The year is 1922, and renowned archaeologists Amelia Peabody Emerson and her irascible husband, known simply as Emerson, have arrived at their home in the Valley of the Kings, eager to follow up on their discovery of the year before. Readers may remember the tantalizing find of a tiny jeweled serpent thought to be from the tomb of Tutankhamon, which was featured in THE SERPENT ON THE CROWN. Possession of the priceless ornament nearly cost Amelia her life, but she is back on her feet, indomitable as ever, and she and her entourage are hot on the trail of the elusive tomb...