The Third Gate

I liked the setting. In fact, the setting was the best part of the whole book. Once again, Child has some lazy writing, some stupid plot points, and I disliked all of the characters.

But the setting......! ( )

Jeremy Logan, a professor of history, is a self-proclaimed enigmalogist who explores paranormal phenomenon. A reclusive millionaire, Porter Stone, with a reputation for amazing discoveries is working on his greatest ever: locating the tomb of Narmer, the Pharaoh who united Upper and Lower Egypt some 5,000 years ago. The tomb site is located in the Sudd, the vast swamp that lies in the Sudan, south of Egypt. Strange occurences are happening and the expedition is relying on the visits to the "other side" by the wife of the chief medical officer to help understand the nature of the curse placed on the hidden tomb by Narmer. But, treachery abounds within the team and within the tomb. ( )

Formulaic. Predictable. Still it was fun.

Written by a skilled professional thriller writer, the story hums along in a Da Vinci Code/Indiana Jones sort of way. It was a good light read. Light on the history. Light on the tension. Light on the depth of characterization. Even the chapters are only a few pages long to keep you moving along briskly.

Somewhere around 3.5 stars which places it in the region between meh and good. I will probably try a few more of Child's solo efforts as I expect them to be about this level. ( )

Who you gonna call? Jeremy Logan! ( )

Who you gonna call? Jeremy Logan! ( )