John Amos holds a PhD and a JD. He has taught at university level for 25 years. His academic publications include several books and multiple articles. His fiction works include The Student (2022), The Cleopatra Caper (2023), and The Case of the Stolen Goddess (2024). He has lived in the Middle East, most notably in Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, and Turkey. He currently practices Law.
I want to present Cleopatra to the World,” Lady Stanhope sighed and reached for her purse. Two very young and inexperienced detectives, Flinders Petrie and Thomas Pettigrew, were unexpectedly presented with the case of a lifetime. Flinders and Pettigrew, recent graduates of Oxford and rivals of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson, suddenly find themselves confronted with the task of finding Cleopatra’s tomb. The tomb’s location, as they quickly discovered, was protected by the adherents of an ancient cult. Their quest leads them to Cairo and Alexandria. They meet a mysterious woman, who is possibly the descendant of Cleopatra. Their story weaves between the ‘City of the Dead’ in Cairo and the ‘Mound of Shards’ in Alexandria. They discover that becoming a detective is more difficult than they imagined as students. Set against the background of the River War in the Sudan and written by an expert in archeology and Middle East history, readers will find this story a worthy successor to the Conan Doyle legacy. “Find me Cleopatra, and I will pay for all this….
Loosely based on the author’s experiences in Cairo, immediately following the 1967 war, this engaging story follows a group of American students sent to Egypt to learn Arabic. During the course of their stay, the students experience conflict between their, often romanticized, images and the reality of life in Cairo as they learn to survive during the last days of the Nasser regime and the end of Egypt’s golden age. This book provides an alternative view of Egypt and the Middle East as its protagonist, an imaginary James Bond, studies, shops, haggles and defends his self-identity in a foreign culture.
Loosely based on the author’s experiences in Cairo, immediately following the 1967 war, this engaging story follows a group of American students sent to Egypt to learn Arabic. During the course of their stay, the students experience conflict between their, often romanticized, images and the reality of life in Cairo as they learn to survive during the last days of the Nasser regime and the end of Egypt’s golden age. This book provides an alternative view of Egypt and the Middle East as its protagonist, an imaginary James Bond, studies, shops, haggles and defends his self-identity in a foreign culture.
John Amos's Books are a Literary Feast! His ability to merge academic depth with captivating storytelling is unparalleled. 'The Cleopatra Caper' had me hooked from the first page.
As a law student, I find John Amos's editorials incredibly insightful. His unique perspective, drawn from years of teaching and legal practice, adds a valuable layer of understanding to complex issues. A must-read for anyone interested in the law.
John Amos's writing is a breath of fresh air. 'The Student' is a riveting exploration of identity and growth. His words are not just on paper; they are an experience. Can't wait to delve into 'The Case of the Stolen Goddess' next!
I loved this storyline! I felt like I was reading an Indiana Jones script mixed with some Sherlock Holmes mystery to a degree. The story can drag at moments but does pick up speed. The language is fairly easy to understand but some grammatical issues do at times cause the reader to take pause to make sure what is meant to be conveyed is understood. It may cause pause for a moment but did not make reading the story any more difficult than normal. I personally loved the mix of ancient Egypt and present day rolled into one. The author is quite good at bringing history to life and being very descriptive of his characters. This absolutely adds an element where you feel like you are alongside Flinders and Pettigrew. If you love mysteries like Sherlock Holmes and fun historical fiction adventures like in Indiana Jones, then this is the book for you! I’d be more than happy to read more adventures of Flinders and Pettigrew in the future.
What a delightfully entertaining read! I thoroughly enjoyed the author's fresh take on Flinders and Pettigrew's escapades as they aspire to outshine the iconic Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. As an avid fan of the dynamic detective duo, I was particularly intrigued by this book's premise. Flinders and Pettigrew, hoping to catch some overflow business from Holmes and Watson's bustling office, find themselves embroiled in their own adventure when Flinders' uncle inadvertently sends a client their way: the enigmatic Lady Stanhope, seeking Cleopatra's Tomb. Thus begins a rollicking journey filled with danger, laughter, and plenty of sleuthing. The vivid descriptions of the settings and historical references add to the excitement of the tale. Despite a few typos that may cause a hiccup in the reading experience, the overall enjoyment of the story remains unaffected. From the very first chapter, this book is a captivating and entertaining ride that will keep you hooked until the very end.
