Drinker of Blood

Drinker of Blood is the fifth mystery involving Lord Meren, the Eyes and Ears of Pharoah Tutankhamun. In this outing, Lord Meren continues his search for the murderer of Tutankhamun's sister-in-law, Queen Nefertiti. He must, however, conduct his search in complete secrecy because the Queen had been married to the heretic Pharoah Akenaten whose reign was disastrous to the people, the land, and the royal family. Lord Meren dares not make public his knowledge and suspicions lest he disturb the peace and prosperity of the current Pharoah's reign. As Lord Meren gathers evidence, he is foiled at every turn by the person responsible for the Queen's death. Indeed, his very life is threatened the nearer he moves toward the truth. This is, by far, the best entry in this excellent series. The story is in two voices - Lord Meren's and Queen Nefertiti's. As the reader is given insights into Queen Nefertiti's life as the Pharoah's "beautiful one," Lord Meren is seeking clues to who her killer is. The story moves quickly despite the two different times and voices. As in the past, Robinson's research and knowledge provides the historical setting while her imagination provides the danger.

Lynda S. Robinson continues her Lord Meren series, this is thefifth episode, in which the "eyes and ears of Pharaoh" seeks themurderer of Queen Nefertiti.And while each installment is superblywritten and enthralling, it is high time we find out WHO DID IT! How long can an author keep this thing going! In "Drinker of Blood," we seem to move one step closer--actually, I thought we were going to see this revelation!--to a solution. It appears the villain has been narrowed down to three, but still the suspense lingers on. And as "Drinker of Blood" was published in 1998, will there be another episode? Let's hope so. That being said, Dr. Robinson's research and knowledge of the Amarna period is well documented. She is able to carry us on her literary barge with sufficient interest as she continues to explore all the possibilities of the Queen's death. There are enough enemies about--and Meren is not always certain as to who is who!--that he must tread carefully. Meren's investigations seem thwarted at every move. However, he feels he is making some progress and this frightens his enemies. And such enemies abound that early on, Meren is framed for an assault on the young King Tutankhaten and is on the run for his very life. Fortunately, he has the loyalty and love of his family, especially his adopted son Kysen and daughter Bener; together they work diligently to assist Meren. Needless to say, Meren is redeemed before the book is finished and his relationship with the young Pharaoh seems cemented once again. Now, the responsibility is placed upon the author's shoulders. It is she who must enlighten us and we await eagerly her next episode, which, perhaps, will present us with the real culprit.([email protected]) END

I thought that this wonderful novel by Lynda Robinson was the greatest of the Lord Meren series. She has taken us back into an era long since gone, but not forgotten. At least by those of us who cherish any insight into Ancient Egypt. I felt as if I was right in the middle of the royal court in Thebes, looking at the "Living God" and all the courtiers. I found her re-use of characters from the previous novels most refreshing. It made me go back and read those books again just to make sure I missed nothing. I have studied Ancient Egypt since I saw King Tutankhamun's treasure in New York City in 1978 and I was 8 years old. I'll never be able to forget what I saw at that exhibit and Lynda Robinson has helped me relive it again through her very descriptive plot lines. I can not wait for the next Lord Meren book to come out, as I look forward to all the plot turns and twists.

This was my first Lynda Robinson book and I was thoroughly pleased with it. It had everything I looked for - intriguing tale of ancient Egypt with characters I knew of and love to read more about. The story itself was well told and I could only wish it had been longer! Thoroughly enjoying.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wish it were longer (my only real complaint about this series). :) I also liked seeing more of Tutankhamun, a character I find interesting; I thought he was a little more developed here than in past encounters with him in the series. As someone who only rarely reads mysteries, I'm more interested in the regular characters than in the mystery-plots (I'd love to find out more details about Meren's own past, etc., than the general knowledge we've been given), but I thought the mystery so far has been well-written and interesting. I'm waiting eagerly for the next book!