Drinker of Blood

A spy in ancient Egypt investigates who killed Queen Nefertiti in “one of the most engrossing and sophisticated historical mystery series running” (Publishers Weekly). Lord Meren serves as mentor—and eyes and ears—to the boy king Tutankhamun. But to keep the young pharaoh safe, he’s keeping his investigation into the death of Nefertiti a secret. Meren has concluded succumbed to poison, not the plague, and he’s narrowed his potential suspects down to three men. His clandestine efforts are interrupted when Tut asks him to look into a mysterious fatality at the royal zoo, but Meren remains focused—even when someone uses his own knife to make an attempt on Tut’s life . . .   “The story has a dark, romantic power. . . . It’s always a pleasure to negotiate the treacherous corridors of power with Lord Meren and his wily associates, eavesdropping on the priests in Pharaoh’s court, ducking the knife fights on the back streets of Memphis—and picking up beauty tips from Nefertiti.” —The New York Times Book Review   “A mesmerizing blend of tantalizing suspense, high-speed action, and gripping historical intrigue . . . An outstanding thriller.” —Booklist