Out of the Black Land    by Kerry Greenwood Order:  USA  Can Poisoned Pen, 2013 (2013) Hardcover, Softcover, CD, e-Book      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Pharohs Amenhotep III and IV rule over a peaceful and prosperous Egypt until it is decided that Amenhotep IV should sire an heir. Amenhotep III isn't getting any younger and an heir is necessary to carry on the line. Unfortunately, IV is physically unable to procreate and the matter becomes cause for worry. Pharoh IV has just been married to Nefertiti and admits to her that he is having terrifying dreams. And he is worried about what his father will say about his being infertile. Nefertiti is determined to solve these issues and presents her problems to her ladies-in-waiting. A surprising solution is found that Nefertiti and IV mutually agree to. But IV comes up with a frightening concept – there is but one god! Egypt lives and breathes their gods, one for every facet of their lives. This must not be made known to the general populace. Especially the idea that IV plans to forbid the worship of all other gods in the Black Land, the land that borders the life-giving Nile. Characters abound with unpronounceable names, presenting their own stories and problems to be solved. This is a very interesting portrayal of how life must have been back in Eighteenth Dynasty Egypt, at least as seen from the eyes of a Royal. The amount of research necessary for writing such a gripping novel must have been exhausting. But definitely worth the effort. Author of Out of the Black Land, Kerry Greenwood has also written the popular Phryne Fisher series as well as the Corinna Chapman series. If ancient Egypt is your thing, this is the right book for you. In fact, I have a friend who will salivate when I present Out of the Black Land to her for her own edification. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews