“I’m glad that Rahotep, the policeman from Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead , has had a second outing. The central figure is the best known Egyptian of them all, Tutankhamun, and Nick Drake has written an engaging and convincing account of this doomed figure and the loyal and dogged Rahotep, the ‘seeker of mysteries’.” — Bookseller (London) In this gripping central novel in Nick Drake’s Egyptian trilogy—following the critically-acclaimed Nefertiti —savvy detective Rahotep investigates a terrifying plot against the great Egyptian King Tutankhamun… a murderous plan, shocking in scope, that threatens to unravel the entire Egyptian empire. “There are other mystery series set in ancient Egypt―those by Lynda Robinson, Lauren Haney, and P. C. Doherty, for starters―but there’s always room for one more, at least if it’s as colorfully written as this one is. This is the second volume of a projected trilogy, but readers may find themselves hoping Drake will keep turning out Rahotep novels long after he finishes number three.” - Booklist “Drake seamlessly introduces a serial killer plot line into his vivid evocation of the past. Admirers of such great historical novelists as Robert Graves and Mary Renault will hope that he continues working in this field after concluding this series.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Drake vividly describes the political machinations of the courtiers and the undercurrents of physical danger always present in ancient Egypt. Readers walk in the old streets of Thebes, ride the chariots in the desert, and know the fear that any minute they can be tortured or killed by the powers that be. Marked by fine writing, Rahotep’s story will captive historical mystery fans.” - Library Journal (starred review) “Nick Drake’s writing style easily can be called “faction,” enthralling fiction woven around astounding history. . . . There is a wealth of knowledge here without being stodgy or overwritten, with a style that only Drake possesses. . . . This novel needs to be read twice―once for the history lesson disguised as a mystery, and again for the wealth of words greater than Tutankhamun’s tomb gold. The wealth lavished on Tutankhamun to prepare him for the Otherworld has succeeded. He lives again with this intensely and utterly believable historical thriller masterfully written by Nick Drake, who will have readers eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this outstanding trilogy.” - Bookreporter.com “In the best tradition of C. J. Sansom’s Shardlake mysteries, Nick Drake has woven a bright, luminous tapestry. This is brilliant; make sure you read every line.” - Manda Scott Poet Drake’s measured style and surfeit of historical detail―including maps, bibliography and family tree―add both verisimilitude and suspense to his second Rahotep mystery. Fascinating. - Kirkus Reviews Young Tutankhamun is ready to claim his birthright—a vast, powerful, and opulent empire troubled by foreign wars, corruption, and court conspiracies. He plans to return tolerance and enlightenment to Egypt. But when horrific “gifts” begin appearing in the royal palace, he commands Rahotep, chief detective of the Thebes division, to investigate. Rahotep realizes the sinister objects have much in common with a series of cryptically mutilated young murder victims discovered across the city. Rahotep vows to protect the young king from the dark forces that threaten the future of the empire, but what he discovers will put everything he loves in terrible danger. Nick Drake is the author of Nefertiti and Tutankhamun , the first two books in the Rahotep detective trilogy. He has published two award-winning collections of poetry, and his play was performed at the National Theater in London. His screenplays include the critically acclaimed Romulus, My Father (starring Eric Bana), which won Best Film at the Australian Film Awards in 2007. He lives in London.