The Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss Series #6) » (Bargain)

Barbara Mertz is a woman of many talents. With a Ph.D. in Egyptology, her first published books were captivating nonfiction reads about life in ancient Egypt. As Barbara Michaels, she has written gothic suspense novels with spellbiding supernatural elements; and, as Elizabeth Peters, she has authored books in three different series -- most notably a sequence of mysteries set in 19th-century Egypt, featuring the intrepid archaologist/sleuth Amelia Peabody.

For the first time in more than a decade, New York Times bestselling Grand Master Elizabeth Peters brings Vicki Bliss back for one last investigation. But this time she'll be detecting in Amelia Peabody territory, searching for solutions in Egypt's mysterious Valley of the Kings.

Who stole one of Egypt's most priceless treasures? The brazen crime bears all the earmarks of one Sir John Smythe, the international art thief who is, in fact, John Tregarth, the longtime significant other of Vicki Bliss. But John swears he's retired—not to mention innocent—and he vows to clear his name by hunting down the true criminal.

Vicki's faith in John leaves her no choice but to set out for the Middle East, where dark days and myriad dangers await them and each uncovered clue seems to raise even more questions for the intrepid Vicki. And the stakes are elevated considerably because now it appears that murder most foul has been added to the equation.

Melody A. Moxley - Library Journal

New York Times best-selling author Peters (www.mpmbooks.com) completes her Vicky Bliss series with this sixth title (following Night Train to Memphis), in which the art historian and her longtime love work to clear his name of the theft of the mummy of King Tut. Vicky's wit and spirit, along with engaging descriptions of Egyptian sights, combine to draw in even those new to the series. Audie® Award-winning narrator Barbara Rosenblat's (www.barbararosenblat.com) portrayal of Vicky is just as important to this wholly satisfying production. Her ability to inhabit the characters and her facility with dialects, accents, and emotions are singular. An essential purchase for public libraries. [Audio clip available through www.harperaudio.com; the William Morrow hc received a starred review, LJ7/08.-Ed.]