The Laughter of Dead Kings

Laura A.B. Cifelli - Library Journal: In Vicky Bliss's final adventure, the art historian is reunited with her reformed art-thief boyfriend, John Tregarth, on a mission to Egypt to help her old friend Feisal out of a jam. Imagine the ramifications of the most iconic symbol of your homeland going missing on your watch. Feisal finds himself in just this situation, and it necessitates intervention by Bliss, her boss at Munich's National Museum, and Tregarth. In addition to mystery and intrigue, the characters embroil themselves in a philosophical/legal discourse-turned-fracas on the repatriation of Egyptian artifacts held by foreign museums. Armchair travelers and amateur Egyptologists alike will enjoy Peters's expert narration, which, while never approaching the pedantic, brings ancient Egypt to life and makes modern Egypt accessible. And those still wondering whether the Vicky Bliss series is connected to the Amelia Peabody series will at last find the answer here. Although this series' entries can be enjoyed in any order, enthusiasts will find it rewarding to reread the books from the start, beginning with Borrower of the Night. Highly recommended for all popular fiction collections.