Ghosts of Karnak

Ghosts of Karnak is the third installment in George Mann’s Ghost series, set in 1920s New York.

I must admit that I haven’t read the first two books, but I found that to be no issue at all. There are only a few references to those and none make you feel like you can’t follow the plot. If anything, it has left me with a desire to pick up the other two books.

The Ghost is a vigilante who reads like a cross between the Spirit and the Rocketeer, but it also very much a character in his own right. His motley crew of allies are all equally well written. Paired with a storyline that keeps you glued to the pages, this is a brilliant volume.

I especially liked how the point of view switches between characters, with subtle differences as the story unfolds through the eyes of different people, but without breaking the pace or the narrative.

I won’t give you any spoilers, but just let me say that the ancient Egyptian element is really well done in this novel. The story is a perfect mix of history, science, mystery and the supernatural, topped off with some excellent steampunk inventions and touches throughout.