Eater of Souls

Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of 14-year-old Pharoah Tutankhamun, decides in the fourth in this excellent series (after Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing) to look into the death of Queen Nefertiti, whom he thinks, contrary to popular belief, was poisoned. Although Kysen, his adopted son and fellow detective, sees the project as a foolhardy risk to their lives and position, Meren is determined. Meanwhile, Memphis is plagued by a series of killings in which the victims' hearts are gouged out and, in each case, replaced by a white feather. Meren isn't told of the killings of these commoners, however, and continues his personal inquiry while juggling his position at court, monitoring political and geopolitical tremors and coping with turmoil at home (his younger daughter is being courted by a vain young prince). But when a Hittite prince who had insulted Pharoah is murdered like the others, Meren must put aside his inquiry into the queen's death (which Robinson plans to explore over three novels) to investigate. All the clues indicate the culprit is the god Ammut, the Devouress, the Eater of Souls, who carries out the sentences levied by Anubis, who weighs the souls of the dead. If Ammut is responsible, Meren can do nothing about the rampage. But if a mortal is the killer, Meren knows it's his job to catch the man or woman. Robinson again brings ancient Egypt alive in all its detailed specificity while offering a timeless tale of serial killings and the lust for power. Mystery Guild featured alternate; author tour. (May)