Drinker of Blood (Lord Meren Mysteries) [Paperback]

Based on information he receives from a pirate, Meren hones in on three suspects: Dilalu the horse breeder, Tamen the soldier, and Zulaya the merchant. Clues lead no where and witnesses die before Meren can obtain what they know. Worse yet, his efforts to secretly uncover the killer leads to Tut questioning his friend's behavior and ultimately his loyalty. Soon, Meren finds himself seeking out the villain who has set him up for the crime of treason, forcing his other investigation to be placed on hold.

DRINKER OF BLOOD, the fifth novel in the Lord Meren ancient historical mysteries, is a great who-done-it that ingeniously brings to life Egypt during the reigns of Akhentaten (via flashbacks) and Tut. The story line is vivid and wonderful as Lynda S. Robinson displays her incredible talent to paint ancient Egypt as if the reader was on a visit. All the characters are warm and remain fresh. This series continues to be one of the best historical mystery collections on the market today and worth reading the back issues.

Harriet Klausner

And while each installment is superbly written 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.

Based on information he receives from a pirate, Meren hones in on three suspects: Dilalu the horse breeder, Tamen the soldier, and Zulaya the merchant. Clues lead no where and witnesses die before Meren can obtain what they know. Worse yet, his efforts to secretly uncover the killer leads to Tut questioning his friend's behavior and ultimately his loyalty. Soon, Meren finds himself seeking out the villain who has set him up for the crime of treason, forcing his other investigation to be placed on hold.

DRINKER OF BLOOD, the fifth novel in the Lord Meren ancient historical mysteries, is a great who-done-it that ingeniously brings to life Egypt during the reigns of Akhentaten (via flashbacks) and Tut. The story line is vivid and wonderful as Lynda S. Robinson displays her incredible talent to paint ancient Egypt as if the reader was on a visit. All the characters are warm and remain fresh. This series continues to be one of the best historical mystery collections on the market today and worth reading the back issues.

Harriet Klausner