The Crocodile Makes No Sound, written by N. L. Holmes, is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt during the religious revolution of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. It is the second book in the four-book Lord Hani mystery series.
When the pharaoh Akhenaten outlaws the old religion and declares its followers to be heretics, Lord Hani, a noble scribe related to many priests of the old gods, finds himself in grave peril. Despite deliberately trying to lay low in order to escape the pharaoh's inquisitors, Hani is nevertheless dragged into investigating three mysteries involving people close to him: Hani’s brother-in-law vanishes suddenly and without a trace; Hani’s niece becomes engaged to a sculptor with a shady background; and a young lady of very high standing who is also a friend of Hani’s is blackmailed into committing political sabotage. As Hani investigates, his world begins to turn upside down as he unravels dark secrets guarded by several individuals in power. Is it possible that Hani's mysteries are related? Can Hani resolve even a single one of them, let alone all three? Most importantly, can he do it in secret, in order to avoid being executed by the royal police?
From beginning to end, the book is packed with action that is both compelling and believable. Holmes brings ancient Egypt to life in a way that few others can manage; from time to time, I felt an urge to shake sand from my shoes and to shade myself from the glaring Egyptian sun. The events, too, are written to bring the reader directly into the action, as the story unfolds organically with little to no foreshadowing. The many story arcs weave together to make a single cohesive piece that still leaves the reader guessing almost to the very last page.
Although this is the second book in the series, I had no trouble jumping in without reading the first. The conclusion of this installment is satisfying and leaves no loose ends but still provides room for the continuation of Lord Hani’s adventures. I know I, for one, will be eagerly following him in future books.
The author is an archaeologist, and it definitely shows in her work. Most of the characters, even the minor ones, are real historical figures. As far as I can tell, most of the major events are factual as well. The end of the book contains a glossary of terms that includes all the characters, places, and deities that were mentioned in the book and denotes which of them really existed. I found the glossary to be very helpful, and I’m only sorry that I didn’t discover it sooner.
My one complaint is that many of the characters’ names are similar. For example, four characters all share the name “Amen-hotep”, and one of these four is married to a man called “Amen-em-hut”. This is not really the author’s fault, as many of the true historical figures shared names, and so this similarity must be preserved for the sake of accuracy. To her credit, Holmes improves life for the reader by giving many of the characters nicknames, which helps considerably. Nevertheless, it is difficult for the reader initially to keep them all straight.
There is only one profane word in the entire book, and although childbirth is discussed, there is no sexual content. However, the vocabulary is high-level and the events of the book are sufficiently cerebral that children and teens likely would not be able to follow them. The book is therefore best suited to adults or to advanced young adult readers.
The Crocodile Makes No Sound earns a score of 4 out of 4 for its gripping intrigue, immersive writing style, and compelling historical accuracy. It would most appeal to lovers of historical fiction and mystery with an interest in ancient Egypt.
The Crocodile Makes No Sound by N. L. Holmes takes place in New Kingdom Egypt, the Eighteenth-Dynasty reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. In this fascinating historical setting, ancient Egypt is being plunged into unrest over the abrupt change to monotheism. The Great Pharaoh has declared that the state religion will be the worship of Aten. He has moved his capital from Thebes to a newly constructed temple complex over two hundred miles down the Nile. The Pharaoh has declared himself the sole conduit to the Aten. As a result, the priestly classes and the attendants of the old gods have become obsolete and unemployed.
Lord Hari, a scribe in the foreign service of the Egyptian Empire, is not highly placed in the aristocracy. Nonetheless, his talent for unraveling puzzles, and his skills in diplomacy catch the attention of the Syrian princess, Kiya, who was originally presented to the Pharaoh’s father to seal a treaty. Akhenaten has recently taken the princess as his most beloved wife. In her new position, any perceived royal indiscretion can lead to the collapse of international treaties, and capital punishment for anyone involved. She asks Hari to locate the parties who are blackmailing her and undo their threats to the empire. Although Hari would rather live quietly while tending his garden, his birds, and his family, he sets out to fulfill the royal request.
I liked the vivid, yet natural way that the author evokes the Egypt of 1345 BCE. She illustrates the enormity of the palaces and temples by having Lord Hari walk through endless hallways, never hearing an echo from the distant figures who serve the masters. She peoples the sun-baked streets with throngs of linen-clad citizens in wigs wearing sparkling necklaces. She illustrates the importance of the Nile for farming, travel, and trade while showing commerce reckoned in grain and jewelry.
I especially liked her portrayal of Lord Hari as a devoted family man. Even though his wife and in-laws are outcast attendants of the old gods, he guards their secrets, knowing that one misstep could bring down the entire family. The interaction between Hari and his children, two grown sons and three daughters, is written with feeling and authenticity. His oldest daughter, disabled in a boating accident, is a wise sounding board for his theories. His youngest daughter is clownishly entertaining. I felt as if I had a glimpse of the real goings-on in a lower-level household of the ruling class.
I found little to criticize in the plot, character development, or style of The Crocodile Makes No Sound. It was a unique story that was well written and edited... This book is a treasure of a read for enthusiasts of historical fiction. The context is convincing without narrating specific historical incidents. For those who love exotic settings for a mystery novel, I can say it will not disappoint you. --Official Online Book Club Review
Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ FavoriteThe Crocodile Makes No Sound is a work of fiction in the historical world of ancient Egypt and was penned by author N. L. Holmes. Combining accurate historical realism with emotive characters and intense drama, this novel is the sequel to the excellent Bird In A Snare. We are reunited with the empathetic and heroic protagonist Lord Hani as his diplomatic ventures continue, and once more we find ourselves embroiled in a fascinating political plot. As Hani takes on an investigation for the Beloved Royal Wife, he learns how to carefully toe the line between his own conscience and the loyalty he must show to the king.Author N. L. Holmes delivers another stellar volume in the Lord Hani Mysteries collection with this new novel that picks up a few years after the previous novel. Having been wowed by the sensual and immersive introduction to ancient Egypt from book one, it was wonderful to step back into Hani’s world and see the adjustments and difficulties that have occurred since the regime change. The dialogue shone for me in this volume, with each character finding their unique voice and delivering emotive conversations that flag all the suspicions and turmoil that lie beneath the surface. I felt that the development of the female characters, struggling in this patriarchal society, was also especially well done, and I adored both Neferet and Nefertiti for their trials and tribulations. Overall, I would highly recommend The Crocodile Makes No Sound for fans of Lord Hani who want to fall into these amazing political thriller mysteries of the ancient world. 5/5 stars
