Review: The Egyptian

The Egyptian by Layton Green

Genre: Thriiller, Mystery

Series: Dominic Grey #2

Pages: 325 (ebooks)

Source: Author

Description:

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 Rating:

My Review:

Dominic Grey is back for yet another adventure.  When a mysterious business-man hires him to find the location of his stolen property, Dominic dives straight in, meeting a New York reporter, a scientist, and teaming up with Victor to solve the mystery.  However, things are not what they seem (who would have thought) and reality and myth are entangled in a confusing web of uncertainty.  The theme concerning the elixir of life is new and refreshing.

I enjoyed this well-researched thriller.  Though this is the second in a series, it stands alone extremely well.  In book two, the reader gets to know Dominic and his background much better, making him a more well-rounded character.  I wish I would have seen more of Viktor, as he was a favorite of mine from the previous book but I enjoyed meeting Stefan and the Al-Miri who were both interesting in a murky kind of "who is the bad guy" kind of way.  Veronica didn't seem to add much to the story and seemed to be in the way.  I would have preferred more about the other characters.  The mystery/thriller captured my attention and the ending was PERFECT!!  Mr. Green has a way of pacing endings in such a way that the reader doesn't feel rushed but is still thinking well after the book is finished.  

I will say that I thought that the book dragged in the first 150 pages or so although never enough to make me want to stop reading it.  The romance seems more realistic and fitting for the place that Dominic is in; however, like the Summoner, this element is the weakest.  I know that many people like to have a bit of romance in everything they read but it just doesn't seem necessary in this series.  Or maybe Dominic just doesn't have good taste in women ;)

Overall, I recommend this unique adventurous read for those who like thrillers and learning about interesting new topics such as biomedical gerontology.  I look forward to The Diabolist.