a single footnote or reference.
Absolute rubbish.
challenging
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
I absolutely loved this book. It shows you a glimpse into Tutankhamen’s life and we’re he is buried and the lengths people go to find his tomb in Egypt. Another great book by James Patterson xx