Nun-Turned-Archaeologist Pens Three Lively Historical Novel Series Set In Ancient Egypt, Taking Us Behind The Scenes of a Kingdom With Parallels To Today’s America
What kind of books would a nun-turned-archaeologist write?
Answer: Two intriguing series, both powerful historical fiction set in the fascinating period of Egyptian rule some 3,300 years ago.
Flowers of Evil
When a dying florist shows up on the doorstep of their new medical dispensary, two young women and their teenage apprentice resolve to uncover the significance of his last words and how they might help solve the crime.
Who would want to murder a florist? Especially the florist in charge of floral offerings to Amen-Ra, supreme deity of all Egypt? Award-winning author N.L. Holmes launches her latest fantasy novel Flowers of Evil (Wayback Press) with this question, devising twists and turns that make us suspect just about every character and alibi presented before the answer finally reveals itself.
This cozy mystery — set in Egypt during the first regnal years of King Tut-ankh-amen and within the context of a devoted high-society Egyptian family — offers a well-textured and engaging view of social hierarchies, religious beliefs, family dynamics, politics and the rich material culture that supported Egyptian life circa 1335 BCE.
A series of books by author N.L. Holmes rely on her extensive knowledge of this period in ancient Egypt and her vivid imagination to dig up the past and present relevant, page-turning sets of mysteries. They capture the attention of those who are curious about what happened behind-the-scenes of one of the greatest dynasties. Her books explore the explosive dynamics of family and power behind the kingdom, sharing adventurous stories through provocative protagonists.
“These books explore a time and people that reveal some similarities to today’s time of political unrest and cultural change,” says Holmes. Indeed, she insightfully understands human nature and how that drives motives and actions to create extraordinary stories.
Holmes will share the following in an interview:
· Why she left the convent after two decades to be an archaeologist and professor for 25 years.
· How historical fictions helps us gain an appreciation of history and a greater perspective of today.
· Why the kingdom of the man who was King Tut’s father is so interesting.
· What happens when there is great cultural, religious and political change in a short period of time.
· What we learn from studying the dynamics between a totalitarian regime and its servants.
· What she discovered on archaeological digs in Greece and Israel.
· The challenges and rewards of bringing ancient history authentically to life today.
“These books bring to life a long-gone era that has relevance to today’s world,” says Holmes. Those days – and these books – possess some powerful elements, including: mysterious political assassinations, shocking affairs with heads of state, dramatic family maneuverings, plots for rebellion and resistance.”