“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

In ancient Egypt, during the fifth year of the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, Lord Meren, a courtier, must discover who murdered the scribe, Hormin, in the sacred Place of Anubis.

Someone is murdering the worlds most powerful sorcerers, and the trail of blood leads straight to the god Anubis. Can Magister Setne Inhetep, personal philosopher-wizard to the Pharaoh, reach the distant kingdom of Avillonia and put an end to the Anubis murders, or will he become the next victim?

A “complex and exciting” mystery set during the reign of Tutankhamun (The New York Times Book Review). Egypt is under threat from the Hittites, and the teenage pharaoh has additional troubles stemming from the heresy of his late father, Akhenaten. Fate seems to be pointing a finger at him when a priest topples to his death—from a statue of none other than Tutankhamun himself. Now Lord Meren, the confidential agent who protects the boy king, must struggle to uncover Tutankhamun’s most threatening enemies, some within the court at Thebes . . . “Robinson knowledgeably instructs readers in the cultural and political life of a fascinating period in history while entertaining us with a puzzling plot, accessible characters, and the domestic details of their daily lives.” —Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine “Delightful . . . Robinson makes ancient Thebes come alive as she describes the personalities, clothing, golden jewelry, the intrigue, and the smells of the desert, the terrors of a hippo hunt.” —San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle “A compelling narrative comprised of vividly depicted background and characters and a well-plotted mystery.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review “Ms. Robinson is an archeologist by training and a storyteller by inclination. Using her scholarship to penetrate the inner precincts of court and temple, she has written a complex and exciting narrative that reflects the twisted machinations of politicians—royal and otherwise.” —The New York Times Book Review

A series of grisly slayings ignite passions in Pharaoh's Egypt. Is it the work of humans or has the god Anubis himself come to earth intent on sabotaging peace negotiations with the dreaded Mitanni? Only Amerotke, wise and trusted judge of the powerful female Pharaoh, Hatusu, can sort through the tangle of intrigue that surrounds the killings and discover the truth. It began in the temple of Anubis. With the hated but humbled Mitanni camped outside Thebes, preparing to prostrate themselves before Pharaoh, few things could be worse for Egypt's bargaining position than a series of sensational murders right in the inner sanctum of its most heavily guarded temple. Except perhaps the daring theft of its most cherished national treasure. Or maybe the mysterious deaths of several Mitanni ambassadors who'd been assured Pharaoh's divine protection . . . Now Amerotke is up to his ears in intrigue. As the body count grows, it becomes apparent that someone-or something-wants his name added to it. But is the jackal-headed god, Anubis, really stalking his enemies? Or is there a logical explanation? It will take all of Amerotke's powers of reason to find the answer before Egypt's enemies move the strong and seductive Pharaoh into checkmate.

“As Robinson deftly juggles ancient Egyptian political intrigue and a riveting mystery, she proves again her mastery of the historical whodunit.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review During a celebration for Lord Meren, an agent of King Tutankhamun, one of his relatives is murdered. Known for her sharp tongue and numerous lovers, Anhai could’ve been targeted for any number of reasons, but Meren fears her death might have something to do with the undercover mission he’s currently working on. He’ll have to rummage through family secrets and face a nest of vipers to uncover the truth . . . “A classic country-house mystery with a delicious twist: the country estate is located in the Nile Valley and belongs to Lord Meren, the confidential agent of King Tutankhamen . . . Good scholarship authenticates the historical setting; imagination provides the sense of danger and romance to make it come alive.” —The New York Times Book Review “Fascinating.” —The Washington Post Book World