The Laughter of Dead Kings

by: Elizabeth Peters

Published by: William Morrow an imprint of Harper Collins

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters is the latest mystery novel featuring Vicky Bliss. Vicky works at the Munich National Museum as assistant curator, but is continually pulled into being detective and adventurer. John, her companion with a somewhat checkered past, is with her when she receives a surprise visit from a friend from Egypt. They learn to their horror that the mummy of King Tutankhamon has been stolen, and what is worse, is that a lot of people think John is the culprit.

The only way to clear John’s name is to find King Tut, but there are other people looking, and some of them would love to pin the deed on John. From Munich to London to Italy they go, joined in progress by Vicky’s boss Schmidt. They end up in Egypt where there is double-dealing and betrayal on every side.

Though this novel is one in a series, I didn’t find it difficult to get engaged and interested in the characters. The relationship between Vicky and John is especially well drawn. Their dance of trust and mistrust is a delightful counterpoint to the search for the mummy. The character of Vicky’s boss, Schmidt, is the most complex. He is both hero and comic relief, yet while he could easily overshadow the other people in this story, Elizabeth Peters uses him with a deft touch.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book both for the mystery story and for its portrayal of the conflict between museums and the countries from whence come their treasures.

Armchair Interviews says: Both culture and mystery in one good read.

Author’s Web site: http://www.AmeliaPeabody.com