John Amos' novel, "The Cleopatra Caper," takes readers on a thrilling journey through ancient mysteries, modern-day espionage, and the timeless allure of Egypt. From the very first page, Amos captivates with his vivid prose and skillful storytelling, weaving together a tale that is equal parts captivating and thought-provoking. Set against the backdrop of the enigmatic Egyptian landscape, "The Cleopatra Caper" follows the exploits of a group of intrepid explorers as they race against time to uncover the secrets of one of history's most enigmatic figures: Cleopatra. With each twist and turn, Amos keeps readers on the edge of their seats, expertly blending historical intrigue with pulse-pounding action. What truly sets "The Cleopatra Caper" apart is Amos' meticulous attention to detail and his ability to breathe life into his characters. From the charming rogue to the brilliant scholar, each member of the ensemble cast is richly drawn and utterly compelling. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, readers can't help but become emotionally invested in their journey. Moreover, Amos seamlessly blends elements of history, mystery, and adventure, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is entertaining. Whether delving into the intricacies of ancient Egyptian mythology or unraveling the complexities of modern-day geopolitics, "The Cleopatra Caper" offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the past while keeping them guessing until the very end. In conclusion, "The Cleopatra Caper" is a masterfully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, adventure, and suspense alike. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and richly imagined world, it is sure to keep readers turning the pages late into the night. John Amos has truly outdone himself with this captivating tale, and I eagerly await his next literary endeavor.
In Cleopatra Caper you are following Flinders and Pettigrew. (this constantly reminded me of Peter Pettigrew from Harry Potter) These young men are striving to be great detectives. They've been partners for a little while but can't seem to catch the right case. And, it doesn't help that their biggest competitors are none other than Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. And, I could definitely see how Flinders and Pettigrew could in some aspect be compared to Holmes and Watson. Flinders being the more exciting of the two partners and Pettigrew being a doctor. Throughout the first chapter of the book you learn that there appears to be a bit of jealousy towards Holmes and Watson. After all, they are always busy with getting new cases and Flinders and Pettigrew are constantly seeing how busy their office is because it's directly across from their own office. After trying and trying they finally get their own big case, one that might bring all their worries to an end. Flinders decides to write to his Uncle Flinders to see if he could be of any help. And, after what seems like a lifetime of waiting, they get a response letting them know that Uncle Flinders is sending someone that has work for them to do. When this mysterious person finally arrives everything slowly starts to unfold and they learn that she wants them to work on what might be an extremely dangerous case. As it turns out, the mysterious lady, Lady Stanhope, needs help finding the tomb of Cleopatra. But, it seems as though a lot of people have died along the way of attempting such a task. This doesn't stop Flinders and Pettigrew. They want this chance to prove themselves as detectives. But, with the uncertainties of the case even they aren't sure if they will come out of this alive. If you want to learn more about this story read The Cleopatra Caper and you'll see what fate lies ahead. I want to end this with a little more insight and experience from my end with this book. I enjoyed the characters and I loved the playful interaction that they had amongst each other. I loved the depictions of scenery and at some points I could imagine going on this daring hunt myself. However, I did find some errors. I mainly discovered these throughout chapter one. But, I did find more in other parts of the book as well. These typos unfortunately made it hard to get through the story at some points. And, in some areas I had to stop reading and do some re-reading of paragraphs to make sure I understood what was supposed to have been said. Having said all that, I'm reviewing this book a little differently. Overall rating of The Cleopatra Caper I'm giving 4 out of 5 stars. But,with the inclusion of the typos and errors and other issues that I discovered throughout the book I give 3 out of 5 stars.
This book was a thrilling ride from beginning to end! I picked up this gem at random for something different and couldn't put it down. The author weaves together mystery, adventure, and a dash of humor in a way that keeps you guessing at every turn. The characters are relatable and charming, making the story all the more engaging. If you're into fast-paced, cleverly crafted heist tales, this one's for you. I enjoyed it.
A story that will really make you tremble with anticipation!
John Amos holds a PhD and a JD. He has taught at university level for 25 years. His academic publications include several books and multiple articles. His fiction works include The Student (2022), The Cleopatra Caper (2023), and The Case of the Stolen Goddess (2024). He has lived in the Middle East, most notably in Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, and Turkey. He currently practices Law.
