Secrets Of The Desert by Christian Jacq (Simon & Schuster, £10.99).

HAVING discovered a monstrous conspiracy to overthrow the pharaoh, Ramses II, Judge Pazair has been deported for a crime he did not commit and sentenced to die in a prison camp.

But the conspirators have reckoned without the love of Neferet, the young woman doctor Pazair has just married, and the courage of Suti, his friend with the hot head and the generous heart.

Together, Neferet and Suti attempt to rescue Pazair, so that he can resume his investigation. There are many questions yet to be answered. Who murdered the veteran guards of the Great Sphinx? Who violated the Great Pyramid and stole the Testament of the Gods, which guarantees Pharaoh's legitimacy? And who killed Pazair's spiritual master?

If you like thrillers set in pre-history, this one's for you.

John Phillpott