Book excerpt: “This exceptional debut melds ancient Egyptian religious belief and practice with court intrigue to produce a riveting mystery.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review The body of a much-hated scribe has been found in the sacred place of embalming, and the resulting outrage could threaten the reign of Tutankhamun. So the boy king tasks his investigator, Lord Meren, to look into the crime. The quest will take Meren into the worlds of nobles, slaves, and schemers in the royal court—all while he fights to keep the teenaged pharaoh safe from those who would take advantage of this crisis . . . “It’s always a pleasure to negotiate the treacherous corridors of power with Lord Meren.” —The New York Times Book Review “Robinson’s research, both criminological and archaeological, serves her well.” —San Jose Mercury News “A marvelous series.” —Historical Novel Society