An exhibition about an Egyptological expedition is held at the Toronto Museum. The big feature will be the opening of a coffin holding a royal mummy, but one whose name cannot be discerned from the hieroglyphics on the richly decorated exterior of the coffin. At the appointed hour, an Egyptologist steps forward to lever the coffin lid open. It is obvious that the coffin has not been opened in a very long time. As he succeeds in opening the coffin, an asp emerges from the coffin and bites his wrist. He drops to the floor, dead.
Later, in a private event, one of the main sponsors of the expedition is invited to unwrap another mummy that was found with the royal one. As soon as she begins to unwrap it, she also drops to the floor, dead.
Constable Crabtree has written an adventure novel featuring an ancient Egyptian curse, based on his researches, which included him learning of the legend of Queen Ma'at, who left a sevenfold curse on anyone who disturbs her eternal sleep. Crabtree spots how the deaths seem to be foretold by the curse of Queen Ma'at, and demonstrates this to Murdoch and Brackenreid, with the latter dismissing Crabtree's idea in his usual brusque manner.
Murdoch challenges several suspects on the way to solving the crimes, as usual eliminating them one by one from his enquiries.He also deploys one of his home made devices to help identify the royal mummy.
The decisive clue comes from Dr Grace, who has replaced Dr Ogden as coroner, now that Dr Ogden has entered into private practice.
Even though the case is solved, one further death, also in line with the curse of Queen Ma'at, leaves us all wondering if there really is a curse, after all...
Later, in a private event, one of the main sponsors of the expedition is invited to unwrap another mummy that was found with the royal one. As soon as she begins to unwrap it, she also drops to the floor, dead.
Constable Crabtree has written an adventure novel featuring an ancient Egyptian curse, based on his researches, which included him learning of the legend of Queen Ma'at, who left a sevenfold curse on anyone who disturbs her eternal sleep. Crabtree spots how the deaths seem to be foretold by the curse of Queen Ma'at, and demonstrates this to Murdoch and Brackenreid, with the latter dismissing Crabtree's idea in his usual brusque manner.
Murdoch challenges several suspects on the way to solving the crimes, as usual eliminating them one by one from his enquiries.He also deploys one of his home made devices to help identify the royal mummy.
The decisive clue comes from Dr Grace, who has replaced Dr Ogden as coroner, now that Dr Ogden has entered into private practice.
Even though the case is solved, one further death, also in line with the curse of Queen Ma'at, leaves us all wondering if there really is a curse, after all...
