A murder mystery set in ancient Egypt. It is part of a trilogy which began with Nefertiti which was shortlisted for the Crimewriters’ Association’s Best Historical Crime Novel Prize. They feature a detective who seems to specialise in royal conspiracies. The insight into Egyptian life and court procedures is fascinating adding real depth to an intriguing plot.
For Rahotep, chief detective, life is about to get very complicated. On the shadowy city streets the cryptically mutilated bodies of several young people are discovered. These brutal acts are destabilizing a ruthless regime already made precarious by corruption and the appalling divide between rich and poor.
Meanwhile, Tutankhamun has inherited an empire that should be at the height of power and glory. But the King, just eighteen, faces only the political conspiracies of the Court, and a bitter struggle for ascendancy. And when his own security is threatened by an intruder in the palace, he needs an outsider he can trust to track down the traitor.
Rahotep receives a mysterious invitation to the labyrinthine halls of the Royal Palace. But what he discovers at the dark heart of power will put his life, and his family, in grave danger. . .
'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
'Drake uses both the dazzling light of the desert and concealing darkness of night to disturbing effect in his gripping narrative...He cleverly evokes an ancient civilisation that fascinates because of its innate differences and similarities to our own...Rahotep, like CJ Sansom's Shardlake, is a detective at the very heart of his historical era.' Daily Express
'Using modern research, Nick Drake has painted an authentic picture of a lost civilisation, and brings alive the ill-fated boy-king who still fascinates to this day' Daily Mail
Author
About Nick Drake
Nick Drake was born in 1961. His first novel, Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead, introduced Rahotep, chief detective in Thebes, and was shortlisted for the CWA Best Historical Crime Novel Award. His second novel is Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows, and also features Rahotep. Nick is also a screenwriter and an award-winning poet. He wrote the screenplay for Romulus, My Father, starring Eric Bana, which won Best Film at the Australian Film Awards 2007.
