The Tomb of Ptahmes

“… a fantastical tale of greed, ancient curses, and unorthodox science.”

– J. Vann, US Review of Books

Perilous adventure awaits on a journey from the scorching Libyan Desert to the dark, treacherous streets of 1910 London.

Seventeen year-old Carter Pinsent, son of an English archaeologist, joins his father’s excavation in Egypt for the summer. But when controversial Egyptologist Sir Robert Ottley and his captivating daughter May appear on the scene, Carter is drawn into a web of rivalry and deception.

When they unearth the mysterious tomb of Ptahmes, an enigmatic figure from ancient Egyptian history, it becomes clear that this discovery is no ordinary one. The tomb contains not only historical artifacts, but also a mystical power that blurs the lines between science and superstition.

Things take a supernatural turn with the arrival of Dr. Belleville, a disgraced doctor turned spiritualist who reveals the existence of ancient curses and the possibility of resurrection. As Carter’s quest becomes a race against death, he must battle both seen and unseen forces while each party competes to unlock the secrets of the tomb.

What follows is a thrilling adventure that explore the connection between ancient practices and modern science. Amidst ethical dilemmas and moral choices, Carter is tested and evolves in the face of adversity. Beyond the pulse-pounding action, The Tomb of Ptahmes explores themes of father-son relationships and the intertwining of history and legend.

Reviews

The action is nonstop in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. The plot is a masterful fusion of mystery and suspense, deeply rooted in beautifully rendered Egyptian mythology. C.W. James dives right into the action from the first page, offering the reader the origins of both the Pinsents and the Ottleys with such fluidity that there is no doubt that a one-of-a-kind adventure is in the offing. The character development is pristine. Despite their shaky alliance based on shared interests, the similarities between Carter’s and May’s early childhood suggest a possible meeting of the minds. The dialogue between the characters maintains the British perspective while adding a healthy dose of that quintessential British humor in vibrant verbal sparring. James has found the perfect formula for crafting a riveting narrative with a unique storytelling approach and breakneck pacing in The Tomb Of Ptahmes. – E. Asian, Readers’ Favorite


Move over Indiana Jones! In The Tomb of Ptahmes, C. W James gives us Carter Pinsent, a dashing, courageous, charismatic hero, and May Ottley, a beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed heroine. Dr. Belleville’s evil genius makes him an enthralling antagonist. With a good versus evil theme, action and adventure abound. The historical elements, believable dialogue, and vivid settings give a sense of reality that draws the reader into an inescapable world of intrigue. The mythical details and fear of the unknown add to the thrill. Thus, James successfully keeps the reader off balance and anxious to keep reading. Fans of historical fiction and Egyptian mythology will love this action-packed novel that delivers heart-pounding scenes and unexpected twists. Join the quest and be captivated. Get your copy of The Tomb of Ptahmes! – grammy2023, LitPick


So I’m actually studying to be an archaeologist with a focus on ancient Egypt and I had a blast with this book. It’s so difficult to find a good ancient Egypt based book without being so smutty and I absolutely devoured this book. It was nicely paced and had a great mix of history with fiction. I don’t give out many 5 stars but this was worth it. – Sierra G., NetGalley


This was an exciting story of mummies, adventure and light horror for teens. It didn’t talk down to teens who might not know much about Egyptology and it did use the appropriate names for things. But that didn’t bog down the story that built a bit slowly on the creep factor which I think developed the atmosphere and helped to sell the dread without it being a true horror novel. Things picked up and the writer delivered a well-written story that should appeal to people who liked the movie The Mummy. There was even a bit of romance. You don’t have to be a teen to enjoy this read. – Reviewer 463267, NetGalley


The book opens with powerful imagery of scorpions, scorching heat, and breathtaking vistas to capture the harsh beauty of the Libyan desert. The author skillfully works each character’s backstory into the flow of the narrative, leaving readers invested in the storyline from beginning to end. As the plot unfolds, there is nonstop action, danger, and intrigue, with a sprinkling of romance and a highly entertaining deviation into the metaphysical. James brings dynastic Egyptian history and spirituality to life in a fantastical tale of greed, ancient curses, and unorthodox science. Recommended. – J. Vann, US Review of Books


The Tomb Of Ptahmes, being an adventure book, has some mystery attached to it. As a reader, I was keen on finding out if Ptahmes was really alive as claimed and if Dr. Belleville, who was a doctor and spiritualist, had anything to do with the sickness that struck both Carter and May’s father. As for the adventures experienced in the book, I was drawn to the series of events, some of which were deadly, that were presented to Carter and May as they try to stop Dr. Belleville from his next move. The plot was eerie and a page-turner that kept me on the edge as I awaited the next action.

Furthermore, the book was set in an Egyptian desert. This was not the only location used in the book, but it stood out to me as the author gave a detailed explanation of the environment where Carter and his father camped, including May and her father. From the dry sand to the dusty air, the clear features of this environment matched the place where an Egyptian mummy like the Ptahmes could be found.

The characters are not left out, each role was played perfectly, but at the end I loved Carter and May for their cooperation and tolerance which they demonstrated while working together. Carter, most especially, showed a great deal of bravery since his first encounter with the mummy which seemed to haunt him. His act of bravery helped him during near-death experiences that nearly claimed his life. These qualities possessed by these two young adults are undoubtedly worthy of emulation to both young and old readers. – Beautiful, LitPick


Fast paced and thrilling, C.W. James has crafted a wonderful middle grade story that is enthralling for all ages. With lovable characters that the audience can root for and an intriguing storyline, The Tomb of Phatmes has the feel of a children’s classic. James writes in vivid, detailed, and precise prose that provides historical verisimilitude without sacrificing mystery, adventure, and intrigue. Although the story is molded by the staples of its genre, The Tomb of Ptahmes consistently approaches each event with novelty and nuance. Each of the characters is unique and interesting, with their own meaningful motivations for their actions. Although sometimes these motivations are basic, they add to the realism of the story and help drive the narrative. – BookLife Prize

ISBNs

Ebook: 978-1-962056-04-5

Paperback: 978-1-962056-05-2

Hardback: 978-1-962056-06-9