THE SEASON OF THE HYAENA by Paul Doherty (Headline, £18.99): MANY hands are reaching for the poisoned chalice of power during the early years of the boy pharaoh Tutankhamun with the unscrupulous Ay facing a double challenge from the aggressive Horemheb and the sly Rameses.

Watching the contest closely is Mahu, former chief of police and confidant of the deposed heretic, Pharaoh Akhenaten, but he is surprised to learn that his old master has returned and promises to devastate the land again. The mystery must be solved and Egypt saved and the Royal Circle at Thebes decides Mahu is the man for the job. Once again, Middlesbrough-born Doherty creates the glittering image of a glorious yet corrupt Egypt where the serpents at court are deadlier than the most poisonous viper and even the Pharaoh walks in the shadow of death.

THE SONG OF THE GLADIATOR by Paul Doherty (Headline, £6.99)

EMPEROR Constantine is in Rome trying to fathom the Christian religion but his rival in the East, Licinius, is most un-Christian and sends killers to assassinate him. There are suspects and victims galore in this Roman murder mystery by Middlesbrough-born Doherty, which never fails to intrigue.

TROUBLED MIDNIGHT by John Gardiner (Allison & Busby, £18.99)

A SECOND World War whodunit that poses mysteries. Who would want to torture and murder Lieutenant Tim Weaving and his lover, Marjory Banning? Why are the inhabitants of the quiet Berkshire market town taking such a keen interest in the matter? Secrets, secrets, and the detective team of Tommy Livermore and Susie Mountford follow many red herrings in their search to bring the killers to justice. After an explosive start, this is one murder story that runs and runs.

BAD MOON RISING by Sheila Quigley (Century £9.99)

THE newly-crowned North East Queen of Crime, Sheila Quigley, a 57-year-old grandmother of eight from Houghton-le-Spring, has turned up trumps with another hard-hitting, fast moving thriller that portrays a violent underworld in graphic and gripping detail. Feast week should be a time of fun at Houghton-le-Spring but a serial killer who preys on young girls brings a reign of terror to the town. The local police seem baffled and lose the sympathy of the locals by targeting an obviously innocent man as the grip of terror tightens on the town. Quigley gives Martina Cole a close run for her money.

Steve Craggs.

Published: 24/05/2005