In 701 B.C. the Assyrian empire was in its ascendancy. It had already vanquished the kingdom of Israel to the north including the capital at Samaria. It then prepared an assault on Judah and its capital at Jerusalem.
But in one of those significant events that changes the course of world history, Assyria was repelled. Jerusalem was saved until 586 B.C. when the Babylonians sacked the city, forcing its leadership class into exile.
Henry Aubin, in a major feat of scholarship, determines that Jerusalem was aided by a Kushite army from Africa which had marched northeast from the Nile valley. While the Bible attributes the Assyrian retreat to an angel and secular commentators cite pestilence, Aubin, in a meticulously documented work, demonstrates that an alliance with the African nation of Kush bolstered Jerusalem’s defences.
Kush, also known as Nubia, was located in what is now southern Egypt and northern Sudan. A monarchy that existed for more than 1000 years, from 900 B.C. to A.D. 350, Kushites held sway over Egypt from 712 B.C. to about 660 B.C. Of Egypt’s 31 dynasties, this, the 25th Dynasty, is the only one that all scholars agree, was black.
The commander of the Kushite expeditionary force was Taharqa (or as the Bible calls him Tirhakah). This Kushite prince, who had his own interests in halting Assyrian expansion, likely caught the aggressors by surprise as they prepared their siege of Jerusalem.
Aubin offers a thrilling military history and a stirring political analysis of the ancient world. He also sees the event as influential over the centuries.
The Kushite rescue of the Hebrew kingdom of Judah enabled the fragile, war-ravaged state to endure, to nurse itself back to economic and demographic health, and allowed the Hebrew religion, Yahwism, to evolve within the next several centuries into Judaism. Thus emerged the monotheistic trunk supporting Christianity and Islam.
Praise for Spoiled Rotten:
“Liz Walker, [is] a lively and believable character… and grabs your attention. She’s a gem.”
The Star Phoenix
“Jackman’s entertaining debut, centered on a cozy Toronto bistro, is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the restaurant business.”
Publisher’s Weekly
“Spoiled Rotten is Light summer fare that also makes one salivate with all its talk of food… fun and full of drama.”
Halifax Chronicle Herald
Manuscript Available
Finger Food
A severed finger is delivered to the Corner Bistro in a lettuce crate. The police soon discover it belongs to Norman Fitzgerald, a recent murder victim found in a crop circle. The macabre story is leaked to the press and the restaurant fills up with diners dressed in Martian costumes. Business is business and Richard Best, manager of Corners can’t believe their good fortune. Roni Taylor, the owner, is not so sure.
Roni, curious about the crop circle, visits the farm and receives a brutal welcome. She is attacked, her newly acquired friend Ramona disappears and Alex Silva, Ramona’s husband, is murdered. The most interesting resident, and possible suspect, is Ramona’s lover John Mackinnon, a country playboy with a penchant for married women.
Roni is susceptible to John’s entreaties to find Ramona and help clear him of charges. The adventure beats sorting dirty linen and the mundane tasks of running a restaurant.
This is the start of a new mystery series with Roni Taylor and the Corner Bistro in Ithaca, New York.
Mary Jackman is a witty and lively writer, bringing murder and suspense to the restaurant business. She certainly knows the terrain, she is the former owner of a popular restaurant, Peter Pan in Toronto, where several noted chefs got their start.
