Review of The Cult of Osiris by Andy Mc Dermott
Author Andy Mcdermott, has the knack of choosing some of the most audacious topics for his thrillers. His previous novels with archaeologist Nina Wilde and her bodyguard-turned husband Eddie Chase, have been action-packed discoveries of Atlantis, Hercules’ tomb, King Arthur’s sword — Excalibur and, lastly, the Garden of Eden! So, it’s not a surprise that his latest offering, The Cult of Osiris, is about the discovery of the tomb of a king who has for long been considered one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology.
The novel begins with Macy Sharif, an archaeology student, discovering that ominous forces are trying to steal a relic from the newly discovered Hall of Records, even before official archaeologists can get to it. Soon after this Sharif discovers she’s being hunted by the shadowy Osirien Cult. Helpless, she seeks Wilde’s help to stop the cult from achieving its devious plans. Wilde, whose reputation was shattered after the events in the last novel — The Covenant of Genesis, is an emotional wreck. With nothing to lose, Wilde, Chase and Sharif embark on a race against time, across continents, discovering that the cult is not only interested in stealing artefacts but has a more sinister plan with the fate of the world hanging in balance. As is obvious, after a gamut of car/boat/helicopter/hovercraft chases, gun fights and near-death encounters, the protagonists save the world.
McDermott seems to have written the novel with an idea of turning it into a screenplay. The action sequences, especially the chases, are far too descriptive and lengthy, failing to hold the reader’s attention. The characters too are not as engaging as they should be. Their foul-mouthing nature is hardly endearing.
The author tries to be a jack of all trades but ends up being the master of none. He neither provides historical insights like Wilbur Smith (Egyptian mythology specialist) nor is he able to add complex twists to the story like Dan Brown.
For previous McDermott readers, the book does not offer anything new. Despite being an action-packed tale, it hardly contains any surprises and is predictable and boring. Readers looking for a quick and light read may benefit from it. Others should give The Cult of Osiris a miss.
—afshanmujawar@yahoo.com