The Suez Canal, 1956.
The world teeters on the brink of nuclear war and the Middle East is a tinderbox.
Conversely, redeemed archaeologist Benedict Hitchens is enjoying a peaceful existence after years in the professional and personal wilderness.
His recent discoveries in western Turkey secured him a place in history and the smart thing to do would be to ignore his growing fear that Britain, France and Israel's imminent invasion of Egypt to liberate the Suez Canal is only a diversion.
But Ben's natural inclination towards self-sabotage is never far below the surface.
When he learns that the woman who betrayed him is leading a team into the Sinai Desert in search of an ancient treasure, he puts everything at risk to seek his revenge.
She is as brilliant as Benedict, but has had to fight to survive in a world dominated by men.
Having aligned herself with unprincipled and ruthless men to further her own interests, her motivations are laid bare as she confronts ghosts she'd rather forget, and makes amends for past wrongdoings.
Both are forced to grapple with their own personal demons as they race to unearth a secret that will, in the wrong hands, mean the annihilation of humankind.
'Pure escapism in the mould of Dan Brown or Indiana Jones.
vivid evocations of place' Saturday Age About the Author Meaghan Wilson Anastasios spent her formative years in Melbourne before travelling and working as an archaeologist in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
She holds a Ph D in art history and cultural economics, has been a lecturer at the University of Melbourne and was a fine art auctioneer.
More recently, Meaghan has been seduced by the dark side and now uses her expertise to write and research for film and TV.
She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband and their two children.
The Water Diviner was her first novel, which she co-wrote with her husband Andrew.
The Honourable Thief was her first solo novel.
Macmillan Australia The emerald tablet: a benedict hitchens novel 2, paperback/meaghan wilson anastasios
