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Can anyone recommend some good mystery novels?
Also good if it contains archaeology, magic/supernatural forces, ancient history (not necessarily all in the same book).
I don't like too much exposition, overly detailed plots, or political backdrops, if that helps.

Similarly, any good detective books you know of, I'd be interested in hearing about too.

Cheers.

Define detective/mystery novels? Like a plot that keeps you guessing to piece the puzzle while the protagonist(s) struggle thru wit or luck to accomplish their goal or prevent another's

Cause if we're strictly speaking genre, the Artemis Fowl series, if not a bit light hearted and laced with fantasy.. But if we're talking by principle, then I can't speak no more higher than the Bartimaeus trilogy

My mother likes the Louise Penny books. The audio versions of the first couple are read by Ralph Cosham too, if you're into audio books.

The Dresden Files is the series for you, my friend. It's an urban fantasy series about the escapades of a wizard-slash-private-investigator living in modern-day Chicago, and although it gradually becomes more fantasy than urban, each book still follows the general mystery format. It does involve some ancient history (usually placed in a supernatural context), doesn't involve politics save for the magical variety, and the plots are never too complex. The main character does give out a good deal of exposition regarding magic and the supernatural world (and it can grate if you marathon all the books quickly, as he re-explains a lot of stuff each time in case of new readers), but I think it has enough of the things you're looking for to outweigh that. Every book is chock-full with suspense, action, and a fair share of laughs. Overall, I can't recommend it enough.

Most fans of the series agree that the third book is when it really starts to get good, so if you do decide to check it out, don't be discouraged if the first two seem a bit lacking. As long as you enjoy the premise, I'd urge you to press on. Oh yeah, and there are a ton of books (15 at the moment), but these aren't boffo epic-fantasy-sized tomes, so don't be intimidated. I hope you decide to give the series a go!

Re: other recommendations: Artemis Fowl is great. I read the series when I was younger, but I think they'd be great for any age if you like fun, magical adventures full of suspense and snark. They're a bit like a more child-friendly Dresden Files in that regard, heh.

Yeah, something that has you trying to figure out what all the pieces or clues mean, along with the protagonists.
I recently watched a miniseries called 'The Lost Room'. Don't know if you've ever seen it, but a book like the series would be great. (Or something akin to the National Treasure film with Nick Cage.)

Artemis Fowl sounds like a contender. Will look it up.

The Dresden Files! Of course. I recall you speaking fondly of the books, Spaceman.
From your description, they sound ideal. Looking them up too.

Thanks!

Hehe.. Talk about deja vu with the Bartimaus series >_> but replace wizard-slash-ECT with wizard-slash-child-slash-turned young adolescent prodigy-slash-government agent-slash-secret plot foiler living in 1700s London in an alternate history(cause magic is real) with the ever loving side kick-slash-star of the series-slash-magical djinni-slash-back talking servant

I'm sorry.. But you really cant go wrong with the series.

*sigh* Honestly, I was gonna bring up Bartimaeus myself, but it doesn't exactly seem to fit what Aarah is asking for so I didn't. Lo and behold, boom. Now you've got two recommendations for Bartimaeus.

Just look at that face.

I've downloaded samples of the first book in the series by Louise Penny, first in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, and the first Dresden book.

Thanks for the recommendations. Reviews pending!

Am a bit late to this but this is something I've been into as of late. One book I read a while ago is Mesopotamia the Invention of a City. It's annoyingly good, meaning you tell yourself your going to read for an hour and the next thing you know it's midnight.

I'm starting my own little study of ancient egypt. I have a list of books to get but I haven't read any of them yet (currently re-reading American history so will be a while till I get to them). Bringing this up though because I compiled this list by asking people that are the authorities on the subject. I can find it if you want. I know a guy (err am in contact with) who works at a museum in chicago. I'll find his blog (all about ancient egypt) if you want any kinda quick reading on the subject.