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series Reading Order

Amerotke Books in Order

7 Books
1998 – 2008 Published
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Reading order

Recommended Reading Order

The Amerotke series follows a straightforward, linear chronology that aligns perfectly with its publication order. To fully appreciate the political rise of Queen Hatusu (Hatshepsut) and the evolving relationship between Chief Judge Amerotke and his loyal servant Shufoy, you should read the books in the order they were written.

Amerotke Books in Order

  1. The Mask of Ra (1998) – The mystery begins with the sudden death of Pharaoh Tuthmosis II and a conspiracy threatening the crown.
  2. The Horus Killings (1999) – As Hatusu claims the throne, a series of brutal killings at the Temple of Horus threatens her divine right to rule.
  3. The Anubis Slayings (2000) – High-ranking diplomats are murdered on the eve of a crucial peace treaty, risking war with the Mitanni.
  4. The Slayers of Seth (2000) – Amerotke investigates the death of a scribe, uncovering a plot that reaches the highest levels of Egyptian society.
  5. The Assassins of Isis (2004) – A series of deaths linked to the mysterious Sect of the Assassins forces Amerotke to hunt a shadow killer.
  6. The Poisoner of Ptah (2007) – A poisoner targets members of the nobility during a grand military celebration.
  7. The Spies of Sobeck (2008) – A final mystery pits Amerotke against a mass poisoning and a sinister cult.

Chronological and Historical Context

Doherty, a PhD historian from Oxford, sets the series around 1479 B.C. during the 18th Dynasty of Egypt. Since each book builds upon the political landscape of Queen Hatusu's groundbreaking reign, reading them out of order can spoil key political shifts at the royal court in Thebes. There are no prequels or spin-offs featuring Amerotke, meaning you can dive straight in without worrying about hidden tie-ins.

Related Series: The Mahu Trilogy

If you finish the Amerotke novels and crave more Ancient Egyptian intrigue, Doherty also penned the Mahu Trilogy (also known as the Egyptian Mysteries). This separate series is set in a later, tumultuous era of the 18th Dynasty—the Amarna period of Akhenaten. It follows Mahu, the Chief of Police, and consists of An Evil Spirit Out of the West (2003), The Season of the Hyaena (2005), and The Year of the Cobra (2006).

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Amerotke series?

You should start with The Mask of Ra (1998). It introduces Chief Judge Amerotke, his servant Shufoy, and the political backdrop of Queen Hatusu's reign.

QDo the Amerotke books need to be read in order?

Yes, it is highly recommended to read them in publication order. While the murder mysteries are self-contained, the overarching political narrative and character relationships develop chronologically.

QWho is the main protagonist of the series?

The protagonist is Amerotke, the Chief Judge of Thebes, who is known for his sharp intellect, dedication to truth, and adherence to the principles of Ma'at (justice).

QAre there any spin-offs or co-authored books in the series?

No. All seven books were written solely by Paul C. Doherty (often published as P.C. Doherty), and there are no direct spin-offs featuring these characters.

QHow many books are in the Amerotke series?

There are exactly seven novels in the series, starting in 1998 and concluding with The Spies of Sobeck in 2008.

QWhat other books by Paul Doherty are set in Ancient Egypt?

Doherty also wrote the Mahu Trilogy (starting with An Evil Spirit Out of the West), which is set during the Amarna period of Akhenaten, chronologically later than the Amerotke series.