The Secret of Hamon Ra (Raven Hughes Archaeological Mysteries Book 1)

Unearth the Truth Buried in the Sands of Time

When archaeologist Raven Hughes leads an expedition into Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she’s chasing more than ancient relics—she’s chasing redemption. Determined to clear her late father’s name, Raven unearths the lost tomb of Hamon Ra, but what she finds is far more dangerous than treasure.

Betrayed from within and hunted by rival archaeologists and ruthless benefactors, Raven is thrust into a race across sunbaked deserts and shadowy train cars through the Middle East. A cursed mummy, a forgotten cult, and a deadly parchment that can raise the dead—some secrets were never meant to be found.

Full of intrigue, unexpected betrayals, and a touch of romance, The Secret of Hamon Ra kicks off the Raven Hughes Archaeological Mysteries with pulse-pounding suspense and cinematic adventure.

Start reading The Secret of Hamon Ra today and step into a world where ancient curses collide with modern ambition.

Excerpt from the book

Raven was mesmerized by the landscape as she peered out of the window of the small plane. The landscape was becoming more and more barren as they began to approach the Valley of the Kings.

She glanced over at her seatmate and fellow archaeologist, Lyla Hayes. Lyla was a tall cool blonde that was more suited for the runway than a trench up to her elbows in dirt. Lyla had come highly recommended, so despite Raven’s reservations, she was on the team. Whether or not this willowy blonde could handle sifting through dirt and sand in 125-degree heat would remain to be seen.

Sitting across from Lyla and Raven were two more members of her team. Her graduate student, Mike Banter, a man that had equal passions for Archaeology and womanizing. Mike had been a huge help to Raven. She trusted him a great deal and depended on his upbeat personality to carry them through what was sure to be a long, grueling dig.

She knew it was only a matter of time before he put the moves on Lyla. Raven had seen him operate around campus. Women were sport to him. As long as Lyla didn’t take Mike seriously, she would be fine.

Sitting next to Mike was Rita Smithers. Rita was an expert in the translation of ancient scrolls and languages. She had a codex that she had been compiling for years that could transcribe even the most obscure and archaic languages.

Raven and Rita had an almost mother-daughter relationship. Raven had never known her real mother; she had died in childbirth. Raven appreciated Rita’s advice. She knew when to reel Raven back in, and when to just listen to her. Rita was a woman in her mid-sixties, and in surprisingly good shape. Years of eating organic food plus fieldwork had kept her in top physical shape unlike the last member of the team.

Archibald Riley had been a last-minute replacement to the team. Raven’s first choice had been a friend of her father’s. He had dropped out due to a family matter. Raven had settled for Riley in the eleventh hour.

Raven’s first impression had not been good. Riley was a big man, not a big muscular man, but a big man that was overweight and out of shape. Raven didn’t feel as though he could handle the physical aspects of working on a dig. Riley at times seemed aloof and very distant as if he was hiding something. His credentials and references had checked out, but there was something about him that still bothered her.

All in all, Raven was happy with the team. If they didn’t find the burial chamber of Hamon Ra, she knew she would be a complete and utter failure in academic circles. She had worked so hard to get her dig funded. Outside groups had made promises to back her, and then changed their minds at the last minute.

The University had only been willing to partially fund her. She had been forced to seek monies elsewhere. Then as the dig was on the brink of becoming a mere dream; an anonymous benefactor had appeared. Raven had been thrilled; she hadn’t hesitated or objected to accepting the funds; as long as she was able to pursue her, and her father’s dream.