Nick Drake, Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead

Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead

Nick Drake

HarperCollins, Apr 2007, $24.95

ISBN 0060765895

By Year 12 of his reign, King Akhenaten has solidified his religious reforms to eliminate the establishment that he believes is false while siphoning needed assets from the dynasty and the people. He feels the time is right to affirm the radical changes he has imposed on Egypt by declaring a great festival. However, the Pharaoh has a humongous problem that if unresolved could overturn his reform and his rule. His partner, Queen Nefertiti, vanished without a trace and he needs her presence as "The Perfect One" to show her support and his strength.

King Akhenaten sends his most trusted advisor Ahmose to order detective Rai Rehotap to find his missing Great Royal Wife. Rai's spouse Tanefert pleads with him not to take the case as the royals can be fickle and anything involving them is dangerous. He tells her he has no choice as the ruler has given him ten days to succeed or he and his family will be executed; however Rai and Tanefert know he wants to investigate. Tanefert's prognostication proves correct as adversaries, including some loyal to the royals, try to kill Rai while he digs up clues that take him closer to the truth.

Using the real historical mystery of the disappearance of Queen Nefertiti in the twelfth year of the reign of King Akhenaten as the base for Rai's inquiry, Nick Drake provides a terrific detective tale that brings to life over three and a half millennia ago in Ancient Egypt. The period is a Renaissance as the country flourishes while its ruler tries to reform religion and politics. Readers will taste the "Red" dry desert and the fertile "Black land around the serpentine Nile as NEFERTITI is a terrific whodunit that brings fourteenth century BC vividly alive.

Harriet Klausner