Review of Web of Evil

[Annabell Samuel]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Web of Evil" by N. L. Holmes.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The world has evolved. There is no justifiable reason for murder except if it can be proven that it is in self-defense. Going back to Egypt in 1335 BCE, there was a law that permitted a man to kill another man if there was evidence that that man was having an affair with his wife. However, the man was also required to kill his wife. Only then would he justify killing his wife’s lover.

In an ancient Egyptian village lived a man named Tjay. His wife, Ta-em-resefu, was having an affair with Hapu-seneb, the son of his boss,  Khnum-em-heb. Meanwhile, Tjay was not particularly his family’s favorite. His wife would do anything to leave him. His stepmother, Khem-sit, would not mind getting rid of him. One day, a dead body flowed from the river to Lord Hani’s house. Lord Hani’s daughter, Neferet, alongside her apprentice, Mut-tuy, and fellow physician, Bener-ib, were left with two assignments: identify the body and investigate the apparent murder. 

“Web of Evil” by N. L. Holmes lives up to its name. This book draws the reader into a murder investigation that leads them to many surprising discoveries. When you think the matter is solved, something throws the investigators back to the drawing board. You have to pay rapt attention to details to avoid getting lost, as there are many twists and turns in this narrative. You also need to have an open mind, as nothing is as it seems.

The author went out of her way to ensure readers would not get lost in the narrative. At the beginning of the book, there was a map of the book’s setting and a brief history of Egypt in 1335 BCE. The author also provided a list of the characters. However, I’d advise readers to check it out after reading the book. There was also a glossary to explain the unfamiliar terms used in the book. The author arranged the book so that readers would flow seamlessly with it.

I also applaud the realistic approach to the investigation. Although I would expect investigations to be done by a trained detective, I loved that the author turned physicians into investigators. Even with the twists and turns, it was not challenging following Neferet and her team’s investigation. The author also used the “show, don’t tell” approach in this narrative. Readers would have the liberty to make deductions as the investigation moved along. I loved that I could engage my deductive abilities. I was right a few times; however, I was wrong most of the time. This book took me on a fascinating investigative journey.

This book is the second in the “Hani’s Daughter Mystery” series. However, it can be read as a standalone book. I did not even know it was part of a series until I got to the end. After the story ended, the author gave me a sneak peek into the first chapter of the next installment, “Wheel of Evil.” I can’t wait to read that, too.

There was nothing I disliked about the book. Therefore, I'd rate it five out of five stars. I’d recommend it to lovers of murder mysteries.

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Web of Evil
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[Henish Subedi]

Book Review; "Web of Evil”, by N. L. Holmes
Step into Egypt in 1335 BCE with "Web of Evil " the book in the "Hani’s Daughter Mystery" series by N. L. Holmes. This gripping murder mystery takes you on a journey filled with intrigue and suspense regardless of whether you have read the book or not. The story kicks off with the discovery of a body near Lord Hani’s residence leading to an investigation spearheaded by Neferet her apprentice Mut tuy and fellow healer Bener ib.

The narrative weaves together a tapestry of truths, lies and surprising revelations. Tjay finds himself entangled in a web of family conflicts and marital turmoil when his wife Ta em resefu becomes romantically involved with Hapu seneb, the son of Tjay’s employer Khnum em heb. What sets this murder mystery apart is that it is skillfully unraveled by healers than detectives adding an intriguing and authentic dimension, to the story.

Holmes pays attention to every detail making sure that readers stay connected with the cultural background. By including a map, an overview of the era a list of characters and a glossary of terms the reading experience becomes richer allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Egypt.

The story unfolds through a "show don't tell" approach encouraging readers to use their skills. With twists and turns in the plot readers are kept engaged. Challenged to solve the mystery alongside the characters. This interactive aspect adds to the enjoyment and intellectual stimulation of the narrative.

The book is authored by Holmes who has good storytelling skills and the ability to build his characters. “Web of Evil,” is therefore a very interesting novel given its smooth narrative, which is also realistic in depicting investigations. Every individual involved in the story adds to its depth and interest.

There is nothing wrong with this book. “Web of Evil,” on the other hand, provides an immersive historical setting alongside gripping plot. I would easily give it five out of five stars and recommend it to all fans of crime novels.

[Nwachukwu Somto]

I like books with suspense. Investigation scenes are intriguing to me. The reviewer's inability to find any dislike in the book speaks well of the author's work.

[Bernard Ndubuisi]

Great review and kudos to the editor this is work well done.
This seems to be intrigue and mind capturing . The cliffhanger of this review has increased my internet for an investigative stories.

[Sandre Lamar]

This book immerses readers in an ancient Egyptian murder mystery filled with intricate twists and surprises. It is a compelling blend of historical detail and suspense that kept me engaged from start to finish.