Author: Layton Green
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher: First Ward
Publication Date: 27th August 2011
Stand alone or series: Book 2 in the Dominic Grey Series
Pages: 325 pages
Book Received from: Author - Layton Green
First Lines: Siti hummed to himself as he picked his way through the crypts and mausoleums shrouded by eerie blue fog.
Synopsis:
At a mausoleum in Cairo’s most notorious cemetery, a mercenary receives a package containing a silver test tube suspended in hydraulic stasis.
An investigative reporter tracking rogue biomedical companies is terrified by the appearance of a mummified man outside her Manhattan apartment.
A Bulgarian scientist who dabbles in the occult makes a startling discovery in his underground laboratory
These seemingly separate events collide when Dominic Grey and Viktor Radek, private investigators of cults, are hired by the CEO of an Egyptian biomedical firm to locate stolen research integral to the company’s new life extension product. However, after witnessing the slaughter of a team of scientists by the remnants of a dangerous cult thought long abandoned, Grey and Viktor turn from pursuers to pursued.
From the gleaming corridors of visionary laboratories to the cobblestone alleys of Eastern Europe to a lost oasis in the Sahara, Grey and Viktor must sift through science and myth to uncover the truth behind the Egyptian and his sinister biotech – before that truth kills them.
My Thoughts:
After thoroughly enjoying The Summoner, I was stoked when Layton Green had asked for me to review The Egyptian, the second book in the Dominic Grey series. Of course I had to find out what was in store for Grey and Viktor and eagerly accepted.
The Egyptian begins with the opening scene of a man named Siti weaving his way through crypts and mausoleums in The City of the Dead in Cairo, Egypt to deliver a package and hopefully disappear with his family but things don't work out the way they are supposed to. Right from the first couple of chapters I was completely roped in. I had so many questions that needed answering and the appearance of something so horrifying at the end of the first chapter that it's not described left me itching to find out more.
Dominic Grey the main character has become a favourite of mine. For someone with such a troubled childhood filled with abuse of all sorts and a background as interesting and full on as his, he comes across as a genuine yet quite complex character. Viktor, Grey's business partner is another unusually complex character driven by his curiousity and need for knowledge. Viktor's what you'd call a 'cult expert' and first met Grey in The Summoner when Grey is sent to investigate a missing diplomat.
Layton has done a fantastic job at creating believable three dimensional characters that draw you into the story and make you forget that you're just reading a book. The story line is full of unexpected turns and twists and jam packed with history, myths and facts circling around the legendary 'elixir of life' and the rumours of its existence. I'm constantly amazed at the depth and knowledge Layton infuses into The Egyptian and it was so easy to picture the places Grey, Viktor and Veronica travel to on their quest to find answers to what is going on.
All in all another fantastic edition to the Dominic Grey series and I look forward to reading more from Layton in the future.
Original posted on Book Lovers Inc website :)
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