IT runs to 672 pages and took 13 years to research and write and a Warrington
author’s award winning first novel set in Egypt at the time of Tutankhamun – might even be a true story!
But whether it is or not, The Maya Papyrus written by Richard Coady from Thelwall, has won a gold medal in this year’s Global Ebook Awards.
It has also won four and five star reviews on 15 book websites.
All of which makes the enormous effort Richard put into his first novel well worthwhile.
Richard, aged 44, spent two years researching the novel after being inspired by a work of non-fiction by Egyptologist Dr Bob Brier, who had come up with a theory that Tutankhamun was murdered.
Richard’s story follows a ruthless character through wars, murder, treachery and political intrigue as he tries to get his hands on the Egyptian throne.
“I hesitate to say it is true,” says Richard. “But it might be – and it is certainly, I think, very authentic.
“If you were to ask six Egyptologists you would probably get seven opinions.”
Richard, who is married to Miriam and has an eight-year-old son, Adam, is delighted with the reception his book has received.
It is available in print from Amazon.co.uk and as an ebook from most of the online bookshops.
He is now working on his second book, set in ancient Athens, which he describes as “another epic true story.”
“I promised myself the research will be finished by the New Year and the book finished a year after that. But going on previous experience I’ll be delighted if it’s out by the turn of the century.”
