HO-HUM, ANOTHER TUTANKHAMUN MYSTERY
The author has tried to do two things in this novel: (1) write his version of what is thus far known about Tutankhamun's later life and death and the politics surrounding the boy king's demise, and (2) create a mystery that will justify calling this book a mystery and placing it on the mystery shelves in the bookstores.
The "history" portion seems accurate enough, although I've never read about animal catacombs in Thebes, and the author's characterizations of Ay and especially Horemhab are outrageous and based on absolutely no evidence. The "mystery" is far too modern and anacronisms slip in: the concept of serial killer is a modern one, and the motivation is almost non-existent. Using cocaine as a means of financing an army in ancient times is ludicrous.
The book is full of historical mystery cliches: The detective Ramose doesn't get along with his boss, he walks the corridors of power with the greatest ease and rubs shoulders with royalty, the city is filled with filth and crime, Ramose's family is threatened.