Doherty, P.C. The Anubis slayings.

(An Egyptian Novel of Intrigue and Murder). Berkley, Prime Crime. 204p. c2000. 0-425-18581-8. $6.50. SA

The wise Lord Amerotke, Chief Justice of Egypt, attempts to solve a bizarre series of killings and thefts within the sacred Temple of Anubis and outside Thebes. The sensuous young Hatusu (or Hatshepsut) is now Pharaoh and, having just defeated the Mitanni, is enjoying her power and glory. She will not have peace negotiations threatened by machinations of her enemies or by the jackal-headed god of murder himself, who has been seen walking in the temple. The trusted Amerotke must find the killers and missing treasures and bring evildoers to justice in the Hall of Two Truths. The puzzle challenges the logical Chief Justice's mind and certainly that of the modern reader, who won't be bored.

Poisonings, knifings, killings by wild dogs, and the threat of lions and crocodiles show death comes in many forms. Ancient Egyptian customs concerning death, royalty, politics, and the life of commoners are explained throughout, and an attractive silhouette and predictive saying introduces each chapter. Both school libraries and public library general collections will be richer for this title, which follows The Mask of Ra and The Horus Killings. Maureen K. Griffin, Researcher, Everett, MA