Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6)

Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6) Features

Additional Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6) Information

For the first time in more than a decade, New York Times bestselling Grand Master Elizabeth Peters brings beautiful, brainy Vicky Bliss back into the spotlight for one last investigation. But this time the peerless art historian and sleuth will be detecting in Amelia Peabody territory, searching for solutions to more than one heinous offense in the ever-shifting sands of Egypt's mysterious Valley of the Kings.

Who stole one of Egypt's most priceless treasures? That is the question that haunts the authorities after a distinguished British gentleman with an upper-crust accent cons his way past a security guard and escapes into the desert carrying a world-famous, one-of-a-kind historic relic. But the Egyptian authorities and Interpol believe they know the identity of the culprit. The brazen crime bears all the earmarks of the work of one “Sir John Smythe,” the suave and dangerously charming international art thief who is, in fact, John Tregarth, the longtime significant other of Vicky Bliss. But John swears he is retired—not to mention innocent—and he vows to clear his name by hunting down the true criminal.

Vicky's faith in her man's integrity leaves her no choice but to take a hiatus from her position at a leading Munich museum and set out for the Middle East. Vicky's employer, the eminent Herr Doktor Anton Z. Schmidt, rotund gourmand and insatiable adventurer, decides to join the entourage.

But dark days and myriad dangers await them in this land of intriguing antiquity. Each uncovered clue seems to raise even more questions for the intrepid Vicky—the most troubling being, Where is John going during his increasingly frequent and unexplained absences? And the stakes are elevated considerably when a ransom note arrives accompanied by a grisly memento intended to speed up negotiations—because now it appears that murder most foul has been added to the equation.

What Customers Say About Laughter of Dead Kings (Vicky Bliss, No. 6):

I love the Peabody books too, but there is no Schmidt in them and I needed another dose. I was SO happy to see another Vicky Bliss book was on its way and "Laughter of Dead Kings" did not disappoint. I adore Schmidt. I haven't decided if I like the overt tie-in with the Peabody series (in this book) or not. More Vicky.

The Laughter of Dead Kings is the 5th in the Vickie Bliss series. Peters is a very prolific writer and has numerous other books which are not part of a series. If you like this book, I think you will enjoy the Amelia Peabody series even more.

If you like a fun read with some suspense and mystery, this series, and author, is for you. I think there are more than 15 of these books and all fun to read. Vickie is a modern woman who knows her own mind but gets involved in quirky mysteries and friends.

This series start in the late 1800's in Egypt and continues for many years with the escapades of Amelia and her family. In addition to Vickie Bliss, Ms. Peters has a heroine by the name of Amelia Peabody who is a true character in every sense of the word.

Ms. I recommend all of them.

Great read. Shipping was reasonable and quick; I received the purchased well within the time frame indicated.

I have read it over several sittings, unlike other Vicky books where I simply can not put the story down, and still find it satisfying. I too have been waiting for many years for Dr. Metz to present another installment of Vicky Bliss. I so enjoy how the author ties this storyline with another one of her series. I am content; can I have more.

She also offers clear discussion of differences of opinion. Having said that, I found it fun reading and would highly recommend it to those who enjoy this genre.Addendum: those interested in Egyptology should make it a point to obtain Metz's non-fictional books on anything related to Egypt's past.

"Laughter of the Dead Kings" contains all the usual Peter's devices--careful sleuthing, fascinating travelogue information, Egyptian dynastic historical facts, quick thinking ripostes, and humor-- to achieve her goal: an enjoyable novel. One of my favorite teachers of Egyptology, Professor Barbara Mertz,(aka Elizabeth Peters) makes this fictional Vicky Bliss series fun.

However, this particular story tended to drag a little (for me). My only quibble is probably personal: I tire of heroines who savor the flawed "hero" with a more-than-questionable past; even those who have admirable pasts too often are annoying egoists--entertaining, of course, but annoying.

Also, this was not a "can't-put-it-down" type novel, which is probably a good thing if one wants to read only a few chapters before bedtime. She not only is an entertaining and extremely readable writer, but she really knows her stuff and writes very clear and understandable history.

And as is her way, always with touches of humor (I have to party with this gal).