Archaeologists Amelia Peabody and Radcliffe Emerson, their son Ramses, and ward Nefret are preparing to excavate a possible tombsite along the river Nile. The undertaking was prefaced by a strange encounter with a mysterious stranger who died of poisoning before their meeting was over. The Emersons attribute all of this to Signor Ricetti, kingpin of illicit antiquities trading. Then Ramses is kidnapped and Nefret is also put at risk--will Amelia and Radcliffe be able to protect their family and the ancient tomb?