The book of the dead was a term used by archaeologists to describe the writings on the linen in which mummies were wrapped. They usually contained prayers for the dead.
But they take on a deadly significance when Mussolini hears rumours of an ancient Etruscan book of the dead that is said to contain a prophecy of the rise of a great leader in Italy.
Kate Winters, an amateur archaeologist and an expert on ancient Etruscan writings, is pressed into service to go to Italy with her team and try to find this mummy before Mussolini's secret service does. In the race, she finds herself in a race with a killer Egyptain adventurer who tried to kill her.