The Anubis Murders is a fun read that is a good kick-off to the Planet Stories line. I quite enjoyed the book.

The Good
The characters are distinctive and the protagonists are interesting and engaging. I especially liked the rapport between them, and there was never a dull moment when they were featured. The plot moves along at a nice pace and the action is well-written.

The Bad
The only thing that was a bit out of place was the ending, which, without spoiling it, leaves a little room for improvement. Suffice to say, it's clear that this book was not meant to competely stand alone, as there is certainly unfinished business.

The Very Bad
If you are new to Gary Gygax's novels, and/or if you intend to read his "Gord the Rogue" series, then skip the introduction by Erik Mona. For some reason, Mona makes the (in my opinion) very poor decision to throw out a pretty major spoiler for both the novel and the Gord-The-Rogue series.

Again, I enjoyed the novel and look forward to more great stories in the line.

The Anubis Murders by Gary Gygax is a fun read. It is set in an Earthlike world where a Magician/Priest from Eygpt is asked to solve strange murders of strong wizards. This Magician/Priest is somewhat of a celebrity in his world and his life is filled with challenges. Gygax is not the best writer of fantasy fiction but he is a good story teller and creates interesting characters.

A familiar yet exciting romp through an alternate Earth, Setne Inhetep is every bit as hard-boiled as his 20s detective counterparts. Twists and turns a-plenty in this book, but all leading to a savory ending that leads you hungering for more.

Gygax is not the best writer in the world, but this is a fun book to read. I read it in a single go!

Certainly, it's better than any Drizzt novel I've read, and at times it channels some Howard.

Give it a go.

Okay, I'll admit that despite Gygax's place in rpg history, I've not enjoyed his writing all that much before. Clearly lots of good ideas, but he seemed to have a hard time getting them onto paper in an organized and enjoyable fashion.

That said, I can only endorse TAM as a great yarn. It feels fresh, but obviously holds to a classic sword 'n' sorcery prose, even if it is a murder/mystery! Quite a combination.

Solid characters and some very strong scenes help this move along, all the while giving you the chance to explore and enjoy Gygax's new world.

It is exactly the book I wanted to read at the time I read it, and I can see myself reading it again soon.

I mean there's some references to nudity, but no long taudry descriptions or sexual scenes. Very interesting pseudo Europe setting and a nice bit of detective work. It is interesting how whipping out Commune doesn't solve this one.

Note. Do not read the forward unless you want to have an urge to drop a scorpion down Erik's pants. (I'll see you at Origins, spoiler-boy!) ;-)

I am very impressed with this book. Imagine if Sherlock Holmes was an Egyptian Wizard/Priest and you would have a good feel for this book. As a long time reader of both fantasy and mystery, I was pleased. I can't wait to read other books in the Planet Stories line.