“Thurston knows her Egyptology, knows her forensics, and—best of all—knows how to weave them into a compelling multifaceted story.” —Aaron Elkins, Edgar Award-winning author

Hired by the Egyptology department of a Denver museum to create displays for an exhibit, medical illustrator Kate McKinnon encounters an intriguing enigma: the mummy of a young woman who lived thirty-three centuries ago, her ribs broken, one hand shattered, and a man’s skull between her legs.

With the aid of radiologist Max Cavanaugh, employing the latest forensic and medical imaging techniques, Kate starts to unravel the millennia-old puzzle. And as the mummy’s remarkable secrets come to light, a parallel story begins to unfold of a young girl born into a nest of vipers in an age when godlike pharaohs reigned in unimaginable splendor. Suddenly Kate finds herself on a twisting path leading her deeper into the shadows of ancient Kemet . . . and ever closer to the shocking revelations of a crime so staggering its horrific power remains undiminished by the relentless passage of time.

“Thurston’s finale hints at a sequel; if so, she’ll have a tough act to follow.” —The Washington Post Book World

“A mega-fix for Egyptophiles and a great read for everyone else.” —Texas Monthly

“Blends ancient political intrigue with the latest in high-tech forensic research . . . Also features some pretty steamy romance.” —Odyssey

“Well researched and believable. Thurston’s ancient and modern protagonists are women of strong character and great ability—their stories will captivate readers and give a new perspective on ancient Egypt.” —Dr. Robert Pickering, forensic anthropologist and former chairman of the Department of Anthropology, Denver Museum of Natural History