Christian T'janefer III is Scarabus, a demon who has existed for the last three thousand years. He has the ability to appear as either a handsome Egyptian or a mass of insects, Scarab beetles, that can consume a body in a matter of minutes leaving no trace. The ba, the demon spirit that possesses him, demands feeding and he can only resist for so long before it takes over his body and forces him to feed.

Now, he is tired of this existence. He seeks the means to recover his mortal soul and end his immortal torment.

Scarabus is a well written and detailed story based in both Ancient Egypt and 21st Century Chicago. The Egyptian part of the tale has been thoroughly researched with the storyline linking beautifully into known Egyptian history. Scarabus himself is a rather sympathetic character. He did not originally court his demon existence and was an unwitting player in an elaborate plot to give the demon a physical presence on earth.

The whole book is a compelling read switching smoothly between the life of T'janefer, an Egyptian tomb painter, and Scarabus the demon. The story of T'janefer would have made a fascinating tale on its own but the addition of the Chicago-based drama increases the feelings of sympathy towards the main character. The level of detail, particularly in the Egyptian sections, is impressive. Having watched a number of documentaries about Egyptian history I can appreciate the accuracy of the story.

Scarabus is a superb book. Easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.