This is another book in which the plot set in ancient Egypt is much better than the subplot set in the present.

Museum illustrator Kate is working on the fascinating story of Tashat, a young Egyptian mummy found buried with signs of torture, and a male skull found between her legs. Enter Max, a radiologist with a more than abiding interest in ancient Egypt and Tashat, who offers access to the latest technology for Kate to learn more about Tashat's mystery. Yes, you can guess what happens as these two work together. (*yawn*)

Tashat's story, meanwhile, is filled with royal and political intrigue from the day she is born. Her story is that of a baby girl who grows into a strong, independent woman talented in drawing. The doctor who delivered her becomes a lifelong mentor believing that knowledge only makes people better.

Tashat's political drawings get her in trouble, so she is sent into exile by her father, the high priest, in hopes of keeping her alive and out of the way of her mother's (Nerfertiti) machinations. Dr. Tenre goes along as protector.

The Kate and Max story is a mystery about Tashat and the circumstances under which she died. Tashat's and Tenre's story is a slow building love story steeped in the culture and history of ancient Egypt. I found myself bored by Kate and Max, always anxious to get back to Tashat and Tenre, whose story is much more interesting. ( )