In this sequel to Nefertiti in what is meant to be The Book of Shadows Trilogy, Drake has brought back Rahotep, a detective in the Medjay (police force) of Thebes. He is assigned to work a case in which a series of young people are barbarically mutilated and left to die. Each of the scenes seem to hold a message that somehow ties them to the royal family, which is currenltly led by Tutankhamun and his sister/wife Ankhesanamun under the regency of Ay. The young people also all seem to have been doped up with some sort of mysterious opiate.

When he is brought to the palace at the request of Ankhesanamun to also investigate a serious of disturbing pranks that threaten the reputation and safety of the royal couple, Rahotep can't help but start to see potential connections between the two cases.

Political intrigue provides interference for Rahotep's attempts to solve the cases as Horemheb, the nation's army general, and Ay, the regent, fight over who has the most influence over Tutankhamun and Ankhesanamun. In fact, it seems that both men would be happy to get rid of the young king and try and take the throne for themselves, which would make them prime suspects.

Drake has done a great job of bringing ancient history to life. While perfectionists might struggle a bit with some of the historical details that have been tweaked for dramatic purposes, most will be able to just sit back and enjoy the fun. Fans of Lynda S. Robinson's Lord Meren series will really enjoy this trilogy.