Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Maryn Belling

Bird in a Snare by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bird in a Snare (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Maryn Belling

In the mystery-style of Alexander McCall Smith and thickly set prose of Gabriel García Márquez, N.L. Holm transports us across 3300 years to Egypt’s New Kingdom era of intrigue, political machinations, and complex civilization. Underpinned with the familiar rhythms of domestic life and timeless beauty, the rich descriptions set the reader at ease in an unfamiliar land and time. Readers are cautioned to be aware of content-warnings (as listed in other reviews).

Set against nature’s bounty, the political intrigues of the kingdom roll out in languid detail. Traveling back to a time of litter conveyances & papyrus correspondence, the distinctions between ruling & working classes mirror those of contemporary society. The moral dilemmas of Hani in his work and diplomatic relations allow the reader a deeper understanding of internal motivations and political machinations – his internal dialogues are reminiscent of Christie’s Poiroit.

Beyond the story’s overt purpose, adept readers will find opportunities to consider contemporary social and civic matters. Often when we see flaws in characters we are given to introspection and self-correction. Whether we avail ourselves of mirror or prism.

Bird in a Snare, The Lord Hani Mysteries Series, N.L. Holmes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Historical, Cozy Mystery, Maryn Belling, June 2022

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