Official Review: The Crocodile Makes No Sound

evraealtana · Post by **evraealtana** » 07 Jul 2020, 11:35

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Crocodile Makes No Sound" by N.L. Holmes.]

4 out of 4 stars

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When trouble came looking for a person, it came like a crocodile under the water — there was often no way to hide, and all at once, there it was.
- The Crocodile Makes No Sound, pg 58

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
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GiselleBengochea · Post by **GiselleBengochea** » 08 Jul 2020, 10:32

Congratulations on an exceptional review! God bless you!

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 08 Jul 2020, 11:33

I wonder if Lord Hani survived the entire ordeal? I share your pain about the confusing names, though. I don't think I'd be able to differentiate similar names like those. Great review!

kljrox · Post by **kljrox** » 08 Jul 2020, 11:39

Action packed mystery with actual historical figures set in Egypt! With the author's credibility and her writing style, I think I would love to read this book, maybe the series. Hani sounds like an interesting character. Thanks for the fun and exciting review.

...loved your comment about sand in your shoes!

Joeybonacua7 · Post by **Joeybonacua7** » 08 Jul 2020, 12:03

Very nice . I love to read this one . Hani is a nice character and also the place of egypt

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 08 Jul 2020, 13:51

I love that this book draws from real historical figures. Also, the setting being in Egypt adds to the mystery and historic feeling, which I love.

Thank you for the detailed review.

Chinelookeke · Post by **Chinelookeke** » 08 Jul 2020, 14:49

This lovely book talks a lot about the Egyptian history and it reminds me of some Egyptian movies I've watched. Thanks for the review.

Josephe-Anne · Post by **Josephe-Anne** » 09 Jul 2020, 00:02

An archaeologist turned fiction author... how intriguing! This series appeals to me because the mysteries of ancient Egypt have fascinated me since childhood.

You made a valid point about the character names being very similar. So, I'll have to look out for that.

Thanks for an excellent review!

Valkyrie9 · Post by **Valkyrie9** » 09 Jul 2020, 07:53

Not many mystery stories are set in ancient Egypt - this must have been an interesting read, especially if the author managed remain historically accurate for the most part. Thank you for an incredibly well written review! Keep up the good work!

LinaJan · Post by **LinaJan** » 09 Jul 2020, 13:25

Just the kind of mystery-history that is very much my cup of tea!

I love the metaphorical title too! It is quite a contract to commit to a saga but this one sounds like it is one I am willing to

I somewhat agree with you about the names, I find it difficult to memorize them when I cannot pronounce them, so, when the names are similar, it can be hard to follow sometimes. On the other hand, it may add authenticity

Thank you for such a thorough and inviting review

Onto my shelf this goes

HusainNecklace52 · Post by **HusainNecklace52** » 11 Jul 2020, 02:29

I love books with a resemblance to true historical events and facts! Your review has made me very excited to try the book for myself! Thank you for sharing

evraealtana · Post by **evraealtana** » 12 Jul 2020, 02:22

GiselleBengochea wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 10:32 Congratulations on an exceptional review! God bless you!

Thank you very much! And you as well.

evraealtana · Post by **evraealtana** » 12 Jul 2020, 02:24

Elvis Best wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 11:33 I wonder if Lord Hani survived the entire ordeal? I share your pain about the confusing names, though. I don't think I'd be able to differentiate similar names like those. Great review!

I admit, it was a struggle, but the glossary would definitely help a reader keep track of them all, if only one knows to look for it! Thank you for stopping by

evraealtana · Post by **evraealtana** » 12 Jul 2020, 02:26

kljrox wrote: ↑08 Jul 2020, 11:39 Action packed mystery with actual historical figures set in Egypt! With the author's credibility and her writing style, I think I would love to read this book, maybe the series. Hani sounds like an interesting character. Thanks for the fun and exciting review. ...loved your comment about sand in your shoes!

Thank you! This book, and perhaps the others in the series as well, stands alone well, so it isn't too much of an investment to dive in. I certainly was glad I did. Thanks for stopping by!