Based upon forensic evidence, on-site investigation and no small amount of conjecture, this enjoyable read tells of life in the Egyptian royal court starting just prior to the ill-fated Boy King’s rise to the throne. This early history is juxtaposed with the life of Howard Carter, a difficult, opinionated Egyptologist who’s obsession finally paid off with the discovery of Tut’s intact tomb. Sandwiched between these two periods in history are Patterson’s present day reflections about bringing the novel to press despite having several other manuscripts already under way.
The authors did an excellent job of blending what is known of Egyptian history with Howard Carter’s trials and tribulations to create a fast paced, plausible murder mystery. Those familiar with the research into King Tut’s untimely death won’t find the conclusions drawn too surprising but that doesn’t take away from a good piece of storytelling.
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