When Irene Albertine is murdered and falls out of Set-Nohr's mummy coffin at the Night of the Scarab Gala, her shocked father Maximilian hires Diane Phipps, P.I., to find the culprit. She dives into Irene's world and the Albertine Center for Egyptian Studies and Museum and is reminded that things are not always as they seem. Sheriff Cotton is stymied and leans toward U.S. Marshal Buck Dawson's conclusion that Irene was killed for her rare red diamond cartouche. But Diane isn't so sure. Ill-tempered Irene's friends list was short...for reasons to explore.
Diane interviews people of interest in Irene's unsettled life, wondering who could bear a grudge. Among many, was it Margaret, Max's love interest, whom Irene had resented? Perhaps Peter, whose student days at Albertine's are threatened, thanks to Irene. How about Mr. Roberts, museum gift shop manager, whom Irene had harassed?
After Diane finds coordinates hidden by Irene, she suspects there's more to Irene's travels to Egypt than meets the eye. Also, had the killer also targeted her father by ruining the gala? Danger lurks. Lured to a star party at the Sand Dunes has her being attacked and dumped down a mine shaft. Diane vows: Killer beware!